Hike Mt. Garfield via the Garfield Trail
On paper the Garfield Trail looks to be a daunting challenge: a five-mile, 3,000-foot climb in the White Mountains to the summit of 4,500-foot Mt. Garfield. In reality, compared to neighboring hikes such as the Liberty Springs Trail, Falling Waters Trail and Old Bridle Path, it’s a walk in the White Mountains National Forest park.
Hike Mt. Washington Via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail
If you’re looking to boldly hike where no explorer has gone before, this trail isn’t for you. On the contrary, Mt. Washington is a major New Hampshire tourist destination, and the Tuckerman Ravine Trail is the White Mountains’ version of hiking Disneyland. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t do it. Quite the opposite, in fact. Consider it required reading for hiking.
Hike Mt. Liberty Via the Liberty Springs Trail in Franconia Notch, NH
8.6ish miles round trip
4-6 hours
Difficulty: Weekend Warriors; equivalent to five hours on a stair master
Mt. Lafayette Loop Hike Via Falling Waters Trail & Old Bridle Path
This is one kick-ass hike (Mom, I’m sorry for swearing on the Internet) encompassing the Falling Waters, Franconia Ridge, Greenleaf and Old Bridle Path trails. Halfway up I was already ranking it amongst my personal favorites. Not quite Katahdin level, but close.
Hike the Tranquil Lonesome Lake Trail in Franconia Notch, NH
We were looking for a relatively easy family hike to kick-off the season and the Lonesome Lake Trail in Franconia Notch was the perfect fit. The trail has an elevation gain in the neighborhood of 1000 feet, most of which occurs over a .8 mile stretch that switchbacks up the mountain. This segment of the trail can be challenging for young hikers or those of us still getting our “legs” under us as it is rocky and fairly steep.