Search a hike or location

search
Best difficult hikes in New Hampshire
Share:

Best difficult hikes in New Hampshire

Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.

Here are some great hikes to explore in New Hampshire.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.8 (5) · 12.9 km · Est. 4 hrs 26 min

2

Difficult

Appalachian Trail - Maine

Oxford County, New Hampshire · star 4.8 (12) · 413.7 km · Est. 18 days

3

Difficult

Six Husbands Trail, Mount Jefferson and Sphinx Trail Loop via Great Gulf Trail

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.5 (22) · 20.8 km · Est. 6 hrs 24 min

4

Difficult

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.3 (4) · 8.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 3 min

5

Difficult

Cannon Mountain and North-South Kinsman Mountain Loop via Lonesome Lake Trail

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.4 (20) · 17.3 km · Est. 5 hrs 40 min

6

Difficult

Cohos Trail

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.4 (27) · 36.2 km · Est. 2 days

7

Difficult

Welch - Dickey Loop Trail

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.4 (28) · 6.5 km · Est. 2 hrs 7 min

8

Difficult

Appalachian Trail Section Hike - Hanover to Wentworth

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.3 (12) · 48.4 km · Est. 3 days

9

Difficult

Hurricane Mountain Trail

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.3 (4) · 9.8 km · Est. 3 hrs 11 min

10

Difficult

Mount Monroe via Appalachian Trail

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.4 (26) · 24.8 km · Est. 7 hrs 28 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for difficult hikes in New Hampshire

Jewel Jast avatar

Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop

RidgeAspenseeker42 · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

noah smith avatar

Appalachian Trail - Maine

noah smith · reviewed over 6 years ago

star star star star star

Alfred Jacobson avatar

Six Husbands Trail, Mount Jefferson and Sphinx Trail Loop via Great Gulf Trail

GraniteExplorer83 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Ambrose Hane V avatar

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

FjordAspenseeker40 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Georgianna Sanford avatar

Cannon Mountain and North-South Kinsman Mountain Loop via Lonesome Lake Trail

PeakviewRockclimber60 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes 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.

More hikes in New Hampshire

by difficulty

by type

by activity