The best walks and hikes in New Hampshire

The Franconia Ridge Loop is a truly spectacular hike, renowned for its dramatic alpine ridgeline and panoramic views across the White Mountains. You'll navigate diverse terrain, from waterfall-laden paths like the Falling Waters Trail to steep, rocky ascents leading to exposed summits. The highlight is traversing the narrow ridge connecting Little Haystack Mountain, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette, where you'll feel on top of the world with expansive vistas in every direction.

This difficult 8.4-mile (13.6 km) loop involves a substantial 3499 feet (1067 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 6 hours and 54 minutes. Due to its challenging nature and exposed sections, it's best suited for experienced hikers who are prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the trailhead parking fills up quickly for this popular route.

Part of the world-famous Appalachian Trail, the Franconia Ridge Loop is a classic New Hampshire experience. The route offers the option to visit the Greenleaf Hut, providing a potential stop for amenities. Its unique combination of challenging terrain, significant elevation, and breathtaking scenic viewpoints makes it a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in the White Mountains.

The Welch-Dickey Loop Trail is a classic New England hike that delivers stunning panoramic views without the commitment of a higher peak. You'll traverse varied terrain, from classic New Hampshire forest paths to extensive sections of exposed granite ledges, offering vistas of Franconia Notch and the Pemigewasset Valley from summits like Dickey Mountain. The route is known for its unique rock slabs and the feeling of being high above the surrounding landscape.

This popular trail is rated moderate, covering 4.2 miles (6.7 km) with 1608 feet (490 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 38 minutes. It's crucial to plan your visit for dry conditions, as the bare granite can become dangerously slick when wet. Most hikers prefer to tackle the loop counter-clockwise to ascend the steeper granite sections, and arriving early at the Welch-Dickey Trailhead is advisable due to its popularity.

What makes the Welch-Dickey Loop Trail truly notable is its ability to provide "4,000-footer views" at a much lower elevation, making it a highly sought-after destination in the White Mountain National Forest. Dickey Mountain is even included on the "52 With a View" list, recognizing its exceptional vistas. The combination of challenging terrain, accessible distance, and breathtaking scenery makes it a must-do for many hikers.

The Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop offers a truly adventurous hiking experience near Squam Lake, blending stunning New Hampshire scenery with unique technical challenges. You'll traverse varied terrain, from pine-needle-covered paths to rocky scrambles, culminating in expansive views of Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee from open ledges. The route is known for its distinctive features, including the thrilling Mount Morgan Ladder Ascent and the optional boulder caves on Mount Percival, making it a favorite for those seeking more than just a walk in the woods.

This difficult 5.1-mile (8.2 km) loop involves 1367 feet (417 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 26 minutes. Due to its popularity, especially on weekends, plan to arrive early to secure parking at the trailhead. The trail can be muddy in spots, so appropriate footwear is recommended. While challenging, bypass options exist for both the ladders and the caves, allowing hikers to tailor the adventure to their comfort level.

Often compared to trails like Old Rag for its varied and technical demands, the Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop is a highlight of the Lakes Region. It's particularly engaging for families with older children or anyone looking for a hike that combines physical exertion with memorable natural features. The trail's inclusion on New Hampshire's "Terrifying 25" list speaks to its adventurous character, promising a rewarding day for those ready for a bit of a scramble.

The Flume Gorge Trail offers a truly unique journey through a narrow, 800-foot-long granite gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. You'll walk on sturdy boardwalks alongside moss-covered walls, experiencing the cool, misty atmosphere and the roar of Avalanche Falls, a 45-foot waterfall. This easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) loop, with a gentle 387 feet (118 metres) of elevation gain, is a high-payoff hike that takes just over an hour, immersing you in stunning natural beauty.

Planning your visit requires a bit of foresight; reservations are strongly recommended, especially during busy times, as walk-ins are not guaranteed. The trail is well-maintained with paved sections and boardwalks, but be prepared for some uphill walking and stairs. While it's a family-friendly adventure, it's not suitable for strollers, and good grip footwear is advised for potentially slippery boardwalks near the falls.

This trail stands out for its unique geological formation, a granite gorge shaped by glaciers over millions of years. Beyond the main gorge, you'll encounter historic covered bridges, including the Pemigewasset Covered Bridge, and can even explore narrow passages like the "Bear Cave" and "Wolf's Den." It's a highlight of Franconia Notch State Park, offering an intimate view of New Hampshire's natural wonders.

The North Kinsman, South Peak and Cannon Balls Loop Trail is a demanding but incredibly rewarding journey through Franconia Notch State Park. You'll navigate rugged terrain, including steep climbs, rocky sections, and challenging scrambles over the unique Cannonballs. Along the way, the trail offers diverse scenery, from the tranquil waters of Lonesome Lake and Kinsman Pond to the exposed, windy summits providing spectacular 180-degree views of Cannon Mountain and the Franconia Ridge.

This difficult 10.9-mile (17.5 km) loop, with its 3934 feet (1199 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 7 hours and 48 minutes, though many hikers find it takes longer. Parking is available at Lafayette Place Campground, a popular trailhead, so an early start is recommended, especially on busy days. Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy sections, and remember that microspikes or snowshoes are crucial if you're tackling this route in colder, icy conditions.

