Hikes to Great Hikes
New Hampshire is home to 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, which attracts hikers from around the world who are seeing unforgettable views and rewarding adventures. These summits deliver incredible experiences but they also demand being prepared, using good judgement, and respect for the mountains.
Before taking on any of these hikes, make sure you’re doing so by being Wildly Responsible.
- Check the weather and higher summit forecast
- Choose a hike that matches your ability
- Bring extra food, water, and layers
- Carry a map and now your route
- Let someone know your plans
- Don’t be afraid to turn around if the conditions change, the mountain will be there another day
The best summit views are the ones you’ve earned through preparation, perseverance, and respect for the mountains. If you’re up for the challenge, these 10 hikes showcase some of New Hampshire’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
Mount Washington (Tuckerman’s Ravine Trail)
At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast. It offers commanding views of the Atlantic Ocean, Vermont, New York's Adirondacks and even into Canada. Though many a car has earned their bumper sticker and "climbed" Mount Washington, attempting the summit on foot is an entirely different endeavor and one not to be taken lightly. But with practice and preparation, you can bag this remarkable peak and the bragging rights that come along with it.
The most popular trail is Tuckerman's Ravine, about 9-miles roundtrip. The ascent is steep and you should be ready for a steady, rocky, technical hike upward. The weather can change rapidly, so be sure to check it before you hit the trail so you know what to expect and can prepare. It’s not uncommon for summer hikers to experience winter temperatures at the summit!
Mount Adams (Short Line Trail to Airline Trail)
Second in height to Mount Washington, at 5,774 feet, Mount Adams inspires with humbling views of the surrounding New Hampshire Mountains. The Short Line Trail to the Airline trail promises a rugged but beautiful 10-mile round trip hike, featuring hidden Appalachian gems like the cascading Mossy Falls and the Ice Caves, which are worth a quick detour. Though trails are marked, there are many twists and turns and it's important to carry a trail map with you at all times.
Mount Lincoln (Falling Waters Trail)
Like other 4,000-footers, Mount Lincoln offers panoramic views and the Falling Waters Trail is approximately 9 miles round trip, taking you past some of the White Mountains’ most predominant and photo-worthy water features, including Walker Cascades, Stairs Falls, Swiftwater Falls and Cloudland Falls. Some hikers extend their stay around Mount Lincoln to summit nearby peaks of Mount Lafayette and Little Haystack.
Moosilauke (Gorge Brook Trail to Carriage Road to Snapper Trail)
Moosilauke is known as the "Gentle Giant" of the New Hampshire mountains, providing awe-inspiring views of Vermont, New York and Franconia Ridge from atop the mossy boulders comprising the summit. The Moosilauke hike is an excellent choice for more experienced hikers looking for a less strenuous hike without sacrificing any of the brilliant views the White Mountains promise. The Gorge Brook trail in combination with The Carriage Road and Snapper Trail is the most popular route up and down the mountain and totals about 8 miles round trip.
Eisenhower
Eisenhower might be the most underestimated mountain in the 4,000-footer club, but one that promises some of the most sublime views. The summit is wide and spacious, affording summiteers close up views of Mount Washington and plenty of room to take your pack off, relax and contemplate the Presidential Range’s stunning profile. The hike up Mount Eisenhower is ideal for those looking for a moderate hike to a gorgeous summit. The most popular route has proven to be Edmands Path to the short Eisenhower Loop totaling about 7 miles round trip.
Mount Carrigain (The Signal Ridge Trail)
If you're looking for a hike that Henry David Thoreau would approve, a hike up the less traveled Mount Carrigain is an excellent choice, offering vast wilderness and stunning views. An observation tower perched on top of Mount Carrigain’s 4,682-foot peak promises unparalleled glimpses of 43 of New Hampshire’s highest peaks. The 10-mile round trip hike along the Signal Ridge Trail, though predominantly moderate, does contain some challenging, steeper sections as it rises toward the summit. The open view from Signal Ridge in particular, is said to rival the view from the peak and is a can't-miss for both beginner and experienced hikers.
The Bonds (The Bond Traverse)
The Bond Traverse is the longest, most arduous hike on our list topping out at approximately 20 miles round trip. But it is worth it. It’s essentially the hat trick of summiting, promising three great peaks, including West Bond, Bondcliff and Mount Bond. There are so many photo opps on this remote hike, particularly at Bondcliff where a rugged mountain backdrop highlights the tranquil solitude and blazing sunsets. Hikers taking on the Bond Traverse tend to make this a multi-day trek with at least one night of camping in the Pemigewasset Wilderness or at one of several AMC huts.
Mount Flume & Mount Liberty (Liberty Spring Trail to the Flume Slide Trail)
Mount Flume’s rugged peak reaches 4,328 feet along the Franconia Ridge where you can take in the spectacular surrounding views. This moderate to difficult hike ranges anywhere between 8 to 10 miles round trip depending on the route, and whether or not it’s attempted in conjunction with Mount Liberty. Because of their close proximity, many hikers looking to add summits plan to do both in a one-day push. The Liberty Spring Trail runs straight up to the Franconia Notch Trail to the summit of Mount Flume, or you can do the Liberty Spring Trail to the Flume Slide Trail to summit Mount Liberty.
Mount Pierce (Crawford Path)
Mount Pierce offers a moderate 6-mile round trip hike with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, most notably Mount Washington. The Crawford Path takes hikers on the oldest, most used hiking trail in all the United States, dating back to 1819, presenting an opportunity to take a dip in the crystal clear, pleasant waters of Gibbs Falls. Mount Pierce can be summitted in combination with Mount Eisenhower and Mount Monroe for those looking to extend the hike.
Mount Jackson and Mount Webster (Webster-Jackson Trail to Webster Cliff Trail)
Mount Jackson to Mount Webster is a moderate 6.5-mile round trip hike, offering incredible views from the top of both mountains. Two separate lookouts at lower elevations, Elephant Head and Bugle Cliff, overlook Crawford Notch and are only short detours from the Webster-Jackson Trail. Mount Jackson can be summitted rather quickly on its own, but many choose to summit both these peaks together as part of a loop hike that combines both the Webster Jackson Trail and the Webster Cliff Trail.
Adventure Starts with Preparation
The views from New Hampshire’s highest peaks are without a doubt unforgettable, and there is a sense of responsibility that comes with exploring them. Planning ahead, knowing your limits, and respecting the mountains are all part of hiking Wildly Responsible. Before your next adventure, check out HikeSafe recommendations and ensure you’re recreating responsibly.
