The Monadnock Region is a region in  southwestern New Hampshire. It is named after Mount Monadnock, a 3,165  foot isolated mountain, which is the dominant geographic landmark in the  region. Although it has no specific borders, the Monadnock Region is  generally thought of comprising all of Cheshire County and western  Hillsborough County. The largest municipality, and only city, in the  region is Keene with 23,409 residents. The nearby town of Peterborough   is famous for the MacDowell Colony and for being the setting of the  Thornton Wilder play Our Town. Other notable landmarks in the region include Cathedral of the Pines and Franklin Pierce University, both located in Rindge. 

In addition to the frequently hiked Mount  Monadnock, the region offers abundant opportunities for outdoor  recreation, including four New Hampshire state parks. Pisgah State Park  consists of 13,300 acres (5,400 ha) of forest, seven protected ponds  popular for fishing, and six trails that may be used for hiking,  mountain biking, ATVs, and snowmobiles. The Monadnock Region also boasts  four recreational rail trails, lakes with public swimming beaches, and  three ski areas.