Top 10 Hikes in New Hampshire; Stunning Views, All Levels!
With the 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest and 48 different high peaks - New Hampshire is home to some of the best hikes in New England and numerous awe inspiring views!
This post includes some of the best views and hikes in New Hampshire from moderate to difficult. New Hampshire is truly a hiker's dream so let's get inspired and informed with 10 super memorable hikes in NH!
For each hike you'll find details like parking info, GPS coordinates for trailheads, links to maps on AllTrails, and other need-to-know details so you can have a successful hike.
Living in Connecticut, I've been driving up to New Hampshire to hike for two decades now, crossing top trails off my list one-by-one! Included on this list are some of the best hikes in NH from the infamous Franconia Ridge Trail to the tallest waterfall along with the tallest mountain in NH! ⛰️
Since New Hampshire is home to two well known hiking lists; the New Hampshire 48 (48 mountains above 4,000 feet) and the 52 With a View - that's a total of 100 different amazing hikes to choose from so it's no wonder you may be overwhelmed when trying to decide what to hike! 😱
But not to worry - scroll this post and see what photos inspire you to hit the trails. There are some as short as 3 miles, too!
⭐️Note for first timers: The trails here are ROCKY - it's called the Granite State after all! Wear sturdy tall hiking boots to protect your ankles. 🪨 Hiking poles work wonders on uneven paths, too, especially when going downhill.
Now let's get to it and inspire your next hike in New Hampshire. 🙂
🌲10 Epic Hikes & Views in New Hampshire ⛰️
1. ⛰Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop
- 🥾Miles & Difficulty: 5.2-mile loop, Hard
- 📈Elevation Gain: 1,700 ft
- 🚙Parking: Navigate here: 44.14791, -71.36936
- 🌟Highlights: Grand views from Frankenstein Cliff plus the tallest waterfall in NH on way down
- 🗺️ AllTrails Link
Centrally located in Crawford Notch State Park, this hike combines a steep climb up Frankenstein Cliff (don't worry, you're not actually rock climbing :)) along with the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire - Arethusa Falls! The falls drop nearly 200 feet and obviously can attract a crowd so keep that in mind when visiting.
We hiked this one counterclockwise so we could take our time and enjoy the waterfall at the end of the hike. That is, if you have any camera storage left from your view at the top of Frankenstein Cliff which looks out into Crawford Notch State Park. 😍 It's truly an incredible sight especially in the fall!
Another feature of this hike is walking under the train tracks of Conway Railroad which makes for a great picture spot as well.
2. ⛰Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail
- 🥾Miles & Difficulty: 8.1-mile loop, Hard!
- 📈Elevation Gain: 3,795 ft
- 🚙Parking: Navigate here: 44.1419355, -71.6811562, Lafayette Place East Lot (There is limited parking at the trailhead and the trail gets very busy during weekends and holidays. Make sure to arrive early. If the parking lot is full, you can take the shuttle service. Take Exit 34C where a large parking lot has been designated for hiker parking. Visit NH State Parks website for more info)
- 🌟Highlights: 2-mile Franconia Ridge, Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, Mount Lafayette, multiple waterfalls
- 🗺️AllTrails link
This hike is one of the best hikes in New England and should be on your must-do list for the ultimate New Hampshire hiking experience! AllTrails notes it as an "extremely popular hike in the White Mountains" and "is one of the best day hikes in the area for a variety of reasons".
The 7th tallest mountain on the NH48 list, what makes this one such a special and popular hike is, in my opinion, how it puts you up on a ridge (Franconia Ridge) with views all around you for almost 2 miles!
If you're like me and like to take pictures then it will be a lonnnnng 2 miles as you stop to take pics and take in the views. Beginning near the Lafayette Campground in Franconia Notch State Park, you'll ascend three peaks including the highest mountain outside the Presidential Range - Mount Lafayette.
Another highlight of this trail is the waterfalls you'll encounter; the Falling Waters Trail, Stairs Falls, and then the larger Cloudland Falls.
