Mount Chocorua is on everyone’s list because it is one of the most visible mountains in the state. On almost every drive, Chocorua looms in the distance. From the top, hikers can enjoy 360-views of surrounding mountains and forests.
There are a number of trails, but the Champney Brook Trail is the closest to North Conway and well worth the effort for both the views and the waterfalls along the way. The 7.6-mile up-and-back hike was named after pioneer artist Benjamin Champney who had a summer house nearby. Stone steps and switchbacks help with the trail’s steepness; however, there are scrambles at the top. This trek is the most difficult on this list, and while the climb is doable in winter with appropriate winter gear, it is most popular from April through October. For those who want to see the waterfalls, both Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls along Champney Brook tend to be best in the spring and early summer after the snowmelt increases water flow.
If you go…
This trail is about 20 minutes from North Conway. The trail begins at the Champney Falls Parking Lot on the Kancamagus Highway (Rt. 112), 10 miles west of its junction with Route 16.
Total Mileage: 7.6 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,250 feet | Challenging, scenic, leaf peeping