This Little-Known Trail Is Quite Possibly the Best Short Hiking Path in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has no shortage of hills and mountains to climb. Some of them can be long epic journeys and others can be short strolls. Today, we have one of my favorites in the latter category: the Silver Mountain Trail in Lempster, New Hampshire. You don't need to be a mountaineer or require any technical climbing expertise to scale this summit, but being prepared is always a good idea. A short, gentle 1.1-mile ascent leads to the top, and for that reason, Silver Mountain is on my list of great short hikes in New Hampshire.

The Silver Mountain Trail begins at a trailhead for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests' Ashuelot River Headwaters Forest on South Road. in Lempster. The land here was once part of a grand estate owned by the Wright family of Keene. The Wrights made their fortune from creating silver polish in the 1800s. There is an old tree on the route that is a personal favorite landmark of mine, along Silver Mountain Trail, and I always stop to admire it.

At the top of the trail near the summit, views begin to open up and the walking is over ledges interspersed with low scrub. The summit ledges of Silver boast wide views toward the west and southwest, with Vermont's Green Mountains visible on clear days.

Silver's open summit makes it seem higher than it is, perhaps even the highest point in Lempster. But that honor goes to nearby Mount Washington. As was the tradition in earlier days, visitors to southern New Hampshire's hills often etched their names or initials in the granite, even as far back as the 1800s. Please don't do this today!

Parking for the trail can be found at the designated lot near the trailhead. However, it’s worth noting that the parking area is small and can fill up quickly, especially during weekends or peak hiking seasons. Note that there are no restroom facilities at the trailhead or along the trail.

One of the closest towns to the Silver Mountain Trail is the charming village of Goshen, where visitors can find small cafés, general stores, and other amenities. It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat or stock up on supplies before or after your hike. Remember to check weather conditions ahead of time, as trails can become muddy and slippery following rainfall.

If you're looking for a great short outing to stretch your legs, make sure to put Silver Mountain on your list of short hikes in New Hampshire. Please note this hike may not be accessible in winter, as the road leading to the trailhead is not plowed all the way. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own New Hampshire trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.