
New Hampshire is home to the White Mountains; some of the state's most scenic hiking trails use the natural beauty of New England's scenery to provide an unforgettable experience. It's hard to beat New Hampshire in natural splendor and sweeping views. This state has everything from bizarre, frozen waterfalls in the winter to postcard-worthy autumn views and everything in between.
A satisfying experience, hiking in New Hampshire mixes outdoor activities with magnificent landscapes, making it a must-do activity for anybody visiting the state. The state is home to some of the most beautiful trails in the whole country. A visit to the White Mountains of New Hampshire will provide you with much more than magnificent scenery and world-renowned tourist attractions. They are perhaps one of the country's most popular hiking and climbing locations, with over a million visitors.
Here is a list of some of the best trails to hike in New Hampshire-
#1. White Dot Trail, Mount Monadnock
This National Natural Landmark, located near Jaffrey and widely regarded as one of the most challenging mountains to climb, is a popular tourist destination. Trekking to the mountain's peak by the well-known White Dot Trail and returning via the White Cross Trail is a popular option, covering around 4.2 miles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, it is appropriate for hikers of all ability levels.
You can see Boston from the summit on a clear day and take in the thousands of acres of unequaled cinematic panoramas and incredible views that the highlands have to offer on a clear day. Wear your hiking boot and check your suitcase to check whether the camera has been forgotten and if it has, strike yourself in the kidney as a fitting punishment for committing such a terrible crime against the tourism sector.
#2. Arethusa Falls
If you're looking for a short, family-friendly, popular hike that will take you to one of New Hampshire's most stunning waterfalls, the gorgeous views of Arethusa Falls trail in Crawford Notch State Park are the one to go for you. This trail is about three miles in length round-trip. Continue downstream after seeing the dramatic 140-foot plummet of the falls over a granite rock wall to take a break at two minor waterfalls and a swimming hole. Remember that this may be a challenging hike for some individuals, so bear this in mind if you're bringing younger children along.
#3. Franconia Ridge Loop
It is undeniably challenging to walk the nine-mile round-trip distance — but, the rewards! From Little Haystack Mountain, hikers ascend the Franconia Ridge trail before completing their ascent to the summit of Mount Lafayette. This is undoubtedly one of the most popular and best day hikes New England has to offer, and the breathtaking views of the White Mountains are a welcome reward for your efforts.
#4. Mt. Washington: Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail
This ascent of the Northeast's highest peak, which follows the Ammonoosuc River, is regarded as one of the most rewarding climbs in New England's Presidential Range. Visitors will see a series of waterfalls, cascades, and panoramas that rival those seen on any other trail up the mountain.
The trailhead, located just below the Base Station of the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, will take you around nine miles round trip for a full day of climbing to reach the summit, which is about nine miles round trip. You'll pass by the Lakes of the Clouds and the AMC lodge on your journey down from the meeting. You may return to the trailhead by following the Jewell Trail, a softer descent with stunning panoramas and a far more direct route.
#5. Champney Falls Trail, Mount Chocorua
This 8.5-mile trail in the White Mountains near Albany will bring hikers to the peak of an exceptionally unusual mountain, which has an odd but gorgeous cone-shaped summit and is incredibly picturesque, and to the base of the hill. There are many kilometers between the strange-looking mountain crown on the horizon and the site of this beautiful journey, which reveals the position of this incredible trek on the horizon. After you have reached the peak, you will be rewarded with unobstructed, panoramic views of the scenic hike, which will make an effort worthwhile.
#6. Mount Willard

Climbers who successfully summit this little mountain that stands in the way of Crawford Notch will be rewarded with one of the most stunning views of the White Mountains below the timberline after completing their ascent. For a little more than three kilometers round-trip, the trail ascends through frigid woodlands before emerging onto the rocky summit cliffs of the mountain.
If you're hiking with children, keep in mind that the cliffs are high and the rapid drop; this is an excellent family climbing path. One may begin a shorter hike from the parking lot opposite Little Saco Lake, which leads around the lake and up to Elephant Head rock formation, and another to Beecher Falls. You can begin shorter treks from the parking lot opposite Little Saco Lake.
#7. Lincoln Woods Trail

