|
Trail |
Description |
Directions |
Distance (roundtrip, unless
otherwise noted) |
|
Easy |
|
Flume Gorge
|
This is a pretty walk in
Franconia Notch State Park with several waterfalls and rapids in a narrow canyon.
The trail will take you to all of the park's waterfalls.
There is an entrance fee. The trail is easy, flat, and
safe. There is also a free shuttle bus to take a short part of
the way. |
The trailhead is at the Flume Visitor
Center off I-93 |
2.0 mi |
|
Ripley Falls |
Ripley Falls is a 100-foot high cascade where Avalanche Brook flows
over moss-covered sloping granite. The falls are easily
reached by a trail that is short but a little steep at spots. |
Follow the Ripley Falls Trail which
leaves left from the Ethan Pond Trail shortly after it begins at the
end of the access road, which leaves Route 302 one mile southeast of
the Willey House Site. |
1 mile |
| Pond Loop Trail |
The Pond Loop Trail
leads through the woods to a
view point of the pond, and loops back to the bridge.
|
Begin
across the road and bridge from the Willey House site. |
.5 mile |
|
Sam Wiley Trail |
The
Sam Wiley Trail
follows the Saco River through the woods past several beaver dams,
and loops back to the bridge. |
Begin
across the road and bridge from the Willey House site.
|
1
mile |
| Greeley Ponds/Mount
Osceola |
The hike to Greeley Ponds is an easy
walk and is particularly nice if you want an easy day hike and some good
scenery. There is Upper and then Lower Greeley Ponds, each
bordered by mountains. Upper
Greeley Pond is an aqua-green color and is surrounded by old growth timber and cliffs. Lower Greeley Pond is shallow
and more typical of a beaver pond. Both ponds offer trout fishing
It is a nice place to stop for lunch.
About.1 mile before you reach the ponds, there is a
sign directing you to Mt. Osceola's east peak. The trail
climbs 2500 feet and it is pretty rocky and difficult. The
views are limited, the best being just before we hiked across a slab
of rock. From there, all views were very limited. |
The trailhead is
9 miles east of
Exit 32, I-93 on the Kancamagus Highway.
|
5 miles for the
ponds, 9 for Mt. Osceola's East Peak |
| Lowe's
Bald Spot |
Views from the 3,000
foot opening on Mount Washington's slope gives great views of the
Great Gulf, Mount Adams, and Mount Madison with little effort.
|
Use the Tuckerman Ravine
Trail behind the Pinkham Notch Lodge |
4.2 miles |
| Sabbaday Falls
|
This is a short hike to very pretty
falls. The path has wood rails and steps so most everyone can
see the falls. The trail goes to the pool at the base and works its way
to the top. The water falls into three pools and has carved the rock
into some interesting formations that are explained on a nearby
display by the lowest pool. |
The trailhead is on the Kancamagus
Hwy., 16 miles west of Conway |
.8 mile, roundtrip |
|
Moderate |
|
Mt. Willard
|
Don't underestimate
this beautiful hike because of its ease.
The trail to Mt. Willard's
2,804-foot summit
is one of the
prettiest hikes we took on our vacation to New Hampshire. The hike
itself is up an old carriage road and is steep and a little bit
rocky the whole trip. However, the short distance makes it
easier. The lookout point at the
end gives you a view of Mt. Jackson and the surrounding mountains
and valleys. |
Cross the rail road tracks right
behind the Crawford Notch Visitors Center |
3.8 mi
|
| Lonesome Lake & Kinsman Peaks |
This trail starts on the Lonesome
Lake Tr., make a left on Cascade Brook Tr. and after climbing 1,000
feet in 1.1 miles, you'll reach the Lonesome Lake Hut. The
trail is well maintained with planks at muddy spots and some
switchbacks to ease the grade. As with all the AMC huts, there are
bunks for overnight stays and meals. The hut stands in front of
Lonesome Lake where you can take a swim with beautiful views of the
Franconia Ridge peaks. It is a great family hike and very
popular. Continue on the Fishin' Jimmy Tr. then the Kinsman Ridge
Tr. to Kinsman North then Kinsman South peaks. This trail is
more difficult climbing 1,500 feet in the next 2.25 miles over high
steps and rocky sections. The view from the peaks, and a ledge
just before reaching them, are of the Franconia Ridge summits,
primarily Little Haystack, Liberty, Lincoln and Liberty. From the
peaks you will also see the Kinsman Pond, a definite place to stop
on the way down. You can reach it by turning toward the shelter at
Kinsman Junction and walking .1 mile. There are great views of
the North Peak's ledges soaring over the pond. |
Southbound on US 93-exit at Lafayette Place
Campground, trailhead parking is on the immediate left.
