Are you looking for the most interesting activity to do in New England? Hiking the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire is considered the best fun activity. NH is home to many stunning sceneries, but A.T. is above all in natural beauty.
Along with many attractions, it is one of the longest country’s hiking trails. The trail stretches from Maine to Georgia. Approximately five to seven months are required to complete the 2,200-mile long distance.
However, many thru-hikers complete the journey at once. They started from Georgia’s Springer Mountain and ended in Maine’s Mount Katahdin after passing through 14 states.
The adventurous trail requires strong determination and commitment to hike all 2,200 miles. But only some hikers hike all the distance simultaneously.
On the other hand, you can enjoy the journey by becoming a “section hiker.” A section hiker can hike a small Appalachian Trail section for some days or a few hours.
A 160-mile beautiful section of the trail is situated in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. For your guidance, the trees and rocks are marked with 6 inches by 2 inches white painted strips throughout the trail. The painted strips help to know the right path.
Appalachian Trail NH
How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire?
The Granite State section of the A.T. is 161 miles long and requires approximately two weeks for hiking, meaning you have to hike 11 miles per day.
What are the best day hikes on the Appalachian trail in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, the best day hikes are the Franconia Ridge hike, the Zealand and Thoreau Falls hike, and the North Kinsman via Lonesome Lake hike.
Where are the AMC Mountain Huts in New Hampshire?
Along the A.T., there are eight different serviced huts. Hikers can use huts for refreshments, overnight stays, and spending time in the daytime.
Is Mount Washington on the Appalachian Trail?
Yes, it is on the NH section of the A.T. Mount Washington is in Granite State’s White Mountains. It is the highest peak in the Northeast USA, with 6288 feet.
Section-Hiking the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, it starts from Hanover’s Connecticut River at the Vermont border and ends at Gorham’s Maine border. Before moving towards Grafton Notch, the A.T. passed from Dartmouth College through the White Mountain National Forest’s Pinkham Notch, Crawford Notch, and Franconia Notch.
You’ll also pass through the tallest peaks of the Presidential Range. It includes Mount Jefferson, Wildcat Mountain, Mount Lafayette, Mount Washington, Mount Moosilauke, Little Haystack Mountain, and Mount Adams.
In NH A.T., some groups are also working. It includes the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Dartmouth Outing Club, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and Randolph Mountain Club. It also includes Vermont’s Green Mountain Outing Club and Maine’s Appalachian Trail Club.
Hiking the Entire New Hampshire Appalachian Trail
The total distance of the New Hampshire section is 161 miles, and if you want to hike the whole section at once to become a “section hiker,” it requires around two weeks and an average hike of 11 miles per day.
It is a rewarding task to hike the whole NH A.T. section. However, many hikers complete different sections in a few weeks or months.
Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast US and New England. It is 6288 ft. Walking above the tree line, you can enjoy the astonishing scenery and alpine flora plants.
Moreover, there are some requirements for continuously hiking for two weeks. It includes complete knowledge of backpacking gear, good fitness, long-distance strategies, and proper research.
Along the trail, you will find many shelters and campsites. It is important to create a daily plan where you can rest. There are not any specific trial fees. However, the White Mountain National Forest has a fee for backcountry camping, and AMC hut stays.
Stocking up additional food for the two-week trek and considering some rest days to prepare for the next stretch are recommended. Rest days are “zero days,” where you don’t hike a single mile.
Stats of the Trail
| Trail length | 161 miles |
| Time Required | 17 days |
| Max Elevation | 1876 m |
| Avg Elevation per KM | 54 m |
Hiking Part of the New Hampshire Appalachian Trail
There is no need to complete all the hiking trails at once. It would be best to journey in the daytime to enjoy all the attractions fully. Along the trail, you will find well-marked paths to feel that you are following the footsteps of intrepid explorers.
Secondly, the A.T. in New Hampshire is for more than just trained hikers. There is also a hiking trail for less experienced or beginner hikers.
Each small section of the track has a specific name for easy navigation. For example, if you are hiking the Fishin’ Jimmy Trail, the signposts around it are marked with the ‘AT’ symbol and white blazes.
Appalachian Mountain Club Huts
At a day hike’s distance, Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) maintains eight huts along the pathway. These huts assist in exploring New Hampshire’s A.T. section.
