One of the major perks about living in New England is being within a few hours of some of the best hiking in the US. The best time to plan a hike is early or late summer, and fall (especially when the foliage is poppin’ off). I’ve done a few in peak summer and although the trees provide some shade it can be really hot, especially if there’s a big elevation increase on the hike.
There are thousands of miles of trails running through New England with varying types of terrain. While it seems like the most popular hikes tend to be day hikes there are so many options for overnight & backpacking trips too. If you live in Rhode Island (like I do!) or Massachusetts those day trips could turn into a weekend getaway pretty quickly- especially if you don’t want to do 6 hours of driving in a day.
Here are my 5 favorite hikes in New England:
Long Pond Trail – Hope Valley
This is my favorite hike in Rhode Island for many reasons- the rock climbing, the elevation, the well marked trail, the boardwalk and of course the scenic view at the top. This trail offers a “4,000 foot peak” feel without the 3-4 hour drive for us Rhode Islanders. This trail is definitely steep in some parts but is doable for almost all ages. I actually took the girl I babysit who was only 4 years old at the time- with a lot of breaks in between- she crushed it!
Franconia Notch Loop- Franconia Notch- New Hampshire
The Franconia Notch Loop is probably my favorite hike in New England. For anyone who’s looking to do a hike with amazing mountain views, this is the one. If you do the full loop, you will summit 3 peaks- Haystack Mountain, Mount Lincoln, and finally Mount Lafayette. It is an 8.1 mile loop and definitely strenuous on your way to the top but the views from each of the summits make it all worth it! I’ve done this hike as a day trip a few times but it can be an exhausting day with the long drive included.
Mount Washington Loop- Tuckerman Ravine Trail
Mount Washington is probably the most well known mountain in New England- and not for the “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” stickers you see on so many cars. What many of us may not known is how strenuous of a hike this mountain can be- especially the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Although it can be a scramble at the top, it offers amazing views. When I did this hike, I brought my 4 month old puppy, which was definitely not the smartest idea. She was up for a challenge but it was way too steep for her and she ended up in our backpack on the way back down the mountain!
Mount Major- New Hampshire
This hike is a lot more do-able for a day trip in New England. Mt. Major is just under 4 miles and the summit is very open, boasting views of Lake Winnipesaukee below. I completed this hike with my dog in just a few hours and it was a perfect day hike from Rhode Island to “scratch the hike itch” and catch some views.
Mount Chocorua- New Hampshire
Mount Chocorua is another great hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It is a longer- 10 mile hike and can be challenging at times. When I went it was during the fall so the foliage added to the views on the hike. I took the Piper Trail up to the summit with a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains & lakes. This is a great hike during the fall since there is a lot of great photo ops not only on the hike but on the surrounding areas as well- especially when the leaves change.
