12 Scenic Trails To Explore In New Hampshire, One For Each Month Of The Year
There are a lot of great things about spending time in New Hampshire. Just a few examples include the culture of the cities, the history of the small towns, and the people who have made this place so great. In addition to those things, the seemingly endless outdoor opportunities offer to keep us busy all year long. From winter to summer to spring to fall, these scenic trails in New Hampshire will keep you enjoying nature any time you’d like.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Thompson Falls, Hale's Location, NH 03812, USA
This beautiful out-and-back trail is just over one mile and offers a simple path with little elevation gain. It's popular in the spring and summer, but don't ignore it in the winter. The snow-covered falls and icy water is a sight worth seeing. You can learn more about exploring the trail in the winter by clicking here.
Beede Falls, Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
Another hike (like most of those in New Hampshire) that is heavily-trafficked in the warmer months. But, don't sleep on this one in the winter. The out-and-back trail is less than a mile and leads directly to the falls. Learn more about the route by checking out this article.
Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
This two-mile hike offers some of the best scenery in Franconia Notch State Park. It leads to The Basin, offering frozen waterfall views you won't want to miss out on seeing. Once you fall in love, make plans to visit in the spring, too. You can read more about visiting the park during winter here.
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd, Laconia, NH 03246, USA
As we get closer to spring in New Hampshire the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Snow? Sure! Sun? Sure! Either way the network of trails at Prescott Farm are the perfect way to learn more about the natural landscape of New Hampshire. Plus, there's some fun history here, too. Learn more about visiting here.
Walter Newton Natural Area Conservation Area & Waterfall, 1035 Cummings Hill Rd, Plymouth, NH 03264, USA
In May we often continue to see some colder days mixed in with the warm, but we're still outside looking for fun ways to explore! The 1.6-mile hike to Rainbow Falls offers a reward at the end that's worth the hike. Plus, this one is simple to follow, making it a great option for kids. You can learn more about it here.
White Mountain National Forest, Livermore, NH 03812, USA
Summer is here and we're all about the hikes that lead to refreshing swimming holes. This one, perhaps the most well-known in the state, is a beautiful 1.6-mile out-and-back route leading to Emerald Pool. Learn more about how to visit by clicking here.
Diana's Baths Trailhead, 3793 West Side Rd, North Conway, NH 03860, USA
Summer is now in full-swing and our adventurous activities are really picking up! This 1.3-mile trail is among the most popular in the state for good reason. It leads to a network of waterfalls that are not only beautiful, but also offer a chance to cool down with a nice swim. Learn more about the route and the waterfall here.
Newmarket, NH 03857, USA
Not every trail needs to take you to the wilderness and August's trail is a great example. A portion of this 1.2-mile route follows the Lamprey River and provides lovely city views. Learn more about it here.
Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
This 3.2 mile out-and-back trail includes some steep areas, but it's a great one for families who are working to get their kids more comfortable. Even more importantly, the views from the top are incredible. Depending on the weather, September in New Hampshire can already include some lovely foliage which will be evident on this hike.
Massabesic Lake, New Hampshire, USA
There's a good chance that fall is really beginning to show her true colors by now and that makes getting outside even more compelling. This 3.7-mile hike is a bit longer than some of the others on this list, but it's flat and will include lots of fall foliage if you time it right.
Dixville Notch, NH 03576, USA
In November we're all about giving thanks and that means for everything. Rather than focusing on one trail in Dixville Notch State Park, we recommend exploring the whole place this year. There are tons of ways to take it all in and many include views like this one. You can find other beautiful hikes to enjoy this time of year by clicking here.
The Rocks, 4 Christmas Lane, Bethlehem, NH 03574, USA
What better way to celebrate December's arrival than with a visit to the one-and-only Christmas Tree Farm in New Hampshire? Come and harvest your tree for the holidays and enjoy the trail that meanders through the property. You can learn more about it here.
What’s your favorite time of year to explore the great outdoors of New Hampshire? What are some trails that we absolutely must experience? Let us know in the comments!
Another thing we love about the state is just how safe it is. In fact, some research shows that New Hampshire is the one of the safest places in the U.S!
Address: Thompson Falls, Hale's Location, NH 03812, USA
Address: Beede Falls, Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
Address: Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
Address: Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd, Laconia, NH 03246, USA
Address: Walter Newton Natural Area Conservation Area & Waterfall, 1035 Cummings Hill Rd, Plymouth, NH 03264, USA
Address: White Mountain National Forest, Livermore, NH 03812, USA
Address: Diana's Baths Trailhead, 3793 West Side Rd, North Conway, NH 03860, USA
Address: Newmarket, NH 03857, USA
Address: Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
Address: Massabesic Lake, New Hampshire, USA
Address: Dixville Notch, NH 03576, USA
Address: The Rocks, 4 Christmas Lane, Bethlehem, NH 03574, USA