Northbound on US 93-there is also parking by
taking the exit marked "The Basin". An unnumbered exit indicates
trailhead parking.
|
Roundtrip - 2.2 miles to Lonesome Lake, 7.8 miles to
Kinsman North Peak and 11.2 miles to Kinsman North Peak |
| Mount Crawford |
This is one of the best
views of the Presidents and reached much more easily that one of the
big summit hikes. The steep trail gains 2100 feet in 2.4 miles that
are eased by the switchbacks (not common in this area) and a
relatively clear trail. The
views from the rocky summit are excellent including Crawford Notch,
the Dry River Valley and Mount Carrigain. |
From the parking area cross the Saco
River cross a suspension bridge and start up an old bridle path. The
steep grade is eased by switchbacks. |
4.8 miles |
|
Mt. Chocorua via
Champney Brook Trail
|
Mt. Chocorua trail is beautiful.
Part of it goes along Champney Brook, passing cascades that fall
over 200 feet in total. At the top, the views are amazing but usually crowded.
From the summit are views of the Presidential Peaks and Crawford
Notch and west are views of Tripyramid, Tecumseh and Whiteface. |
The trailhead is on the Kancamagus Hwy, 10 mi. west of Conway
& Route 16 |
7.25 mi |
| Imp Face
|
Two different trails
(and trailheads) lead to this beautiful lookout. There is the South
Trail and the North Trail. The North is steeper, so we recommend
the South up and North down. The trailheads are only .2 mile away
from each other, so it is easy to walk back to your car. The view
at the top, which is the edge of a cliff, is about 180 degrees and makes a great lunch spot, where
you can eat while admiring the great views of the northern Presidential Peaks,
including Mounts Washington, Jefferson,
Clay, Madison and Adams |
The trailheads are on Route 16,
4.9 miles north of the Pinkham Notch visitors' center.
Going north, it is on the right side. Park along the road. |
6.5 mi. if you do the loop. 4.5
miles if you go out and back from the north trailhead. |
| Welch & Dickey
Mountains |
This is one of my favorite family hikes in New Hampshire. It is fun for the kids, a little challenging
and offers great views. If you start by summiting Welch (safer
route), you will climb about 1,600 feet in almost 2 miles.
There is a flat area just before the final leg up Welch where there
are blueberries and great views of the Sandwich Range. From there
you will climb steep granite rock face then twist between some
boulders until you reach the top where there are views of Dickey Mtn,
the Sandwich Range and the valley. After descending about 300 feet
through forest, re-climb to Dickey's peak that offers views of the
Franconia Ridge, the Mad River Valley and Cannon Mtn. The
return from Dickey is safer and provides views most of the way
down. |
From I-93, take NH 49, and at the
second junction with Upper Mad River Road, left to Orris Road and
another left. The trailhead is at the end of the road along
with some portable bathrooms. |
4.5 miles |
| Mount
Star King |
Mount Star King's quiet
3,913 foot summit will give you views of Mounts Washington,
Jefferson, Adams and Madison among other Presidential Peaks. |
At the junction of
Routes 2 and 115, go west 3.6 miles and make a right at the Forest
Service Sign. It will lead to a parking lot. |
5.5 miles |
| Zeacliff via the
Zealand Trail |
This is another great family hike
that offers incredible views. It starts as a very easy trail
gaining 1,000 feet over 3.5 miles to the Zealand Hut. Along
the way, pass several beaver ponds where frogs are singing and there
are good views on the broad path relatively free of rocks and at
times covered by planks and wood bridges to keep you dry. At
the hut you can stop a while, have a bite to eat and enjoy great
views of Zealand Notch before continuing to the cliff. Take
the Twinway Trail 1.2 miles to the edge of the broad open cliffs
that have views into the Notch. The last time we were there
the rain just stopped and a rainbow spread across the notch
Make sure to take the short side trail to Zealand Falls. If
you still have the energy, you can then make a side trip to Thoreau
Falls when you return to the hut by taking the Ethan Pond Trail. |
The trailhead is in Zealand
Campground. From US 302 take Zealand Road 3.4 miles |
Roundtrip - 7 to the hut, 8.4 to the cliff,
roundtrip |
| Ethan Pond |
The Ethan Pond Tr. climbs 1,4000 feet
to Ethan Pond nestled under Mount Willey and distant views of
Mounts Zealand, Bond and Guyot. There is a shelter across the
pond and tent platforms. The trail is gradual with flat
sections that ease the climb and wooden planks across the muddy
