Mt. Jackson and Mt. Pierce Loop and Spurs

Mt. Jackson and Mt. Pierce Loop and Spurs

This hike has all the beauty of the Whites - clifftop overlooks, mountaintop vistas, and a relaxing waterfall. While this is a strenuous hike, it rates on the easier side of things when compared to other high peaks in the region. The views from Mt. Pierce are particularly impressive with Mt. Eisenhower in the foreground and Crawford Path weaving its way up to Mt. Washington.

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The Basin and Kinsman Falls Out and Back

The Basin and Kinsman Falls Out and Back

This is a classic short hike in Franconia Notch State Park. The Basin is an amazing geological area with loads of beautiful water features. We added the short walk up to Kinsman Falls - one of the few vertical falls in the region before turning back short of Rocky Glen Falls due to deteriorating weather conditions.

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Mt. Monroe and Mt. Washington Loop

Mt. Monroe and Mt. Washington Loop

This is an iconic hike to the summit of the highest peak in New England - Mt. Washington. We added the short spur to Mt. Monroe as well to make for a full day in the Presidential Range of White Mountain National Forest. We enjoyed perhaps the best weather day of the year with comfortable temps, abundant sunshine, and only a light breeze at the summit.

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Mount Tecumseh from Waterville Valley Resort

Mount Tecumseh from Waterville Valley Resort

Sometimes you hike a peak that’s completely socked in and that was the case here. While there were zero views at the summit, this hike had the widest variety of mushrooms that I can remember, and a large black bear made an appearance on the way down (no pictures because reaching for a camera instead of bear spray is begging for trouble). And, if you like a physical hike, this is a steady, unrelenting climb.

Seriously though, I would normally have opted for a waterfall hike or something with a view below the clouds (Mt. Willard, perhaps), but my son was on a quest to summit the 67 4,000-footers of New England, and this was on that list. So, while the views were zero, we made the most of it including a funny random hiker caption below:-)

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Mount Carrigain via Signal Ridge Trail

Mount Carrigain via Signal Ridge Trail

I thoroughly enjoyed this hike, but couldn’t help but think about what a gorgeous place this would be to spend a sunset and sunrise in White Mountain National Forest. With a 360-degree view from the tower and tremendous views north and east on the approach, I can see why many who climb the 4,000 footers of New Hampshire save this hike for last.

On our hike, it was mostly clouds with a few peeks of sunshine, but the views still did not disappoint - I was particularly fascinated with Mt. Lowell’s gorgeous exposed granite on the approach and at the tower. And, while the clouds were uncooperative, there were no less than two dozen species of mushrooms along the trail, making for a great walk in the woods.

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