While the Lincoln Woods Trail, which is "considered the gateway to the Pemigewasset Wilderness," is around 10 miles of trails, it may be trimmed in half if you choose to perform an out-and-back route. It follows the Pemigewasset River and traverses through generally level terrain for most of its length. Upon ascending on foot or by car the Franconia Falls Trail, you may be lucky enough to stumble upon the falls submerged in an ethereal, ice-cold free fall!
#8. Tuckerman Ravine
This 8.4-mile round-trip ascent is rugged and tough, making it a demanding challenge. Even though it is a difficult hike, it is also one of the most rewarding trekking experiences you can have east of the Mississippi River if you are willing to put in the effort. Tuck's magnificent landscape seems to have been created in Photoshop by a designer who got a bit carried away with the program. Despite its widespread ravine throughout the year, it is trendy in the spring, when ambitious skiers put their skills to the test against the sheer headwall. It is necessary to ascend the Ravine Trail to reach the peak of Mount Washington and enjoy the 360-degree view.
When you reach Mount Washington's peak, the weather might change instantly since you're above the treeline for a substantial portion of the journey. A visitors center at the top of the hill is open during the summer months, where tourists may get water, food, and other supplies. During the winter months, the visitors center is closed.
#9. Welch-Dickey Loop Trail

This 7.1-kilometer circular circuit near Thornton, New Hampshire, is a great place to get some exercise for outdoor enthusiasts. Completing this course, typically considered challenging, takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. Given the enormous number of visitors to this hiking and road riding site, you will probably surely encounter other people while exploring. May through October are the best months for this amazing mountain hike.
#10. Middle And North Sugarloaf Trails
Popular trails such as the Middle and North Sugarloaf Trails, which are incredibly gorgeous in winter and summer, are great for hikers who prefer to take in incredible panoramas of the White Mountains and the Presidential Range without exerting themselves or going too high in height. Consequently, this six-and-a-half-mile easy route is excellent for families with children, pets, and beginner hikers. A short, steep climb gets you to the summit of Middle Sugarloaf, where you will be rewarded with stunning views that make an effort well worth it.
#11. Orange Mountain

Look no farther than the family-friendly 5.6-mile Orange Mountain Trail, which is only a few minutes away from the city of San Diego. This journey offers a little bit of everything: it contains a little bit of everything: it includes a little bit of everything: You can see the White Mountains and Ossipee Range in the distance from the summit trails of Orange Mountain, and you can get up and personal with Mt. Cardigan and Newfound Lake from the forum. The path to the conference includes a creek crossing, evergreen woodlands, and exposed ridge walks, among other spectacular city views.
#12. Thoreau Falls and Zealand Falls

Thoreau Falls, one of New Hampshire's lesser-known waterfalls, can be reached via a 4.8-mile hike, or you can take a shorter route to the smaller Zealand Falls, which is only 2.7 miles away. Thoreau Falls is one of the state's lesser-known beautiful waterfall hikes. Make a pit stop at the AMC Zealand Falls Hut for a refreshing refreshment and a panoramic view of Zealand Notch from the porch, regardless of your plans. Hikers are the only ones who have the opportunity to observe this little-known Notch since no roads are going there.
Start your walk at the end of Zealand Road, which runs between Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods and may be reached by exiting Route 302 at the Zealand campground. The journey will take you to the summit of Bretton Woods Mountain. It takes you through lush forests of conifers and along the track of an old logging train for the first two miles of hiking trails of the path before looping around and returning you to the parking lot for the second mile. The Zealand Trail comes to a complete stop at the junction of the Ethan Pond and Twinway paths when it has been completed.
#13. Flume Gorge Trail
In addition to serving as the focal point of an easy 2-mile hike through piney trees and steep terrain to get it, the Flume Gorge is one of New Hampshire's best famous natural attractions.
Amid the background of 90-foot cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and the cool dampness of an ancient forest, the beautiful views are breathtaking. The network of cliff-hugging boardwalks that cling to the walls of this deep granite marvel at the foot of Mount Liberty, on the other hand, has an excellent Swiss Family Robinson–like aspect.
#14. Lonesome Lake Trail

This 5.0-kilometer round circuit is well worth exploring in Lincoln, New Hampshire. This course, typically rated as moderately strenuous, takes an average of 1 h 44 min to complete daily. Because this is a reasonably popular camping, hiking, and snowshoeing destination, you'll almost certainly run across other people while exploring. May through October are the best months to hike this trail in the mountains and relish the amazing views.
Other notable places you may visit:
Lake Winnipesaukee
White Mountain National Forest
Franconia Notch State Park
Monadnock State Park
Rollins State Park
- What To Pack For An Ice Climbing Trip: The Ultimate Checklist - April 4, 2023
- Ice Axe Reviews: The Pros And Cons Of The Most Popular Brands - April 2, 2023
- The Best Ice Axes For Technical Climbing In 2023 - April 2, 2023