New Hampshire's Lakes Region is a stunning location for spring hiking. With plenty of trails to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which hike to embark on. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best spring hiking trails in the region, categorized by difficulty level - beginner, intermediate, and difficult.

Beginner Hikes:

  • Mount Major: Located in Alton, Mount Major is a popular beginner hike that offers stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee. The hike is 3.8 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 1,150 feet. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a perfect hike for families or beginners.

  • Piper Mountain: Located in Gilford, Piper Mountain is a 2.2-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 960 feet. The trail is well-marked and not too steep, ideal for beginner hikers. The summit offers stunning views of the Lakes Region and surrounding mountains.

Intermediate Hikes:

  • Mount Roberts: Located in Moultonborough, Mount Roberts is a 5.2-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet. The trail is well-marked but does require some scrambling over rocks and steep sections. At the summit, you can expect to see breathtaking views of the area's lakes and mountains.

  • Mount Cardigan: Located in Orange and Alexandria, Mount Cardigan is a 5.6-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 2,050 feet. The trail is well-marked and offers a mix of easy and steep sections. The summit offers panoramic views of the Lakes Region.

Difficult Hikes:

  • Mount Chocorua: Located in Albany, Mount Chocorua is a 7.5-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. The trail is well-marked but requires some scrambling over rocks and steep sections. This one is worth the effort as there are great payoff views from the Summit.

  • Mount Monadnock: While not technically located in the Lakes Region, Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey is one of the most popular hiking destinations for locals and visitors alike. The mountain is 3,165 feet tall and offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels. The most popular trail is the White Dot Trail, which is a 4-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 1,750 feet, and offers unmatchable views of the Monadnock region.

From beginner hikes with stunning views to challenging hikes that require some scrambling, New Hampshire  has something for everyone. So grab your hiking boots and hit the trails to explore the beauty of the Lakes Region this spring!

Need recommendations or help deciding? Visit our Virtual Concierge or give us a call at 1-800-661-2243.