Hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains

by Suzie Laskin

One of my favorite summer pastimes is hiking. Of course, you can hike all winter too, but I prefer cross-country skiing in winter. To me, summer is the time for hiking and seeing some of the most spectacular scenery you can imagine.

The White Mountain National Forest has thousands of miles of hiking trails, from extremely easy to extraordinarily difficult. The first thing you need is a good guidebook. I highly recommend the Appalachian Mountain Club’s White Mountain Guide, the hiker’s bible. It has a short description of every single trail and very detailed maps. And now, there’s an online version.

Before you head out on the trail, even if it is the easiest hike in the world, BE PREPARED! Do not leave home without water and food. If you are hiking above treeline, bring long underwear, a fleece jacket or sweater, a flashlight, matches, and a compass. The hottest days can become cold and windy, especially at elevation. If you are hiking above treeline, it is almost certain to be cooler than it will be at the base. Wear wool socks and good hiking shoes with a “sticky” rubber sole. When above treeline, you will be walking on rocks; good shoes are a necessity to help keep you from losing your footing. There are several good outfitters in North Conway: LL Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports, Ragged Mountain Equipment,  a local manufacturer of outdoor gear, and International Mountain Equipment, to name a few. Their staffs are well trained and can help you find just the right equipment so that you are well prepared. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or elegant, just safe.

Here are some of my favorite hikes:

Easy: Black Cap is one of the easiest and shortest hikes above treeline. It’s close to North Conway, and you can attain a spectacular view in a relatively short amount of time. Depending upon your fitness level, you can reach the summit of Black Cap in 30-60 minutes. I’ve hiked Black Cap with my nephews when they were 5, and my dad when he was in his mid-60′s. The view from the summit of Black Cap looks down upon Mount Cranmore and North Conway Village to the west. Beyond the Village, you’ll see the popular climbing areas White Horse and Cathedral Ledges. To the north, the mountains spread out before you, culminating at Mount Washington, and the Maine lakes region is to the east.  From North Conway, travel N on Route 16 to Hurricane Mountain Road. Go R onto Hurricane Mt. Road, traveling up a steep, narrow, winding mountain road to the height of land. The parking lot for the Black Cap Trail is on your right.

Moderate: Mount Willard is a little more challenging than Black Cap, yet not overly strenuous. You should be able to reach the top of the trail in about 45 to 90 minutes. Mount Willard is in Crawford Notch, and the view of the valley below is breathtaking. The drive through Crawford Notch to get to the trailhead is spectacular in itself. At the top of the Mt. Willard trail you’ll see the entire valley spread below, with the railroad  and Frankenstein’s trestle. The wooden trestle bridges a gap on the side of a mountain in Crawford Notch, and appears to dangle precariously on the edge. At the top of the Mt. Willard Trail, you’ll come to a flat plateau on the top of a cliff which is the perfect spot for your picnic lunch. From North Conway, travel west on Route 302, through Crawford Notch to the old Crawford Notch railroad station on the left. Park at the RR station, cross the tracks and follow the signs for the Mt. Willard Trail

Difficult: Mount Jefferson is very difficult, yet nevertheless the easiest way to reach the summit of one of the 4000-footers. The base of the Mt. Jefferson trail starts at about 2000 feet of elevation, so you’re partway there before you even begin. It is a relatively short hike (about 45 minutes) to a huge boulder outcropping where you have a beautiful view, can sit and relax, have a picnic lunch and call it quits right there and be happy, or continue on to the summit. You’ll hike some more in the woods before you emerge above treeline. The entire hike from base to summit is about 3-4 hours, so allow yourself plenty of time to get back down again before dark. The Summit of Mt. Jefferson looks over to Mt. Washington and it is surely one of the most spectacular views you’ll find. From North Conway, travel west on 302, through Crawford Notch beyond Bretton Woods. Turn right at the road for the Cog Railroad (Base Road) and follow signs for the Mt. Jefferson Trailhead. BE PREPARED! This is a very strenuous hike, above treeline.

Plan your route from your home!  This Jackson NH mountain view property gives you enough mountain views to dream up all your hikes!

Enjoy, and if you would like more hiking recommendations, Call me, Suzie Laskin at 603-356-7200 ext. 12 or email me here.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Hiking, Outdoor Activities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.