Last Updated: September 5, 2025
New Hampshire is a hiker’s paradise. Whether you're an experienced trekker craving summits or a family looking for gentle forest paths, the Granite State has trails to match your pace and passion. This guide focuses on the most scenic and rewarding hiking trails not just in the White Mountains, but across southern and central New Hampshire as well—perfect for travelers staying near Portsmouth or exploring the state.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire provide more than just breathtaking scenery and renowned tourist sites. They are among the most popular hiking and climbing destinations in the country. The Appalachian Trail crosses Maine through the ridgelines of the Presidential and Franconia ranges, over the summit of Mt. Washington (the highest peak in the Northeast), and through a wide wilderness region on its trip from Maine to Georgia.
The AMC's Highland Center is a good base for hikers in the White Mountains, with a hostel, equipment, up-to-date route information, and guided walks for beginners and specialists. A hiker shuttle allows you to take longer trails without having to return to the same trailhead.
Not all of New Hampshire's mountains are in this northern range; there are also hikes and climbs in the state's southern region. Along with challenging multi-day walks, this list contains shorter hikes to waterfalls and even mountaintops that are excellent for families and individuals who are not interested in tough multi-day hikes.
Getting Started: Trail Info, Safety, and Tips
Before you hit the trail, it’s important to be well-prepared—especially in the unpredictable terrain of New Hampshire.
What to Pack: Layered clothing is key, as weather in the White Mountains can change rapidly, even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a map (paper or GPS), high-energy snacks, and at least two liters of water. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and a basic first aid kit.
Weather Awareness: Always check the forecast before you go—particularly for higher elevation hikes like Mount Washington or Franconia Ridge. Thunderstorms and strong winds can roll in unexpectedly, and temperatures at the summit can be drastically colder than at the trailhead. A good resource for mountain weather is Mount Washington Observatory’s Higher Summits Forecast.
Getting Around: Parking at some trailheads—especially popular spots like Franconia Notch and Mount Washington—can be limited during peak weekends. Consider using the AMC Hiker Shuttle, which connects several major trailheads in the White Mountains. It’s a convenient option for point-to-point hikes or if you're staying at the Highland Center.
Cell Service & Navigation: Cell service is spotty or nonexistent in many areas. Download offline maps from AllTrails or Gaia GPS before your hike. Trail signage is generally good, but always carry a physical map as a backup.
Leave No Trace: New Hampshire’s wilderness is pristine—help keep it that way! Follow Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out your trash, staying on marked trails, and avoiding picking plants or disturbing wildlife.
Although some of these hikes are located a few hours' drive from Portsmouth, they represent the best day-trip and weekend hiking destinations for those staying in southern New Hampshire or along the Seacoast. Many travelers use Portsmouth or nearby Kittery as a base for exploring the state’s most iconic outdoor experiences.
With our selection of the best hiking trails near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, you can explore the state's spectacular scenery.
Trail Summaries: At-a-Glance
This list is in no particular order and includes trail options that range from family-friendly and low elevation to full-day peak hikes and hut-to-hut options.
| Trail Name | Location | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Washington – Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail | Bretton Woods, NH | Waterfalls, alpine views, summit of highest NE peak |
| Mount Monadnock | Jaffrey, NH | 360° views, most-hiked mountain, rocky summit |
| Mount Willard | Crawford Notch, NH | Family-friendly, glacier-sculpted Notch views |
| Anneke Jans | American / Bistro | 60 Wallingford Square, Kittery, ME 03904 |
| Basin-Cascades Trail | Franconia Notch, NH | Waterfalls, cascades, picnic-friendly ledges |
| Franconia Ridge Trail Loop | Franconia Notch, NH | Knife-edge ridgeline, summit views, waterfalls |
| Thoreau Falls & Zealand Falls | Twin Mountain/Bretton Woods, NH | Remote waterfalls, AMC hut views, historic train tracks |
| Mt. Kearsarge – Rollins Trail | Warner, NH | Fire tower views, 360° vistas, family-friendly summit trail |
Tips:
Families or beginners: Try Mount Willard, Basin-Cascades, or Mt. Kearsarge.
Experienced hikers: Mt. Washington or Franconia Ridge will be your most rewarding challenges.
Scenic waterfalls: Don’t miss Zealand Falls or Basin-Cascades for relaxing hikes with water features.
1). Mt. Washington: Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail
Image Source: https://www.theoutbound.com/
Address: Base Road, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
The ascent of the Northeast's highest peak beside the Ammonoosuc River is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Presidential Range, revealing a sequence of waterfalls, cascades, and views that equal any other route up the mountain.
