The Best Scenic Hikes in the White Mountains | The Best 5
Heading to the Whites in search of stunning views? Our list of picks for the Best Scenic Hikes in the White Mountains is a good place to start!
By Marty Basch|Aug 30 2013|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanThe peripatetic Marty Basch lives and hikes in the high country of north-central New Hampshire, the source for his bicycling book, The White Mountain Ride Guide: A Backroad and Trailside Companion (Top of the World Communications, 1998), among his other outdoor adventure accounts. Read his picks for the best scenic hikes in the White Mountains.
Best 5 Scenic Hikes in the White Mountains
Mount Eisenhower
There’s nothing easy about a New Hampshire 4,000-footer, but the taxing trek up 4,760-foot Eisenhower in Chandlers Purchase generally offers fine footing before the steep push to its flat, bald crown; the awe-inspiring view takes in fellow outlying Presidential Range jewels. J. Rayner Edmands’ careful trail design has withstood countless steps since 1909, helping hikers to reach the sweeping panorama.
Edmands Path & Mount Eisenhower Loop, 6.6 miles round trip. Trailhead on Mount Clinton Road, Crawfords Purchase, NH.
Welch & Dickey Mountains
A splendid loop connects these two low-lying mountains near Waterville Valley, featuring Mad River Valley vistas, mostly forgiving hiking, and incredible ledges. There’s some rock scrambling, but the eye candy is worth it.
Welch-Dickey Loop Trail, 4.4 miles. Trailhead 6 miles east on Route 49 from I-93 Exit 28; turn left on Upper Mad River Road and right on Orris Road, Waterville Valley, NH.
Mount Willard
The hike to the ledges of this small Willey Range peak in Crawford Notch serves up an eagle’s-eye view of a U-shaped valley. The trek leaves a lofty neighborhood—including the source of the Saco River, a train depot, and the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center—and ends at an open perch showcasing the towering Webster Cliffs, historic Willey Slide, and more.
Mount Willard Trail, 3.2 miles round trip. Trailhead on Route 302, about 8 miles south of junction Routes 302/3, Crawford Notch State Park, Harts Location, NH.
Photo Credit : Taylor Thomas
Franconia Ridge
Arduous and wonderful, the traverse over Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette is a classic high-wire circuit, with a healthy share of the trip above treeline. Simply, it showcases the glory of the White Mountains. Be cognizant of exposure to weather.
Old Bridle Path, Falling Waters, Franconia Ridge, and Greenleaf Trails, 9 miles. Trailhead at Lafayette Place Campground exit off Franconia Notch Parkway (I-93), Franconia/Lincoln, NH.
Mount Chocorua
With a multitude of exacting trail choices, paths lead to the bare 3,500-foot summit in Albany and its superb stage showcasing the vastness of the Whites and beyond. A wonderful vantage point to see Mount Washington and the unspoiled Sandwich Range Wilderness.
Champney Falls Trail, 7.6 miles round trip. Trailhead about 10 miles west on Kancamagus Highway from junction Routes 112/16, Albany, NH.
What tops your list for the best scenic hikes in the White Mountains?
Where are the autumn colors this year?
found great colors at Baxter State Park a week ago, Rangeley a week before that, now they are on the coast, Camden has lovely colors right now
I will always have a fondness for the White Mountains where I lived in my earlier days. It is fun reading about the hiking trails, businesses still in operation and new ones opening. Especially love reading about the younger generation going back to farming and making their own natural products. Glad Yankee has maintained those types of stories being told!
I climbed Mt. Chocorua when I was 12 years old. It was quite an arduous hike to the summit but it was worth the hard work. The view from the summit was astonishingly grand. Incredible views of the White Mountains and Mount Washington. Along the climb up there were beautiful cold water streams and the water was so cold and refreshing to drink. I also climbed Mount Washington which was also difficult but even in July there was snow at the summit! Amazing. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are some of the most amazing Mountains in North America. Loved my time there while I was at overnight Camp near Bridgton, Maine.