Hiking in New Hampshire is like fishing when you live on a deserted island. It’s necessary for life! While we might be exaggerating just a bit, getting outside is something we love and we think a lot of you do too. But, there’s a common misconception that you need to be some kind of avid hiker to see the best of the state. That could not be further from the truth. There are tons of beautiful beginner trails to explore and these are just a few of them.
- Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard
Mandi Swandon / alltrails.com Don’t let the word “mountain” scare you out of trying this one. The route has just a gradual and minimal uphill grade and once you reach the “top” the views are tremendous. You’re looking at about a half-mile up and a half-mile down so don’t stress too much about this beauty.
- Various Trails, Mount Cardigan, Orange
ragesoss / Flickr This is a great destination for people who might want to try their hand (or…feet) at a few different types of trails. The shorter routes are about three miles and feature smooth trails. There are also more challenging and longer routes with harder terrain. Both are great, but know you’ll be okay here as a beginner.
- Lockes Hill Trail, Gilford
Susan McDevitt / alltrails.com With just over 400 feet of elevation gain this is a great route for kids. The trail is a 1.8 mile loop through the Kimball Wildlife Forest and when you get to the top you’re rewarded with views of Lake Winnipesaukee and all that surrounds it.
- The Rollins and Lincoln Trail, Mount Kearsarge, Warner
hbarrison / Flickr This trail is the easiest way to summit Mt. Kearsarge and it includes lots of great views. You’ll stat in the parking lot at the trailhead and hike about 0.6-miles to the top. Then, when you’ve taken in the sights simply turn around and head back down.
- Echo Lake Trail, North Conway
Nirmal Patel / alltrails.com This is a great trail for people who just want a little escape from the every day. The loop around the lake is less than a mile and it includes forested landscape and great water views. Head here in the fall for an even more stunning experience.
- The Sweet Trail, Durham
notonyournelly / Flickr What could be bad about a trail called “sweet”? We say nothing and that’s why this is a great route. The flat trail is about four miles and winds its way through the Crommet Creek Conservation Area. The views are beautiful and include all the marshy goodness you crave.
- Old Bride Path, Center Sandwich
Michelle Cullion / alltrails.com This is a great option for beginners who have tackled a few easier trails and are ready to step up to something a bit more challenging. The 1.7-mile out-and-back trail heads uphill which is where most of the challenge comes in. It’s located in the West Rattlesnake Natural Area and all that uphill hiking will lead you to views over Squam Lake.
- Glen Ellis Falls Trail, Gorham
Josh Kraus / alltrails.com Another route that’s great for kids, this short hike total just 0.4 miles. The trail is flat, while still providing that “walk through the wilderness” feel. And at the end you’ll be rewarded with a lovely waterfall.
What are your favorite trails to tackle? If you have any easy ones, let us know! And if you’re familiar with any that are great as a next step up from beginner trails, share your best recommendations.
Mandi Swandon / alltrails.com
Don’t let the word “mountain” scare you out of trying this one. The route has just a gradual and minimal uphill grade and once you reach the “top” the views are tremendous. You’re looking at about a half-mile up and a half-mile down so don’t stress too much about this beauty.
ragesoss / Flickr
This is a great destination for people who might want to try their hand (or…feet) at a few different types of trails. The shorter routes are about three miles and feature smooth trails. There are also more challenging and longer routes with harder terrain. Both are great, but know you’ll be okay here as a beginner.
Susan McDevitt / alltrails.com
With just over 400 feet of elevation gain this is a great route for kids. The trail is a 1.8 mile loop through the Kimball Wildlife Forest and when you get to the top you’re rewarded with views of Lake Winnipesaukee and all that surrounds it.
hbarrison / Flickr
This trail is the easiest way to summit Mt. Kearsarge and it includes lots of great views. You’ll stat in the parking lot at the trailhead and hike about 0.6-miles to the top. Then, when you’ve taken in the sights simply turn around and head back down.
Nirmal Patel / alltrails.com
This is a great trail for people who just want a little escape from the every day. The loop around the lake is less than a mile and it includes forested landscape and great water views. Head here in the fall for an even more stunning experience.
notonyournelly / Flickr
What could be bad about a trail called “sweet”? We say nothing and that’s why this is a great route. The flat trail is about four miles and winds its way through the Crommet Creek Conservation Area. The views are beautiful and include all the marshy goodness you crave.
Michelle Cullion / alltrails.com
This is a great option for beginners who have tackled a few easier trails and are ready to step up to something a bit more challenging. The 1.7-mile out-and-back trail heads uphill which is where most of the challenge comes in. It’s located in the West Rattlesnake Natural Area and all that uphill hiking will lead you to views over Squam Lake.
Josh Kraus / alltrails.com
Another route that’s great for kids, this short hike total just 0.4 miles. The trail is flat, while still providing that “walk through the wilderness” feel. And at the end you’ll be rewarded with a lovely waterfall.
One of our favorite hikes includes some fun and unexpected features. The exhilarating Mount Morgan and Percival Loop includes ladders and caves for a fun New Hampshire day.
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Address: Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard, NH 03464, USAAddress: Mount Cardigan, Mt Cardigan, Orange, NH 03741, USAAddress: Lockes Hill Trailhead, 2303-2437 Lake Shore Rd, Gilford, NH 03249, USAAddress: Mount Kearsarge, Mt Kearsarge, Warner, NH 03278, USAAddress: Echo Lake, Conway, NH 03860, USAAddress: Sweet Trail, Durham, NH 03824, USAAddress: Center Sandwich, Sandwich, NH 03227, USAAddress: Glen Ellis Falls Trailhead, White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA
