New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a treat for hikers all year round. Winter brings the challenge of snow to the trails, while the fall foliage views are unparalleled. Spring means the local waterfalls are rolling at full speed as the snow melts down the mountainsides, and summer offers plenty of beauty, too. Warm weather and blue skies let the true beauty of the White Mountains shine through for all hikers to enjoy.
If you’re headed to the White Mountains this summer, don’t miss these five awesome hikes in New Hampshire.
Franconia Ridge Loop
If there’s only one trek you make while visiting the White Mountains, make it the Franconia Ridge Loop. This nine-mile hike offers the quintessential introduction to the beauty of the local peaks, including Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette. As you traverse the ridge, you’ll also have sweeping views of New England on a clear summer day.
Champney Brook Trail
Conquer the 3,490-foot tall Mt. Chocorua with a three-hour hike up the Champney Brook Trail. If conditions aren’t too dry, you’ll also enjoy the sights and sounds of cascading waterfalls as you climb through the forests of Mt. Chocorua. If you’re looking for a more challenging trail to Mt. Chocorua’s summit, opt for Piper Trail instead.
Lincoln Woods Trail
The Lincoln Woods Trail is popular for good reason. With views of the Pemigewasset River and Mt. Bond, this hike showcases the beauty of the White Mountains without being too strenuous (the trail is just 2.6 miles). Add a side trip along the connecting Black Pond Trail (an easy hike at a little more than half a mile) and the Franconia Brook Trail to enjoy scenic views of waterfalls and woodlands.
Gorge Brook Trail
More experienced hikers will enjoy this seven-hour trek to the summit of Mt. Moosilauke, one of White Mountains’ famed 4,000-footers. Rolling hills, footbridges over the brook and summit views make it well worth the hike up the White Mountains’ westernmost 4,000-footer.
Mount Willard
The hike up Mount Willard is known for being short and sweet, perfect for hikers who are crunched for time or have the kids in tow. Round-trip, the hike clocks in at 3.2 miles with a 900-foot elevation gain. Once you reach the top of this peak in Crawford Notch, you’ll see what the White Mountains are all about with sweeping views of the valley below.
(Featured image: Ken Snow)
