The Quaint Artists Bluff Trail Is A Short And Sweet Hike In New Hampshire
By Michelle|Updated on September 06, 2023(Originally published February 18, 2020)
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Michelle
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Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
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For those who love the outdoors, there’s no better place to be than New Hampshire. From the tallest peaks to the short and flat distances, there’s something for every skill level. But there’s a common misconception among those just getting started. Because there are so many mountains, it can be easy to assume that every ascent will be challenging. The good news? This isn’t true! This hike is just about 1.5 miles and it leads to some absolutely beautiful views. After hiking this trail many times and spending countless hours in the White Mountains Artists Bluff in New Hampshire still remains one of our favorite views.
The 1.5-mile Artists Bluff trail is located in Franconia Notch State Park and it's best accessed by parking at the Echo Lake Beach parking lot.
A second option is to walk across the street from Echo Lake Beach and go right back towards the interstate. There is a little break in the trees to the left and then you will see a sign pointing you to Artists Bluff. This is a quicker and easier way to get to the viewpoint. We have done the trail this way many times and can be a real time saver. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to show you this shortcut.
If you want to do the whole loop then you can park in the overflow parking lot for Cannon Mountain and head off on the full 1.5-mile loop hike. Before you set off, keep in mind that this trail is a bit steep. Beautiful...but steep in areas!
We have also done this whole whole loop and Bald Mountain is a fun spur trail to take. This trail is a bit more technical and you will have to hike up a very steep sheer granite face that will give you great views of the ski resort. If you want to see the whole loop check out this Adventuring in the Moment video.
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Soon after beginning the trail will split. Stay to the right to access the Artists Bluff Trail. The other route will take you to the same place on the Bald Mountain Trail which is a bit longer and more challenging.
Just below is Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain. This hike can be stunning all year long with many taking the trek in the fall to witness the brilliant bright colors. To the left of Echo Lake is another popular hiking trail along Mount Lafayette.
No matter what season or if it is a cloudy day or sunny, the scenery is outstanding. And you'll be far enough away from the road that things feel peaceful and serene.
The hike can be completed in the winter, but you should be a more advanced hiker. It's almost always necessary to have crampons for this if the snow is new or icy.
It bears repeating that this is a short and beautiful hike, but it's best completed by those who have hiked in the past. It's not necessary to be an expert, but be ready to go uphill. If you were wondering if you could accomplish this hike allow yourself to be inspired by two little girls who love this trail in one more Adventuring in the Moment video.
Artists Bluff Trail in New Hampshire is located in Franconia Notch State Park and is open year-round, but it is best accessed when there is no snow. If you do choose to make the trip during the winter, you might want to consider crampons for traction. You can learn more about the route by getting the AllTrails app and downloading the info for Artists Bluff right on your phone.
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