46
Total Peaks
6,288'
Highest (Mt. Washington)
4,003'
Lowest (Tecumseh)
1957
Club Established
What Are the NH 4000 Footers?
The New Hampshire 4000-Footers are 48 mountain peaks in the White Mountains that rise above 4,000 feet in elevation. Hiking all 48 peaks is one of the most popular hiking challenges in the Northeast, attracting thousands of hikers each year who want to test their endurance and experience the best of New Hampshire's mountain wilderness.
The challenge was formalized in 1957 when the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) established the Four Thousand Footer Club. Since then, over 15,000 hikers have completed the challenge and registered with the club. Many hikers also pursue the Winter 4000 Footer challenge, summiting all peaks between December 21 and March 21.
These peaks range from beginner-friendly day hikes to remote wilderness treks requiring significant navigation skills. The highest peak, Mount Washington (6,288 ft), is famous for having some of the most extreme weather on Earth, while peaks like Owl's Head require 18+ mile round trips through remote terrain.
Complete List of NH 4000 Footers
All 46 peaks ranked by elevation
| # | Peak Name | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Washington | 6,288 ft |
| 2 | Mount Adams | 5,793 ft |
| 3 | Mount Jefferson | 5,712 ft |
| 4 | Mount Monroe | 5,372 ft |
| 5 | Mount Madison | 5,367 ft |
| 6 | Mount Lafayette | 5,260 ft |
| 7 | Mount Lincoln | 5,089 ft |
| 8 | South Twin Mountain | 4,902 ft |
| 9 | Carter Dome | 4,832 ft |
| 10 | Mount Moosilauke | 4,802 ft |
| 11 | North Twin Mountain | 4,761 ft |
| 12 | Mount Eisenhower | 4,760 ft |
| 13 | Mount Carrigain | 4,700 ft |
| 14 | Mount Bond | 4,698 ft |
| 15 | Middle Carter | 4,610 ft |
| 16 | West Bond | 4,540 ft |
| 17 | Mount Garfield | 4,500 ft |
| 18 | Mount Liberty | 4,459 ft |
| 19 | South Carter | 4,430 ft |
| 20 | Wildcat A | 4,422 ft |
| 21 | Mount Hancock | 4,420 ft |
| 22 | South Kinsman | 4,358 ft |
| 23 | Mount Field | 4,340 ft |
| 24 | Mount Osceola | 4,340 ft |
| 25 | Mount Flume | 4,328 ft |
| 26 | Mount Pierce | 4,312 ft |
| 27 | North Kinsman | 4,293 ft |
| 28 | Mount Willey | 4,285 ft |
| 29 | Bondcliff | 4,265 ft |
| 30 | Mount Zealand | 4,260 ft |
| 31 | North Tripyramid | 4,180 ft |
| 32 | Mount Cabot | 4,170 ft |
| 33 | Middle Tripyramid | 4,140 ft |
| 34 | Cannon Mountain | 4,100 ft |
| 35 | Wildcat D | 4,062 ft |
| 36 | Mount Hale | 4,054 ft |
| 37 | Mount Jackson | 4,052 ft |
| 38 | Mount Tom | 4,051 ft |
| 39 | Mount Moriah | 4,049 ft |
| 40 | Mount Passaconaway | 4,043 ft |
| 41 | Owl's Head | 4,025 ft |
| 42 | Galehead Mountain | 4,024 ft |
| 43 | Mount Whiteface | 4,020 ft |
| 44 | Mount Waumbek | 4,006 ft |
| 45 | Mount Isolation | 4,004 ft |
| 46 | Mount Tecumseh | 4,003 ft |
Getting Started: Your First 4000 Footer
1 Choose a Beginner-Friendly Peak
Start with shorter, well-maintained trails. Mount Tecumseh, Mount Pierce, and Cannon Mountain are excellent first choices with moderate distances and clear trails.
2 Pack the 10 Essentials
Navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair tools, nutrition, hydration, and emergency shelter. The White Mountains demand preparation.
3 Check Weather & Conditions
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Check the Higher Summits Forecast before every hike. Be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
4 Start Early, Hike Smart
Begin hikes early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and ensure enough daylight. Allow more time than you think you'll need, especially on your first few peaks.
Most Challenging 4000 Footers
Save these remote and demanding peaks for when you've built experience and fitness.
Presidential Range
The crown jewels of the White Mountains. This range includes Mount Washington (6,288 ft) and offers spectacular above-treeline hiking.
Mount Washington
Mount Adams
Mount Jefferson
Mount Monroe
Mount Madison
Mount Eisenhower
Mount Pierce
Mount Jackson
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NH 4000 footers?
The NH 4000 footers are 48 mountain peaks in New Hampshire that rise above 4,000 feet in elevation. Hiking all 48 peaks is a popular challenge recognized by the Four Thousand Footer Club, established in 1957 by the Appalachian Mountain Club.
How long does it take to complete all 48 4000 footers?
Most hikers take 2-5 years to complete all 48 peaks, though dedicated hikers have done it in a single season. The fastest known time (FKT) for hiking all 48 is about 3 days and 15 hours. A reasonable pace for most people is 8-12 peaks per year.
What is the easiest 4000 footer in NH?
Mount Tecumseh is often considered the easiest NH 4000 footer, with a relatively short 5-mile round trip and 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Mount Pierce via Crawford Path and Cannon Mountain (if you take the tramway down) are also beginner-friendly options.
What is the hardest 4000 footer in NH?
Owl's Head is widely considered the hardest 4000 footer due to its remote location, requiring an 18-mile round trip hike. Mount Isolation is another challenging peak with a 14.6-mile round trip. The Bonds traverse and Owl's Head are often saved for last.
Do I need to join the 4000 Footer Club?
No, joining is optional. However, many hikers choose to register with the AMC Four Thousand Footer Club after completing all 48 peaks to receive a certificate and patch. There's a small application fee. You can also complete the challenge without registering.
Can you hike 4000 footers in winter?
Yes, winter hiking of the 4000 footers is popular and there's a separate Winter 4000 Footer Club for those who summit all 48 peaks between December 21 and March 21. Winter hiking requires special gear including microspikes, snowshoes, and extra layers for extreme cold.
What gear do I need for hiking 4000 footers?
Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, 2-3 liters of water, food, navigation tools (map, compass, GPS), headlamp, first aid kit, rain gear, and extra layers. The White Mountains are known for rapid weather changes, so always pack for conditions worse than forecast.
What is the highest 4000 footer in NH?
Mount Washington at 6,288 feet is the highest peak in New Hampshire and the entire Northeast. It's famous for extreme weather, including some of the highest wind speeds ever recorded. The summit can be reached via multiple trails or the Auto Road and Cog Railway.
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