You might look around New Hampshire and marvel at the breadth and size of our incredible mountains. All that beauty could be daunting if you’re the type who believes that only the biggest hills are worth the climb. We feel otherwise. Some of the most wonderful ways to explore the outdoors is by taking a walk. Follow a trail straight and see where it leads. If it goes up, great. If you break a sweat, that’s cool too. But you don’t need to measure your ability to love the outdoors by your skill level in hiking. Instead, try these beautiful and scenic trails that are great for beginners, but that will excite even the most accomplished outdoorsman.
- Old Bride Path, Center Sandwich
Michelle Cullion / alltrails.com This hike is a bit more challenging than some of the others only because it’s headed uphill. This is great for beginners who are getting ready to tackle some more challenging routes. The trail itself is about 1.7 miles out and back. You’ll find it in the West Rattlesnake Natural Area and leads to a perfect view over Squam Lake.
- Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard
Mandi Swandon / alltrails.com The word “mountain” might be a bit of a stretch. At about a half mile each way, this wonderful trail will leave you with enough energy to enjoy the views - especially from the top of the trail. Plan you trip for late summer and you’ll be able to pick tons of blueberries!
- Lockes Hill Trail, Gilford
Susan McDevitt / alltrails.com This easy trail consists of a 1.8 mile loop trail in the Kimball Wildlife Forest. The route sees just 418 feet of elevation gain, making it great for families with little legs. The top affords views of Lake Winnipesaukee and beyond!
- Echo Lake Trail, North Conway
Brian Eggert / alltrails.com Enjoy the views around Echo Lake by heading off on this 0.8 mile loop trail. It offers some of the most stunning views you can find in New Hampshire.
- Chesterfield Gorge State Wayside Trail
Matthew Person / alltrails.com This 0.6 mile hike is really more of a walk. But, it leads through a beautiful gorge on a well-maintained trail. The views are spectacular!
- Mount Kearsarge, Warner
hbarrison / Flickr You can get to the top of Mount Kearsarge the easy way by taking the shortest trail in the area. It’s just over two miles and, best of all, it can be done any time of year. We love that you can enjoy some truly wonderful views of the Sunapee region of New Hampshire.
- Glen Ellis Falls Trail, Gorham
Josh Kraus / alltrails.com There’s nothing uphill about this hike! And, at less than a half mile (.4 miles to be exact) it’s great for kids to get a feel for what it’s like to go on a real hike. It doesn’t hurt that the end result is a beautiful waterfall.
- The Flume Trail, Franconia Notch State Park
Mike Jennings / Google We know, we know. There’s a good chance you’ve already done this one, beginner or not. But, we couldn’t leave it off because it’s one of the best ways to get a taste of the New Hampshire outdoors. The 2 mile loop follows an easy boardwalk around the Flume Gorge. it’s easy, but full of some of the most dramatic sights. The gorge and its waterfalls are absolutely stunning – it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular places to visit in New Hampshire.
- Ripley Falls, Crawford Notch State Park
spaceyjessie / Flickr This hike is a great one for people who love waterfalls. The 1.2 mile out-and-back route is located in Crawford Notch State Park, one of the most popular in the state. This means that once you’ve tackled this one, you might be able to get to some other more challenging options. But, easy does it!
- The Sweet Trail, Durham
notonyournelly / Flickr This 4-mile route through Crommet Creet Conservation Area in Durham offers the chance to see a typical marsh ecology. There’s tons of wildlife and you can get in some good mileage without breaking a sweat.
The next lunar eclipse will be visible from right here in New Hampshire. Check out the details of why this one is so special here!
Michelle Cullion / alltrails.com
This hike is a bit more challenging than some of the others only because it’s headed uphill. This is great for beginners who are getting ready to tackle some more challenging routes. The trail itself is about 1.7 miles out and back. You’ll find it in the West Rattlesnake Natural Area and leads to a perfect view over Squam Lake.
Mandi Swandon / alltrails.com
The word “mountain” might be a bit of a stretch. At about a half mile each way, this wonderful trail will leave you with enough energy to enjoy the views - especially from the top of the trail. Plan you trip for late summer and you’ll be able to pick tons of blueberries!
Susan McDevitt / alltrails.com
This easy trail consists of a 1.8 mile loop trail in the Kimball Wildlife Forest. The route sees just 418 feet of elevation gain, making it great for families with little legs. The top affords views of Lake Winnipesaukee and beyond!
Brian Eggert / alltrails.com
Enjoy the views around Echo Lake by heading off on this 0.8 mile loop trail. It offers some of the most stunning views you can find in New Hampshire.
Matthew Person / alltrails.com
This 0.6 mile hike is really more of a walk. But, it leads through a beautiful gorge on a well-maintained trail. The views are spectacular!
hbarrison / Flickr
You can get to the top of Mount Kearsarge the easy way by taking the shortest trail in the area. It’s just over two miles and, best of all, it can be done any time of year. We love that you can enjoy some truly wonderful views of the Sunapee region of New Hampshire.
Josh Kraus / alltrails.com
There’s nothing uphill about this hike! And, at less than a half mile (.4 miles to be exact) it’s great for kids to get a feel for what it’s like to go on a real hike. It doesn’t hurt that the end result is a beautiful waterfall.
Mike Jennings / Google
We know, we know. There’s a good chance you’ve already done this one, beginner or not. But, we couldn’t leave it off because it’s one of the best ways to get a taste of the New Hampshire outdoors. The 2 mile loop follows an easy boardwalk around the Flume Gorge. it’s easy, but full of some of the most dramatic sights. The gorge and its waterfalls are absolutely stunning – it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular places to visit in New Hampshire.
spaceyjessie / Flickr
This hike is a great one for people who love waterfalls. The 1.2 mile out-and-back route is located in Crawford Notch State Park, one of the most popular in the state. This means that once you’ve tackled this one, you might be able to get to some other more challenging options. But, easy does it!
notonyournelly / Flickr
This 4-mile route through Crommet Creet Conservation Area in Durham offers the chance to see a typical marsh ecology. There’s tons of wildlife and you can get in some good mileage without breaking a sweat.
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