The Hidden Gems of New Hampshire
There’s so much left to discover…
As the weather finally begins to warm up and spring is making itself known, New Hampshire’s outdoor activities are finally coming underway. With the Granite State being known for its captivating mountain views and endless trails, hiking is known to be one of the many favorite pastimes of New Englanders. Scattered throughout New Hampshire, travel through hidden caves and waterfalls, and break out your hiking boots for an enjoyable form of stress relief and fun. Below, you will find some of the best hiking trails, ranging in levels of difficulty and length, but all with picture worthy moments at the top.
1. Mt. Willey — Moderate: 4.8 Miles, Half Day: Located in the White Mountains of Bethlehem, NH with a peak of 4,285 feet, this is a fairly easy climb with remarkable views at the top. The climb is well maintained and has a section of wooden steps to assist you in your climb, making this a must for hikers. Parking is $3 for the day, but the view at the top is priceless.
2. Mt Monadnock: Moderate, 4 Miles, Half Day: For a complete surrounding view of ongoing mountains, the hike of Mt. Monadnock located in Southern New Hampshire is a great climb to get your blood flowing. A very popular climb in the summer for families, the steep rocky climb before reaching the summit is one that will literally (and figuratively) take your breath away.
3. Mt. Moosilauke: Moderate, 8 Miles: Wentworth New Hampshire is home to Mount Moosilauke, an 8 mile hike that takes you through the Gorge Brook Trail and has immaculate views along the way. If you choose to hike the trail in the winter, there’s even a ski connector path to the bottom! Sounds pretty cool right?
4. Mt. Cardigan: Easy, 3 Miles, Half Day: Mount Cardigan is a good climb for beginner hikers who would like to gain some experience in the towns of Orange and Alexandria in western New Hampshire. With a bare summit at the top and log staircases and wooden bridges along the way, it’s a simple and fun hike for family and friends alike.
5. Mt. Sugarloaf: Moderate, 3.4 Miles (to each peak), Half Day:Venturing into the White Mountains, North and Middle Sugarloaf are two small mountains located just outside of Twin Mountain. Being surrounded by never ending mountain ranges, these climbs both offer outstanding views, even though they are entirely different. Although both peaks have views, Middle Sugarloaf has a wide open summit with 270 degrees of open ledge, where you can see Mt. Washington as well as Mt. Jefferson. You won’t want to forget your camera on this trip.
6. Mt. Major: Easy, 3.8 Miles, Half Day: Located near Alton Bay, Mt. Major is a 3.8 mile loop that offers scenic views, and is accessible from April until November. A very popular hike throughout New Hampshire’s warmer months, it is a location that is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Although the hiking in New Hampshire is endless, this list provides a great start for people who want to take advantage of the nice weather, and an even better way to take some amazing pictures and create even better memories. A fun way to workout, make it a challenge to hike someplace you’ve never been before, and discover a little bit of New Hampshire that you never knew was there. Give yourself a break from work and take a hike, would ya?
“Of all the paths you choose to take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” — John Muir
