Hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Whether you want to hike to a waterfall or to a mountain peak, you’ll find that the White Mountains of New Hampshire have some great hiking trails for you to choose from. This article will tell you more about some of the best trails in this area, including the Kate Sleeper Trail, Mount Pemigewasset Trail, Flume Gorge, Mount Starr King Trail, Mount Waumbek, Mount Chocorua Loop Trail, and Arethusa Falls Trail.
Kate Sleeper Trail
Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Kate Sleeper Trail is a 3.7 mile out and back trail that follows an old logging road through a sea of ferns and thick woods. In addition to its many merits, the trail was named in honor of local resident Katherine Sleeper. She was a community advocate and was involved in trail development in the area.
The trail has a number of advantages, including its location between the Rollins Trail and Downes Brook Trail. The trail passes through the Sandwich Range Wilderness Area. The trail is also a popular backpacking route.
The trail is named for Katherine Sleeper, a local resident and community advocate. In 1890 she purchased six hundred plus acres of land. After years of development, the farm became a prominent venue for outdoor enthusiasts. It hosted countless tourists and distinguished members of society. In the 1930s the farm became an inn.
The trail was damaged by a storm eight years ago. There is an avalanche slide that runs 200 yards down the trail. This may have blocked the trail’s summit spur.
The trail passes close to two peaks, East Sleeper and Mt. Whiteface. It also passes through a glacial cirque, known as “The Bowl.” The bowl is a protected amphitheater of old growth hardwood forest.
The trail also passes a number of other noteworthy sites. This includes the Rollins Trail, which encircles “The Bowl.” It also passes close to Mount Passaconaway and Mount Whiteface.
Mount Pemigewasset Trail
Located in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Mount Pemigewasset offers incredible views of the Lakes Region and Flume Gorge. This hike is a good introduction to the White Mountains.
This hike is not a difficult one, but it does require a bit of climbing. Depending on your ability, you can hike this loop trail in less than two miles. It is an out and back hike that is well marked. It has several stream crossings and wildflowers. It also has stone stairs and bridges.
The Pemi Loop is an excellent way to see the White Mountains. The loop contains eight wide-open summits. The hike includes a few of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River. It is a popular hiking destination for many.
This hike is a moderately difficult trek. It involves a 1.2 mile introductory section followed by a 0.7 mile climb to Mt. Bond. It then descends into a forested col. The remaining section of the hike is moderately difficult. It finishes with the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire.
The Pemigewasset Trail is a popular hike for White Mountain hikers. It is also dog-friendly. You can park at the Flume Visitor Center and start your hike on the trail. You can also camp at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center, but you must stay at least 200 feet from the trails.
Mount Chocorua Loop Trail
Located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Mount Chocorua offers excellent views of the surrounding areas. This mountain has a distinct rocky top that is known for its spectacular 360 degree views. There are several trails that lead to this summit. The best route starts at Piper Trailhead and continues on Carters Ledge Trail. The total hike is about seven miles.
If you are planning on a winter hike, be sure to take precautions to stay safe. Winter hiking can be dangerous due to high winds. The trails on Mount Chocorua are exposed to lightning during electrical storms. If you are hiking in winter, it is best to use crampons.
The Chocorua Loop Trail is an 8.5 mile trail that is heavily used. The trailheads are located at low elevations. A recreation fee is required at most trailheads in the White Mountain National Forest. Self-serve pay stations are available at developed recreation areas.
The Piper Trailhead is located off NH-16 North in Albany, NH. The trailhead has public restrooms and picnic tables. The trailhead is easily accessible by car. The trailhead also requires registration.
The Piper Trail is a popular route on Mount Chocorua. It travels 0.6 miles to the summit. The trail is a moderately difficult route with some rock scrambling near the summit. The trail is generally in good condition. However, the trail may be hard to see in some places.
Mount Starr King and Mount Waumbek
Located in Coos County, New Hampshire, Mount Waumbek and Mount Starr King are part of the Pliny Range of the White Mountains. This area is also home to Mount Weeks and Pliny Mountain.
These two peaks are both part of the NH 48 4,000 footers. Mount Waumbek has an elevation of 3,907 feet. The summit offers limited views. Mount Starr King, on the other hand, is a wooded mountain with a view of the Presidential Range. It is the 46th tallest 4,000 footer in New Hampshire.
The Starr King Trail is a moderate climb. It takes five hours to complete, round trip. It is maintained by the Randolph Mountain Club. The trail is a gradual climb that passes a small spring. There are also some remnants of a stone structure. A chimney is also visible. The summit is a small clearing with an old cabin. The trail is mainly wooded.
The Starr King Trail starts from a small parking area. The road is located off of Route 2 in Jefferson. The road is a bumpy dirt road. It bears left at every junction. The road has potholes. It has a capacity for eight cars. The trailhead is located at the northwest corner of the small parking area. It is about 30 minutes each way.
The Starr King Trail is rated moderate, although there are some steep sections. In the winter, large sheets of ice may form on the trail. It is recommended that you wear crampons or snow shoes for the trip.
Flume Gorge
Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Flume Gorge is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in the state. It is a natural 800 foot gorge that is surrounded by tall, granite walls and a beautiful, peaceful forest. During the summer months, it can be a great place to escape the heat. It is also considered to be one of the most beautiful state parks in the U.S.
The Flume is best visited during the early morning hours or in the afternoon. This is because the gorge is usually swamped during the day. If you are interested in visiting, it is best to plan ahead and book a time slot. It is also best to arrive early so you have more time to park.
Flume Gorge is a natural gorge that was formed 200 million years ago. As the ice sheet melted, it left behind boulder-sized debris and a rush of water that deepens the gorge still today.
Flume Gorge was discovered in 1808 by a man named Jess Guernsey. He and his family encouraged other to visit the site. After seeing the gorge, his family believed that it was real.
Flume Gorge is also home to two covered bridges. One of these is the oldest covered bridge in New Hampshire. The bridge was built in 1886. It can accommodate large trucks and buses.
Arethusa Falls
Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Arethusa Falls is a spectacular waterfall that’s worth seeing for its natural beauty. The waterfall is part of the Bemis Brook brook and plunges 140 feet into a rocky pool.
The trail to Arethusa Falls is a popular day hike in the White Mountain National Forest. The hike is 1.5 miles one way and requires hiking gear and proper footwear.
The waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New England and is located in Crawford Notch State Park. The falls are located near the headwaters of Bemis Brook, which tumbles over a granite cliff. The brook eventually flows into the Saco River.
Arethusa Falls is also popular with ice climbers. During the winter months, the waterfall freezes, creating an impressive wall of ice. The falls are also perfect for swimming and splashing. There is also a shallow pool at the base of the falls that’s perfect for dipping your toes in icy mountain water.
A short walk off of Route 302 leads to the Arethusa Falls trailhead. The trail is rated “moderate” and can be challenging. The trail crosses railroad tracks and climbs steep steps.
Arethusa Falls is not the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire, but it is the best waterfall in the state. The falls are estimated to be around 140 feet high. The falls are best seen during the fall foliage season. The foliage reaches its peak colors in October. The sun’s light highlights the blue-gray water and orange and brown tones of the rocks.
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