The 12 Best Pinkham Notch Hikes
Pinkham Notch is one of the beautiful notches in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It runs along the eastern side of the White Mountains between Mountain Washington and Maine and is home to some of the most beautiful views in the state! Although you can enjoy the views from a scenic drive, I recommend hiking a few trails!
Hiking in Pinkham Notch is the best way to experience the beauty of the mountains. And the best part? There are hikes for all levels! Whether you want to hike to a beautiful waterfall or the top of the tallest mountain in New Hampshire, there is a hike in Pinkham Notch for everyone! This guide has everything you need to know about the best Pinkham Notch hikes!
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Tips for Hiking in Pinkham Notch
Hiking in Pinkham Notch allows you to experience the beauty of the White Mountains! Before you hike in Pinkham Notch, make sure to read through some tips and things to consider:
The Pinkham Notch trails are rugged. Although there are hikes in Pinkham Notch for every hiking level, each one still has roots and rocks. You must make sure to have the proper experience and gear before hiking these trails. If you want more information on the trails and their current conditions, I recommend reading recent trail reviews.
The weather in Pinkham Notch can change quickly. The weather in the White Mountains can be unpredictable. It could start sunny, then change into a windy and rainy afternoon within a few hours. It is essential to check the weather before starting the hike. I always recommend checking the Mount Washington Observatory weather because it provides pretty accurate forecasts for the higher summits in New Hampshire.
Consider hiring a guide! If you want to hike in Pinkham Notch, consider hiring a guide! They can provide great trail recommendations and help ensure you have a safe trip, and you will be supporting the local economy!
The parking lots in Pinkham Notch can fill up quickly, especially in the summer and fall. Many trailhead parking lots fill up quickly in the morning, especially on weekends. I recommend arriving at the most popular trails as early as you can to secure a parking spot.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Best Seasons for Hiking in Pinkham Notch
Summer is one of the best times to hike in Pinkham Notch because the weather is beautiful, and the trail conditions are great! Because the summer has optimal hiking conditions, it is the most popular time to hike in the White Mountains, and the trails will be busy. I recommend arriving at the trailheads early (some trailheads will even fill up by 8 am on weekends!). Mosquitoes are also an annoyance in the summer, so you should pack bug spray.
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to hike in Pinkham Notch because the fall foliage is stunning, and the weather is cool. Early fall is one of the busiest times in the White Mountains because of the foliage, so there will be traffic and crowds. The earlier you start your hike, the better! Winter conditions can begin in late fall, so you should read recent trail reviews and pack the appropriate layers and gear.
Winter is a beautiful and underrated time to hike in Pinkham Notch if you are okay with cold weather and snowy conditions. The trails are less crowded because the trail conditions require much more caution and preparation. If you want to hike in the winter, you should make sure to pack the appropriate layers and gear, read recent trail reviews, and keep an eye on the weather.
Spring is a great time to hike in Pinkham Notch as everything begins to bloom! However, winter conditions can last through late spring, and when the snow melts, the trails become very muddy. If you want to hike in the spring, you should read recent trail reviews and pack the appropriate gear. Mud season in the mountains makes the trails vulnerable, so please remember to stay on the trail. You want to ensure you do not create more erosion, damage vegetation, or widen the path. Some trails close during mud season, so you should also check for trail closures.
What to Pack for Pinkham Notch Hikes
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
The Best Pinkham Notch Hikes
Lowe's Bald Spot
Trail: Old Jackson Road
Length: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
One of my favorite hikes in Pinkham Notch is Lowe's Bald Spot. The trail overall is not too steep, gaining its elevation gradually, and the views at the top are incredible! The trail starts at Joe Dodge Lodge and follows along Old Jackson Road toward the Auto Road.
It alternates from flat sections to steeper sections before reaching the road. The trail crosses over the auto road before beginning the last steep ascent to Lowe's Bald Spot. Although Lowe’s Bald Spot is a small overlook, it has gorgeous views of the surrounding Presidential mountains. You will quickly fall in love with this beautiful hike!
Wildcat Mountain
Trail: Wildcat Ridge Trail
Length: 4.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
You may know Wildcat Mountain as the beautiful ski resort in Pinkham Notch, but did you know you can hike it? Wildcat Mountain has five peaks, but the best views are on the first two (E and D). Wildcat E is at the top of the ski resort, and Wildcat D is just past it. Both offer some of the most beautiful views in the area!
Do not let the short mileage fool you! Although this trail is shorter than others in Pinkham Notch, it is incredibly steep. The Wildcat Ridge Trail is known for its steep rock scrambles that are not for the faint of heart, making it a part of the Terrifying 25 List.
The trail starts in the Glen Ellis parking lot and gains elevation right out of the gate. A few sections along the hike will challenge you but are fun, in my opinion! Once you reach the top of Wildcat E, you get beautiful views overlooking the Presidential mountains, but these are not the best views on the trail! The trail climbs a short distance to Wildcat D, which has a viewing tower, allowing you to see above the trees. The views from the tower are breathtaking, so you will not be disappointed!