This loop is a prime example of the rugged beauty of the White Mountains, allowing you to summit three New Hampshire 4,000-footers: Cannon Mountain, North Kinsman, and South Kinsman. The route also features the picturesque Lonesome Lake, home to an Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) hut, offering a chance for a brief respite or even an overnight stay during its full-service season. It's a true test of endurance for experienced hikers seeking a memorable adventure.

The Cannon Mountain via Kinsman Ridge Trail offers a rugged and rewarding journey to a prominent White Mountain peak. You'll navigate constantly rough and rocky terrain, including steep grades and sections of rock scrambling, as you ascend through dense woods and open ledges. The payoff is spectacular: 360-degree panoramic views from the summit of Cannon Mountain, showcasing the Franconia Range, Echo Lake, and distant peaks, with the Cannon Cliffs viewpoint providing a memorable vista across Franconia Notch during your climb.

This 3.9-mile (6.3 km) hiking route, rated moderate despite its challenging nature, involves a significant 2046 feet (623 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 39 minutes. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on busy days, as this is one of the popular routes to a 4,000-footer. Be prepared for winter conditions, as snow and ice can make the trail particularly difficult, often necessitating microspikes or snowshoes.

Cannon Mountain is notable for being one of the shortest routes to a 4,000-foot peak in the White Mountains, making it a favorite for those seeking a strenuous but relatively quick summit. The mountain also hosts the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and a ski area, adding unique infrastructure to the summit experience, including an observation tower. Historically, it was home to the famous "Old Man of the Mountain" rock formation until its collapse, and it boasts North America's first aerial tramway, built in 1938.

Prepare for a difficult hike up Mount Washington via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, a challenging ascent covering 4.0 miles (6.5 km). You will gain a significant 4202 feet (1281 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 21 minutes to reach the summit. The route begins with pleasant woodland views, passing the picturesque Crystal Cascade waterfall, before the terrain changes dramatically. As you climb, you will enter the impressive Tuckerman Ravine, navigating over boulders on the headwall for increasingly spectacular views above the treeline.

Planning your visit requires careful attention to Mount Washington's famously unpredictable weather. The trail starts at the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Pinkham Notch Visitor Center; it is wise to check current conditions there before you begin. In winter and spring, the Tuckerman Ravine headwall can be impassable and closed due to snow, ice, and avalanche hazards, often requiring technical gear. Even during summer and fall, you should be ready for high winds, low visibility, and rapid temperature changes.

This iconic route is one of the most popular ways to reach the summit from the east side, located within the White Mountain National Forest. While the summit can offer expansive views, be prepared for it to be frequently shrouded in fog and clouds. The dramatic changes in terrain and climate make this a notable experience for those seeking a true mountain challenge.

Embark on the Mount Whiteface and Passaconaway Loop, a difficult hiking adventure spanning 15.7 miles (25.2 km) with a significant 5709 feet (1740 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route typically takes around 10 hours and 44 minutes to complete. While the summits are mostly forested, you will discover rewarding panoramic vistas from various ledges along the way. Look for expansive southern views from the Whiteface Ledges, offering glimpses of Lake Winnipesaukee and Gunstock Mountain. The trail also guides you through serene coniferous forests and along wooded ridges.

Prepare for a demanding day on this loop, which features steep ascents and varied terrain, including sections requiring rock scrambling, particularly on the Blueberry Ledge Trail. Parking lots, especially at the Ferncroft Trailhead, can fill up early on weekends, so plan to arrive with plenty of time. This route is not recommended for beginner hikers due to its difficulty. However, it is dog-friendly, though some of the scrambles might be tricky for certain dogs.

This challenging loop is nestled within New Hampshire's Sandwich Range Wilderness, offering a true test of endurance and skill. The significant elevation gain is often rewarded with distant views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range on clear days. It is a demanding journey that provides a deep immersion into the rugged beauty of the region.

Embark on the challenging Mount Tom, Field, Willey, and Avalon Loop, a difficult 7.8 miles (12.5 km) hike that typically takes 5 hours and 54 minutes. You will ascend a significant 3077 feet (938 metres) through varied terrain, typical of the White Mountains, featuring rocky and rooty sections. While Mount Tom and Mount Field offer mostly wooded summits, the highlight is Mount Avalon, which rewards your effort with exceptional panoramic views of Crawford Notch and Mount Washington. Along the lower Avalon Trail, you can also discover the beauty of Beecher Cascade and Pearl Cascade, adding visual interest to your journey.

The trailhead for this loop is easily accessible from either the Crawford Notch Visitor Center or Crawford Depot, offering convenient starting points. This difficult route is viable year-round, but be aware that conditions change significantly with the seasons. If you plan to hike during winter months, you should be prepared for potentially icy sections. Make sure to bring appropriate gear such as microspikes or snowshoes to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the trail.

This loop is situated within Crawford Notch State Park, a region known for its rugged beauty and diverse landscapes. The path between Field and Willey guides you through a dense, scenic forest, showcasing the natural environment of the White Mountains. The varied terrain and multiple summit experiences make this a notable and rewarding hike for experienced adventurers seeking a comprehensive tour of the area's peaks and waterfalls.