We hiked Franconia Ridge counter clockwise hitting the falls in the beginning, then reaching Little Haystack Mountain (views!) which links you up with the ridge and the white-blazed Appalachian Trail.
Walking along the ridge, you'll then hit Mount Lincoln (another NH 48 peak!) and Mount Lafayette. On your way down after the ridge walk there is the Greenleaf Hut (closed during winter) which has coffee, water, and snacks!! (Bring cash.)
You'll then complete the loop by following the Old Bridal Path back to the Lafayette Place East parking lot.
Enjoy and BE CAREFUL. Pack extra layers, food, and water - the weather here can be downright dangerous even on a sunny day in October if you're not prepared!
3. ⛰Mount Willard
- 🥾Miles & Difficulty: 3.1 miles, Moderate
- 📈Elevation Gain: 885 ft
- 🚙Parking: Navigate here: 44.21798, -71.41148
- 🌟Highlights: Views across the valley of Rt 302 and Crawford Notch
- 🗺️AllTrails link
I mean, um, this view?! Need I say more! And at only 3 miles round trip - this one is a must-do hike in New Hampshire and accessible even to beginner hikers.
It is a little steep, you will have to work for it, but it's not technical. You're not bouldering or scrambling using your hands - it will just feel like walking on a steep incline for a while. Plus this one is easy to navigate as you come to one fork in the trail to start (bear left) and then you continue on that one trail til you get to the view.
We loved it and would love to see this one in fall! Given it's length and epic views it's one of the more popular hikes in Crawford Notch. So get there early or try it on a weekday!
4. ⛰Middle Sugarloaf
- 🥾Miles & Difficulty: 2.6 miles, Moderate
- 📈Elevation Gain: 885 ft
- 🚙Parking: Navigate here: 44.2543, -71.50419
- 🌟Highlights: Wide open views on cliff facing east plus cliff facing west
- 🗺️AllTrails link
If you're looking for a short hike in the White Mountains with big big views, including Mount Washington, then this one's for you! Sugarloaf is on the NH 52 With a View list and AllTrails describes it as "a great hike for families or visitors who have not visited the White Mountains before and are looking for a fun warm-up hike." Awesome!
Because of the length this one would be great for either a sunrise or sunset hike as well. The top is expansive with lots of room to wander around on the rocks and explore the views or find a quiet spot to sit for a snack. The fun part about this one is you are surrounded by several taller mountains which puts you face to face or eye level with the changing leaves if you visit in the fall. From the parking area you will cross a bridge that offers beautiful views on either side of the Zealand River which I stopped to photograph for several minutes as golden hour started to set in.
If you'd like to extend this hike by just a half a mile and hit another peak with a view then you can hike the Middle and North Sugarloaf trail. I think this was maybe our 3rd activity of the day so we opted just to see Middle Sugarloaf but the pictures from North Sugarloaf look like they're worth the stop!
5. ⛰Mount Cardigan Loop Trail, 3 miles, 1,181 (Moderate)
- 🥾Miles & Difficulty: 3-mile loop, Moderate
- 📈Elevation Gain: 1,181 ft
- 🚙Parking: Navigate here: 43.64418, -71.93508
- 🌟Highlights: 360-degree summit views
- 🗺️AllTrails link
If you're looking for a moderate hike in New Hampshire with amazing views then Mount Cardigan could be just your speed!
Located just south of the White Mountains (which makes it a great option if you're staying further south or driving up for the day!) Mount Cardigan's 360-degree views are hard to beat.
The fire tower at the top is not climbable however you won't be missing out with how far in the distance you can see! 🙂
I suggest going counter clockwise as there is a steep slab as you get closer to the top and to me, it is easier to walk up this.
Mount Cardigan can be a popular hike but the summit is so, you won't have any trouble carving out your perfect spot (as long as you can handle the wind!). The nearby Common Cafe makes for the perfect snack or dinner after!
