By Dan Mathers
“Best” is a tricky word.
It is purely subjective, often based on the whims and opinions of an individual rather than objective fact.
Ask people to make a list of the five “best” styles of beer, and you’ll likely get a wide variety of opinions. (Including some sickos who would put sour ales on that list.)
Best pizzas? Some people would include pineapple on pizza, while others would be willing to fight you at the mere suggestion.
And so it is with any list of the “best” hikes. For some, the idea of a best hike might be a relaxing flat stroll through a meadow or a long walk on a sandy beach. For others, it might be rolling hills through the woods, while some live for the thrill of bagging challenging peaks.
Thankfully, here in New England, we have a wide variety of exceptional hikes readily available no matter what type of hiking you prefer.
But, we like our lists. And, as a region packed with amazing hikes, it’s fair to ponder which hikes stand out as … well, the very best.
So here is our attempt to create a list of the best hikes in New England. In doing so, we wanted hikes that provided a full, well-rounded hiking experience. We wanted hikes that offered the reward of beautiful scenery, but also were enough of a challenge to provide hikers with the time and miles to create a memorable experience and a feeling of accomplishment.
While there are lots of hikes to choose from, from short scenic jaunts to multi-day adventures, we tried to stay in the one-day range (with one exception that probably needs to be an overnight).
Some are moderately challenging. Some are extremely difficult. None are roll-off-the-couch hikes. This is meant to be a guideline. Do your research ahead of time, plan your routes, and make sure you know what you’re getting into.
Franconia Ridge – New Hampshire
The Lincoln-Lafayette Loop over Franconia Ridge is a classic New England hike, with three waterfalls along the Falling Waters Trail, including the impressive Cloudland Falls, and majestic 360-degree views all along the ridge. Hikers can follow the loop in a counterclockwise direction, starting with the Falling Waters Trail, then Franconia Ridge Trail, then Greenleaf Trail, and ending on the Old Bridal Path, or do the loop clockwise. Use extra caution along the Falling Waters Trail in wet, slippery conditions, as the area has been the scene of many accidents through the years.
Katahdin – Maine
Katahdin offers one of the most iconic hiking experiences east of the Rockies. It is the highest point in Maine, standing 5,267 feet high, and is well known as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Located in Baxter State Park, it is remote, and those hoping to hike it need to plan well in advance and secure either a day use parking permit or camping reservations to access the park. Hikers lucky enough to do that will experience true wilderness. Katahdin and the surrounding wilderness offers breathtaking scenery and lots of chances to spot wildlife. Several trails ranging from challenging to very difficult climb Katahdin. Among them is Knife Edge, a rocky, thin stretch along the ridgeline leading up Katahdin that is truly legendary among Northeast hikers.
The Bonds Traverse – New Hampshire
This is the most difficult hike on this list. But the incredible views and iconic photo op make it a must-do hike for anyone who can handle it. The traverse includes three 4,000-foot peaks: West Bond, Mount Bond, and Bondcliff. It can be done as a very long and challenging day hike. But if you want to linger and enjoy the views (and you will want to), it might be a better idea to take your time and make an overnight backpacking trip out of it. You can stay at Zealand Falls Hut or Galehead Hut, or you can stay at Guyot Shelter. All three Bonds provide hikers with breathtaking views, and the photo op on Bondcliff is a must for any Northeast hiker.
Camel’s Hump – Vermont
The rocky, bald summit of Camel’s Hump is arguably the best peak in the Green Mountain state. Camel’s Hump is tied for the third-highest mountain in the state with Mount Ellen, standing at 4,083 feet. The expansive views from its summit are incredible, with views of the Adirondacks to the west and White Mountains to the east. Hikers can choose from three routes up the mountain. The Burrows Trail is the shortest, most direct climb. It is a 4.7-mile out-and-back hike to the summit and climbs more than 2,200 feet. The Camel’s Hump Trail is a 6-mile out-and-back with more than 2,500 feet of climbing. Hikers can also create a loop with the Forest City, Long, and Burrows trails for a roughly 6-mile hike with a little over 2,400 feet of climbing.
