If you are looking for some larger hikes to plug into your summer schedule, here are 12 of my favorites in Western Maine and New Hampshire. This list changes each year as I discover new hikes and it surely will evolve over time, so keep checking back.
1. BALDFACE TRAIL, Chatham, NH (White Mountain National Forest)
Distance: 9.5 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 3,454 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Two bald peaks with expansive views, 4 miles of open ledge, emerald pool
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
2. BLUEBERRY MOUNTAIN, near Chatham, NH (but in Western Maine)
Distance: 4.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,890 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we love it: Views of Evans Notch and Baldface, rattlesnake pool
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
3. MOUNT CHOCORUA via Champney Brook Trail, Albany, NH
Distance: 7.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,244 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we love it: Cascading waterfall, open ledge and expansive views at summit
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
4. OLD SPECK, Newry, ME (Grafton Notch State Park)
Distance: 7.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,870 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: It's the highest and most northeastern peak in the Mahoosuc Range of the White Mountains. Gorgeous views and mossy, green forests.
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
5. BIGELOW PRESERVE, Carrabassett Valley, ME (Avery & West Peaks via Safford Brook)
Distance: 9 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 3,435 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Stellar views from two peaks of lakes and nearby mountains
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
6. MOUNT WHITEFACE, Wonolancet, NH (Sandwich Range)
Distance: 7.1 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,808 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: It's one of the shortest 4,000 footers, be prepared for scrambling
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
7. BALDPATE MOUNTAIN via Appalachian Trail, Newry, ME (Grafton Notch State Park)
Distance: 8.3 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,972 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Varied terrain, ladders, fall foliage
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
8. SOUTH MOAT MOUNTAIN, Conway, NH (White Mountain National Forest)
Distance: 5.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,132 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Sweeping views from summit
Full blog post with photos here
9. RED RIDGE AND MOAT MOUNTAIN TRAIL LOOP, Conway, NH
Distance: 10.5 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 2,860 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Expansive views, waterfalls, swimming holes, a loop trail is always good.
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
10. CARIBOU MOUNTAIN, Near Gilead, ME (White Mountain National Forest)
Distance: 6.6 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,958 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we love it: Waterfall/streams, views. Download map before you go - not well marked!
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
11. OWL'S HEAD VIA LINCOLN BROOK, Near Lincoln, NH (Pemigewasset Wilderness)
Distance: 17.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,018 ft
Difficulty: Difficult (with accessible section at the start)
Why we love it: Babbling brooks and solitude for hours. This is a long LONG day in the woods.
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
12. TUMBLEDOWN MOUNTAIN, Near Byron, ME
Distance: 5.3 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,952 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Why we love it: There is a pond near the summit!
Full blog post with photos here
Maps, directions, etc. here
Reach out with questions about any of these hikes and enjoy your time in the mountains!
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