Five Scenic Hikes Near North Conway
There are thousands of miles of hiking trails carved throughout the state of New Hampshire, and there’s something for everyone from steep, challenging climbs to less arduous family friendly paths. There are a number of great options that are a quick 20-minute car ride from North Conway. Here, we have assembled a list of five scenic hikes ranging from easy to difficult. Before you go, remember to research the route, tell someone where you are going, and pack water and snacks for your trip. Also, be a good steward and always carry out what you’ve carried in.
1. Square Ledge Trail
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
Total Mileage: 1 mile | Elevation Gain: 400 feet | Dog-friendly, family friendly, scenic, leaf peeping
2. Boulder Loop Trail
The Boulder Loop Trail packs boulder fields, ledges, and great views into a 3.1-mile hike. The route is off of the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, so car windows frame a gorgeous, quintessential landscape for the 20-minute drive to the trailhead.
Most hikers start the trail clockwise, moving past boulder fields, which kids love. In 2016, there was a forest fire that burned 400 acres and took three days to contain. Local fire departments and the U.S. Forest Service cleaned up the trails and made them accessible again, but hikers can spot remnants of the fire along the way. At the top, follow the signs that say “views” to stand on top of the ledges and take in a bird’s-eye view of the Kancamagus Highway as well as Mount Chocorua and Swift River Valley.
If you go…
This trail is about 20 minutes from North Conway. Drive over the Covered Bridge and park in the lot to the right near Passaconaway Road, Albany, New Hampshire
Total Mileage: 3.1 miles | Elevation Gain: 950 feet | Dog-friendly, family friendly, scenic, leaf peeping
3. South Moat Mountain Trail
South Moat Mountain Trail is a more challenging hike that moves through pine and hardwood forests and rises into ledges. The path starts at the Moat Mountain Trailhead on Dugway Road and reaches the summit of South Moat in 2.7 miles. At the top, there are 360-degree views of the Presidential Range and Sandwich Range. For the average hiker, the roundtrip trek takes about four hours.
For those who are looking for even more of a challenge, the hike can be extended by continuing on Moat Mountain Trail for another 0.6 miles to get to Middle Moat Mountain. In the winter months, the trail is accessible via mountaineering snowshoes or traction, such as Katoola MICROspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampons, but plan ahead and be careful because the ledges can be icy and slippery. (Snow will also increase the hike time.)
If you go…
This trail is about 15 minutes from Conway Village. From the village, drive north on Washington Street, take a left on to Passaconaway Road, which becomes Dugway Road. After 2.2 miles turn right into the Moat Mountain parking lot.
Total Mileage: 5.2 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet | Challenging, scenic, leaf peeping
4. Mount Kearsarge North Trail
The view from the fire tower at the top of Mount Kearsarge is breathtaking. The 6.4-mile hike is challenging and begins at a small marsh off of Hurricane Mountain Road, which leads into the forest. The steady climb cuts through the forest for about a mile and a half before opening up on open rock, exposing the initial views. The trail continues through the forest until reaching the summit.
It can be windy at the top, which is why the tower is a welcome sight because not only do the glass windows provide amazing 360-views of the eastern White Mountains and western Maine, but hikers get a break from the elements and a chance to warm up before trekking back down. The tower was originally built in 1909 and then rebuilt in the 1950s. It became inactive in 1968 but is maintained by USFS. Mount Kearsarge North Trail is popular year-round, including in the colder months, but it is most popular from April through October.
If you go…
This trail is about 10 minutes from North Conway. Trailhead and parking area are on Hurricane Mountain Road in Bartlett, New Hampshire.
Total Mileage: 6.4 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet | Challenging, scenic, leaf peeping
5. Champney Brook Trail to Mount Chocorua
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