It's a full day's climb from the trailhead, which is immediately below the Mt. Washington Cog Railway's Base Station, to the summit, which is around nine miles round-trip. You'll pass Lakes of the Clouds and the AMC lodge on your way down from the peak. You can return to the trailhead by the Jewell Trail, which is a much simpler descent with its own spectacular vistas.
Whatever the weather is like at the base, note that the summit is never warm; Mt. Washington's weather is so extreme that Arctic technology is tested here, and it's where the world's highest land wind velocity was recorded. The weather can change in a second, and when clouds descend over the summit, visibility is reduced to nil.
2). Mount Monadnock
Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/
Address: 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey, New Hampshire
Monadnock, the world's most hiked mountain, stands alone in southwestern New Hampshire, where its rocky top affords 360-degree vistas that stretch as far as Boston on a clear day.
There are numerous hiking trails to choose from. The White Cross Trail, a four-hour round-trip hike through intermediate terrain, is the most popular. It starts at the Monadnock State Park entrance along US 101 in Jaffrey. The longer Pumpelly Trail, which is more challenging but more varied, climbs the opposite side of the mountain from the shores of Dublin Lake near Dublin, which is also accessible via US 101. The Pumpelly Trail is a six- to seven-hour round-trip hike that begins in the woods and ends with a climb over rocks and boulders as the trail rises and falls along an uneven ridge above the tree line.
Because the peak stands alone - it is 1,000 feet higher than any other mountain within 30 miles - it can be breezy, even on a hot day, and the weather can change quickly. Regardless of which trail you choose, the rocky top can be dangerous when wet, and fog can drop swiftly, making finding the trail nearly difficult.
3). Mount Willard
Image Source: https://www.visitwhitemountains.com/
Address: US 302, Crawford Notch, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
This little mountain, which blocks the entrance to Crawford Notch, rewards climbers with one of the best vistas of the White Mountains below timberline. The track climbs through cool forests for just over three kilometers round-trip before emerging onto the cliffs at the summit.
You'll be treated to a panoramic view of Crawford Notch below you (and to wild blueberries in mid-summer). There's no better spot to see how glaciers withdrew and cut and scoured out New Hampshire's notches.
If you're hiking with kids—and this is a great family climb—be warned that the cliffs are steep and the drop is quick. There are two other shorter treks from the parking area beside Little Saco Lake, one around the lake and up to Elephant Head rock formation, and the other to Beecher Falls.
4). Basin-Cascades Trail
Image Source: https://www.youtube.com/
Address: Franconia Notch Parkway (US I-93/3), Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
It's unusual for a hiking trail to begin with two terrific kid-friendly attractions before you've even started climbing. The Basin is a massive pothole formed by a glacier cascade. The trail's formation is described on signage along the trail, and it's worth a stop even if you don't climb the trail that begins here.
A few yards further on lies one of the state's most appealing and approachable waterfalls, a long moderate cascade down a series of ledges that entice climbing or sitting to enjoy the view. Follow the route beside the falls to discover a slew of falls and cascades over flat ledges that appear to be designed for picnicking.
Kinsman Falls is about a half mile above the first cascades, and the slope then becomes steeper to Rocky Glen Falls. You can continue above this point, crossing a wooden bridge and climbing to Lonesome Lake, but the terrain becomes a little difficult for small legs.
5). Franconia Notch Ridge Trail
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/
Address: Lafayette Campground, US I-93/3, Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
The eight-mile journey along the crest of the Franconia Ridge, while slightly shorter than the hike atop the Presidential Range, offers a comparable multi-peak experience, but with the added excitement of a knife-edge trail with mountain sides dropping down precipitously on each side.
This circle trek may be hiked in one day—around it's eight hours of hiking—or you can split it up with an overnight stay at the Greenleaf Hut. Three mountain peaks and a succession of waterfalls on the descent along Falling Waters Trail are further attractions, in addition to the stunning vistas down into Franconia Notch.
This final section of the circle from Cloudland Falls to Lafayette Campground, where the loop begins and ends, is a good shorter ascent appropriate for families. On a hot day, bring your bathing suit and cool off in one or more of the pools.
6). Thoreau Falls and Zealand Falls
Image Source: https://www.proteanwanderer.com/
Thoreau Falls, one of New Hampshire's lesser-known waterfalls, is a 4.8-mile journey, with a shorter option of stopping at the smaller Zealand Falls at 2.7 miles. In any case, stop at the AMC Zealand Falls Hut for a refreshing beverage and a glimpse of Zealand Notch from the veranda. It's a view that only hikers can see because there are no roads leading to this little-known notch.
