Find 5 Bucket-List-Level Views in New Hampshire Without Needing to Be an Expert Hiker

I love a good hike, but taking on one of the bigger adventures in the mountains of the Granite State can be a challenge. New Hampshire is home to some of the best mountains around, and the bucket-list views in New Hampshire can often take quite an effort to reach. Sometimes, but not always.

I was very happy to discover that there are some amazing hikes in the state that take you to truly remarkable views—mountaintops, lakesides, waterfalls, and more—that can be done without years of hiking experience and a full pack of gear. These five hikes are among the best in New Hampshire, each including a view to remember, and they're all rated easy or moderate by AllTrails. Ranging from 1.1 to 3.1 miles, they're all suitable for a day trip any time of year, and while they can provide a good workout, you'll be ending each adventure refreshed and in awe of the beauty of New Hampshire's wilderness.

1. Mount Willard Trail (White Mountain National Forest)

Mountain trails are always a bit of a challenge, but the Mount Willard Trail is a great bridge hike for those looking to take on a challenge without experiencing rock scrambles or extreme elevation. Coming in at 3.1 miles with an 895-foot elevation gain, it takes you to a stunning vista in the park, which many people consider the best picnic spot in New Hampshire.

2. Artist Bluff Trail (Franconia Notch State Park)

One of the easiest and most iconic hikes in New Hampshire, the Artist Bluff Trail is only 1.4 miles and offers a 423-foot elevation gain, making it easy to do in around an hour. While one section of the trail is relatively steep, the terrain is even throughout, and the hike offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

3. Lonesome Lake Trail (Franconia Notch State Park)

A three-mile hike with a 1,030-foot elevation gain, this is a steady-elevation hike without any challenging sections, making it ideal for a workout with little stress involved. The Lonesome Lake Trail is known for its beautiful water views—something that isn't easy to find in the Granite State mountains—and most of the area is shaded. There's even an inn and restaurant, the Lonesome Lake Hut, along the way on your journey.

4. Diana's Baths (White Mountain National Forest)

Diana's Baths is the easiest hike on this list, measuring only 1.1 miles and featuring a 59-foot elevation gain. That's basically a stroll through the woods, and it takes you to one of the most beautiful sites in New Hampshire: a series of small, cascading waterfalls that descend around 75 feet. This is an ideal first hike for families with young kids.

5. Mount Cardigan Loop Trail (Mount Cardigan State Park)

There truly is nothing like summiting a mountain, and if you want to experience that without a day-long adventure, the Mount Cardigan Loop Trail is your ticket to adventure. Coming in at 3.1 miles with a 1,194-foot elevation, this is the easiest trail on this famous mountain. Most of the path is smooth granite, which is easy to navigate but can be slippery when wet, and the area is especially peaceful during the winter months.

Have you taken any of these easy but spectacular hikes in New Hampshire before? If not, these bucket-list views in New Hampshire await, so tell a travel partner about this article and pick your favorite trail to kick off your next hiking adventure! If you're new to hiking, we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails Plus. Even on an easy trail, this app is very helpful for staying on track, especially during snowy winter hikes. And if you'd like some more ideas on what to do in the vicinity of any of these state parks, head over to Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner and answer a few easy questions to get a personalized itinerary for your trip!