Hiking is a wonderful family activity, and best of all, it's free!

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Below are ten easy and approachable hikes that will get everyone in your crew on board for a hike in the Mt. Washington Valley, NH!

Note that a parking fee is charged when cars are parked at any of the White Mountain National Forest parking areas. Parking passes can be purchased at self-serve pay stations in each designated parking lot or from The Saco Ranger Station at the beginning of the Kancamagus Highway.

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4 Hours or Less:

1) Black Cap: This trail through spruce and beech forests to the bare summit of Black Cap offers great views of multiple mountain ranges, the village of North Conway down below, and Mt Washington. 2.4 miles. From Rt. 16 in Intervale, turn onto Hurricane Mtn Rd. The trail head is on the right, 3.7 miles from Rt. 16.

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2) Mountain Pond Loop Trail: A pleasant, easy loop around a remote pond. 2.6 miles. From Rt. 16A in Intervale, turn east on Town Hall Road and go 6.8 miles to the trailhead.

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3.) Doublehead Ski Trail: Somewhat steep in places, the summit of the trail offers great views to the east and of Mountain Pond. 3.6 miles. From Rt. 16A in Jackson, take Rt. 16B to Black Mountain and bear right over the bridge on Dundee Rd. The trail head is marked.

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4.) Boulder Loop Trail: Pick up a brochure at the Saco Ranger Station about this self-guided nature trail. There is a gradual climb with some steep pitches. Offers spectacular views of Mt. Chocorua and the Swift River. 2.8 miles. The trail begins near the Covered Bridge Campground off the Kancamagus Hgwy, west of Conway.

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5.) Mt. Willard: Easy to moderate grade, good footing and an incredible view of Crawford Notch. 2.8 miles. The trail head is near AMC's Crawford Depot on Route 302 in Crawford Notch.

1 hour or less:

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6.) Jackson Village Loop: This walking loop has sidewalks the entire way. Walk through a covered bridge, along the scenic Wildcat and Ellis rivers, with shops, restaurants and mountain views surrounding your. Expect to share the path with joggers and cyclists. 1 mile or 30 minutes. The loop runs along Rt 16A and Route 16 in Jackson. There's ample parking along the way.

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7.) Albany Town Forest: A flat loop with some criss-crossing trails. The north side of the loop is called the "Swift River Trail" and parallels the beautiful river. Also popular with mountain bikers. Take the Kancamagus Highway .7 miles west from Conway. The trail head is on the right.

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8.) Rail & River Interpretive Trail: A self-guided tour with interpretive signs to explain natural features of the area. An easy 1/2 mile walk, fairly flat with a few stairs. The trail begins behind the Russell-Colbath House on the Kancamagus Hwy, east of Conway.

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9.) Deer Brook Road (Fire Road 28): This trail parallels the Swift River and has many side loops. It's recommended for "watchable wildlife" opportunities. Go 6 miles west from Conway on the Kancamagus Hwy. Park near the Albany covered bridge and the trail is to your left.  This fire road connects to the Nanamocomuck trail after 1 mile for further travel if desired.

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10.) Lost Pond & Square Ledge: The trail takes you to a scenic pond and past beaver ponds, along a stream, then ends with spectacular views of Mt. Washington and Pinkham Notch. The trail begins at the pond across the road from the AMC Pinkham Notch Camp on Rt. 16.

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Try a number of hikes throughout the Presidential's starting at the AMC's Pinkham Notch Base Lodge or these wonderful hikes for plenty of scenery and to experience the exhilaration of The White Mountains.

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Originally written by Marti Mayne
Updated by the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber in 2021

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