The Best Hikes in New Hampshire: Top-Rated Hiking Trails

New Hampshire is chock full of natural beauty on thousands of hiking trails just waiting to be explored. Impressive views, countless rivers and waterfalls, and varied terrain for every experience level make the Granite State the perfect place to enjoy true New England beauty.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hiker, these are some of the best hiking trails New Hampshire has to offer.

Top-Rated Hiking Trails in New Hampshire

From the Lakes Region to the White Mountains; the Great North Woods to the Seacoast, New Hampshire holds some of the most beautiful hikes in all of New England.

Hike some of the most iconic sections of the Appalachian Trail that traverse the White Mountains, known for steep ascents and staggering views. Take a leisurely jaunt around Lake Winnipesaukee and enjoy moderate trails in the Lakes Region.

Wherever you choose to hike, New Hampshire has a trail for you.

Franconia Ridge Loop

Distance: ~8.4 miles, +3,700 feet elevation gain

Type: Loop Trail

Time: 6-8 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

One of the most popular and most challenging hikes in New Hampshire, this ridgeline has sweeping 360-degree views of the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Ridge is the second-highest ridgeline in the White Mountains after the Presidential Range.

To the east, you'll see Franconia Notch (a National Natural Landmark) and the Kinsman Range, to the west the Pemigewasset Wilderness, and views of the Presidential range on a clear day.

The best way to day hike the Franconia Ridge Loop trail is to start at Falling Waters Trail off Route 93 which leads you up the ascent to Little Haystack Mountain (4,760').

From there you'll head north on the Franconia Ridge Trail over the summits of Mount Lincoln (5,089') and Mount Lafayette (5,249') before descending down Greenleaf Trail. Continue to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Greenleaf Hut where you'll take Old Bridle Path the rest of the way down to Falling Waters and complete the last half a mile to the parking lot.

PRO TIP: When the trailhead parking is full, additional parking can be found across the street at Lafayette Campground.

Mount Monadnock

Distance: ~3.8 miles, +1,700 feet elevation gain

Type: Loop Trail

Time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Monadnock is not only an icon of Southern New Hampshire but also famed as one of the most climbed mountains in the world. Its close proximity to Boston makes this peak an even more popular climb, so you can expect to have company on the trail and at the summit.

The shortest (but also the steepest and rockiest) way to reach the summit of Mount Monadnock (3,165') is to ascend via the White Dot Trail and descend on the White Cross Trail, beginning and ending at the Monadnock State Park Headquarters in Jaffrey. The entrance fee here is $15 per vehicle.

Some hikers opt for the longer and more spread out Pumpelly Trail, an 8.1-mile, out-and-back trail that begins and ends at Dublin Pond.

Mount Washington

Distance: ~8-mile loop trail, +3,700 elevation gain

Type: Loop trail

Time: 7-9 hours

Difficulty: Strenuous

The highest peak in the Northeastern United States, Mount Washington sits at an elevation of 6,288 feet. A major landmark for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, from the summit of Mount Washington on a clear day you can see for hundreds of miles across New Hampshire, into Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and even New York.

Definitely one of the most iconic New Hampshire hikes in history, the best trail to summit Mount Washington is Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, which begins at the Cog Railway Base Station ($5 to park) or at the trailhead on Base Station Road off Route 302 in Bretton Woods.

After reaching AMC's Lakes of the Clouds Hut, continue up the Crawford Path which will lead you toward the summit and into Mount Washington State Park. Once you get your summit photo with views into all of New England, continue back down Gulfside Trail before linking up with the Jewell Trail back to the Base Station.

Family Friendly New Hampshire Hiking Trails

Looking for family-friendly New Hampshire hikes? Here are some of the best trails for hikers of any age.

Mount Major Trail

Distance:

Type: Loop trail

Time: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Major is a popular hiking trail in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, known for its quick time to summit and stunning views of sparkling Lake Winnipesaukee and across it to the White Mountains.

Mount Major Trail is the shortest route to the summit from the parking area located off of Mount Major Highway (Route 11) in Alton Bay, New Hampshire. There are a few other trails that you can connect to start and end at the same parking area, but this one is the most direct. Follow the blue blazes all the way to the summit where you'll be rewarded with a stellar outlook over the Lakes Region.

To return to the parking lot, follow the Brook Trail marked with yellow blazes for about two miles to complete the loop.

Flume Gorge Trail

Distance: ~2 miles

Type: Loop Trail

Time: 1-2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Another one of the most popular New Hampshire hiking trails -- and for a good reason -- the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park is a great all-in-one adventure. This is one of the best family hikes in New Hampshire with a short trail and plenty of exciting things to see.

Sitting at the base of Mount Liberty, the Flume Gorge is a natural formation of towering granite walls covered in grasses, flowers, and moss. The trail includes a picturesque covered bridge (a true symbol of New Hampshire) as well as points of interest like Avalanche Falls, Sentinel Pool, and Wolf Den -- a section of the trail that requires crawling through narrow rocks on hands and knees. This one is tons of fun for kids.

The trailhead starts at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center in Franconia Notch State Park, right off of Route 3 in Lincoln. The short trail is mostly packed with gravel but also includes boardwalks, bridges, and a decent amount of stairs to climb.

Entry into the Flume Gorge is $18 per adult and $16 for children ages 5-12 and can be made in advance online to avoid additional feed. Children under five years old can enter for free!

Lincoln Woods Trail

Distance: Choose Your Own, up to 9 miles round trip

Type: Out and back

Time: 3-4 hours (full trail) round trip

Difficulty: Easy

One of the most famous trails in New Hampshire, Lincoln Woods Trail in the White Mountain National Forest is a beautiful walk on its own and connects to over a dozen other trail options. This family-friendly hike follows the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River over an old railroad bed and nearly flat terrain, making it a great place for winter hikes as well.

The trailhead is located just outside the town of Lincoln on the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112). The trail begins with a suspension bridge over the river with immediate views of the White Mountains and continues for about 4.5 miles before becoming different, more strenuous side trails.

Mount Willard

Distance: ~3.1 miles, 900 feet elevation gain

Type: Out and back

Time: 2-3 hours round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Located in Crawford Notch State Park, Mount Willard is a great New Hampshire hike for rewarding views in a half-day adventure. This well-marked trail

The trailhead to Mount Willard begins at the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch, just behind the railroad tracks of Crawford Notch Station. There's plenty of parking there and along Route 302.

Mount Willard Trail has a gradual grade over moderate terrain for most of the trek, winding past waterfalls and over small streams. Stay on the trail for just over a mile and a half to reach the summit, where you'll get five-star views of Crawford Notch, the Southern Presidential Range, and miles across the mighty White Mountains.

Where To Stay Near The Best Hikes in New Hampshire

Planning your own adventure to traverse these incredible hikes in New Hampshire? Enjoying the great outdoors in the Granite State is easier than you think.

Relax and recharge in comfortable accommodations within easy reach of the most staggering day hikes, unspoiled nature, and amazing roadside attractions New Hampshire has to offer.

Book your stay in close proximity to hundreds of hiking trails in New Hampshire, and dozens of inspired outdoor adventures waiting to be had.

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