Hike Cadillac Mountain via the South Ridge Trail in Acadia National Park, Maine
What’s that? You don’t want to drive six hours for a 1,530 foot mountain? Oh, sure, there are plenty of worthy mountains in the Northeast. Many that are bigger, tougher, and (likely) closer. But how many of them are in scenic Acadia National Park? How many of them sport the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard, and are amongst the first places in the United States to see sunlight? How many of them offer views not only of surrounding mountains, but also of Frenchman’s Bay and its spattering of islands and cruise ships?
Hike the Mt. Tripyramid Trail Loop in the Sandwich Range Wilderness
Mt. Tripyramid, a three-headed mountain monster, kills two peaks off the New Hampshire 48 over 4,000 feet bucket list with one tremendous hike. Just be careful not to break your neck in the process. The gnarly rock slabs on the steep North Slide are a bunny slope for rock climbers, but for anyone accustomed to ascending mountains sans rope and harness, this hike will put hair on your chest and lead in your pencil.
Hike Mt. Kearsarge Via the Winslow & Barlow Trail Loop
On paper (aka the map) Mt. Kearsarge in Winslow State Park appears to be an easy, breezy hike perfect for families with young kids. You drive more than halfway up the mountain to reach the trailheads, after all, and there’s a playground adjacent to the parking lot. Don’t count your peaks before their bagged, however, as this hike will test the mettle of little feet (not to mention their parents’ patience).
Hike Mt. Jefferson Via the Castle Trail in the NH Presidential Range
Mt. Washington may get the glory, but the Mt. Jefferson Castle Trail has more than its fair share of guts. With 4,200 feet of elevation gain over 4.8 miles, and a tip-top height of 5,716 feet, the Castle Trail packs a wallop as challenging as anything the New Hampshire Presidential Range has to offer. But is it a technical hike?
Hike Goose Eye Mountain Via the Wright Trail in Maine’s Mahoosuc Range
As one of the AMC’s red lines, the Wright Trail is by no means a secret. Given that I completed it on a cloudless Saturday morning in June after a week of rain and only saw four other people, it certainly passes for a hidden gem. Listed in the White Mountain Guide as a loop trail, the North Branch now appears to be closed. Don’t let this scare you away, though. The long parallel with Goose Eye Brook and eye-popping scenery of Goose Eye Mountain and the Mahoosuc Range make it a great getaway.
Kids Love the Flume Gorge Nature Walk in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
Let’s first make one thing clear: Flume Gorge is a bonafide nature walk, not a hike. Hiking requires a trail that’s not navigable by a golf cart with at least the threat of breaking a sweat. Not to mention the optional shuttle bus, which shortens the “trek” to .7 of a mile round trip, is an automatic disqualification. As far as nature walks go, Flume Gorge is exceptional.