Things to do in New Hampshire, United States: The Best Hiking Trails

June 5, 2021 Trinity Boughner

If you are looking for diversity, you will certainly find it in New Hampshire. From lakes to beaches, waterfalls to woods and mountains to sea coast, the state has huge potential for outdoor vacations, including downhill or cross-country skiing in winter. With no less than seventy-five state parks that offer natural areas, hiking trails, beaches and historic sites, New Hampshire caters for a variety of tastes. Crawford Notch State Park in Harts Location has picturesque waterfalls, wonderful mountain views and opportunities for viewing wildlife. You can go hiking and fishing there as well as pay a visit to the historic Willey House. Monadnock State Park, unlike some other state parks, is open all year round for hiking. Want to go swimming? You will find five state park beaches along the coast of New Hampshire, such as Wallis Sands with its view of the rocky Isles of Shoals. On North Hampton State Beach and Jenness Beach you can have a picnic as well as a swim. When you've finally had your fill of fresh air, head for the Museum of New Hampshire History in Concord with exhibits focusing on heritage and traditions; children should enjoy them just as much as adults.
Restaurants in New Hampshire

1. Caps Ridge Trail

Jefferson, NH
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Caps Ridge Trail

The hike along this 2.5-mile trail is a challenge, from an elevation of 3,008 feet to the top of Mt. Jefferson at 5,715 feet.

Reviewed By MsProfessorADK

This trail was a blast. Lots of rock scrambling, with excellent hand and footholds. Highly recommended!

2. Zealand Falls Trail

White Mountains National Forest, NH
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Zealand Falls Trail

3. Welch Mountain and Dickey Mountain Loop

Thornton, NH http://www.hikenewengland.com/WelchDickey030719.html
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 93 reviews

Welch Mountain and Dickey Mountain Loop

Reviewed By muktwo - East Elmhurst, United States

This is quite a challenging hike especially going up the smooth rocky surfaces uphill. The view at the top however is well worth it. Amazing 360 degree view of other mountaintops and early fall foliage (we went on 9/16). Downhill path is easy but could be a little better marked especially in the rocky areas (look for the cairns). Overall one of the best hikes I have done!

4. Ski Hearth Farm

392 Streeter Pond Rd, Sugar Hill, NH 03586-4123 +1 877-772-4666 http://Www.skihearthfarm.com
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Ski Hearth Farm

5. Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop

Rte 113, Sandwich, NH
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop

Reviewed By mountlombard - Sandown, United States

Just a great moderate hike. Go up Percival first and do the caves. Tight squeeze! Then take the Ridge to Morgan. Trails are well maintained. Parking is a challenge on weekends. Do get an early start and pack sturdy shoes. Great day!

6. Locke's Hill Trails

Gilford, NH
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Locke's Hill Trails

Reviewed By BOS101718 - Boston, United States

Great trail with an incredible view. Worth it for all ages. Get a good workout in but not too strenuous. Will come back to hike again.

7. Mount Flume + Mount Liberty Loop

NH
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Mount Flume + Mount Liberty Loop

8. Appalachian Mountain Club High Huts

Mount Washington, NH 03581-0298 +1 603-466-2727 http://www.outdoors.org/lodging
Excellent
67%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Appalachian Mountain Club High Huts

Steeped in more than 100 years of tradition, the AMC's network of mountain huts provides a unique backcountry adventure for novice and experienced hikers alike. Each a day's hike apart along the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire's White Mountains, AMC Huts offer mountain hospitality in spectacular locations above treeline or near mountain lakes or waterfalls.

Reviewed By 651mariannes

Close to 40 of us met here for a well run meeting. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The AMC also provided outdoor leadership training and a guide snowshoe home around a lake. The price included three hearty meals a day and shared rooms with dormitory style bathrooms. There are bedrooms with private bath at s higher cost. Our meeting room was very large and well lit. The surrounding nature of the Presudentisl Mountains is stunning.

9. Lincoln Woods

Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Lincoln Woods

The Forest Service offers information about outdoor and wilderness activities.

Reviewed By Bden99 - Manchester, United States

This is a great trailhead to start a short day hike or a multi day overnight trip. A number of 4000 foot peaks may be accessed from this area. The trail is very gradual in grade until well into the backcountry .

10. Sabbaday Falls Trail

Excellent
57%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Sabbaday Falls Trail

This hiking area is perfect for beginners to enjoy marvels of nature.

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