There are short hikes that, for minimal effort, can take you to a waterfall or a spectacular view, as well as longer hikes to scenic outlooks, lakes and ponds and mountain summits.
Please remember when setting out on even the shortest hike that this is a mountain region, subject to rapid weather changes. Wear sensible shoes (rubber, not leather-soled which tend to be slippery), and bring an extra sweater or jacket. You also may want to bring food and a beverage (remember to carry out what you carry in). For full trail descriptions, see the AMC White Mountain Guide, available at bookstores and outfitters.
Please also remember to follow the Hiker's Responsibility Code, and remember to carry out what you carry in. If you are interested in hiking with your dog... click here.
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Artist's Bluff and Bald Mountain
Distance: 1.5 miles • Time: 1.25 hours
Off Route 18 in Franconia Notch State Park, just before the parking for Echo Lake. Great views. Short but steep.
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Basin-Cascades Trail
Distance: 2 miles • Time: 1.5 hours
Off Route 3 in Franconia Notch State Park. Starts at the Basin and ascends along beautiful Cascade Brook, ending at Cascade Brook Trail.
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Black Cap Path
Distance: 2.4 miles • Time: 2 hours
3.7 miles off Route 16, Intervale on Hurricane Mountain Road. Trail through spruce and beech forests leads to the bare summit.
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Boulder Loop Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles • Time: 2-4 hours
Dugway Road off the Kancamagus Highway. Excellent views for relatively little effort. An interpretive leaflet, keyed to numbered stations along the trail, is usually available.
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Diana's Bath
Distance: 1 mile • Time: 40 minutes
Dirt road off West Side Road, Bartlett. .7 of a mile past Cathedral Ledge Road. Easy, relatively flat walk to beautiful rocky cascades.
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Greeley Ponds
Distance: 3.5 miles • Time: 2 hours
9.5 miles East of Lincoln on Kancamagus Scenic Byway. Grades are easy and the ponds beautiful.
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Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trail
Distance: 3.2-6.4 miles • Time: 1.5-3 hours
4 miles East of Lincoln on Kancamagus Highway. Follows an abandoned railroad grade.
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Lonesome Lake
Distance: 3.25 miles • Time: 2.5 hours
Lafayette Place, Franconia Notch. Excellent footing on old bridle path; beautiful view of Franconia Ridge from shore. Moderate to Easy Grade.
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Mount Willard
Distance: 3 miles • Time: 2 hours
Route 302, Crawford Railroad Station. Goes to the ledges above the cliffs overlooking Crawford Notch. Easy grades, good footing, wonderful views.
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Old Bridle Path
Distance: 1.8 miles • Time: 1.5 hours
Off Route 113 between Holderness and Center Sandwich. An easy route up West Rattlesnake for a view of Squam Lake.
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Rail 'n River Trail
Distance: .5 mile • Time: 30 minutes
At the Passaconway historic Site on the eastern end of the Kancamagus Highway.
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Ripley Falls
Distance: 1.2 miles • Time: 1 hour
Side road off Route 302 in Crawford Notch, 1 mile south of Willey House site. Start on Ethan pond Trail, then follow Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail to gorgeous 100 foot waterfall.
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Sanguinary Ridge Trail
Distance: 3 miles • Time: 2.5 hours
Route 26, Dixville Notch. Starts at Flume Brook picnic area, climbs a scenic ridge. Spectacular views of Lake Gloriette and the Balsams Hotel.
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Three Ponds Trail
Distance: 5 miles • Time: 3 hours
Off Stinson Lake Road in Warren. A relatively easy walk to an attractive pond and pond-side shelter.
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Welch-Dickey Loop Trail
Distance: 4.4 miles • Time: 3.25 hours
Fine view for modest effort. Trail begins at the Orris Road parking area off Upper Mad River Road in Waterville Valley.
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For More Information on mountain weather, hiking safety and trail conditions contact: The Appalachian Mountain Club, Route 16 Pinkham Notch, NH 03581 or call (603)-466-2727.
There are 1200 miles of trails in the White Mountain National Forest.
For Information on hiking and other recreational opportunities in the Forest, write or call: Forest Supervisor, White Mountain National Forest, 719 Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246, (603)-528-8721.
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