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And don't forget many New Hampshire attractions in the mountains include trails and walks such as The Flume and the summits of Cannon and Loon Mountains. Click on any of the links below to get detailed hiking descriptions and directions to each walk. So join me as we explore together these wonderful fall foliage hikes...
At the base of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains National Forest are some delightful walks if climbing one of the 5,000-feet peaks is not your idea of a stroll in the afternoon. The Zealand Trail is one of these walks, which can be negotiated by all members of a family and is about a 5-mile round trip. The fall foliage in this area is considered prime in New England colors and so you’ll probably not be alone on the trail. One of the most scenic of drives in New England is the Kancamagus Highway, but many don’t realize it also provides access to some of the best trails in the Northern Forests. Two of these trails are the Boulder Loop and Lincoln Woods hikes. The Boulder Loop trail is a 3.1-mile loop considered an easy-moderate walk, and the Lincoln Woods hike is a 2.9-mile easy loop. In the fall, when nature puts on its best show in the White Mountains then these trails – especially Lincoln Woods – can get really crowded. Should I or shouldn’t I include this granddaddy of them all as a hike in this list? Believe me this question went through my mind as the Presidential Range has the reputation of having the worst weather in the world, and Mount Washington justly deserves this reputation. So now that I’ve scared you, you also need to know it also offers some stunning views of the valley’s below on the ascent of any of the trails - especially during fall foliage season. Most popular trails are Tuckerman Ravine, Lion’s Head, and Boott Spur. All these are accessible from the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Route 16 out of North Conway. A few pointers: don’t attempt to hike unless you are in great condition, don’t do it alone, and do turn back if the weather changes – the mountain will be there tomorrow. And finally, invest in a trail guide – I recommend the AMC White Mountain Guide which details all the hikes and includes pocket maps you can take with you. You can
find out more about Mount Washington by clicking here.
This is an easy one-mile hike to a summit with unparalleled views over Squam Lakes and the entire Lakes Region of New Hampshire. The entrance to the Old Bridle Path trail can be a bit tricky to locate and is on Route 113 about five miles north of Holdness, and across from the parking lot for the Mount Morgan Trail. Look for other vehicles parked along the shoulder. You don't need trail directions for this one once you find the path, as it's clearly marked and there's only one trail going up. This is a great hike to do with children and you won’t find any rattlesnakes here either.
At 3,165-feet there are plenty of taller mountains to hike in New Hampshire but Mount Monadnock remains the most-climbed peaks in America - it’s an annual excursion for me - and a very accessible mountain close to the town of Jaffrey, and just over the border with Massachusetts. There are many hiking trails but all are great for fall foliage views. The most popular trails are the White Dot and White Cross and you should allow about 3 hours round trip. More >...
The White Mountains can be rugged and demanding on the body and even the most ardent hiker appreciates a soft pillow and bed at the end of a day's long hike. For those that look towards an inn or hotel for their sleepover accommodation New Hampshire has lodging to fit all budgets and tastes. |
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