New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the United States. With its lush forests, majestic mountains, and picturesque waterways, it’s no wonder why this state is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
As of October 2020, New Hampshire has an estimated 1,700 miles of hiking trails that stretch across the entire state. These trails range in difficulty from easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging multi-day hikes with overnight camping. The majority of these trails are located within one of New Hampshire’s seven National Forests or White Mountain National Forest.
In addition to the miles of maintained hiking trails, there are also hundreds of miles of less-maintained backcountry paths and routes that offer even more opportunities for exploration. These lesser-known paths often lead to hidden gems such as remote waterfalls, scenic vistas, and alpine lakes.
The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation manages a variety of popular trails through their State Parks system. These trails are well marked and provide great opportunities for both day hikes and overnight camping trips. Some popular destinations include Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, Franconia Notch State Park in Lincoln, and Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham.
For those looking for an even more adventurous experience, New Hampshire is home to the Appalachian Trail (AT). This world-famous 2200-mile trail runs right through the middle of the state and provides a unique opportunity for thru hikers to explore some truly spectacular scenery. While thru-hiking the entire AT isn’t possible in a single journey due to private land restrictions along parts of it, there are plenty of shorter sections that can be hiked over multiple days or weekends.
In conclusion, New Hampshire has an impressive array of hiking opportunities ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backcountry adventures. With over 1,700 miles of maintained paths and hundreds more miles of backcountry routes available for exploration, there’s something here for every type of hiker!
