Best Hikes in the Western White Mountains

Thanks to a couple of our local experts, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best hiking trails that can offer both novice and experienced hikers an exceptional day out. Many of the trails suggested here offer large parking lots or are trails less traveled.

Easier Hikes

Lincoln Woods Trail to Franconia Falls and Black Pond

A favorite walk in all seasons, perfect in the fall for taking in the foliage, snowshoeing in the winter, wildflower hunting in the spring and in the summer, or visit one of our pristine swimming holes at Franconia Falls. This trail is wide and fairly flat following an old railroad bed. It is popular for biking, dog walking, trail running or a leisurely stroll.

The trailhead is located about four miles east of Lincoln on the Kancamagus Highway. This large lot has space for 170 vehicles, operated by the forest service there are bathrooms and potable water. You will find a suspension bridge spanning the Pemigewasset River, upon crossing, Lincoln Woods Trail continues with several trails branching off. If you’d like a longer hike, you can take one of these side trails off the Lincoln Woods Trail.

At about 2.6 miles, you will find Black Pond Trail. Here you can hike another 0.8 miles until you come to the tranquil Black Pond. Surrounded by conifers, Black Pond is a great place to enjoy a snack and relax in nature. If you continue on Lincoln Woods Trail for another quarter mile, you will find the junction for Franconia Falls Trail. This stretch of trail follows the Franconia Branch of the Pemigewasset River. Here you will find scenic cascades and wonderful swimming holes. Please take care if you choose to enter the water. It is approximately eight miles to hike all three trails.

Flume Gorge

The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. During the open season you will have to pay a fee to enter. The tall granite walls form a narrow slot canyon, which a beautiful boardwalk allows you to walk through. The Flume Gorge Trail is a 2-mile loop starting and ending at the main building, please be aware that visitors will encounter stairs and inclines. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns and mosses found here. Please note that the Flume Gorge is closed to hikers for the winter season as the boardwalks have been removed, but the Flume Trail remains open for use

Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

Similar in many ways to the Flume Gorge, but with fun boulder caves to scramble through, The Lost River Gorge Trail is a paid, seasonally open attraction. This 1.5 mile loop consists of graded trails, boardwalk and lots of stairs. Here you follow the river, through the beautiful gorge with optional boulder caves, a large waterfall, a view point, a covered bridge and more.

East Pond

The easiest way to reach East Pond is a one mile hike from Tripoli Road. This road does close seasonally, so we recommend checking to make sure the road is open before you go. East Pond is a lovely place, dogs love to go for a swim (we don’t recommend it for people, lots of leeches!). You can choose to make this hike longer by continuing on to Little East Pond and completing the loop, this is about five miles long.

Overlook Farm and Bronson Hill Trail

Bronson Hill Trail is a great family hike, the fields of Overlook Farm offer unique views of the mountains of Franconia Notch and the Presidential Range. Along the trail you will also find a cute log cabin that is open to explore.

Flume Gorge

Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

Moderate Hikes

Lonesome Lake

Located in the heart of Franconia Notch is an enchanting glacial lake, nestled in the mountains. The Lonesome Lake Trail is accessed through the south parking lot of Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch State Park. The trail follows yellow blazes and switchbacks approximately 1.5 miles up to Lonesome Lake, located on the side of Cannon Mountain. There is a consistent incline, you will climb about 1000 feet up in just 1.5 miles. From the lake, enjoy incredible views east towards Franconia Ridge. Take a stroll around the lake, and make sure to visit the Lonesome Lake Hut while you’re up there!

Mt. Pemigewasset via Mount Pemigewasset Trail

The Mount Pemigewasset Trail is a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail that summits the peak of Mt. Pemigewasset. To access the trail, park at the far end of the Flume Gorge lot, where you will also find the start of the bike path. Continue down the bike path for a couple minutes and Mount Pemi Trail branches off to the left and dips under the highway before beginning the consistent incline that will bring you to wide open cliffs with a South Western view.

Bridal Veil Falls via Coppermine Trail

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the region. The five-mile roundtrip hike leaves from the small parking lot on Coppermine Road. We recommend this hike at days and times not considered to be prime as parking does fill up quickly. The steady, but very moderate incline travels 2.5 miles up along Coppermine Brook, where you will find the shelter and beyond that, the main falls. A total drop of 80 feet. This waterfall is especially spectacular after heavy rain or in the spring, but still worthwhile during dry spells. The trail is often wet, with mud and slippery spots.

