Square Ledge Trail is a one-mile, up-and-back trek that briefly meets up with Lost Pond Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail. Square Ledge Trail may be the easiest of the bunch listed here, but it is still a good climb to a 2,300-foot elevation. The route starts by crossing a number of bog bridges before heading into the woods. At 0.1 miles into the climb, Ladies Lookout supplies a taste of the view to come. A little bit further along, a collection of boulders called Hangover Rock provides a good photo opp.
Next is Square Ledge itself, where hikers climb the boulders and come around the backside of the ledge. At the top is a stunning view of Pinkham Notch and Mount Washington in the distance, and just to the right is the Northern Presidential Range, including Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams, and Mount Madison. (If there’s time to spare on the drive over: Stop off at Glen Ellis Falls for a scenic detour.)
If you go…
This trail is about 25 minutes from North Conway. Parking is available across Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. 361 NH-16, Gorham, New Hampshire