During the summer you don’t have to twist our arm to get us out into the nature of New Hampshire. It’s easy to throw on some boots and hit the trails when you don’t have to worry too much about the weather. But when things get chilly it’s another story. While the landscape is arguably even more beautiful, it can be daunting to hit the trails when they’re surrounded by snow. To help get you out there, here are a few of the best hikes in New Hampshire that are absolutely wonderful in the winter.
- The Kidder-Cleveland-Clough Trail, New London
mmwm / Flickr This trail provides public access to land protected by New London Conservation Commission. In the summer it heads through wetlands, but in the winter when it’s covered in snow it’s perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. The route is about 1.5 miles and is great for walkers as well. It’s not too challenging, which makes it a great kid-friendly hike in New Hampshire.
Read more about The Kidder-Cleveland-Clough Trail. Kidder Cleveland Clough Trailhead, 175 Pleasant St, New London, NH 03257, USA
- Odiorne Point State Park, Rye
Katie Lynn / alltrails.com There are a few different trails to take at this seacoast state park. Each one is simple and easy, with nearly impossible-to-lose trails. Try the Odiorne Point Loop Trail for 3 miles of flat beauty. In the summer you’ll find wildflowers, but in the winter the beauty comes from how calm and serene the landscape is.
Learn more about Odiorne Point State Park. Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
- Blue Job Mountain Trail, Strafford
Jessie Tivey / alltrails.com If you’re looking for scenic hikes in New Hampshire, this is the right place for you! The climax of this short hike is the top, where you’ll be treated to views of that go from Mt. Washington in the north, Mt. Monadnock in the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east! The entire route is just over a mile, making this a great hike for those who like big reward for little effort. Expect a wonderful release of tension once you lay eyes on that view.
Check out more about Strafford, New Hampshire. Blue Job Mountain, Farmington, NH 03835, USA
- Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown
nhstateparks.org This beautiful New Hampshire park boasts 10,000 acres of land with tons of beautiful trails to try. Each is well-maintained and perfect for winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Or, just strap on your boots to hike and walk!
Find out more about Bear Brook State Park. Bear Brook State Park, 157 Deerfield Rd, Allenstown, NH 03275, USA
- Lincoln Woods Trail, Lincoln
garylerude / Flickr At nearly 10 miles, the Lincoln Woods Trail is a long one. But it’s flat and great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It’s out and back, so it’s easy to follow. But you can easily choose to do just a portion and turn back sooner. If you do that, this will certainly be a calming hike that won’t take much time.
Read more about Lincoln, New Hampshire. Lincoln Woods Trail, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
- Franconia Notch State Park Trails
jagger / Flickr If you’ve spent some time in New Hampshire, you’ve likely already visited Franconia Notch State Park. But in the winter things here come alive. The Basin and Flume Gorge Trails are still accessible via short hikes throughout the winter months. And for a truly spectacular experience, head there when the falls have frozen! In winter, these are some of the best easy hikes in New Hampshire.
Read more about Franconia Notch State Park. Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
- Diana’s Baths, North Conway
hbarrison / Flickr The route to one of the most popular waterfalls in the state is relatively flat and just about a half-mile. The best part? In the winter things here get very quiet, which means if you plan things right you could have the trail to yourself. If you go when things are cold, you’ll have the opportunity to see the falls in a semi-frozen state. It’s breathtaking!
Check out more about Diana’s Baths. Diana’s Baths, 3725 West Side Rd, Bartlett, NH 03812, USA
- West Rattlesnake Mountain, Holderness
Zoë Rath / alltrails.com As one of the most challenging hikes on this list of more leisurely routes, you’ll want to plan ahead for this one if you’re used to flat walks. While not one of the larger mountains in the state, the two-mile 1,260 footer with a 450-foot vertical gain will take some effort in the snow. But the view of Squam Lake is gorgeous, and qualifies this route as one of the best hikes in New Hampshire!