Peaked Hill Pond Trail

This trail is lovely in all four seasons. Peaked Hill Pond Trail is approximately 3.2 miles total with a gentle incline. The trail is fairly wide until the spur that slopes down to Peaked Hill Pond. It is extremely scenic, with many wild flowers and mixed forests. It can be very buggy and the first part of the trail does have some damage due to flooding, but it is still hikeable.

Lonesome Lake

Difficult Hikes

Hiking ANY of the Mountains Above 4000ft Requires Hiking Experience, Knowledge, Preparation and Caution. Please visit our blogs about The Ten Essentials and Leave no Trace Principle, as well as the Higher Summits Forecast hosted by Mount Washington Observatory.

Black Mountain via Chippewa Trail

This steep trail winds through various woodlands, including a beautiful area of red pines. As you climb Chippewa Trail you will begin to reach open ledges with multiple viewpoints. Continue up the trail to the summit which offers spectacular views of nearby Mount Moosilauke. Near the base of the trail follow markers to visit historic lime kilns before or after your hike. A total of 3.9 miles and 1,597ft of elevation gain.

Mt. Flume via Osseo Trail

From the Lincoln Woods Trail, you’ll hike about 1.4 miles until you meet the Osseo Trail junction on the left. From the junction, you’ll hike another 4.1 miles where you’ll take a short portion of the Franconia Ridge Trail to the summit of Mt. Flume, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. The Osseo Trail is relatively flat before it turns steep with multiple switchbacks and a few wooden staircases. Roundtrip, you’ll cover roughly 11 miles.

Mt. Garfield via Garfield Trail

The main trail, Garfield Trail, is a 9.3-mile out-and-back trail that is challenging due to the distance of consistent grade required to reach the summit. You will find 360 degree views of the surrounding Pemigewasset Wilderness, the Presidential Range and Franconia Ridge. There are a few stream crossings within the first couple miles.

Cannon Mountain via Kinsman Ridge Trail

This short hike is STEEP, though the views from the observation deck are worth it. After popping out of the trees on Kinsman Ridge Trail, before heading to the observation deck and summit, there is a junction. Follow it taking a left and you will find stunning views of Franconia Ridge. Backtrack to the junction and continue onto the summit or head back down. 3.8 miles, 2.263 feet of elevation gain.

Franconia Ridge Loop

The famous Franconia Ridge Loop is a difficult, exposed, but beautiful hike. Ascend via Falling Waters Trail, which has three waterfalls along it, the tallest of which is Cloudland Falls and is worth visiting on its own. The trail will climb steeply and consistenly on ledgy and mostly rocky, rooty footing. Eventually you will reach a sign warning that you are about to enter into the Alpine Zone, please heed the signs instructions before continuing. Once you are atop Little Haystack Mountain you will be above treeline for over a mile, in poor weather conditions this is dangerous to navigate and does not offer any shelter or easy access to protection. As you follow the ridge you will summit Mount Lincoln and then Mount Lafeyette, from here you will descend Old Bridle Path towards Greenleaf Hut. Continue down Old Bridle Path and you will reach the parking lot. This is often a very busy loop, parking may be difficult.

Additional Resources

So now you’ve got the hiking bug, huh? We encourage our community and visitors to embrace the Leave No Trace principles, which are designed to minimize human impact on the environment. These outdoor ethics are particularly crucial in New Hampshire’s diverse landscapes, including the White Mountains. The principles emphasize responsible recreation by encouraging practices such as planning ahead, staying on marked trails, properly disposing of waste, respecting wildlife, and preserving natural features. To further protect these areas, it is essential to park only in designated lots and obey all traffic regulations, ensuring safety and reducing congestion around popular trailheads. By following these guidelines, we can help preserve New Hampshire’s fragile ecosystems and maintain the beauty of the forests, lakes, and trails for future generations, while also ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.

Here’s some more resources to safely guide you on your next adventures – Happy Trails!

First Five 4,000 Footers-Burgeon Outdoor

Hike Safe Card-NH Fish & Game

White Mountain National Forest- Pemigewasset Ranger Station
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH 03223
(603) 536-6100 Main Desk
(603) 536-3665 TTY

New Hampshire State Parks – Franconia Notch State Park
260 Tramway Drive
Franconia/Lincoln, NH 03580
Phone: 603-823-8800

Appalachian Mountain Club
General information or questions:
(603) 466-2727
amclodging@outdoors.org

For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov