Submitted by ___j-b___ t3_yvdr1r in newhampshire
Hi all- I want to start getting into hiking starting in the spring. I am hopeful someone might have some resources or a master link to hiking in NH(and New england!). Ideally this would be listed from shortest/easiest to hardest/longest but im not really finding any info on ALL the hiking trails/mountains. Of course can you find lists such as "top 10" but i want them all :) Thanks!
This! I started with the day hike book and absolutely love the way it is laid out. https://amcstore.outdoors.org/products/amcs-best-day-hikes-in-the-white-mountains
There are literally hundreds of named hiking trails in New Hampshire - in New England, probably thousands. There's no master list of all of them ranked by some sort of objective measure, partly because different people value difference things.
Don't sweat lists. Hit some likely-sounding trails near you, see what you like (views? varied surroundings? distance? woods/fields/rock scrambling?) and keep going from there.
I pay for the AllTrails premium version and it’s 100% worth it imo. Great to find trails, the reviews are clutch (you can view peoples activity as well to get a better sense of the hike), photos, and you download the maps so you can view them with zero cell service. Highly recommend!
I agree with AllTrails with the subscription. The star ratings aren’t very useful though - everything seems to have 4 1/2 stars. Sorting by popular can help, but that won’t help you find the best quiet trails.I have my own little website https://trailspotting.com where I rate NH trails as a single consistent voice, but so only have around 120 trails reviewed so far.
Also .. no need to wait until spring. Fall is great, and for winter all you need for most trails are some layers and microspikes. Winter hikes can be spectacular.
Consider going up with a group too. Facebook is a good place to find likeminded hikers who go already have a nose for the best trails.
52 With a View is the place to start
AllTrails is a great option, but can be overwhelming to browse if you don’t have specific parameters.
The AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) puts out great hiking guide books. The White Mountain Guide and the Southern New Hampshire Guide are pretty exhaustive and often sold with maps.
Other websites to check out would be SectionHiker and NewEnglandWaterfalls.
Happy hiking!
I use "all trails" for anything from a 1 hour walk to a 2 day 40 mile 5000 footer hike If you are new to hiking, start with local walks/hills sub 500 foot and a couple miles maybe. just start working your way up. When you get to the mountains always prepare for the worst, survival kit, emergency thermal blanket, dress PREPARED, always bring more water than you think you need, bring extra snacks. try not to hike alone even though I do it sometimes. I highly recommend working to the 4000 footers. There's no experience like the top Franconia ridge but damn is it a trek.
Also keep in mind a hike may say 8 hours, but some people trail run killing that average. Being a fine speed I usually tack on 20% more time for the long hikes to be extra safe
Any tips for solo hiking specifically? Go armed?
They say you should always take off the front sight of any gun you take hiking, so that it hurts less when the bear shoves it up your ass.
I've done my share of solo hiking. I've never felt the need to bring a gun. It's far more effective to be aware of your surroundings and avoid any dangerous situations in the first place. Bring bear spray if you really want to bring something.
The spray isn’t cool though
The last bear fatality in NH was in the 1700s. By and large they stay away from people.
A gun is less likely to stop a bear than a lot of other things.
If you bring anything and aren't hunting, bring some bells that jingle when you walk, or bear spray if you really want to be safe.
Lots of good recommendations, just going to say that I probably wouldn't choose spring to start hiking in the white mountains. Wait till summer... Shoulder seasons can be rough, particularly for a beginner... You've got mud, disintegrating monorail, difficult water crossings from the snow melt, and you're still going to be hitting icy/snowy patches where you need foot traction. You can also get temperatures ranging from below freezing to eighty degrees, with big swings in temperature in a single day.
If you want to start in the spring, try southern NH (still likely to hit mud but not as treacherous otherwise).
My favorite site for this is New Hampshire Waterfalls. Much more than just waterfalls!
Here's a few to get you started: 52 with a view 4000 footers NH waterfalls
Highly recommend starting with the list known as The Terrifying 25 (but really, don't do that.) For some of the nicer hikes with a view, look up which mountains have fire towers. Not easy easy, but usually decent compared to the Whites.
The NH48 is a good list. Agree with everyone here that the AMC is a great resource. I have Smith & Dickermans “The 4000-Footers of the White Mountains” and it’s a great guidebook.
I don’t know of any master list. But as mentioned in the other comments, AllTrails is pretty good. Also, check individual towns’ websites for recreation areas. And your physical condition will play a big part in where you should start.
Also, and again this has already been said, while spring weather can be nice, the ground is often muddy and slipper from snow melt. Right now is a great time to hike—dry ground, and no bugs.
One recommendation is to get yourself some hiking boots, but use them as your daily shoes for a week or two before going on a hike. So they’ll be broken in, but also so you’ll know if you like them.
Whatever town you live in, there are likely some nature trails that serious mountaineers would laugh at, but don’t let that keep you from hiking on them to get yourself accustomed. Start small.
There are many lists of equipment you should carry with you. A backpack with a little extra clothing, enough water/snacks to tide you over if you get lost, and a good flashlight in case you end up out after dark.
While you should always try to take care of yourself, and count on others to rescue you only as a last resort, do make sure your phone is fully charged and bring it with you.
A really good and popular trail to start with in the lakes region is mt. Major. It has great views, multiple trails, and is only a day hike. Going during the week it's usually not super busy, but expect a few people any time of day.
2leggedturtle t1_iwdy40o wrote
If your looking to hike the WMNF, pick up the AMCs book and maps
https://amcstore.outdoors.org/products/white-mountain-guide-amcs-comprehensive-guide-to-hiking-trails-in-the-white-mountain-national-forest-31st-edtion