New Hampshire has no shortage of hills and mountains to climb. Some of them can be long epics and others can be short strolls. Today, we have one of my favorites in the latter category: Silver Mountain in Lempster. You don’t need to be a mountaineer or require any technical climbing expertise to scale this summit, but being prepared is always a good idea. A short, gentle 0.7-mile ascent leads to the top, and for that reason, Silver Mountain is on my list of great short hikes in New Hampshire.

The hike to Silver Mountain begins at a trailhead for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests' Ashuelot River Headwaters Forest on South Rd. in Lempster.
David Wolcott/All Trails
The land here was once part of a grand estate owned by the Wright family of Keene. The Wrights made their fortune from creating silver polish in the 1800s.
David Wolcott/All Trails
This old tree is a personal favorite landmark along Silver Mountain Trail, and I always stop to admire it.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

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At the top of the trail near the summit, views begin to open up and the walking is over ledges interspersed with low scrub.
David Wolcott/All Trails
The summit ledges of Silver boast wide views toward the west and southwest, with Vermont's Green Mountains visible on clear days.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
Silver's open summit makes it seem higher than it is, perhaps even the highest point in Lempster. But that honor goes to nearby Bean Mountain.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
As was the tradition in earlier days, visitors to southern New Hampshire's hills often etched their names or initials in the granite, such as this example from 1836. Please don't do this today!
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

If you’re looking for a great short outing to stretch your legs, make sure to put Silver Mountain on your list of short hikes in New Hampshire. To learn more and to download a trail map, visit the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Please note this hike may not be accessible in winter, as the road leading to the trailhead is not plowed all the way.

Looking for more short hike ideas? Check out these five low-key treks that have great payoffs or ten hikes that are all under five miles.

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Silver Mountain Trail, Lempster, NH 03605, USA