Search a hike or location

search
Best wildlife hikes in New Hampshire
Share:

Best wildlife hikes in New Hampshire

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.

Here are some great hikes to explore in New Hampshire.

Most popular hikes

1

Extra Difficult

Owl's Head Loop

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.3 (4) · 30.6 km · Est. 7 hrs 11 min

2

Difficult

Mount Kearsarge via Winslow and Barlow Trail

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · star 4.8 (26) · 4.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 23 min

3

Medium

Blue Job Mountain and Little Blue Job from First Crown Point Road

Strafford County, New Hampshire · star 4.8 (20) · 3.1 km · Est. 49 min

4

Difficult

Mount Chocorua Trail

Carroll County, New Hampshire · star 4.5 (16) · 14.5 km · Est. 4 hrs 29 min

5

Easy

Beaver Pond and Spruce Pond Loop via Lynx Trail

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · star 4.4 (29) · 7.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 44 min

6

Difficult

Mount Crawford, Mount Resolution and Stairs Mountain Trail

Carroll County, New Hampshire · star 4.4 (17) · 15.4 km · Est. 4 hrs 45 min

7

Easy

Wason Pond Loop via Wason Brook

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · star 4.5 (22) · 2.3 km · Est. 29 min

8

Extra Difficult

Wildcat D via Wildcat Ridge Trail

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.6 (27) · 5.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 15 min

9

Medium

Brooks Fisher Trail

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 4.3 (20) · 5.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 23 min

10

Medium

North Straightback Mountain, Straightback, Mountain, Mount Anna and Mount Major Loop

Belknap County, New Hampshire · star 4.5 (14) · 11.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 10 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for wildlife hikes in New Hampshire

Clinton Bennett avatar

Owl's Head Loop

Clinton Bennett · reviewed about 6 years ago

star star star star star

avatar

Mount Kearsarge via Winslow and Barlow Trail

Mafalda · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Mr. German McGlynn avatar

Blue Job Mountain and Little Blue Job from First Crown Point Road

ScoutExpeditioner23 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

The Hon. Trinidad Boyle avatar

Mount Chocorua Trail

OutriderTrailmaster88 · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Stephen Parker avatar

Beaver Pond and Spruce Pond Loop via Lynx Trail

Sir Scroopynoops · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Easy hike, not much elevation. Beautiful pond. Suhduh

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