In a hut, many facilities are offered in a one-night stay. It includes the next morning’s breakfast, a comfy bed, and the evening’s delicious home-cooked hot meal. After dinner, you can participate in an interpretative program to learn about the writing of nature poetry and New Hampshire moose.
In addition, supplying all the required things at the huts by road is impossible. At the start of the season, the helicopter drops off all the dry supplies, whereas hiking workers deliver all fresh food daily.
At New Hampshire’s AMC huts, you will experience the wilderness situation. It includes appreciating shining stars at night and waking up to birds and waterfalls sounds.
The accommodation is different and varies across the huts. For example, in a Lonesome Lake hut, you may be in two bunks of a small cabin. In Lakes of the Clouds, you may stay with 15 people.
The bunks are separated by wooden paneling to keep separate all the sleepers, and they feel like a little private environment. In the mountains, you will find bathrooms that are more likely rustic and running water sinks to freshen up after a hike.
It is recommended to bring a less loaded pack, a sheet, or a sleepsack along with you to make your trip easier.
A one-night AMC hut stay costs between $110 and $160, including hot drinks, snacks, an evening meal, and the next morning’s breakfast. However, get special discounts for AMC members and on a multi-day stay.
Hiking New Hampshire’s 8 AMC Huts
It will become a memorable tour if you hike all eight huts. Many fun things exist, including waterfalls, scenic views, swimming spots, hiking above the tree line, and much more.
Before starting a trip, you should purchase an Appalachian Mountain Club membership to avail the discount as an AMC member. However, get an additional discount if you book all eight huts.
You can follow the mentioned schedule to book an eight-hut adventure.
| Days | Hiking Section | Total Miles |
| 1 | To Lonesome Lake Hut | 1.5 |
| 2 | To Greenleaf Hut from Lonesome | 7.4 |
| 3 | To Galehead Hut from Greenleaf Hut | 7.5 |
| 4 | To Zealand Falls Hut from Greenleaf Hut | 7 |
| 5 | To Mizpah Spring Hut from Zealand Falls Hut | 14.3 |
| 6 | To Lakes of the Clouds Hut from Mizpah Spring Hut | 4.6 |
| 7 | To Madison Spring Hut from Lakes of the Clouds Hut | 6.9 |
| 8 | To Carter Notch Hut from Madison Spring Hut | 13.3 |
Before starting a nine-day hiking trip, you need a sleep sack, sheet, lunch supplies, snacks, candy bars, peanut butter, tortilla wraps, a squeezable jelly bottle, and appropriate clothing.
Best Day Hikes on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire
After hiking in the Granite State, you will experience new terms like “NH 48” or “New Hampshire 48.” It means the state has 48 mountains that are 4,000 ft tall.
“Peak bagging” means summiting all 48 mountains. In New England, peak bagging is one of the most challenging hiking goals.
The huts are open daily to buy hot drinks, lemonade, baked goods, and refilled water. You can also talk to the volunteers about the mountains and trails.
Zealand Falls and Thoreau Falls Day Hike
| Difficulty | Total Round-Trip Distance | Time Duration |
| Easy & mostly flat path | 8.8 miles round-trip | 6 hours |
Compared to others, it is an easy hike and requires fewer skills. There is no need to be put off the tour by the mileage because the distance can be easily covered.
It is considered the flattest walking trail. After starting a trip, it is important to consider the terrain instead of mileage because there are many waterfalls, ponds, and shaded woodland.
At the starting point of the trail, use a parking slot on Zealand Road. After starting a trip from the Zealand Trail, you will find many beautiful ponds and dams up to the Zealand Falls Hut. Along the picturesque trail, many beautiful spots exist to contemplate and sit.
At Zealand Falls Hut, take a little break to relax your tired body and entertain with glorious falls, tiny plunge pools, and rushing water in the crystal streams. You can also soak your feet in the water to feel good.
Now move to the next A.T. section Ethan Pond Trail. This trail is very flat because this part is built on the tracks of an old railway line. You can relish the forest environment from a distance, surrounded by mossy bark and ancient trees.
At Ethan Pond Trail, your main goal is to reach Thoreau Falls. It is a fantastic waterfall, with broad, large rocks to lie on and feel relaxed.
