New Hampshire — We’ve passed Memorial Day, meaning summer has unofficially begun. With ski season over for most, many will head into the woods for hiking adventures. But which hikes are worth the effort?
A writing goal of mine for this summer is to write about some of the best hikes across mountainous areas in North America. We’ll start in my home state: New Hampshire. We’ve broken it down by difficulty level, ranging from easy to extremely difficult. We’ve stuck with popular hikes, keeping the hidden gems a secret.
Here’s a rundown of great hikes to check out in New Hampshire this summer.
Easy Peasy: Clark Lookout
Probably one of the best bang-for-your-buck trails anywhere, Clark Lookout is situated just off I-89. A short .8-mile roundtrip trail leads walkers to a beautiful lookout over Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee. Parking is available either on the adjacent roads or at the New London Park and Ride.
Easy to Medium: Artists Bluff
Situated across the street from Cannon Mountain, this hike is full of Kodak moments. The short 1.5-mile round-trip has two scenic viewpoints: Artists Bluff and Bald Mountain. Both vantage points provide great views of Echo Lake, Franconia Notch, and Cannon Mountain. It should be noted that this hike can be crowded due to its convenience, especially during the fall foliage season.
Medium: Lonesome Lake
If you’re looking for a hike that offers great views and a place to cool off, Lonesome Lake is a great choice. Nestled just off I-93 in Franconia Notch, Lonesome Lake is a little over a 3-mile hike that takes you up to a gorgeous lake and AMC’s Lonesome Lake Hut. While it’s short lengthwise, it is steep to get up there.
Medium to Hard: Mt. Major
Located near Lake Winnipesaukee, Mt. Major gives possibly the best views of the Lakes Region. There are several ways to reach the summit. The one I went on last year was the Main Trail. This 3-mile round-trip hike starts mellow, thanks to a newly designed section, but then gets pretty steep towards the end. Hikers get rewarded for their effort with some beautiful views of Lake Winnipesaukee at the summit.
Hard: Franconia Ridge
When it comes to iconic White Mountain hikes, it’s hard to beat the majestic Franconia Ridge Loop. The 8.6-mile trail takes you to the summit of peaks like Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Lafayette. However, this beauty comes at the cost of sore calves, with a couple thousand feet of elevation gain. Due to the challenge, it’s advisable for hikers to arrive early, as it typically takes 6-8 hours to complete.
Most Difficult: Huntington Ravine Trail
Recommended for only the most skilled hikers and climbers, Huntington Ravine’s difficulty has led to many injuries, rescues, and even deaths over the years. The eight-mile round-trip voyage, known for its winter ski descent, is part climb and part rock scramble. It leads up to Mt. Washington, making it the most difficult way to reach it.
For more information regarding New Hampshire hikes, check out AllTrails and YouTuber Adam Hoyt.
Image/Video Credits: Ian Wood, Franconia Notch State Park, Appalachian Mountain Club, Adam Hoyt
