New Hampshire (NH) Walking and Hiking in White Mountains

Town of Bethlehem

So many trails to choose from, over different terrain types, in this mountain region

Every season in the White Mountains is breathtaking, and what better way to observe those remarkable vistas than by hiking along the region’s miles of inviting trails. In the Bethlehem, N.H., area, hikers often comment on the exceptional air quality and unsurpassed rugged beauty as well as the variety of trails to choose from. Take a paved trail up to the top of Mount Agassiz or stroll the short 1.5-mile Profile Rail Trail or the trails in the Bethlehem Town Forest. Extensive trails can also be found in Bretzfelder Memorial Park or The Rocks Estate, where the views are jaw-dropping and the wildlife plentiful, or hike some of the 4,000 footers in Bethlehem for spectacular views. The Appalachian Trail and many of New Hampshire's 4,000 footers are just up the road for more adventurous hikers.

Purity Spring Resort

1251 Eaton Road (Route 153) East Madison, NH, 03849 Phone: 603-367-8896 Toll-Free: 800-373-3754

A White Mountain paradise for walking and hiking

Purity Spring Resort offers a timeless setting in the White Mountains to experience New Hampshire on foot. Nearby are the over-4,000-foot mountains to climb nearby and trails on-site with varied terrain and challenges. Easy hikes of 15-90 minutes can be found on the Audubon Trails that pass through farm pastures that have evolved into old growth forests. More moderate hikes lead you up to great views and places to relax. The Nordic Ski trails wind around Purity Lake including one that leads from the resort to Sunset Beach where you can enjoy a post hike dip. Bring your gear for an outdoor adventure at this affordable vacation resort that’s been welcoming walkers and hikers for more than a century.

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

Scenic vistas, well-marked carriage roads and wooded trails make this place a paradise for hikers

Everywhere you turn is a beautiful vista when you walk, hike or jog along the pathways at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center at the foot of Mt. Washington. The center offers 28 miles of trails, from rolling carriage roads to challenging single tracks and double tracks through the woods, surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountains. Clearly marked trails and the spectacular ever-changing scenery make the center a great place to hike in spring, summer and fall. Dogs on leashes are welcome. The center also offers trail running/walking series, a way to encourage you to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Runners and walkers can time themselves, or not, and choose long, short or mini courses.

Crawford Notch State Park

1464 US Route 302 Harts Location, NH, 03812 Phone: 603-374-2272

Mountain vistas, waterfalls, rivers, mountain hiking, campground

This is a place of spectacular mountain views, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Hikers can expect to see magnificent views. Hiking map.
See full listing for Crawford Notch State Park.

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Franconia Notch State Park

Route 93 Franconia, NH, 03580 Phone: 603-823-8800

Park in a mountain pass has a lake, bicycling, camping, daytime attractions

This magnificent park within a mountain pass has the Lafayette Campground, open mid-May to Columbus Day. The park is popular for hiking. Parking can be difficult; please see the link below for parking for hikers. Hiking map. Parking for hikers.

See full description of Franconia Notch State Park.

Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trail

Four miles east of Lincoln off Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) Lincoln, NH Phone:

The Lincoln Woods Trail follows an old railroad grade. It starts at the Pemigewasset River suspension foot bridge. The trailhead has a ranger station and visitor center, bathrooms, and information about weather and walking conditions. The trails include Lincoln Woods Trail, Pine Island Trail, East Side Trail, Osseo Trail, River View Loop, Pemigewasset Wilderness, Flume Slide Trail, Black Pond Trail, Franconia Brook Trail, the Wilderness Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Lincoln Brook Trail, Bondcliff Trail, and others. The Franconia Brook Campsite is on the East Side Trail.
Distance: Three to six of easy walking .
Directions: Lincoln Woods trailhead parking lot GPS coordinates are: N44° 03.811 | W071° 35.306. Map to trailhead.

Rocks Estate

4 Christmas Lane Bethlehem, NH Phone: 603-444-6228

This area features hiking trails, picnic areas and educational programs. The Rocks Estate has an extensive trail system open daily from dawn to sunset. Maps are available at our information kiosk near the parking lot. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Scrapbook Memory Trail meanders past the Tea House and Formal Gardens, the Carriage Barn, and the Tool Shed, with a winter stop at the fire pit, and great views in all seasons. (0.8 miles/easy).
Christmas Tree Trail leads visitors through The Rocks Christmas tree farm, past wetland, and artfully crafted stone walls, with views of the White Mountains along the way. (0.8 miles/easy)
Heritage Trail leads wanderers through woods and meadow, pausing at 20 sites along the way to tell the history of The Rocks estate. (1.5 miles/easy).

Boulder Loop Trail

Dugway Road off Kancamagus Highway Conway, NH Phone:

Boulder Loop Trail is a 3.1-mile loop trail in the forest, with lots of big boulders for kids to climb. The trail may be used from May until October. Dogs may this trail. The loop has good views from the top. Some rocky surfaces may be slippery when they are wet. In the spring or after a heavy rain, certain areas may show small washouts.
Distance & Elevation: 3.1 miles; 1750 feet
Difficulty: Moderate; fine for kids and teenagers

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Elephant Head Trail in Crawford Notch State Park

In Crawford Notch State Park off Route 302, just a little south of Saco Lake Carroll Carroll, NH Phone:

Just a bit south of the Crawford Notch train station and Saco Lake on Route 302, look for the trailhead. See the giant elephant's head formation across the road from the parking lot. The trail starts across the road from the parking lot. Elephant Head Trail offers a great view for little effort. It is a bit rugged but you walk only about one-third of a mile to see a sweeping view of Crawford Notch

Echo Lake State Park

68 Echo Lake Road (Route 302) Conway, NH, 03818 Phone: 603-356-2672

Swimming, picnicking, scenic trails to Cathedral Ledge, rock and ice climbing

The park has a scenic trail around the lake for views of Cathedral Ledge and also trails to take visitors to the top of the ledge itself, with expansive views of the White Mountains.
Admission: Adults $4, Children 6-11 $2. - Trail Map (PDF)

State

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Lakes

Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

Seacoast

White Mountains region is a lovely setting for walking and hiking