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HIKING
Hiking in the Beautiful Granite State.....
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In nearly every town in the Granite State, a trail can be found for hiking. Whether
you're looking for a leisurely stroll to view the Fall foliage or a trek across the 4000 ft. peaks of the Presidential
Range, New Hampshire offers the widest variety of terrain in the northeast.
Most of the trails throughout the state are well marked and maintained by either the
State of New Hampshire, the White Mountain National Forest or the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Note: A parking pass is required at some of the more popular places to park by the
Forest service. Five dollars a day or twenty Dollars a year.
Some of the most popular hikes in the state include:
- The Flume
- The Presidential Range
- Mt. Washington
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| New Hampshire hiking trails draw thousands of tourists each year, and yield
spectacular views such as the infamous "Old Man of the Mountain" seen from Franconia Notch and the World-famous foliage
views along the Kancamagus Highway. |
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Please Be a Responsible Hiker !
Protect the trail - and yourself from unneccessary slips and falls by staying on the
designated path. Walking on the edge of a muddy trail breaks down the tread and creates ugly multiple paths. Swithchback
shortcutting destroys fragile vegetation and may ultimately erode the trail away. Make minor trail repairs if you can or
report them to the nearest ranger station. |
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Boulder Loop Hike
The Boulder Loop Hiking Trail starts off the Kangamangus Highway. Located near the Covered Bridge Campground.
This trail is three-miles long, passing through the broaded-leafed and evergreen forests. The ledges which is the highest
point are 1,000 feet above Pasaconaway Valley.
The hike will take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the walk up and one hour for the downward
leg. Along the trail there are 18 different places to stop and rest. All are marked with numbers and the trail is mapped
with yellow blazes. Please stay on the mapped area and sturdy footwear should be worn (hiking boots). Remember to use
caution at all times especially near ledges.
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CAUTION: IN WET WEATHER THE BARE ROCK MAY BE VERY SLIPPERY. PROTECT CHILDREN FROM THE SHARP
DROP-OFFS.
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Mt. Kearasarge North:
Location of Trail Head: The trail begins at a small parking area located 1.5 miles east of NH Route 16/302 on
the north side of Hurricane Mountain Road in Kearsarge.
Length of Trail to the Summit (one way): 3.1 miles
Estimated Time (one way): 2 hours and 50 minutes
Elevation Gain: 2, 700 feet
Summit Elevation Above Sea Level: 3,268 feet
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
The Mount Kearsarge North Trail is a steep trail that makes a perfect day hike. The rokcy exposed summit of Mount Kearsarge
North affords one of the finest view points in the White Mountains with exceptional views in all directions. |
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Albany Mountain Notch
Trail Beginning: 800 ft elevation. Trail begins on the Crocker Pond Road (FR 18) one mile south of the Patte
Brook Road (FR 7).
Trail Ending: Trail ends at Birch Ave near Keewaydin Lake in Stoneham, ME.
Access: From Bethel take Route 5 south past Songo Pond and turn right onto the Patte
Brook Road at sign indication National Forest Camping. Follow sign to Crocker Pond Campground. Parking for trail is 1/2 mile
before campground on right.
Attractions and Consideration: National Forest land is managed for a variety of uses including wildlife, water, timber,
wilderness and recreation. Wildlife habitat improvement, protection of soil and water resources, visual resources
improvements, and recreational activities may all occur on the same parcel of land. The Albany Notch Trail provides a
north-south route from the Crocker Pond Road to Keewaydin Lake through Albany Notch, the natural passage between Peter
Mountain and Albany Mountain. It provides an alternative route going or comping from the Albany Mountain. |
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Albany Mountain Trail
Trail Beginning: 980ft. elevation. Trail begins at 0.6 mile from the Crocker Pond Road, Albany Notch
trailhead.
Trail Ending: 1920 ft. elevation. Trail ends at the summit of Albany Mountain.
Length: 1.4 miles
Access: Floow directions to Albany Notch trailhead.