You can hike down the way you came, or if you have a car spot, you can hike down the Polecat Ski Trail. Once you see the views, you will quickly realize why Wildcat Mountain is one of the best Pinkham Notch hikes!
North and South Doublehead
Trail: Doublehead Ski Trail
Length: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
North and South Doublehead are two peaks on Doublehead Mountain near Pinkham Notch and are on the 52 With a View List, so you know their views are beautiful! One of my favorite things about Doublehead Mountain is it does not have many mountains nearby, so the views overlooking the surrounding area are breathtaking.
The hike begins on the Doublehead Ski Trail, which gradually gains elevation and is not too steep. It quickly approaches a trail junction leading to South Doublehead to the right and North Doublehead to the left. You can hike the loop in either direction, but I recommend hiking to the right first up the Old Path because this trail is steeper and easier to ascend.
Once the trail reaches the ridge, it follows the New Path to the right to South Doublehead. I recommend hiking a short distance from the summit to an overlook because it has stunning views! The trail follows back over South Doublehead towards North Doublehead and its cabin.
A short spur trail is just past the cabin and offers spectacular views, so do not skip it! It then follows the Doublehead Ski Trail back to finish the loop. This hike is perfect if you want a short, challenging trail with beautiful views!
Mount Moriah
Trail: Carter-Moriah Trail
Length: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Mount Mariah is a 4,000-footer mountain in the northern section of Pinkham Notch and does not lack beautiful views! There are a few ways to hike to Mount Moriah, but the most common is on the Carter-Moriah Trail. The trailhead is in a small neighborhood in Gorham and has limited parking, so please respect the people who live there when you are parking.
The first half of the Carter-Moriah Trail gains elevation gradually with not many steep sections and passes over Mount Surprise, offering beautiful views overlooking the surrounding mountains. The second half of the trail climbs steeply over many rock faces and can be incredibly slippery when wet. The final push to Mount Moriah is steep, but you are rewarded with breathtaking views at the top of the White Mountains, including Mount Washington. The views make this one of the best hikes in Pinkham Notch!
Carter Dome and Mount Hight
Trail: 19 Mile Brook Trail
Length: 10.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Carter Dome is a 4,000-footer in New Hampshire, with views overlooking Pinkham Notch. Although there are many trails to Carter Dome, the 19 Mile Brook Trail is one of the most popular. The trail is beautiful and gradually gains elevation to the ridge.
You can hike it as an out-and-back just to Carter Dome or make it a loop to include Mount Hight. I recommend adding Mount Hight to the hike because it has some of the most beautiful views in New Hampshire! You will not be disappointed adding it to the hike.
You can hike the loop in either direction, but I recommend hiking it counterclockwise because it saves the best views for last! The hike begins on the 19 Mile Brook Trail until it reaches Carter Notch Hut. The hut is a great place to stop and get water, if needed, before beginning the steep climb to Carter Dome. The climb to Carter Dome is tough because it is incredibly steep, but it is the steepest section on the trail, so everything else will feel like a breeze after!
Although Carter Dome is mainly wooded, it has a few clearings with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The trail between Carter Dome and Mount Hight is a relatively flat ridge walk until right before the summit of Mount Hight.
Mount Hight has breathtaking views that will take your breath away, especially on a clear day. The trail then loops around to the Carter Dome Trail before linking back up with the 19 Mile Brook Trail. This trail is long and strenuous, but the views make it all worth it!
North and South Carter Mountains
Trail: 19 Mile Brook Trail > Imp Trail
Length: 12.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
If you are looking for an epic hike that travels over multiple 4,000-footer mountains in New Hampshire, this trail is for you. It is also great for those who are working on the 4,000-footer list since it goes over three mountains on the list. The trail is gorgeous and will challenge even the strongest hikers!
I recommend hiking the loop clockwise by parking at the 19 Mile Brook Trail and walking along the road to Imp Trail. The road walk is short and easy! Imp Trail gradually gains elevation towards the ridge near North Carter Mountain. The ridge to North Carter Mountain and South Carter Mountain is relatively flat and offers beautiful views.
Although both summits are mostly wooded, the views along the trail make up for it. After South Carter Mountain, you have two choices. You can begin the descent down 19 Mile Brook Trail or add Mount Hight and Carter Dome to the hike. I recommend at least adding on Mount Hight since it has some of the best views in Pinkham Notch! Either way, you will complete the loop by hiking down 19 Mile Brook Trail back to your car.
Glen Ellis Falls
Trail: Glen Ellis Falls Trail
Length: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 90 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Glen Ellis Falls is a beautiful 66-foot waterfall in Pinkham Notch and is one of the easiest hikes in the area. The trail begins in the Glen Ellis parking lot, where it crosses under the road and follows a stone path along the river. The trail is well-maintained, with stone steps leading down to two viewpoints of Glen Ellis Falls.
