Nancy Pond

A 300'-high cascade and a secluded wilderness pond are the rewards of this hike. Yellow-blazed Nancy Pond Trail starts on gentle terrain, making several stream crossings. At 1.5 miles it crosses Nancy Brook; this can be difficult during heavy run-off. Continue climbing, and after negotiating some loose, gravelly sections of trail (old landslides) reach the base of Nancy Cascades at 2.4 miles. The cascade culminates with a waterfall into a beautiful clear pool. From here the trail ascends steeply, giving more views of water and of mountains across the highway. The trail leads through a virgin spruce forest before skirting the north shore of Nancy Pond. If YOU continue past Nancy Pond for 3/4 mile to the dam at the far end of Norcross Pond, you'll gain a fine view of Mount Bond Return by the same trail.
5 hours 7 miles elevation gain: 2,200' Approach: The trailhead is five miles west of Bartlett on US 302.

Dry River Trail

To the west of Davis Path is a route of almost equal length, the Dry River Trail. From its trailhead on Rt. 302, just north of Dry River Campground, it passes through forest gradually ascending to Lakes of the Clouds hut, 9.6 miles from its starting point. At 3 miles, Mount Clinton Trail branches left to Mizpath Spring Hut. A good excursion is to hike 5.4 miles up the trail to a side trail that drops down to the pool below Dry River Falls -- great swimming spot on a hot day. Then take dip in the Saco River after the hike out!

Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff

This loop hike takes you to the state's highest waterfall, 200' Arethusa Falls, and along the top of an 800' cliff. The well marked trail ascends through beautiful white birches and across steep wooded slopes, leading you up Bemis Brook to the falls, about 1.5 miles and an hour in from the road. In the spring, or after a good rain, Arethusa is an impressive cascading waterfall, In leaner periods it's much less impressive To do the loop hike climb past the falls on the Arethusa-Ripley Trail. After a mile pick up Frankenstein Cliff Trail (Arethusa-Ripley Trail heads left to Ripley Falls) and soon you begin the traverse across the top of the cliff, passing various viewpoints before dropping very steeply into the valley. After walking under the steel arches of the RR bridge, bear right and return to the parking area.
4 hours, 4.3 miles, 1,500 of climbing Approach: Park at the end of the short access road, on the west side of US 302, six miles south of Crawford Notch.

Mount Crawford (3,129') via Davis Path

The lower summits traversed by Davis Path offer some of the finer views in the region. From the parking area cross the Saco River on a suspension bridge and hike up an old bridle path, obtaining the ridge at 1 .7 miles. At 2.2 miles, the spur trail (0.3 mile) to the summit of Mount Crawford branches left The views from the rocky summit are excellent Crawford Notch, the Dry River Valley, Mount Carrigain, and its neighbors, Return the same way.
4-1/2 hours, 5 miles total climb: 2,100' Approach: Trailhead parking for Davis Path is on US 302, 6 miles from Bartlett, across from Nothchland Inn

Ripley Falls

This short, popular hike leads to a 100' waterfall. Take the Ethan Pond Trail from the parking area, and branch left onto Arethusa- Ripley Falls Trail after 0.2 miles. You reach the base of Ripley Falls after another 0..3 mile. The Arethusa-Ripley Falls Trail continues to Arethusa Falls, the more impressive of the two falls See Chapter 10 for the hike description for Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff. Try to visit these falls in the spring of after a good rain when the streams have a good volume of water.
1 hour, 1 mile, elevation gain: 500' Approach: Park on the short side road off US 302, about a mile south of Willey House Site

Mount Willard 2,850'

For a short hike on easy terrain that leads to a dramatic view, Willard is hard to beat (see photo). Part of the trail coincides with an old carriage road making for excellent walking, From Crawford's, start on Avalon Trail but branch left after only 0. t mile on Mount Willard Trail, which leads to clifftop ledges high above the U-shaped glacial valley that forms Crawford Notch. You are safe enough if you stay well away from the edge but as there is 110 protection from the drop-off, he careful here with children or if conditions are wet or icy. Return by the same route.
1-1/4 hours 2.8 miles, total climb: 925' Approach: Park at Crawford's (the old train depot) in Crawford Notch, cross the tracks

Boulder Loop Hike

The Boulder Loop Hiking Trail starts off the Kangamangus Highway. Located near the Covered Bridge Campground. This trail is three-miles long, passing through the broaded-leafed and evergreen forests. The ledges which is the highest point are 1,000 feet above Pasaconaway Valley.
The hike will take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the walk up and one hour for the downward leg. Along the trail there are 18 different places to stop and rest. All are marked with numbers and the trail is mapped with yellow blazes. Please stay on the mapped area and sturdy footwear should be worn (hiking boots). Remember to use caution at all times especially near ledges.

CAUTION: IN WET WEATHER THE BARE ROCK MAY BE VERY SLIPPERY. PROTECT CHILDREN FROM THE SHARP DROP-OFFS.

