In the Whites, and especially on Mt Washington, summiting should always be optional on a winter hike. Sometimes, you're just breaking trail for those behind you, and the summit will just have to wait.
Mt Pierce felt easier than Mt Monadnock's White Dot, but that doesn't mean it didn't bring anything else to the table. Quite the contrary, as I saw...
An antipodean hike with both sunny and cloudy conditions -- a bluebird afternoon with almost limitless views... of clouds below.
Sometimes, you need a break; something quick and easy. And oftentimes, you just return to your roots. A palate cleanser like Mount Monadnock is that old standby that hits all the buttons, just right.
There are steep sections, there's an easy-going col. There's a comfortably easy hike in. There are views from the top. The Hancocks have it all.
It's the best worst kept secret in the Whites. Hiking Mt Hale from the west features easy grades, and a fine outing for those willing to look a little harder for the way forward.
On a clear day, one can argue Madison has the best view in the Whites, being uniquely situated to take in both Adams and Washington at once. Either way, it's a good hike.
It may have the highest trailhead, but it really doesn't matter, does it? You're going to climb Jefferson one way or another.