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10 Mountains in White Mountains That You Shouldn't Miss
New Hampshire's White Mountains are jam packed with attractions. Scenic roads make driving between them a delight. Trundle along Conway's Scenic Railroad and Mount Washington Cog Railway, sally upwards on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram and Loon Mountain Skyride, plunge down in Polar Caves Park and Flume Gorge, and reach top speeds at Attitash ski resort and summer playground. Offering a wealth of outdoors wonders both in winter and summer, the White Mountains are a thrill for all seasons.
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1. Mount Chocorua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By escapefrombrooklyn - Brooklyn, United States
We did the loop that has a bunch of pretty sketchy bouldering and rock scrambling. Would recommend for experienced hikers who are fit and comfortable with advanced rock scrambling. A great reward at the summit! Very memorable hike, what a tough day back to hiking!
2. West Rattlesnake Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By JeanineB992
We did west and East on a late afternoon and it’s a beautiful hike with spectacular views! Well worth the effort!
3. Mount Moosilauke
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By NMMc - Boston, United States
We hiked Mount Moosilauke taking the Gorge Brook trail to the summit and then coming down via the Glencliff Trail to the Carriage Road to the Hurricane Trail and then out again on the Gorge Brook trail. Best to get there early for parking. Only Lodge guests can park nearer to the lodge. It is a short walk to the Lodge and to get to the trail head you go down and around it (there are signs). The Lodge had photocopies of the trail map if you need one. It is a steady and gradual ascent with some crossings on bridges. I gauge it as moderate (if Mount Washington is difficult and Mount Lafayette is moderately difficult). The trail is not marked with any blaze below the treeline but is a well worn path so hard to get off trail. Above the treeline, there are cairns. It was windy and a bit cooler at the summit. We are hikers but in our 50s and not super fast. It took us 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the top. On the way down we also did a small detour (0.2 miles to go up and back) to climb South Peak. What you mostly see is the trail down from Mount Moosilauke towards South Peak, so the views aren't exceptional from South Peak, but it was pretty. The trail down via the Carriage Road and then the Hurricane trail was gradual and steady, but not difficult. I think it took us 5.5 hours to do the complete loop. We then had a tea and coffee at the Lodge ($1 each) and sat on the comfy chairs in the screened in porch for a bit before making our way back to the car. Hiking boots were helpful but not necessary (could do it in running shoes). We had poles but only used them going downhill. The forest section was a bit buggy, so insecticide is a good idea. It was windy and cool at the top, so layers and a wind breaker are a good idea. It was cloudy when we went, so we didn't need sunscreen, but it is exposed on the top and for a bit of the trail, so on a sunny day, sunscreen is also a good idea.
4. Mount Pemigewasset
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 778tracyv - Springfield, United States
Great moderate-difficulty hike with an awesome view at the top. The trail was easy to follow but has a decent elevation change. Wear hiking boots. Pack a lunch and eat at the top while enjoying the views. Park in the upper lot at the Gorge exit and follow the bike path/trail under the highway.
5. Cannon Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 417 reviews
Reviewed By frugalm0m - Swarthmore, United States
While we live in the Philadelphia area, Cannon Mountain is our favorite place to ski. Most of our family learned to ski at Cannon, and we have been going there for more than 15 years. It is by far the friendliest ski resort, where ski instructors, lift operators, ambassadors and guest service staff will smile, say hello and remember you. The mountain offers trails for a range of skills, so everyone can find a place to ski. There are rarely any lines of any note for the lift. Be forewarned, it can be cold on the mountain (it is New Hampshire after all!) and sometimes icy. But a great day at Cannon is the best skiing ever.
6. Wildcat Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Popular ski area in the northernmost reaches of New Hampshire.
Reviewed By scottdX2454UF - Sarasota, United States
Wildcat Ski Resort is one of the most interesting ski resorts in NH, and possibly all of New England: The views from the ski trails are spectacular; This area is within the white mountain national forest operating with special permit & as a result you see no massive condo developments, hotels or houses surrounding the area.....there is nothing but beautiful forest and mountains. The trails are old new england - narrower and winding. There are trails for all ski levels. The people are great the resort/snow is well maintained. The single base lodge is another classic with good food and good vibe. Higher elevation matters in terms of better conditions and longer viable season. Highly Recommended. I almost hate to do this because it might crowd the place more. Weekends can be crowded, weekdays are the very best way to go.
7. Rattlesnake Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By RhodySeth
This hike is short but it is quite steep. However there are great views at the top of Baker River valley to the south from the exposed section of rock. There's a loop at the summit - if you want the views in front of you as you go I recommend going counter-clockwise.
8. Rocky Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By mainemountainbear - Texas Gulf Coast, United States
The gorge was spectacularly scenic even in early summer, without fall's foliage. A sturdy bridge crosses the gorge. The paved footpath leading to it had benches at intervals. Some of the bare rocks out in the gorge invite exploration, which can pose risks at times. The birds and wildflowers on the way to the waterfalls at the gorge were as beautiful as the views upriver from the bridge. This had to be one of the highlights of any drive across the Kanc.
9. Magalloway Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By fireguy1989 - Vernon, United States
Did this hike while we were in Pittsburg. If you are not comfortable driving on narrow roads, or dirt roads, DON'T TRY IT. In addition, logging trucks also use these roads, and THEY have the right of way. The trailhead is located about 8 miles from the nearest paved road, and the last three miles are rough, rocky, and the road is narrow (one car width in places). This is a forest road, and there are areas that are washed out, as well as rocks sticking up out of the road. If your car has low clearance, you might not want to take it out there. We had to back up a few times to let other drivers pass. We met a caravan of minivans who tried going out and had to turn around because their vans couldn't make it, and one pulled too far off the road and almost sank in mud. Once you get to the trailhead, you have 2 options. The Coot trail is an old road, but don't let the term road fool you. It is moderately steep and rough, but only about 3/4 of a mile long. This meets up with the Bobcat trail, which leaves the parking area about 100 yards down the road. This trail was not signed when we hiked. The trails meet just below the summit, which is only about an 8/10 of a mile hike total. On the summit there is a fire tower. You can climb the steps to a viewing platform, but you can't go in the tower itself. You can see Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Canada from there. There is also a side trail by one of the cabins that leads you to an outlook at the top of a cliff- I would NOT recommend bringing small children over there, as the top is gravelly and the drop off can come up on you suddenly if you aren't expecting it. We took the Bobcat trail down, and had to go over, under, and around multiple trees across the trail. The usual route is to go up the Bobcat and down the Coot.
10. Cherry Mountain
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 7 reviews
