Hiking is practically the national pastime for New Hampshire, and the state is completely full of amazing hiking places. The great thing about New Hampshire is that the diverse terrain offers trails for people of all abilities – from flat hikes to ambitious mountain climbs. No matter where you choose to hike, you can rest assured that the view will be fantastic, whether you are looking at other mountains, wildlife, or charming New Hampshire towns.
- Ashuelot Rail Trail, Keene
M01229/flickr
mwms1916/flickr The Ashuelot Trail covers 22 miles of former railroad track. Don’t let its industrial past put you off though – the trail passes through numerous covered bridges and over small streams that will make you feel as if you’re on a movie set. Plus, the former rail trail is smooth and flat, making it accessible for (rugged) strollers and bikes.
- Baldface Loop, North Chatham
Sean Munson/flickr
Sean Munson/flickr This 10-mile loop is tough, but has many hidden treasures if you’re willing to brave it. There are plenty of blueberries in season, swimming in the Emerald Pool, and breathtaking views of Mount Washington from the two bald summits.
- Northern Rail Trail, Lebanon
Harvey Barrison/flickr
Harvey Barrison/flickr This trail is perfect for the family, and allows a thoroughly accessible gateway into the New Hampshire wilderness. The trail follows the Mascoma River, crossing it seven times in the first four miles. Bring your stroller or bikes!
- Mount Monadnock, Jaffery Center
Doug Kerr/flickr
Doug Kerr/flickr This 4-mile trek is family friendly and extremely popular. There may be other people on the trail, but that’s because Mount Monadnock is accessible and the views from the top are just as breathtaking as those from further-flung peaks.
- The Presidential Traverse
Slack12/flickr
Jim Salge/flickr This is for the fittest hikers amongst us. The 22-mile trek takes you over Mounts Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, Pierce and Jackson. Whew! We’re tired just typing it!
- Sugarloaf Mountain, Bethlehem
TheGiantVermin/flickr
Bengt1955/flickr If you’re looking for a short hike, Sugarloaf Mountain is the answer to your prayers. The 2.6-mile round-trip hike will offer beautiful views of the white mountains from Middle Sugar Load. If you add an extra half-mile you can also visit the summit of North Sugar Loaf, and enjoy an entirely different set of views.
- Mount Tom and Mount Field, Whitefield
Christian McNeil/flickr
Jim Salge/flickr If you’re looking to cross mountains off your list, this 8-mile hike is perfect, allowing you to cross two 4,000-foot peaks off your climbing bucket list. Start on the Mount Tom trail from the Crawford Notch parking lot, and enjoy the half-day loop.
Time to hit the trails!
M01229/flickr
mwms1916/flickr
The Ashuelot Trail covers 22 miles of former railroad track. Don’t let its industrial past put you off though – the trail passes through numerous covered bridges and over small streams that will make you feel as if you’re on a movie set. Plus, the former rail trail is smooth and flat, making it accessible for (rugged) strollers and bikes.
Sean Munson/flickr
This 10-mile loop is tough, but has many hidden treasures if you’re willing to brave it. There are plenty of blueberries in season, swimming in the Emerald Pool, and breathtaking views of Mount Washington from the two bald summits.
Harvey Barrison/flickr
This trail is perfect for the family, and allows a thoroughly accessible gateway into the New Hampshire wilderness. The trail follows the Mascoma River, crossing it seven times in the first four miles. Bring your stroller or bikes!
Doug Kerr/flickr
This 4-mile trek is family friendly and extremely popular. There may be other people on the trail, but that’s because Mount Monadnock is accessible and the views from the top are just as breathtaking as those from further-flung peaks.
Slack12/flickr
Jim Salge/flickr
This is for the fittest hikers amongst us. The 22-mile trek takes you over Mounts Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, Pierce and Jackson. Whew! We’re tired just typing it!
TheGiantVermin/flickr
Bengt1955/flickr
If you’re looking for a short hike, Sugarloaf Mountain is the answer to your prayers. The 2.6-mile round-trip hike will offer beautiful views of the white mountains from Middle Sugar Load. If you add an extra half-mile you can also visit the summit of North Sugar Loaf, and enjoy an entirely different set of views.
Christian McNeil/flickr
If you’re looking to cross mountains off your list, this 8-mile hike is perfect, allowing you to cross two 4,000-foot peaks off your climbing bucket list. Start on the Mount Tom trail from the Crawford Notch parking lot, and enjoy the half-day loop.
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