Hiking in the White Mountains

There are short hikes that, for minimal effort, can take you to a waterfall or a spectacular view, as well as longer hikes to scenic outlooks, lakes and ponds and mountain summits. Please remember when setting out on even the shortest hike that this is a mountain region, subject to rapid weather changes.

Wear sensible shoes (rubber, not leather-soled which tend to be slippery), and bring an extra sweater or jacket. You also may want to bring food and a beverage (remember to carry out what you carry in). For full trail descriptions, see the AMC White Mountain Guide, available at bookstores and outfitters.

*Note: Distances and times are for round-trip




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Artist's Bluff and Bald Mt:
Off Rt 18 in Franconia Notch State Park, just before the parking the for Echo Lake. Fine views for very little effort. 1.5 miles - 1.25 hrs.

Basin-Cascades Trail:
Off Rt 3 in Franconia Notch State Park. Starts at the Basin and ascends along beautiful Cascade Brook, ending at Cascade Brook Trail.
2 miles - 1.5 hrs or continue to Lonesome Lake for a round trip of 5.2mi; 4.25 hrs.

Black Cap Path:
3.7 miles off Route 16, Intervale on Hurricane Mtn. Rd. Trail through spruce and beech forests leads to the bare summit. 2.4 miles - 2 hours.

Boulder Loop Trail:
Dugway Road off the Kancamagus Highway. Excellent views for relatively little effort. An interpretive leaflet, keyed to numbered stations along the trail, is usually available. 2.8 miles - 2 to 4 hours.

Diana's Baths:
Dirt road off West Side Road, Bartlett. 0.7 of a mile past Cathedral Ledge Road. Easy, relatively flat walk to beautiful rocky cascades. 1.0 miles (round-trip) - 40 minutes.

Greeley Ponds:
9.5 miles E of Lincoln on Kancamagus Scenic Byway. Grades are easy and the ponds beautiful. Upper Greeley Pond: 3.5 miles - 2 hours from the highway. Lower pond is 0.5 miles (one-way) farther.

Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trail:
4 miles E of Lincoln on Kancamagus Highway. Follows an abandoned railroad grade. Franconia Falls - 3.2 miles one way -- 1 hour 35 minutes or 6.4 miles round-trip-- 3 hours.

Lonesome Lake:
Lafayette Place, Franconia Notch. Excellent footing on old bridle path; beautiful view of Franconia Ridge from shore. Moderate to Easy Grade. 3.25 miles -- 2.5 hours

Mt. Willard:
Route 302, Crawford Railroad Station. Goes to the ledges above the cliffs overlooking Crawford Notch. Easy grades, good footing, wonderful views. 3 miles -- 2 hours.

Old Bridle Path:
Off Route 113 between Holderness and Center Sandwich. An easy route up West Rattlesnake for a view of Squam Lake. 1.8 miles -- 1.5 hours.

Rail 'n River Trail:
At the Passaconway historic Site on the eastern end of the Kancamagus Highway. A self-guided nature trail with an easy grade that takes just 30 minutes..

Ripley Falls:
Side road off Rt 302 in Crawford Notch, 1 mile south of Willey House site. Start on Ethan pond Trail, then follow Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail to gorgeous 100 foot waterfall. 1.2 miles -- 1 hour.

Sanguinary Ridge Trail:
Route 26, Dixville Notch. Starts at Flume Brook picnic area, climbs a scenic ridge. Spectacular views of Lake Gloriette and the Balsams Hotel. 3 miles -- 2.5 hours.

Three Ponds Trail:
Off Stinson Lake Rd. in Warren. A relatively easy walk to an attractive pond and pond-side shelter. 5 miles -- 3 hours.

Welch-Dickey Loop Trail:
Fine view for modest effort. Trail begins at the Orris Road parking area off Upper Mad River Road in Waterville Valley. 4.4 miles -- 3 hours 10 minutes

For More Information on mountain weather, hiking safety and trail conditions contact
The Appalachian Mountain Club,
Route 16 Pinkham Notch, NH 03581 or call (603)466-2727.

There are 1200 miles of trails on the White Mountain National Forest.
For Information on hiking and other recreational opportunities on the Forest, write or call:

White Mountain National Forest
719 Main St., Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 528-8721