New Hampshire — One of the mellower hikes in the White Mountains is the Lincoln Woods Trail.
Situated right next to the Kancamagus Highway, it’s the first major stop for tourists if you’re coming from the Lincoln side. This relatively flat hike is enjoyed by a wide range of hikers, either as an easy trail to experience the White Mountains or as a connector to more difficult routes. Unfortunately, this critical hiking trail will be out of commission for a good portion of 2026.
Last month, the White Mountain National Forest announced that the Lincoln Woods Trail will be closed starting on June 15th. The closure will last until November. This work is to repair and restore the trail from several major weather events that have damaged the area over the past decade. According to the Forest Service, they plan to “stabilize an undercut and eroded section of the riverbank.”
The following trails will have their access altered by this closure: Owl’s Head, 13 Falls, The Bonds (day trip or Zealand/Bonds traverse), Guyot, Camp 16/Black Brook Trestle, Pemi Loop. The entire 31.2-mile Pemi Loop hike will not be available during this closure. However, access to the suspension bridge and Eastside Trail will remain open.
So if you want to check out the Lincoln Woods Trail or find the easiest way to reach the aforementioned hikes, you should do so within the next two weeks. However, it should be noted that parking in that area costs $5 per day.
Image/Video Credits: Ian Wood, Appalachian Mountain Club