The first viewpoint is above the falls and provides views of the surrounding mountains. The second viewpoint is the best, providing gorgeous views of the falls. Glen Ellis Falls will quickly become one of your favorite waterfalls and hikes in Pinkham Notch!
Mount Washington
Trail: Tuckerman Ravine Trail
Length: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,300 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
If you want to hike the tallest mountain in New Hampshire on one of the most difficult trails, look no further! This hike is rugged and strenuous, so please make sure you have the proper experience and gear before hiking Tuckerman Ravine.
Tuckerman Ravine is the iconic ravine on Mount Washington known for backcountry skiing and an epic day hike to the tallest mountain in New Hampshire. The trail is strenuous and climbs up steep rock fields, so it is not for the faint of heart or unprepared hikers. But if you are up for the challenge, you will not be disappointed!
The trail begins at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and offers a beautiful waterfall within the first mile of the trail. The entire trail offers stunning views, especially once you pass Hermit Lake, making the elevation gain and difficulty more bearable! The steepest section is right before the summit of Mount Washington, but once you get to the top you can celebrate with beautiful views and warm food.
The summit of Mount Washington has food available seasonally, which is honestly so great after a strenuous hike. You can also enjoy the 360-degree views at the summit on a clear day! You will quickly realize why this trail is one of the most beautiful Pinkham Notch hikes!
Mount Isolation
Trail: Glen Boulder Trail
Length: 12.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Although Mount Isolation is one of the shortest 4,000-footer mountains in New Hampshire, the trail is no joke, and it definitely lives up to its name because it is not an easy mountain to get to. There are two main trails you can hike to it, Rocky Branch Trail and Glen Boulder Trail. Rocky Branch Trail is a very wet and muddy trail, while Glen Boulder Trail is more strenuous but offers better views along the hike. Since Glen Boulder is the favorite of the two, we will focus on that trail.
The hike to Mount Isolation begins in the Glen Ellis parking lot and follows along the steep Glen Boulder Trail. Glen Boulder Trail will make you work for the views, gaining over 3,000 feet of elevation in three miles. Once you break through the treeline, you will see Glen Boulder, a giant rock that seems to be barely holding onto the mountain. You will also be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding Presidential mountains!
The trail then intersects with Davis Path, leading back into the treeline before summiting Mount Isolation. The views from Mount Isolation are incredible, especially of Mount Washington. If you are up for a challenge, the hike to Mount Isolation may become one of your favorites in Pinkham Notch!
Imp Face
Trail: Imp Trail
Length: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Imp Face is a Pinkham Notch hike that is often overlooked even though it has stunning views. The parking lot is pretty discrete since it is only a small pull-off area near the trailhead, so many people do not even know it exists.
There are two trailheads for Imp Trail because, technically, you can hike it as a loop, but I recommend only hiking the northern section since it is the most direct route to Imp Face. If you want to hike this route, you should park in the second parking lot on the right when you are coming from the south.
The trail to Imp Face is a steady climb but never gets too steep. There is one brook crossing, but it should not be an issue even if the water levels are high. Once you get closer to Imp Face, the trail steepens a bit, but I promise the effort is worth it for the views! Soon, the trail leads to the ledges near Imp Face with beautiful views overlooking the Presidential mountains. You will quickly fall in love with this beautiful Pinkham Notch hike!
Crystal Cascades
Trail: Tuckerman Ravine Trail
Length: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 160 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crystal Cascades is easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Hampshire! The 100-foot waterfall is along Tuckerman Ravine Trail but does not require a strenuous hike. The hike begins at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and follows along the Tuckerman Ravine Trail for a short distance before reaching Crystal Cascades. There is a short and steep climb to the viewpoint, but the effort is worth it for the views! Crystal Cascades is stunning, and it will quickly become one of your favorite waterfalls and hikes in Pinkham Notch!
Pine Mountain
Trail: Pine Mountain Trail
Length: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pine Mountain is a beautiful mountain in the northern section of Pinkham Notch and offers breathtaking views of the Presidential mountains. The most direct route to the summit begins on Dolly Copp Road, where you park in the small parking lot across from Pine Mountain Horton Center Road. Make sure to walk across the street from the parking lot and begin the hike on the gravel road.
The hike along the gravel road is relatively easy, gaining elevation gradually for the first mile before it intersects with Pine Mountain Trail to the right and steeply climbs up exposed rock faces to the summit of Pine Mountain. If you want to avoid the steep section, you can continue the hike up the road and take the trail right before the Horton Center.
No matter which way you choose to get to Pine Mountain, you will be in awe of the breathtaking views! I recommend following the trail north towards the Horton Center and hiking the road back rather than descending the steep trail because it can be tricky to hike down it.
Note: The Horton Center hosts retreats during the summer, and cars drive on the road. You cannot visit the Horton Center and Chapel Rock while it is open because it is only for guests.
If you want to hike when you visit Pinkham Notch, this guide is the perfect place to find a trail! It has everything you need to know about the best Pinkham Notch hikes.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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