7 Stunning Foliage Hikes in the White Mountains

One of the best ways to see the beautiful fall color in the White Mountains is to “peep” it from the top of a mountain. While many hikes in the Whites offer stunning views and incredible foliage, here are seven to add to your foliage hiking list.

Pine Mountain-Gorham

The Pine Mountain Trail is about 2.4 miles out and back, if you head to Chapel Rock, or 2.7 if you continue to the Pine Mountain Summit. Either will afford you stunning views into the Carter and Mahoosuc ranges.

Black Cap Mountain-Conway

This 2.3-mile loop off Hurricane Mountain Road is rated easy-moderate and offers lovely views of the Presidential Range and the mountains in the Mount Washington Valley. The mountain is part of a preserve that is managed by the Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire.

Potash Mountain-Kancamagus Highway

This peak is the most difficult on this list and can be found on the Albany side of the “Kanc” and is 434 miles out and back. The open ledge summit has views of the Tripyramids and points north and you can also see Mount Washington from here.

Mount Pemigewasset-Lincoln

This peak is also known at Indian Head, as the rock cropping from the summit looks like the profile of a Native American Chief and his headdress. In the fall, the “headdress” is ablaze with color. While looking at the profile from the ground is nice, you can also hike to the summit with views south into Waterville Valley and beyond. This 3.7- mile moderate trail can be accessed at the upper parking lot at the Flume Gorge.

The Scaur-Waterville Valley

This 4.4 mile out and back trail is rated as easy, yet the hike offers incredible foliage views of Waterville Ski Area and the valley below.

Stinson Mountain -Rumney

This 3.4 mile out and back trail offers beautiful views looking south in the Lakes Region and Mount Cardigan. There is a spur with views of Stinson Lake. While there are many gradual inclines, this hike is rated as moderate due to some steeper sections.

Red Hill-Moultonborough

Follow the jeep road to the Red Hill Fire Tower for stunning views of not only the foliage but Squam Lake. Views are comparable to what you would get when hiking Rattlesnake. This trail is 1.5 miles one way and is rated as moderate.