10 PEAKS TO SUMMIT THIS WINTER IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
The loop hike up Mount Major promises fantastic views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the top. The hike ascends via Boulder Loop Trail and descends on Major-Straightback Link, Brook Trail, and Mount Major Trail.
Nestled against the flank of New Hampshire's Cannon Mountain and near Franconia Notch State Park, this year-round hut offers a spectacular view of the Franconia Range across a clear glacial tarn. The westernmost hut on the Appalachian Trail, Lonesome Lake Hut is a two hour winter hike from the road and the perfect place for experience winter hikers seeking mountain views from the water's edge.
Monadnock State Park is located in and around the 3,165-ft. Mount Monadnock. The park is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected highlands, which offers spectacular winter hiking. While the staff is present around the park daily, limited visitor services and amenities are provided through the winter season and day-use fees are required only on weekends and holidays.
Moosilauke has been the spiritual home of Dartmouth's winter outdoors for over one hundred years. The College owns 4,600 acres on this 4,802 foot peak (about a third of the mountain above 2000 feet). It is the tenth highest peak in the state, with a summit many claim has the best view in the White Mountains. Photo credit: Chris Dailey.
Mount Chocorua is a popular destination for hikers. Although it is under 3,500 feet in elevation, its bare and rocky summit commands excellent views in all directions. Since most trails begin at much lower elevations, a hike to the summit is a strenuous exercise- especially in the frigid winter months.
Mount Pierce, formerly known as Mt. Clinton, is the second southernmost 4,000-foot peak in the Presidential Range. The partially wooded summit features excellent views of Mt. Washington. The peak is named after New Hampshire's only President, Franklin Pierce.
The views from the open outcrops at The Rattlesnakes are reason enough to visit, but the forest below the steep ledges is special as well. The dripping overhangs right below the cliffs encourage massive icicle formations, which only get larger as winter wears on.
Despite being just a one mile hike to the summit, Blue Job Mountain has some of the best view in Southern New Hampshire- spanning from Mt. Washington to the north, Mt. Monadnock to the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Cardigan Mountain State Park spans 5,655 acres and is an excellent area for experienced winter hikers to bag an incredible peak. The mountain's treeless granite summit affords outstanding views of west central New Hampshire, with a panorama that includes Mount Monadnock and the White Mountains. During the off-season the park is typically not staffed and comfort stations are not available.
Long after the famed Mount Washington auto road closes for the winter, the world's bravest and most experienced hikers attempt to hike to the top of the state's highest mountain-facing the risks of hypothermia, falling ice and avalanches.
Winter hiking is an amazing adventure, but can potentially become very dangerous if you are unprepared. Please visit White Mountains attractions Winter Hiking page for preparation tips and always remember to review this Hike Safe information before setting out on any New Hampshire hike.