New Hampshire is famous for challenging 4,000-footers, but you don't need to be a seasoned mountaineer to enjoy spectacular White Mountain views. These 10 easy hikes deliver incredible scenery with family-friendly distances and elevation gains.
Whether you're a beginner hiker, visiting with kids, or just want a relaxing day on the trail, these hikes prove that the best views don't always require the hardest climbs.
What Makes a Hike 'Easy'?
For this list, we define easy hikes as:
- Distance: Under 5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: Less than 1,200 feet
- Terrain: Well-maintained trails, minimal scrambling
- Time: Completable in 3 hours or less
The Top 10 Easy Hikes
1. Mount Willard (3.2 mi, 900 ft gain)
The crown jewel of easy hikes. A moderate, well-graded trail leads to a cliff-top viewpoint overlooking Crawford Notch. The panorama of the notch framed by mountains is one of NH's most photographed views. Allow 2-2.5 hours.
2. Artist's Bluff (1.5 mi loop, 500 ft gain)
This short loop in Franconia Notch State Park offers stunning views of Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain. Perfect for sunset. The trail has some rocky sections but is manageable for most hikers. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
3. Mount Pemigewasset/Indian Head (3.6 mi, 1,150 ft gain)
Known locally as "Indian Head" for its profile, this hike delivers panoramic views of Franconia Notch and the surrounding peaks. The summit ledges offer a perfect lunch spot. Allow 2-3 hours.
4. Lonesome Lake (3.2 mi, 1,000 ft gain)
A beautiful alpine lake with an AMC hut, surrounded by views of Franconia Ridge. The trail is well-maintained and the lake is perfect for a rest. Allow 2.5-3 hours.
5. Square Ledge (1 mi, 450 ft gain)
A quick climb to an open ledge with views of Mount Washington and Pinkham Notch. Great for a morning warm-up or evening sunset. Allow 1 hour.
More Easy Gems
6. Diana's Baths (1.2 mi, 200 ft gain)
More of a walk than a hike, but the cascading waterfalls and swimming holes are beautiful. Very popular in summer—arrive early. Allow 1 hour.
7. Arethusa Falls (2.6 mi, 800 ft gain)
NH's tallest waterfall (200 feet) at the end of an easy-moderate trail. The falls are spectacular in spring or after rain. Allow 2 hours.
8. Boulder Loop Trail (3.1 mi loop, 950 ft gain)
This loop near Bartlett offers excellent views of the Moat Mountains and Saco River valley. Interesting glacial erratics along the way. Allow 2 hours.
9. Mount Cardigan - West Ridge (3.0 mi, 1,100 ft gain)
A bare granite summit with 360-degree views. The West Ridge is the easiest route to this popular family peak. Fire tower at the summit. Allow 2.5 hours.
10. Bald Mountain & Artist's Bluff Loop (2.5 mi, 700 ft gain)
An extended version of Artist's Bluff that adds Bald Mountain for more viewpoints. Great views of Cannon Mountain ski area. Allow 2 hours.
Tips for Easy Hiking
- Start early - Popular easy trails get crowded by mid-morning
- Parking fills fast - Arrive before 8 AM on weekends
- Bring the 10 essentials - Even easy hikes require proper preparation
- Check conditions - Some trails are icy in winter and require traction
- Leave no trace - Pack out all trash, stay on trails
