Hiking in NH

Beautiful New Hampshire

New Hampshire has so much to offer! With 11 state parks as well as 117 miles of the Appalachian Trail, you will always be able to find great hiking trails. If you are a beginner, you can gradually increase your hiking skills without ever leaving the state.

Beautiful views are another great reason to go hiking in NH. For example, imagine hiking through a 16 acre rhododendron grove during the peak blooming season of mid-July. You can do this at Rhododendron State Park. This is a breathtaking hike that also takes you through the wildflower trail for a total of 117 miles of trails for your hiking pleasure.

Backcountry hikers will appreciate the ruggedly beautiful White Mountains with views of up to 4000 feet in elevation. Hikers, backpackers, campers and skiers come back to White Mountain National Forest year after year to experience the natural beauty found there.

Hiking in NH

The main hiking season in NH begins around July fourth and continues through Labor Day. Experienced hikers also enjoy winter hiking using snow shoes and crampons to keep their footing. However, there are many easy trails that are suitable for families as well.

April is the most difficult time to go hiking in NH. Soft snows as well as high water make it difficult as well as dangerous to navigate some trails. This is especially so at the higher elevations where you may find a need for snowshoes as late in the year as June.

Favorite Hikes

There are several hikes that are ideal for families as well as new hikers. These day hikes range from 50 to 1800 foot elevations and are anywhere from one to nine miles long. In the summer, you can enjoy a swim in one of the ponds you will find on these trails. Views are just as beautiful as at the higher elevations, you may even see a waterfall.

For a list of family hikes that you will enjoy, check out Hike-NH.com.

Speaking of waterfalls, New Hampshire hiking trails will give you the opportunity to experience the beauty of several waterfalls. The Pitcher and Champney falls are the most spectacular, but there are others worth seeing as well.

Check out Hike-NH.com’s top ten waterfall hikes for more information.

The Appalachian Trail

You can’t forget the Appalachian Trail if you are planning a hiking trip in New Hampshire. This National Scenic Trail spans 14 states with trail sections that range from flat and easy to very difficult. A total of 161 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs from the Maine/New Hampshire state line all the way to Vermont. Fall is the best time to hike on this trail if you love spectacular fall colors. You can read more about the Appalachian Trail by visiting the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Recommended Equipment

The New Hampshire Trails Bureau recommends the following equipment be brought along on all hiking trips.

• A map of the area you plan to hike—try Topozone.com

• A compass—and know how to use it!

• Water, or at the very least, a water purifier

• High energy food like trail mixes or power bars

• Waterproof matches and a fire starter, even if you don't plan to camp

• A flashlight—don’t forget extra batteries

• A whistle to help someone find you if you get lost

• A knife

• First aid kit

• An emergency blanket

• Nylon cord

• Gloves, a hat and extra clothes—the weather changes fast in the mountains

• Insect repellant

• Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm

You will want to bring your camera and maybe a pair of binoculars to see the views and enjoy the wildlife. It is also a good idea to bring a tent just to be safe. Check trail conditions before you head out and be sure you know what the weather forecast is as well. Plan well, and be sure to let someone know where you will be. When you are safe it is easy to relax and enjoy hiking in New Hampshire.