10 Best White Mountain Day Hikes
Get out and safely explore the great outdoors with this collection of vista-filled White Mountain day hikes.
By Ian Aldrich|Sep 02 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanGenerations of hikers have flocked to New Hampshire’s White Mountains region for a wilderness retreat — and for many, that means a good day hike. So what are the best White Mountain day hikes? There is no shortage of options, and several routes are among the most scenic in the Northeast. For insight, we turned to Steve Smith, who has owned the Mountain Wanderer bookstore in Lincoln, New Hampshire, since 1998. Smith knows the region as few others do: He’s hiked virtually every square inch of the White Mountains and has also edited the last four editions of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s White Mountain Guide. Read on for his favorites, as well as a few of our own.
10 Best White Mountain Day Hikes
Photo Credit : Taylor Thomas
Franconia Ridge
To be sure, this nine-mile round-trip trek is challenging — but oh, the rewards. Hikers traverse Franconia Ridge from Little Haystack Mountain before venturing on to Mount Lafayette. With a healthy share of the trip above treeline, it’s one of the most eye-popping day hikes in the entire region.
SEE MORE: Franconia Ridge Loop | The Perfect White Mountains Hike
Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
Arethusa Falls
The show-stopping spectacle of New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall marks the conclusion of this 1.5-mile (one-way) trek. While sections of the trail require some careful navigation over tree roots, this family-friendly hike offers prime territory for young hikers and those rediscovering their nature legs.
SEE MORE: Discover Arethusa Falls, New Hampshire’s Amazing 140-Foot Waterfall
Photo Credit : James Doucett
Baldface Mountain Loop
Smith loves this strenuous 10-mile loop. “It’s a little out of the way, and hard, because there’s a lot of elevation, but there’s so much open ledge walking,” he says. “It’s great.” Hikers scale two summits, and peak views include a distant shot of Mount Washington, the Northeast’s tallest peak and famously home to the “world’s worst weather.”
Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
Mount Chocorua
“Nobody ever goes wrong with Chocorua,” says Smith. The Mount Chocorua Loop Trail is an 8.5-mile route that brings hikers to the top of one of the most striking-looking peaks in the Whites. The easily identifiable cone-shaped top is visible from miles away, and its 360-degree views extend deep into the region.
Photo Credit : Joe Klementovich
Mount Willard
Hikers get their money’s worth on this 3.2-mile round-trip hike. “There are some fantastic views of Crawford Notch to be found here,” says Smith. The trek departs from a lofty neighborhood — which includes 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.
Photo Credit : Jeremy Barnaby
Mount Moosilauke
“Another one of my favorites,” says Smith. The eight-mile loop takes hikers up the Gorge Brook Trail to the summit of Mount Moosilauke, then follows Moosilauke Carriage Road and the Snapper and Gorge Brook trails for the return trip. On a clear day, views extend into Vermont and sometimes even New York’s Adirondacks region.
Photo Credit : Jim Salge
Tuckerman Ravine & Mount Washington
This 8.4-mile round-trip hike is rugged and demanding. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s also one of the most rewarding hiking experiences you’ll find east of the Mississippi. Tuck’s dramatic landscape looks like something an overzealous designer created in Photoshop. Its ravine attracts visitors throughout the year, most notably in spring, when daring skiers test their skills against its headwall. The Ravine Trail continues to the top of Mount Washington. But come prepared: A good portion of the hike is above treeline, and the weather up top can change in an instant. During the summer season, water, food, and other supplies can be picked up at the visitors center atop the peak.
SEE MORE: Doing the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire’s White Mountains | Tips
Photo Credit : Jim Salge
Welch Dickey Loop
This magnificent loop connects the Welch and Dickey mountains near New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley. Rock scrambling, ledges, and some stunning views of the Mad River Valley are all featured attractions in this 4.5-mile trek. It’s family-friendly and, during prime hiking weather, somewhat busy. “It’s a real joy to walk, because you’re in the open so much without having to work as much,” says Smith. “It’s not easy, but it’s a real classic.”
Photo Credit : Chris Whiton
Mount Pemigewasset
The featured hike here is the modest Mount Pemigewasset Trail, a 3.6-mile round-trip journey that puts nature lovers atop a 2,500-foot peak in the heart of the Franconia Notch region. For families with young children, this is an excellent introduction to New Hampshire’s White Mountains region. Wildflowers, wild birds, and stream crossings predominate.
Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
Artists Bluffs Trail
For those looking for a relatively easy introduction to the White Mountains, this 1.5-mile loop trail is a wonderfully accessible option. The end point is an overlook that offers photo-worthy views of nearby Echo Lake and the surrounding Franconia Notch State Park.
This post was first published in 2018 and has been updated.
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Great choices! I recommend Bond cliffs via the Wilderness trail. I’ve hiked there on 3 occasions.
One of my favorite hikes in the Bartlett/North Conway area is the Mount Kearsarge North Trail from Hurricane Mountain Road to the summit of Mount Kearsarge North. The summit is graced by a 1951 era fire tower providing 360 degree views of the Mount Washington Valley. All except the very last half mile or so is fairly easy hiking with that last section somewhat strenuous – rocky etc. The sight of the tower as you approach the summit tells you that it was worth the effort. Although I have never summited Mount Kearsarge North by other than the trail from Hurricane Mountain Road it can also be reached by the Weeks Brook Trail from South Chatham.
Thanks Steve for your advise. Would you also know affordable overnight cabins or motels in the area and a 4000 footer you recommend. Best Regards. Tony
If noone answers you can likely find motels or hotels or cabins on,inexpensive. Probsbly the closer you get to the trailheads, the more expensive they will be, but that is just a guess. There’s a ,ot of camping and cabins in the region. So it shouldn’t be too hard to find somehting – Google something like “white mountain cabins. Rentals”
It very rarely happens, but might be wise to take along some bear spray, and a loud “sonic whistle”, as you will likely be carrying food and water on the hikes. Enter to have the spray and not need it than not have it and need it. There was a report of a group of folks hiking who were followed by an emaciated bear which got too close for comfort- turns out the hikers had food in their backpacks. Bears have phenomenal smelling. Attacks though are very rare, but it’s usually,sick or starv8ng bears that are a problem- at least where I hike. I don’t know about rattler snakes in the area, but I know in some places in ny they have some here and there, so be a bit careful or find out beforehand if they are in the area. Bring plenty of water especially,if it’s hotter out or especially if it’s humid, and don’t drink from the streams as there is a real risk,of beaver fever (giardia)- I know a person that got it, and it’s not fun. There are specialty straws that filter out the bad stuff if you wanna carry that and save some weight.
The reason for,the whistle is 2 fold. One just give a blast every nkw and again to give bears warning that you are in the area so,you don’t step around a corner and surprise them, especially a mother with cubs. And 2 incase you get Injured or off the path and lost. There are some “sonic whistles” on Amazon that are very very loud, you can hear them over a mile away. We got one and it’s really ear piercing and easily heard from far away. Use it every do,often if lost or hurt and in need of help. Might even wanna use the S.O.S code from time to time. We used to carry small air horns, but these whistles I beleive are even louder and take up way less room and won’t run out of air which is a risk,with the air horns. If you wanna take the horns, test them briefly before heading out to make sure the cans haven’t leaked out. For folks who aren’t used to hiking, be aware that some hikes are grueling, and if you overestimate your ability, you will find yourself exhausted in the middle of the hike- don’t underestimate the length of the hikes. You might be able to,make it to the destination point during daylight, but you have to remember that you have the same distance to walk back- be indful,of,the time of day, and the length of the trail. Carry a small flashlight just incase you miscalculate- extra batteries would,be a good,idea too. There are some excellent very small lights these days that don’t take up hardly any room. I’ve been caught miles outminmthe woods after dark, and it’s challenging to get back,out- a flashlight is a huge help In such situations. Don’t learn the hard way like,I did.
Excellent story and help.
An out of the way part of the White Mountains is Evans Notch, running right along the border of New Hampshire and Maine. Some very nice trails off the road leading north through the notch from Fryeburg. Nearly fifty years ago, we took our daughters no a trail up along Bickford Brook. We then, for whatever reason, decided to follow the brook with, sometimes, using the boulders in the brook. We found a beautiful pool below a terrific waterfall. We returned many times and even found a chasm created by the Brook above the waterfall. A few years ago, we took our granddaughters to the same pool. They even swam in the pool. Brrrrr!