Mount Willard and Centennial Pool
Of all the hikes in the White Mountain National Forest Region, this is the single best in terms of incredible views for least amount of effort. A modest hike in relative terms, this three mile walk provides a commanding view of the spectacular Crawford Notch. We closed out an outstanding week in style with this one!
Sunset at Bald Mountain
This quick hike up to the top of Bald Mountain offers expansive views and makes a great sunset spot. We had some clouds clog up the horizon, but it was beautiful looking out toward the setting sun and then back over to Franconia Ridge.
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.
Rocky Gorge Out and Back
This is a terrific stop on the scenic Kancamagus Highway anytime you’re visiting the area. With calm, relaxing pools on Swift River and the fast moving falls through the gorge, this walk is always a winner!
Bridalveil Falls Out and Back
This triple breaking waterfall is a nice, steady hike on double track trail. With the relatively longer length, it’s also less likely to be filled with throngs of other hikers that opt for much shorter waterfall hikes in the region.
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.
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.
Flume Gorge Loop
This short loop is among the most popular easy hikes in the Whites and with lots of good reasons. Enjoy a nice walk through the forest, passing a pair of covered bridges, a number of cascades, a gorgeous waterfall, and a couple picture perfect views. Just be sure to pay the ticket price and book your time slot in advance.
Cannon Mountain and the Cannonballs
This is a hiker's hike. It's physically challenging with long stretches of steep climbs and descents, but it is gorgeous! With 360 degree views from the tower and direct views out to Franconia Ridge, this hike had plenty of views. Oh, and Lonesome Lake was a nice bonus;-)
Echo Lake Beach
This is a quick walkout to an outstanding lakeside view looking straight down Franconia Notch. The ladies enjoyed a cold dip, while I took in the sweeping views with extremely active afternoon clouds. Located just off the interstate, this is a nice stop anytime you’re in the area.
Ripley Falls Out and Back
This is a great, short hike leading to the gorgeous, cascading Ripley Falls. While other routes to this are available, this is the most direct path. The falls were impressive, beautiful, and relaxing with only one other hiking group on trail with us.
Silver Cascade
This is one of two cascades on the north end of Crawford Notch. Of the two, this one is a little nicer thanks to a gorgeous view of Mt. Willard above. Again, this was a low flow visit, but after big rains, this little walk is pretty amazing!
Flume Cascade
This is a short out and back moving up a series of cascades just of US-302. It was nice to have the area to ourselves to enjoy the morning - even if the flow was on the low side after a dry spell.
Crawford Notch Overlook
This drive-up overlook provides an easy view of Crawford Notch with Mount Webster on the left and Mount Willard on the right. A far, far better view from the same angle is available by hiking Mount Willard that sits high above this viewpoint.
Saco Lake Loop
This is a beautiful, easy lakeside walk at the gateway to Crawford Notch with views of Mt. Tom, Field, and Webster. Though situated along the road, we enjoyed a peaceful morning with little traffic thanks to our trip taking place just after Summer high season.
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:-)
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.
Sabbaday Falls Lollipop
This is a beautiful waterfall and an easy hike for the whole family - and an ideal recovery hike if you’re coming off a big day. The hike along Sabbaday Brook is gorgeous and the scene at the falls is glorious. Get here off season or early morning for a more peaceful day.