Begin the hike at the end of Zealand Road, which branches off Route 302 between Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods. The trail's first two kilometers wind through coniferous trees and along the track of an old logging train before circling a pond. The Zealand Trail comes to an end at the intersection of the Ethan Pond and Twinway trails. To the right, Twinway climbs alongside Zealand Falls to the AMC hut and views of the deep U-shaped Zealand Notch.
To continue on to Thoreau Falls, turn left below Zealand Falls onto the woodland Ethan Pond Trail. The Thoreau Falls Trail is marked by a sign, and you'll soon emerge onto the ledges at the start of the falls. A succession of cascades, pools, and channels culminating in a 20-foot straight drop. A trail runs alongside the falls to the base, where you may see a distinct set of vistas.
7). Mt. Kearsarge Rollins Trail
Image Source: https://www.trailsunblazed.com/
Address: Rollins State Park, Warner, New Hampshire
Mt. Kearsarge, at 2,937 feet, can be climbed from either of two state parks. It's a little more than a mile of moderate hiking on the Winslow State Park side. Returning to the parking area can be made more interesting by taking the Barlow Trail from just below the summit and looping back down. The Barlow Trail is approximately 1.7 miles long, with ledges and other vistas along the way.
It's roughly a mile from the end of the road in Rollins State Park, on the side of the mountain, to the fire tower at the peak. You can take the Lincoln Trail from the same parking area for a more difficult but still brief climb to the peak.
When the tower is staffed in the summer and fall, the rangers frequently greet tourists. Mt. Kearsarge is just around 3,000 feet tall, but it stands alone, so the 360-degree vistas extend all the way to the White Mountains and into Vermont, as well as enclosing multiple lakes. You can take the Lincoln Trail from the same parking area for a more difficult but still brief climb to the peak. Don't get this mountain mixed up with the other Mt. Kearsarge near North Conway.
What to Bring on Your Hike
Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
Water & snacks
Map or GPS (cell service may be limited)
Rain jacket or windbreaker
Sunscreen & bug spray
Layered clothing—mountain weather changes quickly!
Top Picks Based on Your Hiking Style:
Best for families: Mount Willard, Basin-Cascades Trail
Challenging hikes: Mt. Washington via Ammonoosuc Ravine, Franconia Ridge
Most scenic views: Mount Monadnock, Zealand Notch
Close to Portsmouth: Mount Kearsarge (under 1.5 hours drive)
Planning Tips for Hikers Visiting Portsmouth
Planning a hike while staying in Portsmouth is easier than you might think! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your outdoor adventure:
Drive Times from Portsmouth
Mt. Agamenticus (Maine): ~35 minutes
Odiorne Point State Park: ~15 minutes
Mount Major: ~1 hour
Arethusa Falls: ~2 hours
Franconia Ridge / White Mountains: ~2–2.5 hours
Welch-Dickey Loop: ~2 hours
Best Times to Go
Fall (mid-Sept to mid-Oct): Breathtaking foliage along every trail—especially in the White Mountains.
Summer (June to August): Warm, sunny weather and long days make it perfect for full-day hikes and waterfall visits.
Spring (late April to May): Great for shorter, lower-elevation hikes like Odiorne or Mt. Agamenticus.
Winter: For experienced hikers, snowshoeing is possible at select trails, but always check weather and trail reports.
Pro Tips
Start early for longer drives to the White Mountains.
Always check the weather forecast, especially in higher elevations.
Download offline maps if you're heading to remote areas with limited service.
Bring extra layers – New England weather can change fast!
Final Thoughts: Which Trail Is Right for You?
Not sure where to begin? Here's a quick guide to help you pick the perfect trail based on your hiking goals:
Best for Families with Kids: Stratham Hill Park and Urban Forestry Center offer shorter, well-maintained trails with easy terrain and nearby facilities.
Perfect for Solo Hikers Looking for Solitude: Mount Agamenticus and Sweet Trail are peaceful, lightly trafficked hikes where you can enjoy nature at your own pace.
For Waterfall Chasers: Head to Arethusa Falls Trail in Crawford Notch—New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall is worth the drive and hike.
Adventure Seekers & Peak Baggers: Tackle Mount Washington or explore the Franconia Ridge Loop for a challenge and sweeping views of the White Mountains.
Fall Foliage Fans: Trails like Mount Major and Welch-Dickey Loop are especially scenic in late September to mid-October.
Whatever your preference, there’s a trail waiting to match your mood, fitness level, or adventure style.
Hopefully, this post has helped you plan your next vacation for hiking near Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
No matter what kind of trek you're searching for; simple, challenging, or somewhere in between, waterfalls to mountaintops, New Hampshire has it all!
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