Posted in New Hampshire Nature March 18, 2022 by

10 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In New Hampshire Should Take

Hiking in New Hampshire is wonderful. No matter where you choose to walk, there are almost always guaranteed to be beautiful views. But with so many large mountains and a wilderness that goes on for miles and miles, hiking in the Granite State can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! We’ve found 10 of the best hikes in New Hampshire that are under 5 miles, making them manageable and enjoyable even for beginners. And we’re not skimping on scenery – the best hikes in New Hampshire will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the state.

1. West Rattlesnake Mountain, Holderness
West Rattlesnake Mountain, Center Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
Ben Ferenchack/flickr
This easy two-mile hike will give you a view that is picture perfect. Overlooking Squam Lake, the view from the summit is unlike anything else in New Hampshire – for just a short hike! For more information, visit this article.
2. Arethusa Falls, Bartlett
Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
Chefandree/flickr
This 3.2 mile hike is moderately tough, but the view of Arethusa Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in New Hampshire, will make it all worth it! For more information, visit this article.
3. Mount Kearsarge, Warner
Mount Kearsarge, Mt Kearsarge, Warner, NH 03278, USA
Harvey Barrison/flickr
The shortest route up Mount Kearsarge is just over two miles. This easy hike can be done any time of year, and offers beautiful views of the Sunapee region of New Hampshire. For more information about the trail, visit this article.
4. Mount Cardigan, Orange
Mount Cardigan, Mt Cardigan, Orange, NH 03741, USA
Sage Ross/flickr
Mount Cardigan is a great hike because you can change it to fit your needs. The shortest loops are about 3.1 miles, and the most popular hike to the summit is 5.5 miles. The mountain has smooth trails that are popular with inexperienced hikers, and treacherous rock trails that are best left to the pros. For more information and a hiking map, visit the Cardigan Mountain State Park website.
5. The Sweet Trail, Durham
Sweet Trail, Sweet Trl, Durham, NH 03824, USA
Not on your nelly/flickr
The Sweet Trail is a 4-mile stretch through Crommet Creek Conservation Area in Durham. The trail offers the chance to hike through a New Hampshire marsh teeming with wildlife. For more information, visit this article.
6. Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey
Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA
Pete/flickr
Mount Monadnock is one of the most famous mountains in New Hampshire because it is so popular with climbers. The loop to the summit (called the lollipop loop) is just 4.4 miles, and is fairly easy for a summit trip. On a sunny summer day the rocky summit can become crowded. For more information about Mount Monadnock, visit this article.
7. Welch and Dickey Loop, Thornton
Welch and Dickey Mount Trail, Welch and Dickey Mt Trail, Thornton, NH 03285, USA
Rickpilot_2000/flickr
This 4.4-mile loop takes you to two summits in just about three hours. The views from the summits of Dickey Mountain and Welch Mountain look out over Crawford Notch, making this a perfect fall foliage hike. Visit AllTrails for more information.
8. Mount Major, Alton
Mount Major, Mt Major, Alton, NH 03810, USA
Robbie Shade/flickr
Mount Major, on the southern side of Lake Winnipesaukee, offers majorly awesome views over the Granite State’s largest lake. The four-mile loop is short, although it’s moderately challenging. This is a popular spot for people who want a New Hampshire hiking experience without driving all the way to the White Mountains. For more information about hiking Mount Major, visit this article.
9. Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard
Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard, NH 03464, USA
Glass_House/flickr
This short, family friendly hike is just 0.7 miles long. If you’ve got kids in tow, this is a perfect way to introduce the family to hiking. Plus, the blueberry bushes along the way are sure to entice the little ones. For more information about this beautiful trail, visit this article.
10. Sugarloaf Mountain, Bethlehem
Middle Sugarloaf, Bethlehem, NH 03583, USA
Bengt1955/flickr
Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain gives you bang for your buck. The mountain offers two sweeping views of the White Mountains – Middle Sugarloaf and North Sugarloaf. To hike to just the middle 2.6 miles round trip, and to hit both is 3.2 miles. The views will leave you feeling as if you’ve walked much further. Learn more about the trail at AllTrails.

Which of these will you hike on your next adventure? Do you have any other suggestions for the best hikes in New Hampshire?

 

Address: Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
Address: Mount Kearsarge, Mt Kearsarge, Warner, NH 03278, USA
Address: West Rattlesnake Mountain, Center Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
Address: Mount Major, Mt Major, Alton, NH 03810, USA
Address: Sweet Trail, Sweet Trl, Durham, NH 03824, USA
Address: Mount Cardigan, Mt Cardigan, Orange, NH 03741, USA
Address: Welch and Dickey Mount Trail, Welch and Dickey Mt Trail, Thornton, NH 03285, USA
Address: Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA
Address: Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard, NH 03464, USA
Address: Middle Sugarloaf, Bethlehem, NH 03583, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In New Hampshire

March 23, 2022
Meghan Byers

What are the best kid-friendly hikes around New Hampshire?

Getting out and exploring nature makes for a great family adventure, but hiking with young kids can be challenging. If you’re looking for easy hikes in New Hampshire that you can enjoy with the whole family – and without tantrums – check out our guide to 8 kid-friendly hikes that are 1 mile and under. Waterfalls, lakes, and mountain views are all on the list, proving that just because a hike is on the easier side, it doesn’t mean you won’t still get to enjoy some beautiful scenery.

Which state parks should I visit in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is home to a total of 93 state parks, with miles and miles of forest trails, beaches, mountains, and so much more to explore. The more popular state parks are popular for a reason – Franconia Notch State Park, for example, is home to the impressive geological wonder that is Flume Gorge, the beautiful and serene Echo Lake, and even an aerial tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain. Meanwhile, Bear Brook State Park is the largest state park in New Hampshire, with over 10,000 acres and beautiful forested trails. And Crawford Notch State Park is home to waterfalls and spectacular mountain views, with some of the most scenic hikes in New Hampshire. It’s definitely worth visiting these more well-traveled parks. But there are also plenty of underappreciated state parks in New Hampshire where you’ll find fewer people, but just as many scenic trails and opportunities for adventure.

What are some scenic hikes in New Hampshire?

Have you ever wondered, “What are some scenic hiking trails near me?” New Hampshire is home to so much natural beauty, there’s bound to be a beautiful trail near you just waiting to be explored. If you’re new to hiking or just prefer an easier route, visit our guide to 10 of the most scenic beginner-friendly trails in New Hampshire.

Address: Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
Address: Mount Kearsarge, Mt Kearsarge, Warner, NH 03278, USA
Address: West Rattlesnake Mountain, Center Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
Address: Mount Major, Mt Major, Alton, NH 03810, USA
Address: Sweet Trail, Sweet Trl, Durham, NH 03824, USA
Address: Mount Cardigan, Mt Cardigan, Orange, NH 03741, USA
Address: Welch and Dickey Mount Trail, Welch and Dickey Mt Trail, Thornton, NH 03285, USA
Address: Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA
Address: Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard, NH 03464, USA
Address: Middle Sugarloaf, Bethlehem, NH 03583, USA