Hiking is a wonderful outdoor activity, and as we all know New Hampshire is full of plenty of amazing trails. That said, it’s hard to prioritize! These are 5 of the best hikes in New Hampshire – ranging from a short, easy walk to an epic hike that you’ll need to train for. Each of them shows off a different area or feature of our beautiful state, so get exploring!
- Mount Monadnock
Shannon McFarland This is one of the most climbed mountains in the world, and for good reason. It’s a challenge but you don’t need to be an expert mountaineer, and it’ll reward you for your efforts with remarkable views.
Learn more about Mount Monadnock in this article. And then get out and enjoy one of the most scenic hikes in New Hampshire! Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA
- Lake of the Clouds
Flickr/ashokboghani Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in New Hampshire, is on many hikers’ bucket lists, and it’s certainly a worthy goal. But you don’t need to make it to the summit to see what we think is the highlight of the hike - Lake of the Clouds. Take the Ammonoosuc River Trail 3.1 (steep) miles and you’ll arrive at this absolutely otherworldly spot.
Learn more about this great hike here. Lakes of the Clouds, Sargent’s Purchase, NH 03846, USA
- Flume Gorge
Flickr/Patrick Breen Flume Gorge is an incredible geological feature carved into the rock, perhaps as far back as 200 million years ago! Avalanche Falls and the Gorge are a site you absolutely must see if you live in New Hampshire, and the hike to get to it is very short. In fact, you can really just take a short path down to a viewing area - but we recommend taking the 2-mile loop trail hike for maximum enjoyment.
Learn more about Flume Gorge here. This is truly one of the best hikes in New Hampshire. Flume Gorge, 852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
- Mount Major
AllTrails/Heather Rush From the summit of this mountain, you’ll be able to see Lake Winnipesaukee stretch for miles and miles. The lakes and mountains are two of New Hampshire’s best features, and this moderately challenging hike brings them together!
Learn more about Mount Major here. And then check out one of the more moderately easy hikes in New Hampshire. Mount Major, Mt Major, Alton, NH 03810, USA
- Franconia Ridge
Flickr/Jeff P. National Geographic named this hike one of the best in the world - and for good reason. This eight-mile hike along an exposed spine will give you absolutely unbelievable views. This one is definitely not for beginners, so work your way up to it!
Learn more in this article. While it isn’t one of the most kid-friendly hikes around New Hampshire, it is great for families with older, more experienced hikers. Franconia Ridge, Franconia, NH 03251, USA
With this list, no need to search for “hiking trails near me.” We have you covered! What’s your favorite hike in New Hampshire? Did it make this list of best hikes in New Hampshire? Let us know in the comments!
Shannon McFarland
This is one of the most climbed mountains in the world, and for good reason. It’s a challenge but you don’t need to be an expert mountaineer, and it’ll reward you for your efforts with remarkable views.
Learn more about Mount Monadnock in this article. And then get out and enjoy one of the most scenic hikes in New Hampshire!
Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA
Flickr/ashokboghani
Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in New Hampshire, is on many hikers’ bucket lists, and it’s certainly a worthy goal. But you don’t need to make it to the summit to see what we think is the highlight of the hike - Lake of the Clouds. Take the Ammonoosuc River Trail 3.1 (steep) miles and you’ll arrive at this absolutely otherworldly spot.
Learn more about this great hike here.
Lakes of the Clouds, Sargent’s Purchase, NH 03846, USA
Flickr/Patrick Breen
Flume Gorge is an incredible geological feature carved into the rock, perhaps as far back as 200 million years ago! Avalanche Falls and the Gorge are a site you absolutely must see if you live in New Hampshire, and the hike to get to it is very short. In fact, you can really just take a short path down to a viewing area - but we recommend taking the 2-mile loop trail hike for maximum enjoyment.
Learn more about Flume Gorge here. This is truly one of the best hikes in New Hampshire.