Find out more about West Rattlesnake Mountain. West Rattlesnake Mountain, Center Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
Hiking is fun, but if you’re craving a different kind of adventure take a winter zip line tour in New Hampshire.
mmwm / Flickr
This trail provides public access to land protected by New London Conservation Commission. In the summer it heads through wetlands, but in the winter when it’s covered in snow it’s perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. The route is about 1.5 miles and is great for walkers as well. It’s not too challenging, which makes it a great kid-friendly hike in New Hampshire.
Read more about The Kidder-Cleveland-Clough Trail.
Kidder Cleveland Clough Trailhead, 175 Pleasant St, New London, NH 03257, USA
Katie Lynn / alltrails.com
There are a few different trails to take at this seacoast state park. Each one is simple and easy, with nearly impossible-to-lose trails. Try the Odiorne Point Loop Trail for 3 miles of flat beauty. In the summer you’ll find wildflowers, but in the winter the beauty comes from how calm and serene the landscape is.
Learn more about Odiorne Point State Park.
Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
Jessie Tivey / alltrails.com
If you’re looking for scenic hikes in New Hampshire, this is the right place for you! The climax of this short hike is the top, where you’ll be treated to views of that go from Mt. Washington in the north, Mt. Monadnock in the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east! The entire route is just over a mile, making this a great hike for those who like big reward for little effort. Expect a wonderful release of tension once you lay eyes on that view.
Check out more about Strafford, New Hampshire.
Blue Job Mountain, Farmington, NH 03835, USA
nhstateparks.org
This beautiful New Hampshire park boasts 10,000 acres of land with tons of beautiful trails to try. Each is well-maintained and perfect for winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Or, just strap on your boots to hike and walk!
Find out more about Bear Brook State Park.
Bear Brook State Park, 157 Deerfield Rd, Allenstown, NH 03275, USA
garylerude / Flickr
At nearly 10 miles, the Lincoln Woods Trail is a long one. But it’s flat and great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It’s out and back, so it’s easy to follow. But you can easily choose to do just a portion and turn back sooner. If you do that, this will certainly be a calming hike that won’t take much time.
Read more about Lincoln, New Hampshire.
Lincoln Woods Trail, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
jagger / Flickr
If you’ve spent some time in New Hampshire, you’ve likely already visited Franconia Notch State Park. But in the winter things here come alive. The Basin and Flume Gorge Trails are still accessible via short hikes throughout the winter months. And for a truly spectacular experience, head there when the falls have frozen! In winter, these are some of the best easy hikes in New Hampshire.
Read more about Franconia Notch State Park.
Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
hbarrison / Flickr
The route to one of the most popular waterfalls in the state is relatively flat and just about a half-mile. The best part? In the winter things here get very quiet, which means if you plan things right you could have the trail to yourself. If you go when things are cold, you’ll have the opportunity to see the falls in a semi-frozen state. It’s breathtaking!
Check out more about Diana’s Baths.
Diana’s Baths, 3725 West Side Rd, Bartlett, NH 03812, USA
Zoë Rath / alltrails.com
As one of the most challenging hikes on this list of more leisurely routes, you’ll want to plan ahead for this one if you’re used to flat walks. While not one of the larger mountains in the state, the two-mile 1,260 footer with a 450-foot vertical gain will take some effort in the snow. But the view of Squam Lake is gorgeous, and qualifies this route as one of the best hikes in New Hampshire!
Find out more about West Rattlesnake Mountain.
