Everyone starts somewhere. Maybe you've been meaning to get into hiking for years. Maybe your kids are finally old enough to hit the trails. Maybe you just moved to New England and want to explore what all the fuss is about.
Whatever your reason, New Hampshire is a great place to start hiking. Yes, we have challenging mountains like Washington and the Presidentials. But we also have dozens of trails perfect for beginners—hikes with reasonable distances, manageable elevation gains, and payoffs that'll have you hooked on the hiking lifestyle.
Here are my favorite trails for newer hikers, organized from easiest to most challenging within the "beginner" category.
What Makes a Good Beginner Hike?
Before diving into specific trails, let's define what "beginner-friendly" means:
- Distance: Under 5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: Under 1,000 feet (ideally under 500)
- Trail conditions: Well-maintained, well-marked, minimal scrambling
- Accessibility: Easy to find trailhead, decent parking
- Payoff: Views, water features, or other rewards that make it worthwhile
The trails below all meet most of these criteria while offering genuinely enjoyable hiking experiences.
Easiest Trails (Flat, Short, Paved or Smooth)
1. Artist Bluff & Bald Mountain
- Distance: 1.5 miles (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 350 feet
- Location: Franconia Notch
This might be the best "bang for your buck" hike in New Hampshire. A short climb leads to stunning views of Franconia Ridge, Echo Lake, and Cannon Mountain. The trail is rocky in places but manageable for most people. Perfect for your first White Mountains experience.
2. Sabbaday Falls
- Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Location: Kancamagus Highway
An almost-flat paved trail to a beautiful waterfall. Ideal for families with young children, seniors, or anyone who wants an easy forest walk with a rewarding destination. Great for a quick stop while driving the Kanc.
3. Lincoln Woods Trail
- Distance: 2.8 miles round trip (to suspension bridge)
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Location: Kancamagus Highway
A wide, flat trail along an old railroad bed following the Pemigewasset River. The suspension bridge at the turnaround point is fun for kids. Extend as far as you want—the trail continues deep into the Pemi Wilderness.
4. Lonesome Lake via Basin-Cascades Trail
- Distance: 3.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 950 feet
- Location: Franconia Notch
A beautiful mountain lake with views of Franconia Ridge. The AMC hut offers snacks and lemonade. The climb is steady but not steep, and the lake is a perfect lunch spot. A great "next step" hike after you've done a few easier trails.
Moderate Beginner Trails (Some Climbing, Great Rewards)
5. Mount Willard
- Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Location: Crawford Notch
If you can only do one beginner hike in NH, make it Mount Willard. A relatively easy climb leads to one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the state—looking straight down into Crawford Notch with mountains rising on both sides. The views are out of proportion to the effort.
Don't miss: The historic Crawford Depot at the trailhead, with restrooms and visitor info.
6. Mount Pemigewasset (Indian Head)
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet
- Location: Franconia Notch
A steady climb to open ledges with views of Franconia Ridge, Cannon Mountain, and the notch below. The summit rock profile is said to look like an Indian head in profile. A great introduction to above-treeline hiking without the extreme exposure of bigger peaks.
7. Cascade Path (Waterville Valley)
- Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Location: Waterville Valley
A gentle forest walk following Cascade Brook to several small but pretty waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and never too steep. Perfect for a relaxed morning hike with waterfall rewards.
8. Mount Major
- Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
- Location: Alton Bay
One of the most popular hikes in the Lakes Region, with spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the summit. Several routes available—the main trail is steady but manageable. Can be crowded on nice weekends.
Stepping Stone Hikes (Prepare for Bigger Adventures)
9. Mount Cardigan (West Ridge Trail)
- Distance: 3.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,220 feet
- Location: Orange
A bald summit with 360-degree views, but without the crowds of Mount Monadnock. The West Ridge Trail is the shortest route, with open ledges near the top that give you a taste of above-treeline hiking. Great preparation for bigger things.
10. Mount Kearsarge (from Winslow State Park)
- Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
- Location: Warner
A short but rewarding climb to a fire tower with panoramic views. The trail from Winslow State Park is steeper but shorter than the Rollins State Park alternative. Both options offer great views for relatively little effort.
11. Rattlesnake Mountain (West Rattlesnake)
- Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 450 feet
- Location: Holderness
A short climb to open ledges overlooking Squam Lake (the filming location for "On Golden Pond"). One of the best view-to-effort ratios in NH. Perfect for sunset hikes.
12. Mount Israel
- Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
- Location: Sandwich
A steady climb through beautiful forest to a summit with views of the Sandwich Range. Quieter than many popular trails. The Wentworth Trail is the standard route.
Tips for Beginner Hikers
- Start early and plan more time than you think. A trail that takes experienced hikers 2 hours might take you 3-4 hours. That's totally fine.
- Bring more water than you think you need. A liter per hour of hiking is a good rule of thumb.
- Wear proper footwear. You don't need expensive hiking boots for easy trails, but running shoes or sandals won't cut it. Trail shoes with good grip are ideal.
- Tell someone your plan. Even on easy trails, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
- Check the weather. Mountain weather can change quickly. If thunderstorms are forecast, save the summit hikes for another day.
- Pack layers. Summits are often 10-15 degrees cooler than trailheads, and weather can change.
- Bring snacks. Hiking is hungry work. Trail mix, bars, sandwiches—whatever keeps you fueled.
Building Your Hiking Fitness
Hiking fitness builds gradually. Here's a suggested progression:
Month 1-2
Start with the easiest trails: Artist Bluff, Sabbaday Falls, Lincoln Woods. Focus on enjoying the experience, not pushing your limits. Do 2-3 hikes.
Month 3-4
Move to moderate trails: Mount Willard, Mount Pemigewasset, Lonesome Lake. These have more climbing but are still manageable. Your legs will adapt.
Month 5-6
Try the stepping stone hikes: Cardigan, Kearsarge, Mount Major. These prepare you for bigger challenges.
Beyond
When these feel comfortable, you're ready for the next level: Welch-Dickey Loop, Mount Monadnock, and eventually the 4000-footers.
Quick Reference: Beginner Hikes
| Trail | Distance | Elevation | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist Bluff | 1.5 mi | 350 ft | Best beginner views |
| Sabbaday Falls | 0.6 mi | 100 ft | Easy waterfall |
| Mount Willard | 3.2 mi | 900 ft | Dramatic notch views |
| West Rattlesnake | 1.8 mi | 450 ft | Lake views |
| Mount Major | 3.6 mi | 1,100 ft | Winnipesaukee views |
The best time to start hiking was years ago. The second best time is now. Pick a trail, pack some snacks and water, and go see what the mountains have to offer. You might just find your new favorite hobby.
