The summer may have ended, but the best hiking days of 2016 are still to come in New Hampshire. The fall brings crisp air, and beautiful colors to the best hiking trails in New Hampshire, making it the perfect time to tackle some of the tallest peaks in the state. New Hampshire is home to 48 mountains that are taller than 4,000 feet. While most of these mammoths are too intimidating for beginner hikers, some of the hiking trails to the top of these mountains are completely accessible for beginners. Here are six of the most beautiful hiking trails on 4,000-foot mountains in New Hampshire that will take you to the roof of the Granite State for some truly unforgettable fall hiking!
Mount Jackson is a perfect 4,000 foot hike for even the tiniest hikers. The 4.5 mile loop new the town of Twin Mountain covers more than 2,000 feet of elevation, but the walk is fairly easy. The views over the rest of the Presidential Range are stunning!
Mount Tecumseh in Lincoln is best known for Waterville Valley Ski area, but this 4,000-footer is also a wonderful year-round hiking trail. The trail follows a river, and is easy enough for the whole family to tackle the five-mile round trip. Plus, next time you ski Waterville you'll have a new appreciation for the mountain!
The summit of Mount Pierce is known for beautiful 360-degree views of the White Mountains. A 6.2 out and back trail will take you to the summit. If you're feeling especially strong, the summit has easy access to neighboring peaks, including Mount Eisenhower (seen above), which is just 1.5 from the summit.
Mount Osceola in Lincoln is one of the easiest hikes up a 4,000 footer in New Hampshire. The trail covers 6.4 miles round trip, but the trail is fairly forgiving for inexperienced hikers. At the rocky summit you'll enjoy views of the southern White Mountains.
Mount Moosilauke in Benton is one of the most south western peaks in the White Mountains, and with its unique position comes a unique view from the summit. From the peak you can see mountains in Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire. The Gorge Brooke trail is long at 7.2 miles, but fairly easy. You'll even have the chance to hike along the Appalachian Trail at one point!
This 6.4 mile loop will give you three peaks in one hike. The views from Mount Tom and Mount Avalon are gorgeous, but the ascent to Avalon is steep, so if you're beginning you may want to leave that off your hike.
