Now that the snow has mostly melted from our trails, we know that you are itching to get out, explore, and enjoy those beautiful White Mountains views. Here are seven spring hikes to tackle while you’re visiting this season.
PEAKED HILL POND TRAIL (Thornton, NH)
Take this old logging road turned trail to kick off your spring hiking season. At an easy 3.3 miles out and back, you can schedule in some extra time for fishing or having a sweet picnic spread once you reach the trail terminus at serene Peaked Hill Pond.
Parking is limited at this Thornton, NH hike; keep an eye out for a small dirt pull off just before the trailhead. Also? Bring bug spray during late spring and early summer!
TABLE MOUNTAIN (Bartlett, NH)
This 4-mile out and back hike in Bartlett, NH is all about exposed ledges and grand views of Mount Chocorua and Mount Passaconaway. Expect a moderate challenge and some loose rocks towards the top, so don’t forget to pack some sturdy hiking boots.
To access Table Mountain, travel along the Kancamagus Highway to Bear Notch Road. Begin your journey on the Attitash Trail, which overlaps with the route to Table Mountain.
BOULDER LOOP TRAIL (Kancamagus Highway, Conway)
We love a good, quick loop trail! This 3.5-mile route has bountiful boulders, excellent views of the Swift River Valley and the Sandwich Range, and helpful signs along the way to give some perspective on the natural history in the region.
The Boulder Loop Trail is located on Passaconaway Road, just off the Kancamagus Highway.
MOUNT PEMIGEWASSET (Lincoln, NH)
This local peak is named after Chief Pemigewasset of the Pemigewasset tribe. With 3.6-miles round trip to travel and pretty views of the valley below, we love adding this Lincoln, NH trail to our afternoon hike list.
To access the trailhead, park at the Flume Gorge. Follow the Franconia Bike path until you see a sign on the left for the Mount Pemigewasset Trail. If you'd like a little more adventure after your hike, take a few minutes to climb the viewing tower at nearby Indian Head Resort to see how the summit an uncanny resemblance to a man in profile.
MOUNT ROBERTS (Moultonborough, NH)
Head a little bit south of the White Mountains, where the stunning northern stretches of the Lakes Region await. Mount Roberts is located on the Castle in the Clouds property and has glimmering summit views of Squam Lake and the Squam Range. The trail itself is 5.2 miles out and back and is rated as moderate.
NORTH AND MIDDLE SUGARLOAF (Carroll, NH)
Check off two summits with one scenic trip! The hike to hit both mountaintops is 3.3 miles out and back, with Middle Sugarloaf offering the most commanding views of the Twin mountains and the Presidential Range.
This Carroll, NH trail is rated moderate. Depending on how early in the season you choose to tackle your hike, expect to tack on an extra 2.6 miles to access the trailhead (as Zealand Road is typically closed from the middle of November through mid-May).
RIPLEY FALLS (Crawford Notch State Park, NH)
We can’t talk about spring hikes without including one with a waterfall! This 1-mile out and back hike is the shortest on the list, and located in Crawford Notch State Park. The Ripley Falls trail ranks as moderate due to a few tougher sections, but it’s well worth the short exertion to see one of New England’s steepest angled slides.
Once you've hiked all the above, it's time to add another 7 hikes to your list!