Mt. Kearasarge North:

Location of Trail Head: The trail begins at a small parking area located 1.5 miles east of NH Route 16/302 on the north side of Hurricane Mountain Road in Kearsarge.
Length of Trail to the Summit (one way): 3.1 miles
Estimated Time (one way): 2 hours and 50 minutes
Elevation Gain: 2, 700 feet
Summit Elevation Above Sea Level: 3,268 feet
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
The Mount Kearsarge North Trail is a steep trail that makes a perfect day hike. The rokcy exposed summit of Mount Kearsarge North affords one of the finest view points in the White Mountains with exceptional views in all directions.

Albany Mountain Notch

Trail Beginning: 800 ft elevation. Trail begins on the Crocker Pond Road (FR 18) one mile south of the Patte Brook Road (FR 7).
Trail Ending: Trail ends at Birch Ave near Keewaydin Lake in Stoneham, ME.
Access: From Bethel take Route 5 south past Songo Pond and turn right onto the Patte Brook Road at sign indication National Forest Camping. Follow sign to Crocker Pond Campground. Parking for trail is 1/2 mile before campground on right.
Attractions and Consideration: National Forest land is managed for a variety of uses including wildlife, water, timber, wilderness and recreation. Wildlife habitat improvement, protection of soil and water resources, visual resources improvements, and recreational activities may all occur on the same parcel of land. The Albany Notch Trail provides a north-south route from the Crocker Pond Road to Keewaydin Lake through Albany Notch, the natural passage between Peter Mountain and Albany Mountain. It provides an alternative route going or comping from the Albany Mountain.

Albany Mountain Trail

Trail Beginning: 980ft. elevation. Trail begins at 0.6 mile from the Crocker Pond Road, Albany Notch trailhead.
Trail Ending: 1920 ft. elevation. Trail ends at the summit of Albany Mountain.
Length: 1.4 miles
Access: Floow directions to Albany Notch trailhead.
Caution: Areas along the trail can become slippery at anytime of the year due to changing weather conditions. Use care when walking on these Forest trails. Harsh weather conditions are common in mountianous areas. Dress properly and bring extra clothing for your own protection.

Albany Brook Trail

Trail Beginning: 825 ft. elevation. Trail begins at the Crocker Pond Campground at the end of the Crocker Pond Road (FR 18).
Trail Ending: The northern shore of Round Pond
Access: Follow directions for Albany Notch Trail and continue to Crocker Pond Campground.
Attractions and Considerations: This trail provides the only trail access to Round Pond, known for good trout fishing opportunities. Very easy hike for all ability levels.

Mt. Chocorua Hiking Trails

Champney Brook Trail

Please consult a good trail map before you hike the summit of Mt. Chocorua. The following information is to give an idea of lengths and variety only.

Location of Trail Head: The trail begins at the Champney Brook Parking Lot, 10 miles west of Route 16 on the south side of the Kancamangus Highway.
Lenth of Trail to Summit: 3.8 miles
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Summit Elevation: 3,475 feet
Level of Difficulty to Falls: Moderate
Level of Difficulty from Falls to Summit: Difficult.

The Champney Brook Trail begins at the Kancamangus Highway and ends on the Piper Trail in the flat saddle between Mt. Chocorua and the Three Sisters. Along the way, a loop path diverges left off the trail to Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls. The most dramatic water fall viewing occurs during wet times of the year.

Liberty Brook Trail Via Paugus Mill Road

Location of the Trail's Head: It begins at the parking area just before the gate on Paugus Mill Road in Chocorua. Please respect private property on the way to the parking lot.

Loop the Hike Option: The liberty Trail and Brook Trail can be combined for an excellent day hike loop.
From parking lot estimated time: 2.7 miles, 2 hours and 10 minutes
To Jim Liberty Cabin: 3.3 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes
To the Brook Trail: 3.6 miles, 3 hours and 5 minutes
To Mt. Chocorua Summit: (via Brook Trail): 3.9 miles, 3 hours and 20 minutes
Elevation Gain to Summit: 2, 500 feet

The Brook Trail

Distance from Paugus Mill Parking Area to the Claybank Brook Crossing: 2.5 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes
to the Liberty Trail: 3.4 miles, 2 hours and 50 minutes
to Mt. Chocorua Summit: 3.6 miles, 3 hours and 5 minutes
Elevation Gain to Summit: 2,300 feet.
Note: The summit can be avoided during bad weather by following the West Side Trail, which enters 25 yards beyond the Bee Line Trail and runs into the Piper Trail.

