Open Travel Guide
Hiking in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in New Hampshire.

By Updated

This guide covers 10+ hiking trails in New Hampshire — Franconia Ridge Loop, Presidential Traverse and Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine Trail top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

New Hampshire offers a remarkable concentration of natural beauty and historical depth in a compact New England state. From the towering White Mountains and the iconic summit of Mount Washington to the serene shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and the pristine Atlantic coastline at Hampton Beach, visitors encounter dramatic landscapes at every turn. Portsmouth anchors the seacoast with its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and a thriving culinary scene, while the Lakes Region provides summer watersports and leisurely cruises. Fall foliage transforms the state into a mosaic of crimson and gold each October, drawing leaf-peepers from across the Northeast. The state's 'Live Free or Die' ethos permeates everything from its lack of sales and income taxes to its independent political culture.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Franconia Ridge Loop

    8.9 miles loop5–8 hours3,900 ft gain; summits Mt. Lafayette (5,260 ft) and Mt. Lincoln (5,089 ft)

  2. 2

    Presidential Traverse

    20–24 miles (traverse varies by route)2–3 days (backpack) or 14–18 hours (fast day hike for very fit hikers)9,000+ ft cumulative gain; summits Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, Pierce

  3. 3

    Mount Washington via Tuckerman Ravine Trail

    8.4 miles round trip6–9 hours4,250 ft gain; summit at 6,288 ft (highest peak in NE)

  4. 4

    Mount Monadnock via White Dot Trail

    4.0 miles round trip3–5 hours1,800 ft gain; summit at 3,165 ft

  5. 5

    Welch-Dickey Loop

    4.4 miles loop3–4 hours1,800 ft gain; open ledges above treeline

  6. 6

    Arethusa Falls Trail

    2.7 miles round trip (to falls); 4.4 miles loop with Ripley Falls2–3 hours800 ft gain; falls at 200 ft (tallest waterfall in NH)

  7. 7

    Mount Cannon via Kinsman Ridge Trail

    4.2 miles round trip (or ride aerial tramway down for $18 adult)3–5 hours hiking; 1.5 hours with tramway return2,180 ft gain; summit at 4,080 ft

  8. 8

    Artists Bluff & Bald Mountain Trail

    1.8 miles loop1–1.5 hours400 ft gain

  9. 9

    Mount Major via Brook Trail

    3.2 miles round trip2–3 hours1,120 ft gain; panoramic Lake Winnipesaukee views from summit

  10. 10

    Glen Boulder Trail to Mount Davis

    7.6 miles round trip to Mt. Davis5–7 hours3,280 ft gain; summit at 3,819 ft

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

Related topics