Caution: Areas along the trail can become slippery at anytime of the year due to changing weather conditions. Use care when
walking on these Forest trails. Harsh weather conditions are common in mountianous areas. Dress properly and bring extra
clothing for your own protection. |
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Albany Brook Trail
Trail Beginning: 825 ft. elevation. Trail begins at the Crocker Pond Campground at the end of the Crocker
Pond Road (FR 18).
Trail Ending: The northern shore of Round Pond
Access: Follow directions for Albany Notch Trail and continue to Crocker Pond Campground.
Attractions and Considerations: This trail provides the only trail access to Round Pond, known for good trout fishing
opportunities. Very easy hike for all ability levels.
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Mt. Chocorua Hiking Trails
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Liberty Brook Trail Via Paugus Mill Road
Location of the Trail's Head: It begins at the parking area just before the gate
on Paugus Mill Road in Chocorua. Please respect private property on the way to the parking lot.
Loop the Hike Option: The liberty Trail and Brook Trail can be combined for an excellent day hike loop.
From parking lot estimated time: 2.7 miles, 2 hours and 10 minutes
To Jim Liberty Cabin: 3.3 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes
To the Brook Trail: 3.6 miles, 3 hours and 5 minutes
To Mt. Chocorua Summit: (via Brook Trail): 3.9 miles, 3 hours and 20 minutes
Elevation Gain to Summit: 2, 500 feet |
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The Brook Trail
Distance from Paugus Mill Parking Area to the Claybank Brook Crossing: 2.5
miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes
to the Liberty Trail: 3.4 miles, 2 hours and 50 minutes
to Mt. Chocorua Summit: 3.6 miles, 3 hours and 5 minutes
Elevation Gain to Summit: 2,300 feet.
Note: The summit can be avoided during bad weather by following the West Side Trail, which enters 25 yards beyond the
Bee Line Trail and runs into the Piper Trail. |
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The Piper Trail
Location of Trail Head: Route 16, six miles south of Conway behind Piper Trail
Cabins and restaurant. This is private land and there is fee area parking lot.
Distance and Estimated Times from Route 16:
Nickerson Ledge Trail: 1.4 miles, 1 hour
Chocorua River Crossing: 2.0 mile,s 1 hour and 25 minutes
Camp Penacook Spur Trail: 3.1 miles, 2 hours and 25 minutes
Champney Brook Trail: 3.9 miles, 3 hours and 10 minutes
Mt. Chocorua Trail: 4.5 miles, 3 hours and 35 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Elevation Gain to Summit: 2,700 feet |
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Hikes on the Kancamangus Highway
Note: Recreational passes are required at all trailheads. Exceptions are:
parking 1/2 miles from the trailheads; and day use area along the Kancamagus Highway. Look for signs. If you forgot to get
your pass, don't worry! You'll receive a salmon colored envelope on your windshield. Enjoy your trip and send it in later!
Rail N River Trail
Easy Walk 0.5 miles (10 minutes to one hour round trip.)
Location: Fairly flat trail, wheelchair or stroller accessible. 12.3 west of the Saco Ranger Station on the
Kancamagus Highway. Follow the trail from the parking lot at the Russell Colbath Historic House. |
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Boulder Loop Hike
Easy/Moderate. 2.8 miles (2-4 hours round trip)
Location: 6 miles west of the Saco Ranger Station. Turn right off the Kancamagus Highway through the Covered Bridge.
The parking lot is on the right and the trailhead is oposite the paking lot. Gradual climb with some step pitches. Excellent
views! Brochure available at the trailhead or any ranger station. tells story of formation of soil and the orgin and growth
of the forest. View of Mt. Chocorua and Swift River Valley from the ledges. |
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Sabbaday Falls Hike
Easy Walk. 0.4 mile (20 minutes to one hour trip)
Location: 15 miles west of the Saco River Ranger Station. A picturesque series of cascade in a narrow flume.