Mount Washington – New Hampshire
This one is a no-brainer. The tallest summit in the Northeast is a bucket list climb for anyone who climbs mountains in the region. Mount Washington is also well known for having some of the worst weather on the planet. In fact, even when the winds aren’t hurricane force, it’s rare to get blue skies on the summit. So why go? It’s the Northeast’s highest peak, so every self-respecting New England peakbagger wants to say they’ve climbed it. But be careful, as the mountain has been the site of many accidents and deaths over the years. There are several ways to hike up the mountain. The most popular is Tuckerman’s Ravine and Lion’s Head Trail. If you’re considering the Huntington Ravine Trail, know it is the steepest approach up and should not be attempted when wet or icy.
Precipice Trail – Maine
Acadia National Park is home to more than 150 miles of spectacular trails with many hikes that could easily be on this list, including the Beehive Loop and climbing Cadillac Mountain. But in terms of pure uniqueness and adrenaline-pumping excitement (and/or fear), it’s hard to beat the Precipice Trail. The trail is NOT for small children, or people with a fear of heights, or anyone at all when the weather is wet. The climb up the Precipice Trail requires both physical and mental strength. It climbs over 1,000 feet in less than a mile with open cliff faces and iron rungs that hikers must climb. As frightening as it is, climbers who complete it are rewarded with impressive views from the summit of Champlain Mountain. Descending the Precipice Trail is dangerous and not advised. Hikers should instead take the North Ridge Trail down the mountain. The total hike is just over three miles.
Mount Monadnock – New Hampshire
Monadnock is certainly one of the shorter (3,165 feet) and most accessible peaks on this list, which is why it’s one of the most popular mountains to climb on the planet. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It features rugged terrain, challenging sections, and the summit can be brutal when the wind is howling. But the views are spectacular. To the south, you can view the entirety of Massachusetts, from the Boston skyline in the east to Mount Greylock in the west. You can also enjoy great views of tall peaks in Vermont and the White Mountains to the north. Monadnock’s most popular route is a loop along the White Dot and White Cross trails, but beginners should be aware it does feature some rock scrambles. Perhaps a more beginner-friendly route is taking the Red Spot Trail up to the Pumpelly Trail.
Mount Mansfield – Vermont
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s tallest peak, standing 4,393 feet. The peak can be crowded due to visitors arriving by auto road and gondola rides. But tolerating the crowds is worth it to enjoy the hike up the mountain and views from the summit. Hiking the Long Trail 4.6 miles up and back is probably the most popular route up the mountain, but there are many approaches up to the summit to choose from.
Mount Chocorua – New Hampshire
You might notice that New Hampshire takes up half the list. That’s not meant to be favoritism. It’s just that in a region packed with great hiking opportunities, the White Mountains stand out as truly special. Among those special places is Mount Chocorua (pronounced “Cho-koo-ra”). The peak is 3,500 feet high and features an open, rocky, coned summit that is one of the most photographed in the world. The Champney Falls Trail from the Kancamagus Highways offers the easiest route up, and it passes two scenic waterfalls along the way: Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls, where water plunges over a rocky cliff roughly 35 feet high.
Holyoke Range Traverse – Massachusetts
If you’ve never hiked the Holyoke Range, you might be wondering why it’s on this list. After all, it’s the lowest elevation by far, with its highest peaks barely cracking 1,000 feet. But it isn’t easy. And it’s arguably the best hike in southern New England. The up and down technical terrain offers a fun, challenging hike with constantly-changing, spectacular views of the Pioneer Valley from numerous lookouts along the ridge. The full Seven Sisters Trail is an 8-mile hike along the range, which is like a sawtooth up and down each peak, with rocky climbs and descents, interesting rock formations, and beautiful forest. For a shorter hike that gives you the best features of the trail, we’d recommend the 4.5-mile hike between the base of Mount Norwottuck and the Summit House in Skinner State Park on Mount Holyoke. You’ll want to hike it with a friend, parking one vehicle at the Notch Visitor Center and the other vehicle at the other end of the trail at Skinner.
Disagree with our picks? Have a hike you think should have been included? Had a memorable experience on one of these hikes you’d like to share? Head over to our Facebook group and share your thoughts and experiences.