sections nearer the pond. Make sure to turn toward the shelter to
get to the pond. Beautiful Thoreau Falls is about 1.5 miles
further on Ethan Pond Tr. where there are great views and you can
take a refreshing dip. |
The trailhead is in a parking area at
the south end of Crawford Notch State Park on US 302 marked for the
Appalachian Tr. It is 1.1 miles south of the Willey House snack
area. |
Roundtrip 4.8 to
Ethan Pond and 7.8 to Thoreau Falls |
|
Arethusa Falls
|
The hike to this 200
foot waterfall, the highest in New Hampshire, may be the most popular in the White Mountains area. There is a
shallow pool at the base of the falls that is perfect to soak your
feet in or to let children splash around. The trip to
Frankenstein Cliff is continued from the falls using the Arethusa-Ripley
Falls Trail then the Frankenstein Cliff Trail. There are good
views of Crawford Notch and Mt. Washington. The view is similar to
that on My. Willard. |
The trailhead is on US 302, in
Crawford Notch area, 3.2 miles south of Wiley House. It is well
marked. |
2.5 miles
4.5
miles if you do a loop that includes Frankenstein Cliff |
|
Difficult |
| Mount Jefferson via the
Caps Ridge Trail |
There are a few ways to get to
Jefferson's summit, but we found this to be the quickest to get
above tree line and enjoy great views.
The trail climbs 2,700 feet, much of it exposed. There are two large
caps that you will have to climb over by hands and feet. The trail will take you the full day
and you should take your time and enjoy it. Of all the hikes I
have taken in N.H. this had the most incredible scenery; you feel
like you can reach out and touch Mounts Clay and Washington.
Once on the top, the views expand to include Mount Adams, the Great Gulf
and other peaks.
After the summit, you can continue to the Monticello Lawn which is a
flat grassy area that in season includes beautiful wildflowers. If
you want to expand the hike, come down on the Castle Trail
then connect with the Link Trail back to the Caps Ridge. This will
avoid having to come back down the caps which can be tricky, and
provide some great views of the Ravine. The Link Trail is
seldom used and somewhat overgrown as you make your way through the
forest on Jefferson's flank so it will be slow going as well as
adding about 3.5 miles. As a note of caution, do not take this trail
if there is any threat of rain or high winds; I have been stuck on
the caps when a storm snuck up and it is slippery and dangerous. |
From US 302, east, turn left on Base
Road and at 4.4 miles there is a dirt road. It is not marked but
this is Jefferson Notch Rd. At 3.2 miles, you will see the
trailhead. |
5.4 miles |
| Cherry Mountain |
This seldom used trail leads to the
top of Mount Martha (also know as Cherry Mountain) and Owl's
Head. The trail will turn just before you reach the summit of Mt.
Martha and continues to a forest road. You will want to
continue up the summit, .2 miles from the turn. From the
summit are good views of the Presidential Range that includes
Jefferson, Monroe, Madison and Washington along with the cog
railway. Walk between the still standing legs of an old fire tower
to get views of Franconia Notch and the Kinsman range. Returning,
you will see a side path and a sign that leads to Owl's Head down
Martha's Mile Tr. I don't think the .8 miles directed by this sign
is right-we thought it was much less. You will descend about 400
feet here. The views from there are even better. It is an incredible
panorama of the Presidential Range. |
From US 3, take NH 115 (north) for
1.9 miles where you will see trailhead parking. |
5.4 miles
Elevation 1900 ft to Mt Martha, 400 foot descent to Owl's Head |
| Mount Eisenhower,
Franklin and Monroe via the Edmunds Path |
This is our favorite hike in New
Hampshire. Once above tree line, it is nonstop scenery and it keeps
getting better as you go. You can turn around at any point or
stay at Lake of the Clouds Hut overnight if you want to head
back the next day. Edmunds Path is a beautiful, well maintained
trail that is well drained and has minimal rocks. After
getting above tree line at 3 miles, you will walk on an exposed
ridge. Summit Eisenhower on the Eisenhower Loop Trail
then use the Crawford Path to summit Franklin and Monroe. You will
walk over a long col getting there with views the whole way, the
best views being from Monroe. You can connect to the Ammonoosuc
Trail after the Lake of the Clouds Hut (see below) for an incredible
trail but you will need a ride back to the Edmunds trailhead. The peaks of Eisenhower, Franklin
and Monroe are 4760, 5001, and 5372 feet respectively. |
Getting to the trail is a little
tricky. Going west on US 302, pass the Crawford Notch information
center and Saco Lake. Immediately on the left, you will pass an
unmarked rough road that is Mount Clinton Road. You first pass the
trailhead for Crawford Path. Go another 2.3 miles to the
trailhead. |
One Way
- 3.4 miles to Eisenhower summit, 5 miles to Monroe summit |
| Mounts Madison and
Adams via the Valley Way Trail |
Because of its gradual elevation
change we preferred this trail over the many others that reach these
summits. The trail does not get difficult until the last half mile
before reaching the Hut at Madison Spring-you must climb a steep
grade over large boulders-you are close to this when you pass a
signed camping area just off the trail. Once past the hut, the
trails to the peaks will require very strenuous grades over massive
boulders. You will at times need to use your hands. From
the hut onward the Presidential Peaks rise up from the Jefferson
Ravine and Madison Gulf. From the peak of either of these summits
the close up views of the neighboring mountains including Mount
Washington, are fantastic. Along the path between these summits,
make sure to stop at Star Lake for a great picture of Mt. Madison
reflected in the lake and walk up the nearby rocks (the Parapet) for
additional views. For a little variety, from Madison's peak, you can
take the Watson trail to intersect with the Valley Way trail. Try
the pumpkin soup at the hut if its available. |
The trailhead is at the Appalachia
Trailhead parking lot on US 2, about 6 miles west of Gorham |
8.4 miles summiting Mount Madison
The elevation change to Madison's summit is 4200
feet. |
| Mount Washington via
the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail |
Because of the waterfalls and
cascades along the Ammonoosuc River that flows beside most of this
trail, it is probably New Hampshire's most beautiful trail.
Unfortunately, the views from Mount Washington's summit are not
always too good because of the smog. About 2 miles in, you will pass
the Gem Pool where you can enjoy a break-a small falls drops into as
beautiful pool where you can rest for a while. As you will begin the
worst stretch of this hike up stone steps and then a steep
headwall that will be a little over a mile take a small detour to
the Gorge where a part of the river divides into two separate falls.
This steep climb will go fast as you continue to pass several
gorgeous water falls before reaching the Lake of the Clouds Hut where you can get a break
before taking the Crawford Path up to Washington's peak, another
1,200 feet of elevation and 1.4 miles up a rocky path.
Because the views from Washington are seldom clear
I prefer avoiding the crowds and
instead going to Mount Monroe from the Hut; the views were much
better and you only climb a little more than 300 above the hut in
about .5 mile. From there take a walk along Bigelow Lawn connecting
from the Camel Trail to Davis Path and finally Boot Spur Trail for
fantastic views into Tuckerman Ravine.
After summiting Monroe, it is also great to use
the Crawford Path to summit Franklin then Eisenhower for more
incredible views then descending the Edmunds Path (see above). You
will have to connect with your car though. |
From US 302, east, turn left on Base
Road and at 5.5 miles there is a large parking area for the
trailhead, about .5 mile before reaching the parking area for the
Cog Railway. |
One Way - 3 miles to Lake of
the Clouds Hut, 3.6 miles to Monroe's summit and 4.5 miles to
Washington's summit. |
|
Table Rock |
Great views of Dixville Notch on a
small scary rock outcropping. This is not for people afraid of
heights. |
The trailhead is on the south side of
NH 26 at the western end of Dixville Notch. |
2 miles |
| Kings Ravine |
Start the hike through Kings Ravine
on the Airline Trail for almost a mile before taking the Short Line
Trail. The trail is moderate until it meets the King Ravine trail
near Mossy Falls. It now gets very steep and difficult as you follow
the King Ravine Trail up a headwall strewn with large boulders that
feels almost vertical; this is the most difficult section of any
trail I have taken in New Hampshire. In .4 mile, you will have to
choose between the "subway", a difficult section that goes under and
over large boulders or the "elevated" which is an easier alternative
but not as much fun. Another .4 mile brings you to the headwall. You
will gain almost 1,000 feet in the next .5 mile before you intersect
and take the Airline Trail which again is moderate. You are a little
over .5 mile and 500 vertical feet from the summit of Mount Adams.
