If you are looking for some bigger hikes to plug into your summer schedule, here are 10 of my favorites in Maine and New Hampshire. This list changes each year as I discover new hikes and it surely will evolve over time. Sooooo many mountains to climb.
1. BALDFACE TRAIL, Chatham, NH (White Mountain National Forest)
Distance: 9.5 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 3,454 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Two bald peaks with expansive views, 4 miles of open ledge, emerald pool
More details and more photos here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/baldface-trail
2. BLUEBERRY MOUNTAIN, near Chatham, NH (but in Western Maine)
Distance: 4.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,890 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we love it: Views of Evans Notch and Baldface, rattlesnake pool
More details and photos here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/blueberry-mountain-via-stone-house-trail--2
3. MOUNT CHOCORUA via Champney Brook Trail, Albany, NH
Distance: 7.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,244 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we love it: Cascading waterfall, open ledge and expansive views at summit
More details and photos Here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/champney-brook-trail-to-mount-chocorua
4. OLD SPECK, Newry, ME (Grafton Notch State Park)
Distance: 7.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,870 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: It's the highest and most northeastern peak in the Mahoosuc Range of the White Mountains. Gorgeous views and mossy, green forests.
More details and photos Here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/old-speck-mountain-trail--4
5. BIGELOW PRESERVE, Carrabassett Valley, ME (Avery & West Peaks via Safford Brook)
Distance: 9 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 3,435 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Stellar views from two peaks of lakes and nearby mountains
More details and photos Here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/myron-h-avery-peak-and-mount-bigelow
6. MOUNT WHITEFACE, Wonolancet, NH (Sandwich Range)
Distance: 7.1 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,808 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: It's one of the shortest 4,000 footers, be prepared for scrambling
More photos Here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/blueberry-ledge-trail
7. BALDPATE MOUNTAIN via Appalachian Trail, Newry, ME (Grafton Notch State Park)
Distance: 8.3 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,972 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Varied terrain, ladders, fall foliage
More details and photos Here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/baldpate-mountain-via-appalachian-trail
8. SOUTH MOAT MOUNTAIN, Conway, NH (White Mountain National Forest)
Distance: 5.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,132 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Why we love it: Sweeping views from summit
More details and photos Here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/south-moat-mountain-trail
9. PENOBSCOT MOUNTAIN (via Jordan Cliffs Trail), Acadia National Park
Distance: 3 - 4.5 miles (there are options)
Elevation Gain: 1,036 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Why we love it: Ocean/island views, hidden pond, popovers
More details and photos Here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/jordan-cliffs-trail-to-penobscot-mountain
10. CARIBOU MOUNTAIN, Near Gilead, ME (White Mountain National Forest)
Distance: 6.6 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,958 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we love it: Waterfall/streams, views. Download map before you go - not well marked!
More details and photos Here
Maps, directions, etc.: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/mud-brook-and-caribou-loop
I hope this list provides some inspiration while we wait for warmer weather and signs of life out there. Reach out with questions about any of these hikes and let me know if you have suggestions for mountains I should explore!