12 Easy Hikes in the White Mountains
If you are looking for easy hikes in the White Mountains for the entire family, you came to the right place! I have been hiking in the White Mountains my entire life, so I know many of the best trails.
The White Mountains is the most beautiful section in New Hampshire, in my opinion, because there are hundreds of stunning trails leading to waterfalls, overlooks, summits, and lakes. Although most trails in the White Mountains are rugged, many trails are easy and great for all ages!
I have hiked many easy trails in an attempt to find the best to bring my entire family on. Now, I created this guide with everything you need to know about the best easy hikes in the White Mountains!
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Tips for Hiking in the White Mountains
The trails in the White Mountains are rugged. Although these hikes are considered easy, they have roots and rocks and are usually not just an easy stroll, but that is what makes them special! The trails in the White Mountains make you work for the views, and they are always worth the effort.
Someone’s version of an easy trail does not mean it is easy for everyone. It is important to remember that the trail difficulty is different for everyone. Something I consider to be easy may not be easy for everyone, so I recommend doing additional research or talking to park rangers to learn more about the trails before hiking them.
Consider hiring a guide! If you want to hike in the White Mountains, consider hiring a guide! They can provide amazing trail recommendations and help ensure you have a safe trip, and you will be supporting the local economy!
Because these hikes in the White Mountains are easy and beautiful, they are crowded. I recommend arriving at the trailheads early, so you can secure a parking spot and enjoy the beautiful trail. Trust me, I made the mistake of arriving just before noon for a hike, and I did not find a parking spot.
The weather in the White Mountains is unpredictable and can change quickly. I recommend bringing the appropriate hiking gear for the time of year you will be hiking, plus a little extra. I will go into full detail about what to pack next.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some trailheads have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away when you finish the hike. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
When to Hike in the White Mountains
The White Mountains is a four-season area and has trails you can hike year-round! Each season brings something different and beautiful, so the White Mountains has a hike for you in every season. Here are some things to consider and expect for hiking in the White Mountains in each season:
Summer is one of the best times to hike in the White Mountains because the temperature is warm, and the days are long. Even though summer brings beautiful weather to New Hampshire, the White Mountains are notorious for having unpredictable weather, so it is crucial to pack layers and watch the weather. Summer is also one of the busiest times in the White Mountains, so I recommend arriving at trailheads early in the morning, so you can secure a parking spot and hike with fewer crowds. Some trailheads fill up before 8 am!
Fall is the busiest time in the White Mountains and one of the most beautiful because of its beautiful fall foliage. Bright reds, yellows, and oranges take over the mountains and valleys, which is spectacular to see! The trails will have large crowds, so I recommend arriving early at trailheads to secure a parking spot. Early fall brings beautiful hiking temperatures, while late fall can bring snow, so it’s crucial to check the weather in advance and pack the appropriate hiking gear.
Winter is an underrated time to hike in the White Mountains! Many people choose to ski or snowboard in the White Mountains, so many trails will have fewer people. Winters in the White Mountains are cold and snowy, so it’s crucial to pack warm layers and appropriate winter hiking gear.
Spring is a tricky month to hike in the White Mountains because the weather varies, and the snow can linger into late spring. The trails can be icy, slushy, and muddy, and river crossings after the snowmelt can be difficult. I highly recommend reading recent trail reviews to understand what gear you need to pack for the easy hikes in the White Mountains to ensure you are prepared.
What to Pack for Hiking in the White Mountains
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.
Map of the Easy Hikes in the White Mountains
Easy Hikes in the White Mountains
Diana’s Bath
Length: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 120 feet
Diana’s Bath is a beautiful 75-foot waterfall near North Conway and a great hike for the entire family in the White Mountains! The hike to Diana’s Bath is 1.3 miles round trip and relatively flat, making it a great hike for all ages. It is a perfect hike to do year-round, too!
Diana’s Bath is usually very crowded, so I recommend arriving early in the morning if you want to experience the falls without many people. If you arrive midday, the wait to get a parking spot can be a mile down the road.
Arethusa Falls
Length: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 790 feet
Arethusa Falls is considered the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire and is a relatively easy hike in the White Mountains! The 3-mile round trip hike brings you through a beautiful forest and along the river leading to Arethusa Falls. The 200-foot waterfall cascades down a beautiful rock wall and will quickly become one of your favorites.
There are also many trails off of this one, so you can make the hike longer and more difficult if you want. Because Arethusa Falls is a stunning and easy hike in the White Mountains, it is very crowded. I recommend arriving at the parking lot early because the parking lot can fill up by 8 am.
As much as I love hiking Arethusa Falls in the summer, I enjoy it much more in the winter. The trail has fewer crowds, and the frozen waterfall is stunning!
Ripley Falls
Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Ripley Falls is a quick drive from Arethusa Falls and is one of the best easy hikes in the White Mountains! The 1.2-mile round trip hike brings you to the base of the stunning 100-foot waterfall.
Although Ripley Falls is not as tall or iconic as Arethusa Falls, it does not lack beauty. Because of its proximity to Arethusa Falls, the small parking lot can fill up early, and I recommend arriving earlier in the day to enjoy the hike.
Flume Gorge
Length: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 490 feet
The Flume Gorge is one of the most popular things to do in the White Mountains, and for good reasons! This 2.2-mile round trip easy hike in the White Mountains brings you through a beautiful 90-foot gorge with waterfalls, a covered bridge, and glacial boulders.
