The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest hikes in the country, running from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. In New Hampshire, the trail begins in Hanover and runs northeast across the state, cutting through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest before crossing into Maine in Berlin. The New Hampshire section of the Appalachian Trail is great for day hikers because it provides a variety of different hikes, from easy, relatively flat hikes to some truly tough summit hikes. Here are the 7 best places to day hike the A.T. in New Hampshire, and get your own taste of one of America’s most well-known trails.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire is where the A.T. passes through Franconia Notch State Park. A hike by Lonesome Lake and the Basin will delight you. It's well worth taking it slow on this path and using all day to enjoy the natural delights. Access the trailhead from Lafayette Campground on Interstate 93.
The view from Holt's Ledge is beautiful and if you're really lucky you might even spot the peregrine Falcons that calls the ledge home. From the trail on Dorchester Road in Lyme. From the trailhead it's about a one mile fairly steep hike to the summit.
This 6-mile out and back trail will bring you past Wachipauka Pond and up Webster Slide Mountain. The flatter wetland portions of the trail are an easy hike year round, and are a gorgeous starter trail for A.T. beginners. The trailhead of off Rt. 25 in Warren.
Crawford Path is the trail name where the A.T. reaches the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the North East. The path is the longest continually operated hiking path in the country, and once you experience it, you'll understand why. Be cautious, however, since this is a trail for experienced hikers. The trail is accessible from Route 302 in Twin Mountain.
Smarts Mountain is gorgeous, and it's a popular camping spot for overnight hikers on the A.T. Day hikers will love the beautiful view from the summit. You can take the current Appalachian Trail to the summit and return to the trailhead on an older version of the A.T. The trailhead is on Lyme-Dorchester Road in Lyme.
Who doesn't love a hike in a town named Success? As we know though, success takes hard work, and this hike is no different. The trail is steep and challenging, giving one last climb before the A.T. leaves New Hampshire. The trailhead is off route 302 in Success.
The A.T.'s first stop in New Hampshire is a relatively easy hike, taking you through flatter portions of state. You'll pass through grasslands and gorgeous birch forests and get a great taste of the Appalachian Trail. Access the trail from East Wheelock Street in Hanover.
