White Mountains region is a lovely setting for walking and hiking

New Hampshire > White Mountains > Outdoor Activities > Walking and Hiking

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.

Waterville Valley Resort

33 Village Road Waterville Valley, NH, 03215 Phone: 603-468-2553 Toll-Free: 800-468-2553

Miles of mountain, valley trails to hike, walk, enjoy

The hiking and walking options at Waterville Valley, a historic resort surrounded by 700,000 acres of magnificent national forest, are nearly limitless. Using the village’s Adventure Center as your home base (it’s steps from all the lodging options), plan a heart-thumping hike up Mount Osceola, where you can also “chimney” down a short rock face, choose to ascend another 4,000-foot mountain peak or opt for an easy-walking path through the woods and across brooks and streams. After all, there are over 100 miles of well-marked scenic trails to choose from for every level of hiking ability, and each comes with breathtaking views and crisp, invigorating mountain air.

Great Glen Trails

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

Outdoor Fun That's Just Right for The Entire Family

At the Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, we offer adventures in all shapes and sizes. During the spring and summer you can set out on a hike, run, or bike ride on any of our scenic trails through New Hampshire's White Mountains. Or join us for a guided bird watching tour or a paddling trip on the Androscoggin River. In winter, the cross country skiing and snowshoeing is absolutely glorious. Our trail system of easy and rolling terrain allows skiers of all abilities to find the right level of activity, challenge, and fun. The trails are groomed with both double tracks and a skating lane and run through the forests at the base of Mt. Washington. And the SnowCoach makes everything accessible to all, with or without skis. It's the natural vacation plan for you and your family.

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 information.
See full listing for Crawford Notch State Park

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Flume Gorge & Visitor Center

852 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3) Franconia Notch, NH Phone: 603-745-8391

The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The granite walls rise 70 to 90 above the gorge and are about 15 feet apart. You may walk through just the Gorge or do a two-mile loop or trails and stairs. Prepare for uphill walking and lots of stairs. The boardwalk allows you to examine the flowers, ferns and mosses found here.
A trip into the Flume begins and ends at the Flume Visitor's Center. A 15-minute movie at the Visitor Center provides an introduction to Franconia Notch State Park and the Flume Gorge. Kids are invited to explore the Wolf's Den. Open mid-May to late October. Check for seasonal changes in hours.

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. Trail map.
See full description of Echo Lake 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

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. See map.
Distance & Elevation: 3.1 miles; 1750 feet
Difficulty: Moderate; fine for kids and teenagers

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).

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Great North Woods

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Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

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