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Best cross country skiing hiking trails in New Hampshire
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Best cross country skiing hiking trails in New Hampshire

Glide through nature on these cross-country skiing trails, where the snowy landscapes make for a peaceful, scenic journey across the winter terrain.

Here are some great trails to explore in New Hampshire.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Dover Community Trail

Strafford County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (26) · 13.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 47 min

2

Easy

Ashuelot River - Ashuelot Rail Trail

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (22) · 34.2 km · Est. 1 day 1 hrs

3

Easy

Beaver Pond and Spruce Pond Loop via Lynx Trail

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (29) · 7.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 44 min

4

Medium

Franconia Ridge Trail and Franconia Brook Trail loop via Lincoln Woods Trail

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (29) · 37.4 km · Est. 2 day

5

Easy

Sawmill Swamp West Loop

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (19) · 4.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 13 min

6

Easy

Maud Jones Memorial Forest Trail Loop

Strafford County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (23) · 1.5 km · Est. 20 min

7

Easy

Howard's Path and Quarry Loop Trail

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (14) · 2.1 km · Est. 31 min

8

Easy

Flint Hill Loop

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (21) · 5.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 18 min

9

Easy

Bobby Woodman Trail

Sullivan County, New Hampshire · star 4.0 (22) · 3.2 km · Est. 39 min

10

Medium

Mount Anna Loop

Belknap County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (26) · 8.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 20 min

Show more hikes

Reviews for cross country skiing hiking trails in New Hampshire

Rev. Broderick Beier avatar

Dover Community Trail

RavineCrestclimber83 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Conception Schiller avatar

Ashuelot River - Ashuelot Rail Trail

BackpackerMountaineer59 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Stephen Parker avatar

Beaver Pond and Spruce Pond Loop via Lynx Trail

Sir Scroopynoops · reviewed 11 months ago

star star star star star

Easy hike, not much elevation. Beautiful pond. Suhduh

Calvin Hegmann avatar

Franconia Ridge Trail and Franconia Brook Trail loop via Lincoln Woods Trail

DriftwoodAlpinist80 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Armando Buckridge avatar

Sawmill Swamp West Loop

GlacierBasecamper26 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in New Hampshire

What is the climate like for hiking in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique hiking experience. Spring (March-May) is mild but can be muddy due to snowmelt. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest hiking conditions, but staying hydrated is essential.
Fall (September-November), with its mild temperatures and vivid autumn colors, is a favorite among hikers. Winter (December-February) can be challenging due to cold and snow, but it offers serene beauty for well-equipped hikers. Always check the weather before heading out. The New Hampshire State Parks (https://www.nhstateparks.org/) and the Mount Washington Observatory (https://www.mountwashington.org/) provide valuable information.

Do I need a permit to hike in New Hampshire?

Most hiking trails in New Hampshire do not require permits, but certain activities like camping or fishing might. For more details and to obtain necessary permits, it's advisable to check with the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation (https://www.nhstateparks.org/) and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/).

Is wild camping allowed in New Hampshire?

Wild camping in New Hampshire is generally allowed in national forests with some restrictions, while it's limited in state parks to designated campgrounds. Always follow Leave No Trace principles. For camping regulations, refer to the White Mountain National Forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain) and the New Hampshire State Parks site (https://www.nhstateparks.org/).

Are there mountain rescue services in New Hampshire?

For emergencies during hiking in New Hampshire, dial 911 to reach local authorities who will coordinate with the appropriate rescue services. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Law Enforcement Division also assists with search and rescue operations. Visit their website for more information (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/law-enforcement/index.html).

Are there dangerous plants in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire's hiking trails wind through forests of birch, beech, and maple, with beautiful wildflowers blooming in spring and summer. Hikers should be aware of poison ivy in wooded areas. For more information on local flora, the New Hampshire Wildflowers website (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/habitat/types.html#:~:text=Appalachian%20oak%2Dpine%20forests%20are,mountain%20laurel%2C%20and%20sugar%20maple.) is a great resource.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in New Hampshire?

Hikers in New Hampshire may encounter a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, and numerous bird species. Ticks and mosquitoes are common during warmer months. Black bears are present but seldom seen. Visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's website (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/) for detailed wildlife information.

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