6. ⛰Mount Osceola
- 🥾Miles & Difficulty: 6.3 miles, Hard
- 📈Elevation Gain: 2,040 ft
- 🚙Parking: Navigate here: 43.98348, -71.55869
- 🌟Highlights: cliff views facing east
- 🗺️AllTrails link
Check another one of NH's 48 off your list with one of the more moderate climbs on the list. The elevation gain is 2000 but it's pretty evenly spread across the 3 miles up (think of an evenly distributed bell curve shape!) so this is a good one to do if you're looking for a challenge but nothing too extreme.
And if you want to add an additional NH 48 peak to this hike then you can take this trail here and head over to East Osceola for an additional 2 miles round trip and another 800 feet of elevation. There is a steep "chimney" part to get to East Osceola though. It is not recommended for kids and some dogs may have a problem with it as well. There is a 20 ft rocky steep drop that you climb up and down (there are foot and hand holds) or you can take a trail off to the side that's been formed but even that is steep. So watch your step, put safety first and make an informed decision given the group you are hiking with. 🙂
❄️Winter access: the access road (Trippoli Road) is closed for the winter so it will be an additional 2 miles to the trailhead!
7. ⛰Mount Jefferson via Caps Ridge Trail
- 🥾Miles & Difficulty: 5.3 miles, Hard
- 📈Elevation Gain: 2,700 ft
- 🚙Parking: Navigate here: 44.29677, -71.35365
- 🌟Highlights: stunning views
- 🗺️AllTrails link
Oh boy, if you are looking for the ultimate challenge then this hike is for you! Check out these stats! At 5,712 feet Mount Jefferson is the third tallest mountain in both New Hampshire and New England, it's on the NH 48 list (of course) as well as the Terrifying 25 and one of the 13 mountains in the Presidential Range. It's the ultimate New Hampshire hiking experience and is one you will remember forever if you choose to do it.
Now, don't get too intimidated about this hike. Numbers wise it's not too different from some of the others but it's more difficult than the mileage and elevation suggest because of the rock scrambling sections (a couple crags!) as you get to the top. If you don't mind using a lot of brain power, hands, and feet on a hiking trail then you will enjoy the challenge here.
Explicit directions from AllTrails that may help you: This trailhead is in Jefferson Notch at the highest point in the Notch. From Rte. 302 near Bretton Woods follow the Base Station Road which heads to the Cog Railroad up Mt. Washington. Several miles down this road you will come to a 4 way intersection with Mt. Clinton Road to the South. Take the left onto the Jefferson Notch Road which is closed in the winter and early spring. Follow this for a couple miles keeping an eye out for the Caps Ridge Trailhead at the highest point in the Notch
8. ⛰Mount Pierce via Crawford Path
- 🥾Miles & Difficulty: 5.9 miles, Moderate
- 📈Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
- 🚙Parking: Navigate here: 44.22389, -71.41138
- 🌟Highlights: Once above tree line, you're rewarded with amazing views including view of Mount Washington on clear day
- 🗺️AllTrails link
Finally, a 'moderate' 4000 footer on NH's 48 list! Like Osceola above this one again has the elevation more evenly distributed throughout the hike. Think of walking uphill for 3 miles. that's what this one will feel like! While there are no really steep ascents this one is a great workout and I had to stop several times to catch my breath and give myself a pep talk before continuing on. 🙂
According to AllTrails this hike is a popular choice for your first NH 48. This hike is located near Bretton Woods which is where the famous Mount Washington Resort is located. If you don't pop in to see the inside it's definitely worth the drive by as it stands in contrast at the base of the mountains behind it. It's very photogenic in any season!
You'll love the wide open rocky summit at the top of Pierce with all the other peaks in the distance. It provides a perfect backdrop for a family photo or selfie to commemorate your hike.
9. ⛰Welch-Dickey Loop Trail, 4.4 miles, 1,778 ft of elevation (Hard)
You cannot go wrong and you will not be disappointed with this hike and its sweeping views not only at the top but all along the way. It is on the 52 WAV list but as you're completing you'll wonder why it's not a NH48 because it's pretty darn tough. 🥴 But boy is it beautiful.
