Mt. Chocorua via Champney Falls with Middle and First Sisters
This is was a standout hike! We came in from the north side of Mt. Chocorua to enjoy Champney Falls and added Middle and First Sisters to the day to take advantage of the sun and clouds overhead. A steady gainer to start, a little steeper approaching the peaks, and then some fun scrambling approaching the summit. This is a marvelous hike!!!
Georgiana and Harvard Falls Out and Back
There are many beautiful brooks in White Mountain National Forest and Harvard Brook is one of the prettier among them. The falls were gorgeous and the pools were delightful with the pool at the top of Harvard Falls giving off infinity pool vibes. Just take care on the hike and avoid slipping on wet rock - the easiest path is often away from the brook where less erosion has taken place.
Otter Rocks River Soak
Otter Rocks Day Use Area is a great spot for a soak and a picnic after a long hike. We stopped here a couple times on our trip to enjoy the cool, clear waters of Hancock Branch while taking in post-hike refreshments.
Piermont Mountain Out and Back
This is an off the beaten path peak just west of White Mountain National Forest with nice views of Lakes Armington and Tarleton down below and Mt. Mousilauke in the distance. The trail is well maintained with a short scramble and has a flat-ish section midway up the mountain to provide a little ease. Though a short hike, it is plenty steep at the outset and below the summit.
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!
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.
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.
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.