Everybody knows that the best hiking days are when it is a little bit cool outside. You still want sun, but it can’t be too hot. It’s actually perfect when there’s a slight chill but not so much that you’ll get cold, and no worries about getting caught in a snowstorm. But just because you want to take advantage of that doesn’t mean you need to commit to scaling the Presidentials! There are plenty of more chilled-out hikes in New Hampshire that you’ll find incredibly rewarding – both for the sense of accomplishment and for what you’ll see along the way. Here are some of the best hikes in New Hampshire.

1. Mount Magalloway, Pittsburg
Mount Magalloway, Pittsburg, NH 03592, USA
AllTrails/Kait R.
Mount Magalloway may not be the highest or most dramatic peak in the Granite State, but the 2.1 mile up and back trail will reward you with some fantastic views. It's tucked away in the under-appreciated Lake Francis State Park, which is also a fantastic place to camp. Learn more here.
2. Lockes Hill Trail, Gilford
Lockes Hill Trailhead, 2303-2437 Lake Shore Rd, Gilford, NH 03249, USA
AllTrails/Joanna Kaleta
This lovely 1.8 mile loop trail in the Kimball Wildlife Forest is quite easy, with just 418 feet of elevation gain. That makes it perfect for families! Once you reach the top, you'll enjoy views of Lake Winnipesaukee and beyond that stretch for miles. Learn more here.
3. Flume Trail, Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch, Lincoln, NH 03580, USA
Google/Mike Jennings
The 2 mile boardwalk loop around the Flume Gorge is an easy, yet dramatic walk. The gorge and its waterfalls are absolutely stunning – it's no wonder this is one of the most popular places to visit in New Hampshire. Learn more here.
4. Pitcher Mountain, Andorra
Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard, NH 03464, USA
AllTrails/Eric Ruffin
Don't let the word "mountain" scare you off – this is a very doable hike, just over half a mile each way. It has great views from the top of the trail, and in August you'll find plenty of ripe blueberries growing alongside the paths on your way! Learn more here.
5. B18 Bomber Crash Site,North Woodstock
North Woodstock, Woodstock, NH, USA
AllTrails/Sami L
One of the most unique hikes in the Granite State can be found in North Woodstock, where a B18 bomber crashed during WWII. It's a 5 mile round trip to reach it, but not too steep – and well worth it to pay your respects.

Looking for more New Hampshire nature? Check out this one spot that’ll make you feel like you’ve entered a fantasy world.

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Best Hikes In New Hampshire

SKS | March 30, 2022

What are the most scenic hikes in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is a smaller state that many forget has incredible hiking routes. Home to the White Mountains, New Hampshire has some of the most scenic hikes in all of New England, not to mention that the famous 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail crosses the state. If you are lucky, you may meet someone far into their journey.

Mount Pemigewasset

Mount Pemigewasset (also known as Indian Head) can be found in Franconia Notch State Park and sits at an elevation of over 2,500 feet. While shorter than many mountains in the west, this is actually quite large for New England, and will give you incredible views of the rest of Franconia Notch State Park and beyond. This hike clocks in at just under 3.7 miles, and doesn’t have too many flat parts of the trail, but the views from the top are well worth it.

Temple Mountain

Temple Mountain can be found in the Temple Mountain State Reservation, and is a 5.2 mile hike that will bring you through lovely forests and up to Temple Mountain Peak. In the fall, the leaves on the forest trees turn all shades of orange, yellow, and red, and in the spring, you will have plenty of wildflowers along the trail to enjoy as you hike.

Champney Falls Trail

Champney Falls Trail can be found in the White Mountain National Forest and may have the best views of all three hikes. Like Temple Mountain, the fall leaves are simply breathtaking, but this trail has the extra treat of bringing you to a waterfall. In the winter, the falls freeze and are quite the sight. You can often watch ice climbers climbing up these frozen falls. In the warmer months, water flows down Champney Falls in a series of cascades that are over 50 feet long!

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