Lace Up: Hiking in the Western White Mtns

Pro-Tip: Plan ahead

Every year, millions of people discover the beauty of the western White Mountains by foot. With incredible panoramic views, classic New England hiking trails, and beautiful native wildlife, the area has become a popular year-round destination.

Home to the world-famous Franconia Ridge, Lonesome Lake, Old Man of the Mountain, Flume Gorge, and countless miles of recreational hiking and biking trails, there are many reasons why so many people flock to the Western White Mountains to recreate. The Appalachian Trail crosses through our quaint towns in numerous places, leading to a vibrant hiking community formed by both locals and visitors. Please note that trailhead parking can be challenging, and inexperience paired with unpredictable weather has led to many tragedies over the years. The most important part of planning a hike in the Western White Mountains, regardless of the season, is being prepared. Always have a backup plan, and always do your research ahead of your visit.

The White Mountains Attraction Association, along with the White Mountain National Forest, have created a Winter Hiking in the White Mountains resource as well as a 10 Essentials Gear List that all hikers should be familiar with prior to hitting the trails, regardless of the season. We’ve also created a guide on “How to Dress for Each Season in the Western White Mountains” where we offer practical advice for staying comfortable year-round in New Hampshire’s changing weather. Key tips include layering for warmth in winter, preparing for mud and bugs in spring, staying cool yet protected from insects in summer, and embracing layers again in fall. The article emphasizes being adaptable to the mountains’ unpredictable weather, ensuring visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons.

Leave No Trace is a set of outdoor ethics aimed at minimizing human impact on natural environments, and it’s especially important in New Hampshire’s diverse landscapes, including the White Mountains. The principles encourage responsible recreation by focusing on actions like planning ahead, staying on trails, properly disposing of waste, respecting wildlife, and leaving what you find. In New Hampshire, with its fragile ecosystems and popular outdoor destinations, Leave No Trace helps preserve the beauty and integrity of the state’s forests, lakes, and trails for future generations, while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Checking the weather actively is extremely important to any successful hiking trip. The Mount Washington Observatory provides a multi-day Higher Summits Forecast, which is a great and sometimes life-saving resource for hikers. Please note that this forecast can change drastically even over a period of a few hours, so checking it frequently is highly recommended.

The White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire State Parks, and Appalachian Mountain Club manage many of the natural areas in the Western White Mountains. When in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to reach out to them prior to a hike if you have any additional questions.

White Mountain National Forest- Pemigewasset Ranger Station
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH 03223
603-536-6100

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

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

Are you ready to get out on the trails? 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, and don’t require waking up at 5 am to find a parking spot – although that’s never a bad idea! Read more.