The views of the Presidential Peaks at the headwall and at the top
of Adams are fantastic. You can turn off the trail toward Madison
Hut and summit Mount Madison where I think the views may have been
better. In returning, it will be much easier to take the Valley Way
trail rather than trying to come down the headwall. See above
for a description of this trail and additional information of the
views from Mounts Adams and Madison. |
The trailhead is at the Appalachia
Trailhead parking lot on US 2, about 6 miles west of Gorham |
9 miles to the summit of Mount Adams |
| Gale River Trail -
Mounts Guyot, Bond and South Twin and Bondcliff |
The Gale River Trail at 4.6 miles
meets the Galehead Hut. From there, you can summit South Twin
Mountain, Mount Guyot, Mount Bond or Bondcliff by continuing from
the hut on Twinway Trail. Each summit and a lot of the trail has
great views especially from South Twin where the views of the
mountain tops seems to go on forever. Although I did not continue
past Mount Guyot, where there are also spectacular mountain vistas,
the views from Bond include Franconia Ridge Zealand Notch, and
Mounts Carrigain and Hancock as well as countless other peaks.
From Galehead Hut you can take side trips to summit Mount
Galehead and Mount Garfield where I have been told the views are not
great and to North Twin. Reaching the hut will require 2,000
feet of elevation gain and another tough 1,300 feet to the peak of
South Twin. Each successive peak requires a descent then another
climb. There is a campground just after Mount Guyot. |
From I-93, take US 3 north. After
almost 5 miles, you reach an intersection (Five Corners) that
includes a gravel road (Forest Rd 25) with a sign for the Gale River
Trail. Take the road .7 miles and go left at the fork onto
Forest Rd. 92, continue past the Gale River and the trailhead is on
the left. |
To Galehead Hut 4.6 mi.
From the Galehead Hut, approx.:
S. Twin .8 mi
Mt. Guyot 2.7 mi.
Mt. Bond 4 mi
Bondcliff 5.1 mi |
| Mount Tripyramid
|
The trail which starts along a former
logging road tops the North, Middle and South peaks climbing 2600
feet (mostly between miles 2.6 and 5.6), then dropping 300 before
re-climbing Middle Peak. There are views scattered along the
way but the best we got were those from Middle Peak which provided
views of the Waterville Valley and Mounts Tecumseh and Osceola. The
trail up the North Peak is rocky and includes stretches over
slippery granite slabs and exposed sections. The South Peak and its
descent provide views of lakes and the Sandwich Range. The descent
down South Peak can be difficult as it drops more than 800 feet down
a slope that has loose rock and many boulders. You will have to
connect with the Livermore Trail, Scaur Ridge Tr. and Southslide Tr. in
making this loop from the logging road.
The height of each peaks is: North Tripyramid 4180, Middle
Tripyramid 4140, and South Tripyramid 4100. It is not a
good idea to take this trail if it is wet o there is still snow/ice
which can last into May. |
Take NH 49. Going east, make a right
on Valley Road. At .4 mile turn left at signs for Woodstock &
Lincoln. Just before a bridge, make a right onto a gravel
road. This is Livermore Road where you will find the trailhead. |
12.1 miles |
|
Cannon Mountain
|
The Kinsman Ridge Trail to the top of
Cannon Mountain (4100 ft.) climbs 2050 feet in 2 miles and gives
views of Franconia Notch and Franconia Ridge. Until May 2003, of
could get views of Old Man's head but it crumbled. There is a tram
you can take to the summit and hike down. this of course takes
away from the solitude most hikers enjoy at the summit at the views
are worth it. |
The trailhead is in the ski area lot
by the Cannon Mountain Tramway. It is exit 2 off the Franconia Notch
Parkway |
4 miles |
|
Mounts Lafayette &
Lincoln |
This loop reaches the summits of
Lafayette (5260 ft.), Lincoln (5100 ft.) and Little Haystack (4900
ft.) climbing 3500 feet in 3.5 miles. It is more enjoyable to start
the loop at the Falling Waters Trail where there are better mountain
views to start. Most of the trail has good
views especially at the Greenleaf Hut, look for Eagle Lake below Mt.
Lafayette. Follow the Old Bridle Path to the Greenleaf, Franconia
Ridge and Falling Waters Trails to complete the loop. This
trail provides some great views but it is difficult and has very
tough stretches. |
The trailhead is .25 mi. off an
unnumbered exit of the Franconia Notch Parkway after you pass exit 1
and the Basin exit on the Franconia Notch Parkway |
8 miles |
