Whatever the weather at the base, remember that it is never warm at the summit; Mt. There is a $15 fee per vehicle to park and hike in the state park. Washington Cog Railway, and a full day's hike. The path is well maintained and easy to moderate to climb. The featured hike here is the modest Mount Pemigewasset Trail, a 3.6-mile round-trip journey that puts nature lovers atop a 2,500-foot peak in the heart of the Franconia Notch region. The trail covers 6.4 miles round trip, but the trail is fairly forgiving for inexperienced hikers. Whether you're looking for NH's White Mountains, any of the New England peaks, or across the country, we can help! Many of our Ridj-it adventurers want to know which mountain to start with, so we endeavored to create a document explaining the order in which you should hike the 4,000 footers of the White Mountains. New Hampshire is dissected by the Appalachian trail, and this wild and wonderful state is the perfect place for a hiking vacation. AMC huts dot the route providing bunks and meals, and a hiker shuttle makes it possible to hike hut-to-hut without backtracking. Only a few miles south of The Basin is the family-friendly Indian Head Resort, with a swimming pool that will be welcome after the hike. Up for a challenge? Or for some great local park options, check out Mine Falls Park near Nashua or West Rattlesnake Natural Area. It also gives you the option of returning by another trail, making a loop that returns to within 100 yards of the original trailhead. Spaced a day's hike apart along the trail are huts operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), where hikers can sleep and eat with fellow mountain enthusiasts. Along with trails that require serious preparation, this list includes shorter hikes to waterfalls and even mountaintops suitable for families and those not interested in strenuous multi-day hikes. Where to Hike in the West: The desert and mountain landscapes of the West offer enticing areas for hiking. In the summer and fall, when the tower is staffed, the rangers usually welcome visitors. If the gate to the lodge is closed, this will add almost 2 miles to your total roundtrip distance, making the full loop about 10 miles. If you prefer a more challenging but still short climb to the top, you can take the Lincoln Trail from the same parking area. 1. Whether it's a low-key amble through a salt marsh or a challenging ascent of a granite cliff face, hiking and climbing in New Hampshire will lead to scenes you'll return to often in your daydreams. Address: US 302, Crawford Notch, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. A sign marks the Thoreau Falls Trail, and shortly you'll come out onto the ledges at the head of the falls. Don’t forget that if you plan … The gorge is open from late May to late October. © Copyright 2021 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Mount Osceola in Lincoln is one of the easiest hikes up a 4,000 footer in New Hampshire. #1 - Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop. Follow the trail 1.2 miles to a view point then another 1 (steep) mile to the cross trail between the Tecumseh Trail and the Sosman trail. Watch the weather closely, as Chocorua's rocky summit is treacherous when it's wet, icy, or wreathed in cloud. During the summer, it is a fairly short hike to the scenic, treeless mountain summit, and in the winter it offers a mild taste of climbing above the tree line in the White Mountains. Waterfalls, mosses, wild flowers, and trees line this beautiful boardwalk. At the rocky summit you'll enjoy views of the southern White Mountains. No matter which trail you choose, the rocky top can be treacherous when wet, and fog can descend quickly to make finding the trail almost impossible. Kearsarge Rollins Trail | woodfin / photo modified. The White Mountains region holds the majority of New Hampshire's climbing with a true mix of sport, traditional, and outback alpine experiences. 7. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns and mosses found here. The “NH48” is a list of New Hampshire’s highest peaks, all over 4,000 feet in elevation. On a hot day, take bathing suits for a cool dip in one or more of the pools. In fact, this "mountain" is only about 1260 feet in height, and the trail to its summit runs roughly 2 miles in length with about 450 feet of vertical gain. Visitors can also reach the top via the Mount Washington Auto Road and the Cog Railway. Be sure to check out the nearby Lonesome Lake Hut where you can reserve a room and have a nice family meal. The smallest of New Hampshire's 4,000 footers (standing at 4,003 feet tall) sits adjacent to Waterville Valley Ski area. And not just any waterfall—Arethusa Falls features an approximately 140-foot drop, one of the largest in New Hampshire, and possibly the most impressive. Below the summit, you'll pass Lakes of the Clouds and the AMC hut. Learn more about how to join the New Hampshire 4,000-Footer Club below, and join us in staff led hikes … Appalachian Trail hikers past, present and future are invited to follow along with the Maine and New Hampshire section hiking blogs. photos and information for over 1300 outdoor destinations, mountain hikes, nature walks, near New Hampshire NH Mountain Hiking. Address: Orris Road, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, Mt. Before starting any of these trails in the mountains, get a copy of the latest AMC White Mountains Guide, be sure you have plenty of water and warm clothing in your pack, and check a weather report. Kearsarge is only about 3,000 feet high, it stands alone, so the 360-degree views reach to the White Mountains and into Vermont, as well as encompassing several lakes. One of the most beautiful sections of the entire Appalachian Trail is the crossing of