West Rattlesnake Mountain, Center Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in New Hampshire June 02, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What are the best family-friendly hikes in New Hampshire? If you’re hoping to find a great place to take the whole family this weekend, including the kids, you’ll love these easy hikes in New Hampshire. Some of the best known hikes are Ripley Falls in Crawford Notch State Park, Echo Lake Trail in North Conway, and Pitcher Mountain at Stoddard. Pitcher Mountain is especially gorgeous. Just wait until you see the panoramic views found all along the trail. These hikes aren’t too long, so they are great choices for you as well as the little ones. Where can I hike to a cave in New Hampshire? There’s nothing like hiking to a cave in New Hampshire! The Big Rock Cave is a great place to go for an exciting and adventurous escape up the 2,000 foot Mt. Mexico. It’s a little long for inexperienced hikers, at 3.5 miles long. But it’s the ideal length of time for those who are used to forays into nature. You’ll really feel like you’re a part of the forest, as you’ll be surrounded by trees and greenery the whole time. The cave is not underground, making it a unique and accessible spot. Should I go hiking in the winter in New Hampshire? You might think that a heavy snowfall would mean there’s no hiking in the colder months of the year, but there are plenty of nice winter hikes in New Hampshire. Mount Monadnock, located in beautiful Jaffrey, is one amazing choice if you enjoy a challenging hike and like having the company of other outdoors enthusiasts on your way along the trail. If you’re a fan of cross-country skiing, the Lincoln Woods Trail is perfect. The mostly flat area allows for plenty of opportunity for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in New Hampshire
June 02, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the best family-friendly hikes in New Hampshire? If you’re hoping to find a great place to take the whole family this weekend, including the kids, you’ll love these easy hikes in New Hampshire. Some of the best known hikes are Ripley Falls in Crawford Notch State Park, Echo Lake Trail in North Conway, and Pitcher Mountain at Stoddard. Pitcher Mountain is especially gorgeous. Just wait until you see the panoramic views found all along the trail. These hikes aren’t too long, so they are great choices for you as well as the little ones. Where can I hike to a cave in New Hampshire? There’s nothing like hiking to a cave in New Hampshire! The Big Rock Cave is a great place to go for an exciting and adventurous escape up the 2,000 foot Mt. Mexico. It’s a little long for inexperienced hikers, at 3.5 miles long. But it’s the ideal length of time for those who are used to forays into nature. You’ll really feel like you’re a part of the forest, as you’ll be surrounded by trees and greenery the whole time. The cave is not underground, making it a unique and accessible spot. Should I go hiking in the winter in New Hampshire? You might think that a heavy snowfall would mean there’s no hiking in the colder months of the year, but there are plenty of nice winter hikes in New Hampshire. Mount Monadnock, located in beautiful Jaffrey, is one amazing choice if you enjoy a challenging hike and like having the company of other outdoors enthusiasts on your way along the trail. If you’re a fan of cross-country skiing, the Lincoln Woods Trail is perfect. The mostly flat area allows for plenty of opportunity for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re hoping to find a great place to take the whole family this weekend, including the kids, you’ll love these easy hikes in New Hampshire. Some of the best known hikes are Ripley Falls in Crawford Notch State Park, Echo Lake Trail in North Conway, and Pitcher Mountain at Stoddard. Pitcher Mountain is especially gorgeous. Just wait until you see the panoramic views found all along the trail. These hikes aren’t too long, so they are great choices for you as well as the little ones.
Where can I hike to a cave in New Hampshire?
There’s nothing like hiking to a cave in New Hampshire! The Big Rock Cave is a great place to go for an exciting and adventurous escape up the 2,000 foot Mt. Mexico. It’s a little long for inexperienced hikers, at 3.5 miles long. But it’s the ideal length of time for those who are used to forays into nature. You’ll really feel like you’re a part of the forest, as you’ll be surrounded by trees and greenery the whole time. The cave is not underground, making it a unique and accessible spot.
Should I go hiking in the winter in New Hampshire?
You might think that a heavy snowfall would mean there’s no hiking in the colder months of the year, but there are plenty of nice winter hikes in New Hampshire. Mount Monadnock, located in beautiful Jaffrey, is one amazing choice if you enjoy a challenging hike and like having the company of other outdoors enthusiasts on your way along the trail. If you’re a fan of cross-country skiing, the Lincoln Woods Trail is perfect. The mostly flat area allows for plenty of opportunity for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