Descriptive signs point out rock formations. There is a picnic area at the entrance of the trail. |
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Mt. Hedgehog via the UNH Trail
More difficult. 5 miles 4-5 hours round trip
Location: 13.5 miles west of the Saco Ranger Station on left opposite the Passaconaway Campground. This is a loop
hike via the UNH Loop Trail to Mt. Hedgehog. This trail offers a moderate hike to the summit of a 2500' mountain with
spectacular views of the Swift River Valley in many directions. Appalachian Mountian Club Map #4.
Mt. Potash Hike
More difficult: 4 miles (4 hours round trip)
Location: 13.5 miles west of Saco Ranger Station. (Not a Loop Trail). Start on Downes Brook Trail across from
Passaconaway Campground. Trail to the summit of Mt. Potash 92600' is open and ledgy and affords excellent views of the Swift
River Valley and surrounding mountians in all directions. Use extreme caution on ledge areas. The Mt. Potash
Trail then leaves (sharp right) and soon crosses Downes Brook. The route over ledges is marked with yellow paint.
Appalachain Mountain Club Map #4.
The Lovequist Loop Trail
Easy 0.7 miles (1 hour round trip)
Location: 9 miles west of the Saco Ranger Station at Rocky Gorge. A short walk around Falls Pond offers a sample of
th internal beauty of the Forest. Bring along your fishing rod and camera. Tread softly and becareful of plants and
vegetation.
Greeley Ponds Trail
Moderately Easy. Approximately 5 miles
Location: The trailhead is 9 miles east of Exit 32, I-93 on the Kancagmagus Highway. Greeley Pond Scenic Area is
about 1 mile from the highway, featuring two ponds. Upper Greeley Pond, with its dark aqua-green color, is a beautiful spot,
surrounded by old growth timber and towering cliffs. By contrast, Lower Greeley Pond is shallow and more typical of a beaver
pond. Both ponds offer trout fishing and a enjoyable place to have a picnic lunch.
Lincoln Woods Trail
Easy 2.8 miles (1 hours, 20 minute(
Location: The Lincoln Woods Trail parking lot is off the Kancamangus Highway, 5 miles east of exit 32, I-93. The
trail is an abandoned railroad grade formerly used to haul logs to a mill in Lincoln. As the main access into the heart of
the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area, the trail terminates at the wilderness boundary where the Wilderness Trail (6 miles) takes
off. An easy goal for a short day hike is Franconia Falls (2.8 miles; 1 hour, 20 minutes) or Black Pond (2.6 mile; 1 hour,
10 minutes). Franconia Falls is a massive granite ledge with a water chute located on Franconia Brook. It is very popular
with swimmers and sunbathers in warm weather. Black Pond provides mountainous views. |
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There a number of Hiking Districts which you will find a variety of trails, camping and
views.
- Ammonoosuc Ranger District - Includes the famous,
Crawfords Path - Edmands Path
- Androscoggin Ranger District - Mount Washington, Imp
Trail, Mount Madison
- Evans Notch Ranger District -
Baldface Circle Trail, Basin Trail / Basin Rim Trail, Bickford Brook Trail / Blueberry Ridge Trail, Five
Hikes on the Evans Notch Ranger District
- Pemigewasset Ranger District - Short Hikes on
Ammonoosuc - Pemigewasset Ranger District, Basin Cascade Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail, Elephant's Head Trail.
- Saco Ranger District - Walking in the National
Forest, Hikes on Kancamagus Highway, Mt. Chocorua Hiking Trails.
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Caution should be taken when hiking:
Harsh weather conditions along with sudden violent storms are common in this area and claim many lives each
year. You must keep in mind that most hiking trails are above tree level in many spots. Please plan ahead and carry extra
clothing and food while hiking in this area. Remember that storms quickly increase in severity above tree line. If you begin
to experience difficulty, TURN BACK before it is too late! |
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To reserve a Site, call The Foothills Campground at:
603-323-8322 or use the reservation form below.
We will confirm your reservation within 60 hours.
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Email Us:
info@thefoothills.com
Foothills Family Campground
506 Maple Road
Tamworth, NH 03886
(603) 323-8322 |
The
Foothills Campground