hiking near concord nh

Concord, New Hampshire is a great place to start your hiking adventure. With its close proximity to the White Mountains, there are plenty of trails to choose from, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’re sure to find a trail that’s perfect for you.

Here are a few of the most popular hiking trails near Concord⁚

Mount Kearsarge North Trail

The Mount Kearsarge North Trail is a 4.8-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet. It is considered a challenging hike, but it is also one of the most popular trails in the area because of its stunning views; The trailhead is located at the end of Kearsarge North Road in Wilmot, New Hampshire.

The first part of the trail is a steep climb through a forest of hardwoods and evergreens. As you gain elevation, the views begin to open up, and you will be able to see Mount Chocorua, Mount Washington, and the surrounding mountains. The trail eventually levels out and follows a ridge line to the summit of Mount Kearsarge. From the summit, you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

The descent from the summit is less steep than the ascent, but it is still challenging. The trail follows a series of switchbacks down the mountainside. Be sure to watch your footing, especially if the trail is wet or icy.

The Mount Kearsarge North Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike. The views from the summit are incredible, and the trail is well-maintained. If you are looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, the Mount Kearsarge North Trail is a great option.

Here are a few tips for hiking the Mount Kearsarge North Trail⁚

• Start early, especially if you are planning to hike the entire loop. The trail can be crowded, especially on weekends.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. There is no water available on the trail.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots and clothing. The trail can be rocky and slippery in some places.
• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time.

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail

The Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is a 3.2-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. It is considered a moderate hike, but it is still challenging in some sections. The trailhead is located at the end of Rattlesnake Mountain Road in Holderness, New Hampshire.

The first part of the trail is a steep climb through a forest of hardwoods and evergreens. As you gain elevation, the views begin to open up, and you will be able to see Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. The trail eventually levels out and follows a ridge line to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain. From the summit, you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

The descent from the summit is less steep than the ascent, but it is still challenging. The trail follows a series of switchbacks down the mountainside. Be sure to watch your footing, especially if the trail is wet or icy.

The Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike. The views from the summit are incredible, and the trail is well-maintained. If you are looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is a great option.

Here are a few tips for hiking the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail⁚

• Start early, especially if you are planning to hike the entire loop. The trail can be crowded, especially on weekends.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. There is no water available on the trail.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots and clothing. The trail can be rocky and slippery in some places.
• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time.

Mount Chocorua Loop Trail

The Mount Chocorua Loop Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you to the summit of Mount Chocorua, one of the most iconic mountains in New Hampshire. The loop trail is 8.5 miles long and has an elevation gain of 3,450 feet. It is considered a strenuous hike, but it is well worth the effort.

The trailhead is located at the end of the Mount Chocorua Loop Road in Albany, New Hampshire. The first part of the trail follows the Champney Falls Trail through a forest of hardwoods and evergreens. After about a mile, you will reach Champney Falls, a beautiful waterfall that is worth a short detour. From Champney Falls, the trail continues to climb steeply through a series of switchbacks. As you gain elevation, the views begin to open up, and you will be able to see the surrounding mountains and lakes.

After about 2.5 miles, you will reach the summit of Mount Chocorua. From the summit, you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The views from the summit are incredible, and it is a great place to take a break and enjoy your lunch.

The descent from the summit is less steep than the ascent, but it is still challenging. The trail follows a series of switchbacks down the mountainside. Be sure to watch your footing, especially if the trail is wet or icy.

The Mount Chocorua Loop Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike. The views from the summit are incredible, and the trail is well-maintained. If you are looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, the Mount Chocorua Loop Trail is a great option.

Here are a few tips for hiking the Mount Chocorua Loop Trail⁚

• Start early, especially if you are planning to hike the entire loop. The trail can be crowded, especially on weekends.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. There is no water available on the trail.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots and clothing. The trail can be rocky and slippery in some places.
• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time.