The Piper Trail

Location of Trail Head: Route 16, six miles south of Conway behind Piper Trail Cabins and restaurant. This is private land and there is fee area parking lot.
Distance and Estimated Times from Route 16:
Nickerson Ledge Trail: 1.4 miles, 1 hour
Chocorua River Crossing: 2.0 mile,s 1 hour and 25 minutes
Camp Penacook Spur Trail: 3.1 miles, 2 hours and 25 minutes
Champney Brook Trail: 3.9 miles, 3 hours and 10 minutes
Mt. Chocorua Trail: 4.5 miles, 3 hours and 35 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Elevation Gain to Summit: 2,700 feet

Hikes on the Kancamangus Highway

Note: Recreational passes are required at all trailheads. Exceptions are: parking 1/2 miles from the trailheads; and day use area along the Kancamagus Highway. Look for signs. If you forgot to get your pass, don't worry! You'll receive a salmon colored envelope on your windshield. Enjoy your trip and send it in later!

Rail N River Trail

Easy Walk 0.5 miles (10 minutes to one hour round trip.)
Location: Fairly flat trail, wheelchair or stroller accessible. 12.3 west of the Saco Ranger Station on the Kancamagus Highway. Follow the trail from the parking lot at the Russell Colbath Historic House.

Boulder Loop Hike

Easy/Moderate. 2.8 miles (2-4 hours round trip)
Location: 6 miles west of the Saco Ranger Station. Turn right off the Kancamagus Highway through the Covered Bridge. The parking lot is on the right and the trailhead is oposite the paking lot. Gradual climb with some step pitches. Excellent views! Brochure available at the trailhead or any ranger station. tells story of formation of soil and the orgin and growth of the forest. View of Mt. Chocorua and Swift River Valley from the ledges.

Sabbaday Falls Hike

Easy Walk. 0.4 mile (20 minutes to one hour trip)
Location: 15 miles west of the Saco River Ranger Station. A picturesque series of cascade in a narrow flume. Descriptive signs point out rock formations. There is a picnic area at the entrance of the trail.

Mt. Hedgehog via the UNH Trail

More difficult. 5 miles 4-5 hours round trip
Location: 13.5 miles west of the Saco Ranger Station on left opposite the Passaconaway Campground. This is a loop hike via the UNH Loop Trail to Mt. Hedgehog. This trail offers a moderate hike to the summit of a 2500' mountain with spectacular views of the Swift River Valley in many directions. Appalachian Mountian Club Map #4.

Mt. Potash Hike

More difficult: 4 miles (4 hours round trip)
Location: 13.5 miles west of Saco Ranger Station. (Not a Loop Trail). Start on Downes Brook Trail across from Passaconaway Campground. Trail to the summit of Mt. Potash 92600' is open and ledgy and affords excellent views of the Swift River Valley and surrounding mountians in all directions. Use extreme caution on ledge areas. The Mt. Potash Trail then leaves (sharp right) and soon crosses Downes Brook. The route over ledges is marked with yellow paint. Appalachain Mountain Club Map #4.

The Lovequist Loop Trail

Easy 0.7 miles (1 hour round trip)
Location: 9 miles west of the Saco Ranger Station at Rocky Gorge. A short walk around Falls Pond offers a sample of th internal beauty of the Forest. Bring along your fishing rod and camera. Tread softly and becareful of plants and vegetation.

Greeley Ponds Trail

Moderately Easy. Approximately 5 miles
Location: The trailhead is 9 miles east of Exit 32, I-93 on the Kancagmagus Highway. Greeley Pond Scenic Area is about 1 mile from the highway, featuring two ponds. Upper Greeley Pond, with its dark aqua-green color, is a beautiful spot, surrounded by old growth timber and towering cliffs. By contrast, Lower Greeley Pond is shallow and more typical of a beaver pond. Both ponds offer trout fishing and a enjoyable place to have a picnic lunch.

Lincoln Woods Trail

Easy 2.8 miles (1 hours, 20 minute(
Location: The Lincoln Woods Trail parking lot is off the Kancamangus Highway, 5 miles east of exit 32, I-93. The trail is an abandoned railroad grade formerly used to haul logs to a mill in Lincoln. As the main access into the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area, the trail terminates at the wilderness boundary where the Wilderness Trail (6 miles) takes off. An easy goal for a short day hike is Franconia Falls (2.8 miles; 1 hour, 20 minutes) or Black Pond (2.6 mile; 1 hour, 10 minutes). Franconia Falls is a massive granite ledge with a water chute located on Franconia Brook. It is very popular with swimmers and sunbathers in warm weather. Black Pond provides mountainous views.

There a number of Hiking Districts which you will find a variety of trails, camping and views.

Ammonoosuc Ranger District - Includes the famous, Crawfords Path - Edmands Path
Androscoggin Ranger District - Mount Washington, Imp Trail, Mount Madison
Evans Notch Ranger District - Baldface Circle Trail, Basin Trail / Basin Rim Trail, Bickford Brook Trail / Blueberry Ridge Trail, Five Hikes on the Evans Notch Ranger District
Pemigewasset Ranger District - Short Hikes on Ammonoosuc - Pemigewasset Ranger District, Basin Cascade Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail, Elephant's Head Trail.
Saco Ranger District - Walking in the National Forest, Hikes on Kancamagus Highway, Mt. Chocorua Hiking Trails.