The Panoramic Views At Cathedral Ledge In New Hampshire Can Be Seen Just By Driving
By Michelle|Updated on March 05, 2024(Originally published May 18, 2020)
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Michelle
Author
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.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Here in New Hampshire, there are views all around us. Nature as far as the eye can see, or simple lovely views of our small towns and neighborhoods. No matter what you prefer, there’s something beautiful to look at around every corner. However, with our rugged mountains sometimes you just don’t want to put all the effort into a big hike, we understand. Fortunately for us, we have plenty of New Hampshire overlooks with no hiking required. So for those times when you don’t feel like strapping on a pair of boots and hitting a trail, head on over to Cathedral Ledge State Park. You can see all of the beauty without any hiking at all. Just hop in the car and take the scenic route!
Located in beautiful Bartlett you'll find Cathedral Ledge State Park. There's a lot to love about a trip to this beauty, but the view at the namesake overview is our favorite.
The park is nestled in close to the White Mountains so you can expect to see a phenomenal panoramic view of the national forest looming in the background. In our experience, there isn't a more magical place in New Hampshire than the White Mountains so getting to see them is always a treat.
The views at the top include the Saco River Valley and the White Mountains. That includes an incredible view of Echo Lake in North Conway.
Just look at the tiny looking lake in this picture. That is Echo Lake State Park and you can also get a great view of Cathedral Ledge right from the beach. We would even suggest visiting both in one day like we did. Enjoy the stunning views from on top of Cathedral Ledge and then soak up the sun on the beach at Echo Lake.
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This is the view from the lake. This picturesque spot captures the real beauty of this towering ledge.
The drive up the mountain is a windy road and you will feel the change in elevation, the mountain itself is over 1000 feet above sea level which will make you thankful you didn't bring your hiking shoes. Once you are on top there is a very short walking path and then you will be greeted with an incredible view.
Once there, the 700-foot Cathedral Ledge will dazzle you. It's so high and the views so expansive that it almost doesn't seem fair that the effort was so minimal.
And, if you time it right the sunset is absolutely incredible. But then again, New Hampshire is so generous you might end up seeing a rainbow after a heavy rainfall like we did.
While we love the drive up to Cathedral Ledge, you can also choose to hike to the top via a 2.9-mile moderately challenging trail from Echo Lake. Make sure you have your AllTrails app handy and download the Cathedral Ledge from Echo Lake trail map.
However you get to the views, you're likely to be left breathless. This is one New Hampshire attraction we plan on visiting throughout the summer!
Cathedral Ledge State Park is open throughout the spring and summer and opens once the weather is reliably seasonal. You can keep track and learn more about visiting through the official Cathedral Ledge State Park website. You can also see our experience driving up to the top of this amazing location with this Adventuring in the Moment video.
