New Hampshire hiking: 5 trails you should try

A hiker navigates the Franconia Ridge Trail in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. (Getty Images)

If you’re not skiing in the mountains of New Hampshire, then you might as well be hiking.

Looking for the right trail to start with? We’ve got you covered.

From the White Mountains in the northern part of the state down to Mount Monadnock and throughout the Lakes Region, New Hampshire offers dozens of destination trails where you can spend a day — or more — challenging yourself.

Hikers in New Hampshire should always be aware of weather conditions that can change quickly, of course, and may want to consider buying a New Hampshire “Hike Safe” card.

MORE HIKING GUIDES: New England’s best hassle-free hikes | 5 great off-the-beaten-path hikes | 10 family-friendly hikes

Here are five trails for a hiker who is ready to tackle all the Granite State can offer:

1. Franconia Ridge Loop – Lincoln, N.H.

Difficulty: 5/5 | Trail info

Often included in the “best of the best” lists, the Franconia Ridge Loop makes you work for the final payoff. But trust us — it’s worth it.

To get to those 360° summit views over northern New Hampshire and Vermont, make sure to start early. This hike is “leg day” and then some, with around 9.3 miles in length and over 3,800 feet of elevation gain.

You can expect it all: rock scrambles, mud, snow (October to May), bugs, and everything else the rugged north has to offer. Poles are recommended. Plan on between seven and 12 hours to complete this one.

When you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to some of the best views on earth.

2. Tuckerman Ravine, Mount Washington – Pinkham Notch, N.H.

Difficulty: 5/5 | Trail info

If you’re looking for extremes on the East Coast, you won’t find anything that beats Mount Washington.

The Tuckerman Ravine trail climbs 4,242 feet over 7.4 miles, taking you from lush boreal forest to a stark alpine environment that’s about as hospitable as inner Greenland. The views at the summit are breathtaking.

Tuck is a rugged hike. Mount Washington is often called the “most dangerous small mountain in the world,” so take this one seriously — and bring crampons if you’re hiking anytime between October and June. It can easily be 95° at the base and 40° at the summit, so clothing options are a must!

During the summer, you can enjoy the summit views with some food and drinks from the visitor center. Look around for 360° views of the planet below — this is the type of hike that sticks with you forever.

3. Crawford Path, Mount Washington – Carroll, N.H.

Difficulty: 5/5 | Trail info

The Crawford Path was conceived more than 200 years ago, making it the country’s oldest continuously maintained hiking trail. You can take this one as far as you want before turning around, including all the way to the summit of Mount Washington for a full 15-mile hike that climbs more than 5,200 feet.

You get the best of New Hampshire’s White Mountains with this trail. There are steep, rocky climbs; scree fields with house-sized boulders; and plateaus basking in sunlight.

While this trail feels different from Tuck, it’s still a real challenge — particularly if you make the final push to Mount Washington. Be prepared with the right gear and provisions.

When you get through this one, though, you’ll know you’re capable of hanging with the best.

4. White Dot Trail, Mount Monadnock – Jaffrey, N.H.

Difficulty: 3/5 | Trail info

Southern New Hampshire’s Mount Monadnock offers some stunning views of the northeast from more than 3,000 feet up — and the White Dot Trail is the best way to get there.

Climbing 1,742 feet over 3.6 miles, this out-and-back is perfect for less-experienced hikers looking to get a taste of more rugged adventure. You can expect it to take around three hours.

This trail can get a bit crowded, so make a reservation online to hike it. Also, note that dogs aren’t allowed on this one. Expect a rocky, steep ascent with some potentially slippery rocks. Watch out for black ice if you’re hiking between October and May, and as always, bring bug spray!

On a clear day, see if you can spot Boston 100 miles to the southeast.

5. Mount Willard Trail – Bretton Woods

Difficulty: 3/5 | Trail info

Perfect for a cloudy day, Mount Willard Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back that climbs nearly 900 feet. From the Mount Willard summit at 2,484 feet, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding White Mountains without the insane conditions of peaks like Washington, Jefferson and Adams.

The first third of this trail is the most challenging, with steep rocks and considerable mud. The latter two-thirds become progressively easier, and you get a sudden payoff when you emerge from the woods for a stunning view over the valley below.

Though this trail can take as little as two hours to complete, you’ll want to get an early start to avoid crowds.