the Presidential Range, over the summit of Mt. Adults: $16 A lovely hike to do during any season! It begins at the entrance to Monadnock State Park off US 101 in Jaffrey. There are 554 moderate trails in New Hampshire ranging from 0.6 to 52.2 miles and from 3 to 6,279 feet above sea level. Mount Chocorua, about 12 km from Conway, is one of the most popular mountains in New Hampshire’s massive White Mountains, both with hikers and climbers. You can hike this circle trail in one day-it's about eight hours of hiking, or you can break the trip with an overnight at the Greenleaf Hut. Home to White Mountain National Forest, the Presidential Range (locally known as the Prezi’s), an extensive hut system and a quintessentially New England spirit, it’s no wonder these peaks are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Monadnock is the Monadnock Inn, in the pretty village of Jaffrey Center. Parking in the lot off of Poole Road can be a challenge, and the summit can be windy, so you may want to bring an additional layer for the top. Address: Route 112, Albany, New Hampshire, Appalachian Trail across the Presidential Range. Begin the hike at the end of Zealand Road, which leaves Route 302 at the Zealand campground, between Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods. It is recommended to use microspikes and crampons on this trail in snowy conditions. Address: 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey, New Hampshire. While most of these are in the northern part of the state, giant boulders called "glacial erratics" can be found throughout New Hampshire. A 20-minute movie showcasing beautiful Franconia Notch State Park is available for viewing. You will still be able to see the old foundation up there. Beautiful hike to the top! The following list is a mere sampling of the outdoor adventure to be found in the Granite State. It is recommended that hikers contact the Mount Washington Observatory forecast (mountwashington.org/weather) and the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center prior to their trip. The glaciers were busy during the last Ice Age, and they left New Hampshire a plentiful supply of natural attractions. Opening times may vary, so please check the park page for details: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/flume-gorge Mount Monadnock is one of the most famous mountains in New Hampshire because it is so popular with climbers. Trying to find the best New Hampshire trails? Washington and everything in between. The Flume was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old Aunt Jess Guernsey when she accidently came upon it while fishing. This is a good trail for children, but it is not a good trail to hike right after rain, as the smooth granite ledges can be very slippery when wet. About half a mile above the first cascades is Kinsman Falls, then the trail gets steeper to Rocky Glen Falls. The Granite State provides opportunities for all ages and fitness levels, from family-friendly strolls to waterfalls to full-day climbs to the highest points around. It has never been found. At the southern edge of the White Mountains, Waterville Valley is best known for the ski and summer resort of the same name. You can earn a hiking patch for hiking all 48 of the New Hampshire 4,000 Footers, also known as the NH48. Kearsarge from either of two state parks. A trail beside the falls leads to the base for a different set of views. This trail gets steep and rocky, but it is worth it to see the beautiful Lonesome Lake. The most popular is the White Cross Trail, a four-hour round-trip over moderate terrain. The contrast of the summits from summer to winter is spectacular, and if you haven't experienced it yet, you should. In the winter, from the top you can descend/ski to the South Peak to check it out before skiing powder and heading down a wide carriage road and ski connector path to the bottom. 3. Here you can find photos and information for over 1000 mountain hikes and 400 nature walks in and near New Hampshire. The Pumpelly Trail takes six or seven hours round-trip, beginning with a romp in the woods and ending in a scramble over rocks and boulders as the trail rises and drops along an uneven ridge above the tree line. The list was created by AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) who published the list officially in 1958. This small mountain that blocks the gateway to Crawford Notch rewards climbers with one of the White Mountains' finest views below timberline. 4,000-Footer Guide. Explore the state's dramatic scenery with our list of the top hiking trails in New Hampshire. The hiking trails are very steep in places and can be rocky. The Zealand Trail ends at the junction of Ethan Pond and Twinway trails. "The first peak is Welch Mt., which gives great 360 views from the peak, but there are also great views at many intervals after you clear the trees around 1.2 miles in." Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! If you prefer a more challenging but still short climb to the top, you can take the Lincoln Trail from the same parking area. #9 - Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head Trail. Don't even think about doing it unless you are fit, well equipped, and carrying the latest AMC White Mountains Guide. The view from this point is considered one of the best in the White Mountains. Check out TravelAwaits’ picks for the best hikes in all 50 states here. This final part of the loop from Cloudland Falls to Lafayette Campground, where the entire loop begins and ends, makes a good shorter climb suitable for families. If you're looking for the best trails around Gorham, Lincoln or Bartlett, we've got you covered. This hike takes you up the Gorge Brook Trail from the Ravine Lodge Trailhead to the summit of the massive Mt. A very popular, steep scramble up a nice peak in Southern New Hampshire with great views from its bald summit. Weather can change in an instant, and when clouds settle over the summit, visibility grinds to zero. The same storm deepened the gorge and formed Avalanche Falls. Extra bonuses, along with the beautiful views down into Franconia Notch, are three mountain peaks and a series of waterfalls on the descent along Falling Waters Trail. Keep left after the last yellow arrow and follow the cairns once you crest the wall. This article is meant to point out the best winter hikes in NH for beginners and experts alike. Taken north to south, the route involves the ascent from Randolph to Madison Springs Hut (the Valley Way Trail is the easiest and most sheltered approach), where you join the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail follows the ridgeline with side trails to the summits of Adams, Jefferson, Clay, and Mt. Either way, stop at the AMC Zealand Falls Hut for a cool drink and the view of Zealand Notch from the porch. The highlights of this airline route are between Madison Springs and Lakes of the Clouds Hut. We'll guide you through it. Boulder Trail is about a two-mile loop if you follow the side trail to see the Devils Den, a pair of caves at the base of a high stone outcrop. Washington's weather is so severe that Arctic equipment is tested here, and it's where the world's highest land wind velocity was recorded. At that time, a huge egg-shaped boulder hung suspended between the walls. Don't let the name fool you, West Rattlesnake Mountain isn't amongst the taller peaks in New Hampshire, which makes it a great option for a vigorous winter hike. Mt. Farther north, consider hitting the trails Washington or Oregon. Another 4,000-footer, Mount Moosilauke is one of the most popular mountains for hiking in New Hampshire. This is a very popular full day hike for good reasons. The hike is easy and short, making it a great choice for a family hike on which the grandkids can burn some … New Hampshire is a pretty spectacular state when it comes to outdoor recreation, especially when you consider there are over 4,000 miles of hiking trails to choose from! Waterville Valley has several choices of lodging in the self-contained resort village, including Snowy Owl Inn, a particular favorite for families with its large indoor pool. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. The first 1.6 miles of this spectacular day hike in the White Mountains bring you to its central attraction, Arethusa Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire and a worthy (and crowded) destination in its own right. But from the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), you can climb via the Champney Falls Trail, a longer route, but more varied and interesting. Kearsarge near North Conway. The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. But few places have such a fine collection of these as Pawtuckaway State Park, not far from the Massachusetts border between Concord and Portsmouth. Rarely does a hiking trail begin with two great kid-friendly attractions before you've even begun to climb. As one of the most climbed mountains, Monadnock is a very popular New England hike just north of very populated cities in Vermont and Massachusetts so you most likely won't be alone on the trail. To be on the list, mountains must be over 4,000 feet in height and have at least 200 feet of prominence. Address: Franconia Notch Parkway (US I-93/3), Franconia Notch, New Hampshire, Official site: http://www.franconianotch.org, Zealand Falls | alans1948 / photo modified. A good base for hikers in the White Mountains is the AMC's Highland Center, where you'll find a hostel, equipment, up-to-date trail information, and guided hikes for beginners and experts. A little more than a mile into the climb, you'll find a side trail to Champney Falls and neighboring Pitcher Falls. The grades are moderate and the footing is excellent the entire way. On the Winslow State Park side, it's a moderate hike of a little over a mile. As a bonus you will ascend three peaks, including the highest mountain outside the Presidential Range - Mount Lafayette. Small limited parking area but people are always arriving and leaving. Length: 0.3 miles out and back This easy hike in the White Mountains and local treasure is perfect for beginners! Washington, the tallest peak in the northeast. Monadnock | Sayamindu Dasgupta / photo modified. Northeast Hikes is on the hunt for the best New England hiking in Maine and New Hampshire, from Katahdin to Mt. Although Mt. On its way from Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail crosses the state along the ridgelines of the Presidential and Franconia ranges, over the summit of Mt. Often called the most dangerous small mountain in the world, Mount Washington is recommended for experienced hikers and climbers who can handle significant elevation gain. Just over three miles round-trip, the trail climbs through cool woods until it emerges onto the cliffs at the top. The Flume Gorge trail is New Hampshire beauty, up close and personal. On a sunny summer day the rocky summit can become crowded. Address: Rollins State Park, Warner, New Hampshire. These are a series of cascades, pools, and channels that culminate in a 20-foot straight drop. The grades are moderate and the highest mountain outside the Presidential Range - Mount and...: Rollins State Park trails, check out Mine Falls Park near Nashua or West mountain! Presidential Range, over the summit of one of the Clouds Hut 48 4,000-foot peaks hiking with children-and is... In mid-summer ) Flume begins and ends at the top the lodge has been reported closed for best. 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