North Kinsman Day Hike via Lonesome Lake
| Difficulty | Total Round-Trip Distance | Time Duration |
| Medium & challenging stretches | 8.2 miles | 4.5 hours |
On the A.T., it is the more technical day hike. For swimming lovers, Lonesome Lake is a stunning spot. It is a 4293 ft summit hike at North Kinsman and 4538 ft at South Kinsman.
Start a hike from the Lafayette Campground parking slot. Use the Lonesome Lake trail to reach Lonesome Lake. Keep an eye on wildlife because this area is full of fauna and flora.
At the lake’s top, take a small break at AMC hut to freshen up for the next trek. You will find the white blazes alongside the Fishin’ Jimmy Trail to reach the Kinsman Pond. A glassy lake is a stunning place to see the Whites’ peaks.
At Kinsman Pond, “lean-to” shelters exist. A lean-to enhances the Appalachian Trail’s importance. Thru-hikers use this three-sided shelter to spend the night by laying down their sleeping bag and mats.
You can also use them to take refuge from different elements. At lean-to, a specific register is available for thru-hikers to read interesting season hikers’ messages.
Now it depends on you; if you feel good, you can continue the hike along the South Kinsman’s trail. It will be your second 4,000 ft. of the day, requiring an additional hour. In contrast, you also have a chance to turn back from this point if you are feeling tired.
Franconia Ridge Day Hike
| Difficulty | Total Round-Trip Distance | Time Duration |
| Challenging & technical path | 8.6 miles | 8 to 9 hours |
Along the A.T. in NH, it is a challenging day hike that requires enough experience. It would be best to start your journey during the day because you have to conquer Franconia Ridge’s three 4,000-footers. It includes Little Haystack Mountain, Mount Lafayette, and Mount Lincoln.
Start it from the Lafayette Place parking slot and go up to Greenleaf Hut. After reaching, you will experience many stunning outlooks along the White Mountains’ pines and peaks.
Spend some time at Greenleaf Hut to relax for the next section. From the hut, it is a 1.1-mile ascent at Mount Lafayette. It is a rocky path situated at 5260 ft.
Now turn above the treeline by following the Appalachian Trail’s white blazes. It is one of the most famous and delightful scenic sections for many hikers. You will feel awe-inspiring scenery all around.
Hiking Safety in New Hampshire
Hiking safety preventive measures are necessary worldwide. It is not important for any specific region. However, if you are in the Granite State, you need more safety because you have to pay your expenses if you are found negligent.
Charging fees by the authorities is true. Nowadays, it is a hot topic in the White Mountains. However, there are many ways to stay safe, and no need to pay a single penny in New Hampshire by following our safety tips. Some of the best are as follows.
Hike Safe Card:
The first step before starting a trip is to get the NH Hike Safe card. The per-person card’s cost is $25, and the whole family’s price is $35. This card is used for rescue efforts and NH searches. After getting it, you cannot repay any rescue costs during difficulty. You will also get a specific discount at AMC huts.
Bring a Paper Map:
You do not wholly rely on the GPS in the White Mountains region. Getting accurate results from phone navigation is tricky because it sometimes does not work correctly.
It would be best to take Map Adventure’s waterproof White Mountains trail map to avoid inconvenience. Make sure you can read the map easily.
Bring Extra Water:
Water is vital to always keeps your body temperature normal. For a day hike, two liters of water is necessary to stay hydrated. Refill water in the bottle when you get the chance, and for this, use AMC huts.
If you don’t find any purified water in an emergency, you can refill it from the natural source because NH has many waterfalls and streams. Small filter pumps and water purification tablets will also purify your water.
Inform Someone about your Hiking Plan:
For your safety, informing someone before starting a journey is important. For example, tell them where you are hiking and when you will return. In NH, many guesthouses and B&Bs encourage you to intimate about your plans.
Check the Weather Forecasting:
There are many thunderstorms at the end of summer. It is essential to check the weather conditions before starting a hike.
Thunderstorms mainly occur in the afternoons, so go on the trail early. On the other hand, if the weather department is forecasting a thunderstorm, rescheduling your hike is a wise decision.
Layer Up:
Having adequate gears are necessary for any tour. NH is well-known for changeable weather conditions. You will find the high, above treeline, and exposed sections in NH.
On a summer’s day, you should wear a moisture-wicking, technical fabric and a light fleece jacket. On rainy days, a waterproof shell layer is also required.
Appalachian Trail Map
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