Flume Gorge, 852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
AllTrails/Heather Rush
From the summit of this mountain, you’ll be able to see Lake Winnipesaukee stretch for miles and miles. The lakes and mountains are two of New Hampshire’s best features, and this moderately challenging hike brings them together!
Learn more about Mount Major here. And then check out one of the more moderately easy hikes in New Hampshire.
Mount Major, Mt Major, Alton, NH 03810, USA
Flickr/Jeff P.
National Geographic named this hike one of the best in the world - and for good reason. This eight-mile hike along an exposed spine will give you absolutely unbelievable views. This one is definitely not for beginners, so work your way up to it!
Learn more in this article. While it isn’t one of the most kid-friendly hikes around New Hampshire, it is great for families with older, more experienced hikers.
Franconia Ridge, Franconia, NH 03251, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in New Hampshire March 23, 2022 Jessica Bohl What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Hampshire? While New Hampshire has some amazing trails for experienced hikers, it’s great to find trails that are suitable for the whole family, kids included. And New Hampshire does not disappoint. There are some fantastic hikes in the Granite State that are perfect for kids. For instance, Pitcher Mountain in Stoddard is just 0.7-miles long and has lovely field and mountain views. And as a bonus, you can score some blueberries there in the summer. For an amazing hike through a gorge and lake, be sure to check out the mile-long hike at Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond in Conway. Bring your camera to this gorgeous spot. For more family-friendly hikes, check out this great article with eight great hikes under a mile in New Hampshire. If I live in Hanover, what are some hiking trails near me? Hanover is home to Dartmouth University, but it also is home to Mink Brook Nature Preserve. This 112-acre preserve protects the habitat for a variety of fish, mammals, and other living creatures. The preserve also has some really lovely trails for a quiet hike through nature. The forested land has white pines and hemlocks and two streams. So check out this great place for hiking and then read about other great things to do in Hanover.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in New Hampshire
March 23, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Hampshire? While New Hampshire has some amazing trails for experienced hikers, it’s great to find trails that are suitable for the whole family, kids included. And New Hampshire does not disappoint. There are some fantastic hikes in the Granite State that are perfect for kids. For instance, Pitcher Mountain in Stoddard is just 0.7-miles long and has lovely field and mountain views. And as a bonus, you can score some blueberries there in the summer. For an amazing hike through a gorge and lake, be sure to check out the mile-long hike at Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond in Conway. Bring your camera to this gorgeous spot. For more family-friendly hikes, check out this great article with eight great hikes under a mile in New Hampshire. If I live in Hanover, what are some hiking trails near me? Hanover is home to Dartmouth University, but it also is home to Mink Brook Nature Preserve. This 112-acre preserve protects the habitat for a variety of fish, mammals, and other living creatures. The preserve also has some really lovely trails for a quiet hike through nature. The forested land has white pines and hemlocks and two streams. So check out this great place for hiking and then read about other great things to do in Hanover.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While New Hampshire has some amazing trails for experienced hikers, it’s great to find trails that are suitable for the whole family, kids included. And New Hampshire does not disappoint. There are some fantastic hikes in the Granite State that are perfect for kids. For instance, Pitcher Mountain in Stoddard is just 0.7-miles long and has lovely field and mountain views. And as a bonus, you can score some blueberries there in the summer. For an amazing hike through a gorge and lake, be sure to check out the mile-long hike at Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond in Conway. Bring your camera to this gorgeous spot. For more family-friendly hikes, check out this great article with eight great hikes under a mile in New Hampshire.
If I live in Hanover, what are some hiking trails near me?
Hanover is home to Dartmouth University, but it also is home to Mink Brook Nature Preserve. This 112-acre preserve protects the habitat for a variety of fish, mammals, and other living creatures. The preserve also has some really lovely trails for a quiet hike through nature. The forested land has white pines and hemlocks and two streams. So check out this great place for hiking and then read about other great things to do in Hanover.
