Make 2020 The Year You Start Exploring These 10 Beautiful New Hampshire Hiking Trails
It’s a new year and while we’re getting used to the idea, we find ourselves still adding to our must-do list for the next 12 months. In between the eating at great restaurants and experiencing more of the fun attractions that exist here, we’re also making sure we spend more time outside. If you’re doing the same, you’ll want to explore these lovely trails. They’re all beautiful and offer a great way to stick to your goal of more outdoor time.
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We don't think it's possible to get tired of hiking towards and around waterfalls in New Hampshire. This trail is about 1.2 miles and, if you plan your trip for the spring, includes lush greenery and a roaring waterfall.
You'll love this hike if you're looking for something that feels like a mountain, but that won't require any real mountaineering experience. It's even great for older kids. The trail is a 3 mile loop with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain. And the views from the top are stunning.
Mount Magalloway is a great example of the beauty that awaits you even on mountains that aren't towering heights.
This 2.1 mile out and back route provides some incredible views. And we love that it's found at Lake Francis State Park, one of our favorite less-visited spots in the state.
The word "mountain" might be used loosely here! This is another New Hampshire hike that's fairly simple if you have mobility. Plan this one for August so you can leave with as many blueberries as you can pick!
Created in 1992, this beautiful trail of boardwalks meanders through over 1,000 acres that have been dedicated to the preservation of migrator birds, as well as other native wildlife. You can choose from two main trails, which means you have a reason to go back twice! Or, perhaps stay all day.
This trail is shorter than some others in the state at about 2 miles, but it is slightly more challenging. It requires some climbing, but the views include a stunning vista overlooking Squam Lake.
Head to the Kimball Wildlife Forest for this simple trail. The nearly 2-mile loops has just 418 feet of elevation gain, which means it's great for little kid legs. Views from the top include Lake Winnipesaukee and beyond!
Looking for something teensy? This is the one! At under a half-mile for the round trip journey, you won't feel exhausted when you're done. But you will be satisfied because the trail leads to a beautiful waterfall.
This is one of those hikes that we like to think everyone has done, but in reality maybe it's still just sitting on your bucket list. So, make this the year you get it done! The 2.7-mile route leads to one of the state's most impressive falls. The drop of Arethusa Falls is 140 feet, so there's a good reason for people to flock here. You'll also have the benefit of seeing other waterfalls as you make your way along the hike.
If you're looking for some peace and quiet, this is the trail to try. It's about 0.8 miles in the form of a loop so you won't need to think too much about twists and turns. The views are of Echo Lake, one of the most beautiful and calming places in the state.
There’s more where that came from! Here are 8 amazing New Hampshire hikes under 3 miles that you’ll absolutely love!
Address: Ripley Falls, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
Address: Mount Cardigan, Mt Cardigan, Orange, NH 03741, USA
Address: Mount Magalloway, Pittsburg, NH 03592, USA
Address: Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard, NH 03464, USA
Address: Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Newington, NH 03801, USA
Address: Old Bridle Path, Lincoln, NH, USA
Address: Gilford, NH 03249, USA
Address: Glen Ellis Falls Trailhead, White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
Address: Arethusa Falls, Livermore, NH 03812, USA
Address: Echo Lake, Franconia, NH 03580, USA