Such beautiful views that it is cited on AllTrails as one of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains! What makes it difficult are the very steep climbs up a couple long sections of rock slabs. 😱 Best way to describe it is you will feel like a mountain goat and will either be walking on your toes for a bit or leaning forward and using your hands to help you. It's steep! Think of walking on a treadmill at maximum incline...
Located in the southern end of the White Mountains you will find the parking lot off Orris Road where there is a $5 parking fee at the trailhead. I suggest (and lots of AllTrails reviews say the same) hiking this trail counter clockwise so that you walk up the steep slabs versus down them.
If going counter clockwise you will reach Welch Mountain first and think that the hike is over! If this is all you have time for, there are amazing views right here. Otherwise continue northward and you’ll reach Dickey Mountain. 🙂
10. Mount Washingon via Tuckermans Ravine, 8.3 miles, 4,340 ft
We all need something to aspire to, right friends?! So why not put New Hampshire's (and the Northeast's!) tallest mountain, Mount Washington at 6,288 ft.
I hiked Mount Washington in the winter and didn't take a ton of time at the top to admire the views because, well, it was on top of the tallest mountain with one of the highest wind speeds ever recorded. 😱 (at 231 mph) 🌬
While we didn't linger long we got enough photos to capture the thrill of making it to the top!
I hope you enjoyed this post featuring the best hikes and views in New Hampshire!
There's so much to choose from in the White Mountains of NH and it can be overwhelming so I hope you have at least one hike picked out for your next trip!
If you're looking for more jaw-dropping views and scenic hikes check out my post of 27 best hikes to do in New England!
New Hampshire Hike FAQs:
One of the best day hikes in New Hampshire is hands down the Franconia Ridge Trail. At 8 miles and 3,700 feet of elevation gain it will likely take most of the day. For an easier day hike try Mount Pierce, Mount Jackson, or Mount Crawford for a lesser-known trail.
Hikes with wide open views are great for fall. A few of my favorites that I've hiked for fall and have included photos of here are Middle Sugarloaf with almost 360-degree views and Frankenstein Cliffs - wow! For a short hike that's very popular in the fall is Artists Bluff and a longer one is Mount Willard.
And if you're looking for even more in New Hampshire (I couldn't fit them all on this list!) then check out my post of the best hikes in Crawford Notch State Park! A beautiful area in northwest NH.
And if you're looking to expand your hiking to other New England states check out my post on 11 best hikes and views in Vermont!
Extra info:
🗓 Booking a trip and wondering where to stay?!
If you are wondering where to stay and situate yourself when visiting New Hampshire I suggest the towns of Lincoln or Woodstock which are both centrally located in the White Mountains allowing you to be in the middle of all the best hiking.
You can stay further south in Waterville Valley which is a very pretty area but you will drive about 45 minutes to some of the popular hiking spots but there are lots of hikes further south too. Similarly, you can also stay at the northern end of the White Mountain National Forest in Gorham or Jackson and hit the hikes that are further north.
❄️Winter hiking in the White Mountains, what you need to know:
Roads leading to different trailheads are subject to seasonal closure. Check for a list of road closures here. And if you need a place to get started with winter hiking gear and knowing what to wear check out my winter clothing essentials post!❄️
I hope you found this post helpful and have a few favorites picked out for your next New Hampshire hiking trip! I plan to keep adding to this list so come back for updates and comment below with your favorite New Hampshire hike! Happy hiking...🐾🥾❤️
My fave ans I’ll keep doing this. Mt Manaddnock is hard. But I can still get to the peak at 48!!
That's awesome, Patty!! I hope I can, too! I haven't done Monadnock yet, I don't think they allow dogs there :/
What a great list Kristen I plan on spending more time up in the whites and definitely will be doing some of these.
you're the best!! 😍👏 Thanks, Ali!! yay...I want to do more up there too.