Although it is open year-round, the best time to visit is in the summer and fall when all the boardwalks are open. The Flume Gorge is a fantastic hike for all ages and should be on everyone’s White Mountains bucket list!
Note: You must make a reservation in advance to hike the Flume Gorge. I recommend getting an early time slot to avoid hiking with the midday crowds.
Sabbaday Falls
Length: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Sabbaday Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in New Hampshire. The stunning waterfall is on the Kancamagus Highway and consists of multiple cascades that end in an emerald-colored basin pool.
And the best part about Sabbaday Falls is it only requires a 0.6-mile round trip hike, most of which is flat! There is a boardwalk that brings you around the waterfall and provides different viewpoints of the beautiful New Hampshire waterfall.
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
Length: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves Trail is one of the best and most unique easy hikes in the White Mountains. The 1-mile round trip hike brings you through a gorge with waterfalls, boulders, and 11 caves.
You can either hike along the boardwalk and 1,000 steps through the Lost River Gorge or explore the 11 boulder caves along the trail. The boulder caves are a fun activity for kids and have different levels of difficulty to pass through!
Note: You must purchase tickets in advance to hike the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. The trail is open seasonally from 9 am - 5 pm.
Champney Falls
Length: 3.1 miles
Elevation: 700 feet
Champney Falls is a stunning 70-foot waterfall on the popular trail leading to the iconic Mount Chocorua. But if you do not want to hike all the way to the summit, you can enjoy an easy hike to the waterfall.
Champney Falls is one of my favorite easy hikes in the White Mountains because you get two stunning waterfalls along the hike. The 3.1-mile round trip hike is pretty gradual as it brings you towards Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls.
Champney Falls is the first waterfall you see, but I recommend continuing past it to Pitcher Falls. Pitcher Falls is gorgeous as it cascades down a rock face. I promise, it will become one of your favorite waterfalls in New Hampshire!
Even though Champney Falls is a bit more difficult than other easy hikes on this list, I know you will love it!
Boulder Loop
Length: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
The Boulder Loop is a beautiful trail off of the Kancamagus Highway and will quickly become one of your favorites! The 2.8-mile round trip hike is among the most difficult hikes on this list and brings you through a boulder field and ledges that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Kancamagus Highway.
There are a few steep sections, but the effort pays off once you arrive at the ledges. These views are some of my favorites in the area. I love enjoying this hike year-round, so I know you will enjoy it!
Mount Willard
Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Mount Willard has one of the most iconic views in Crawford Notch State Park and the most difficult hike on this list. But I promise the effort is worth it! Just wait until you see the views from the top!
The 3.2-mile round trip hike brings you through a beautiful forest and along a river to a stunning view overlooking Crawford Notch. The trail consistently gains elevation as you near the top but is worth the effort!
The most popular time to hike Mount Willard is in the fall when the foliage takes over the valley, but it is a fantastic year-round hike. I have hiked Mount Willard in every season, and the views never get old.
Artist Bluff & Bald Mountain
Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 440 feet
If you are looking for a short and sweet trail that offers incredible views, the hike to Artist Bluff and Bald Mountain is perfect! This beautiful 1.5-mile round trip hike is one of the most popular since it offers stunning views and does not require a strenuous hike.
The Bald Mountain-Artist Bluff Path begins in the overflow parking lot across from Cannon Mountain. The loop can be hiked either way, depending on what viewpoint you want to get to last. Artist Bluff provides stunning views of Franconia Notch, and Bald Mountain has 360-degree views.
Because Artist Bluff is a popular hike, especially in the fall, I recommend arriving at the trailhead as early in the morning as you can. If you can hike it on a weekday in the fall, even better! You will not regret the early wake-up call to avoid the midday crowds.
Echo Lake Trail
Length: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: minimal
Echo Lake State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in New Hampshire. Although most people visit to swim in the summer, it is a wonderful place to hike.
Echo Lake Trail is a 1-mile round trip hike that brings you around Echo Lake and along the base of Cathedral Ledge. It is perfect for all ages and year-round adventures!
If you want to extend your hike, you can also hike to the top of Cathedral Ledge, which offers views of the Saco River Valley. If you visit in the summer, you can cool off from your hike in the beautiful waters of Echo Lake!
I have hiked this trail year-round, and I love it every season. I know Echo Lake Trail will become one of your favorite easy hikes in the White Mountains.
Note: You must make a reservation to go into Echo Lake State Park. I recommend making it in advance during peak season.
Pondicherry Rail trail
Length: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
And last but not least, we have one of my favorite easy hikes in the White Mountains! The Pondicherry Nature Refuge is a gem in the White Mountains and has 9 miles of beautiful easy trails. It is in the northern section of the White Mountains and will quickly become one of your favorite areas.
The trails are flat and bring you to Cherry Pond, which has stunning views of the Presidentials and surrounding mountains. The most popular trail is the 5-mile Presidential Range Rail Trail, which offers beautiful views of the Presidentials. There are many trails to choose from in varying lengths and are among the best easy hikes in the White Mountains!
If you are looking for easy hikes in the White Mountains for the whole family, this guide is perfect for you! It has everything you need to know about the most beautiful easy hikes in the White Mountains that you should add to your bucket list.
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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