Mount Major Trail

The Mount Major Trail is a popular hike that takes you to the summit of Mount Major, one of the most popular mountains in New Hampshire. The trail is 4.8 miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. It is considered a moderate hike, but it is still challenging in some places.

The trailhead is located at the end of Mount Major Highway in Alton, New Hampshire. The first part of the trail follows an old logging road through a forest of hardwoods and evergreens. After about a mile, you will reach a junction with the Mount Major Loop Trail. Stay on the Mount Major Trail, which will begin to climb more steeply.

As you climb, the views begin to open up, and you will be able to see Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. After about 2.5 miles, you will reach the summit of Mount Major. From the summit, you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The views from the summit are incredible, and it is a great place to take a break and enjoy your lunch.

The descent from the summit is less steep than the ascent, but it is still challenging in some places. The trail follows a series of switchbacks down the mountainside. Be sure to watch your footing, especially if the trail is wet or icy.

The Mount Major Trail is a popular hike for a reason. It is a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views. If you are looking for a moderate hike with great views, the Mount Major Trail is a great option.

Here are a few tips for hiking the Mount Major Trail⁚

• Start early, especially if you are planning to hike the entire loop. The trail can be crowded, especially on weekends.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. There is no water available on the trail.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots and clothing. The trail can be rocky and slippery in some places.
• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time.

Black Mountain Trail

The Black Mountain Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you to the summit of Black Mountain, the highest peak in the Belknap Range. The trail is 4;6 miles long and has an elevation gain of 2,200 feet. It is considered a difficult hike, but it is still doable for most hikers with a good level of fitness.

The trailhead is located at the end of Black Mountain Road in Ashland, New Hampshire. The first part of the trail follows an old logging road through a forest of hardwoods and evergreens. After about a mile, you will reach a junction with the Black Mountain Loop Trail. Stay on the Black Mountain Trail, which will begin to climb more steeply.

As you climb, the views begin to open up, and you will be able to see Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. After about 2.5 miles, you will reach the summit of Black Mountain. From the summit, you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The views from the summit are incredible, and it is a great place to take a break and enjoy your lunch.

The descent from the summit is less steep than the ascent, but it is still challenging in some places. The trail follows a series of switchbacks down the mountainside. Be sure to watch your footing, especially if the trail is wet or icy.

The Black Mountain Trail is a popular hike for a reason. It is a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views. If you are looking for a difficult hike with great views, the Black Mountain Trail is a great option.

Here are a few tips for hiking the Black Mountain Trail⁚

• Start early, especially if you are planning to hike the entire loop. The trail can be crowded, especially on weekends.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. There is no water available on the trail.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots and clothing. The trail can be rocky and slippery in some places.
• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time.

Smarts Mountain Trail

Smarts Mountain Trail is a 3.5-mile loop trail located in the Belknap Range in New Hampshire. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. It offers stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains.

The trailhead is located at the end of Smarts Mountain Road in Gilford, New Hampshire. The first part of the trail follows an old logging road through a forest of hardwoods and evergreens. After about a mile, you will reach a junction with the Belknap Range Trail. Stay on the Smarts Mountain Trail, which will begin to climb more steeply.

As you climb, the views begin to open up, and you will be able to see Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. After about 1.5 miles, you will reach the summit of Smarts Mountain. From the summit, you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The views from the summit are incredible, and it is a great place to take a break and enjoy your lunch.

The descent from the summit is less steep than the ascent, but it is still challenging in some places. The trail follows a series of switchbacks down the mountainside. Be sure to watch your footing, especially if the trail is wet or icy.

The Smarts Mountain Trail is a popular hike for a reason. It is a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views. If you are looking for a moderate hike with great views, the Smarts Mountain Trail is a great option.

Here are a few tips for hiking the Smarts Mountain Trail⁚

• Start early, especially if you are planning to hike the entire loop. The trail can be crowded, especially on weekends.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. There is no water available on the trail.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots and clothing. The trail can be rocky and slippery in some places.
• Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time.