Hiking in New Hampshire is wonderful. No matter where you choose to walk, there are almost always guaranteed to be beautiful views. However, with so many large mountains and a wilderness that goes on for miles and miles, hiking in the Granite State can be intimidating. But it certainly doesn’t have to be! Compiled here are some of my favorite easy hikes in New Hampshire that are under five miles, making them manageable and enjoyable even for beginners. And we’re not skimping on scenery. These easy New Hampshire hikes will take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the state.

1. West Rattlesnake Mountain, Holderness
West Rattlesnake Mountain, Center Sandwich, NH 03227, USA
Ben Ferenchack/flickr
This easy two-mile hike will give you a view that is picture-perfect. Overlooking Squam Lake, the view from the summit is unlike anything else in New Hampshire – for just a short hike! This is a great hike to enjoy if you love scenic views.
2. Arethusa Falls, Bartlett
Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA
Chefandree/flickr
This 3.2-mile hike is one of the more moderately tough ones on this list, but the view of Arethusa Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in New Hampshire, will make it all worth it! To make it a bit easier be sure to take it slow and bring plenty of water.
3. Mount Kearsarge, Warner
Mount Kearsarge, Mt Kearsarge, Warner, NH 03278, USA
Harvey Barrison/flickr
The shortest route up Mount Kearsarge is just over two miles. This easy hike can be done any time of year, and offers beautiful views of the Sunapee region of New Hampshire.
4. Mount Cardigan, Orange
Mount Cardigan, Mt Cardigan, Orange, NH 03741, USA
Sage Ross/flickr
Mount Cardigan is a great hike because you can change it to fit your needs. The shortest loops are about 3.1 miles, and the most popular hike to the summit is 5.5 miles. The mountain has smooth trails that are popular with inexperienced hikers, and treacherous rock trails that are best left to the pros. Before you set off make sure you have a plan and have reviewed local maps of the trail.
5. The Sweet Trail, Durham
Sweet Trail, Sweet Trl, Lee, NH 03824, USA
Stephanie Fox / alltrails.com
The Sweet Trail is a 4-mile stretch through Crommet Creek Conservation Area in Durham. The trail offers the chance to hike through a New Hampshire marsh teeming with wildlife. We love this one for fantastic views and lots of fun.

Related Stories

This Off-The-Beaten-Path Forest In New Hampshire Is The Perfect Place To Escape

This Off-The-Beaten-Path Forest In New Hampshire Is The Perfect Place To Escape

 This New Hampshire Wildlife Sanctuary Is One Of The Best Places To View Summer Wildflowers

This New Hampshire Wildlife Sanctuary Is One Of The Best Places To View Summer Wildflowers

 Walk Or Ride Alongside The Ocean On The 3-Mile Odiorne Point Loop Trail In New Hampshire

Walk Or Ride Alongside The Ocean On The 3-Mile Odiorne Point Loop Trail In New Hampshire
6. Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey
Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA
Riley Lovendale / alltrails.com
Mount Monadnock is one of the most famous mountains in New Hampshire because it is so popular with climbers. The loop to the summit (called the lollipop loop) is just 4.4 miles, and is fairly easy for a summit trip. On a sunny summer day the rocky summit can become crowded.
7. Welch and Dickey Loop, Thornton
Welch and Dickey Mount Trail, Welch and Dickey Mt Trail, Thornton, NH 03285, USA
Rickpilot_2000/flickr
This 4.4-mile loop takes you to two summits in just about three hours. The views from the summits of Dickey Mountain and Welch Mountain look out over Crawford Notch, making this a perfect fall foliage hike. Visit AllTrails for more information.
8. Mount Major, Alton
Mount Major, Mt Major, Alton, NH 03810, USA
Robbie Shade/flickr
Mount Major, on the southern side of Lake Winnipesaukee, offers majorly awesome views over the Granite State’s largest lake. The four-mile loop is short, although it’s moderately challenging. This is a popular spot for people who want a New Hampshire hiking experience without driving all the way to the White Mountains.
9. Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard
Pitcher Mountain, Stoddard, NH 03464, USA
Glass_House/flickr
This short, family-friendly hike is just 0.7 miles long. If you’ve got kids in tow, this is a perfect way to introduce the family to hiking. Plus, the blueberry bushes along the way are sure to entice the little ones. For more information about this beautiful trail,
10. Sugarloaf Mountain, Bethlehem
Middle Sugarloaf, Bethlehem, NH 03583, USA
Bengt1955/flickr
Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain gives you a bang for your buck. The mountain offers two sweeping views of the White Mountains – Middle Sugarloaf and North Sugarloaf. To hike to just the middle is 2.6 miles round trip, and to hit both is 3.2 miles. The views will leave you feeling as if you’ve walked much further. Remember to always come prepared by checking out the route before you head out.

Have you taken any of these hikes? If you have, we’d love to hear if you have any tips or tricks for making a visit extra fun. Let us know in the comments. If you’re getting ready to add more hikes to your completed list, be sure to consider AllTrails+ to get wrong turn alerts, weather condition updates, and more.  Remember, before heading out on any hike it’s imperative that you have the best gear. Be sure to bring layers, no matter what season you’re in.

One of the best reasons to hike through New Hampshire is the scenic views. There are tons of trails offering sights you’ll want to remember for a lifetime.

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Easy Hikes In New Hampshire

Michelle S. | July 04, 2023

What are the best family-friendly hikes in New Hampshire?

The best family-friendly hikes in New Hampshire can be found throughout the entire state. A few to check out first are:

 

Getting out and exploring nature makes for a great family adventure, but hiking with young kids can be challenging. Luckily there are quite a few easy hikes in New Hampshire that you can enjoy with the whole family - and without tantrums. Waterfalls, lakes, and mountain views are all available via some of the shorter hikes in the state. This proves that just because a hike is on the easier side, it doesn’t mean you won’t still get to enjoy some beautiful scenery.

Which state parks should I visit in New Hampshire?

You should visit as many state parks in New Hampshire as you possibly can. A few great options to try the next time you want to get outdoors are:

 

And, don't forget to visit some of the more underappreciated state parks in New Hampshire.

Related Articles

Explore New Hampshire