With more than 1,200 trails, there are many great hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Some of the finest and easy-to-access trailheads are off the Kancamagus Highway. A trip across the "Kanc", as it’s known by locals, is legendary. In fact, the Kancamagus Highway, which runs east-west 34 ½ miles from the Saco River in Conway to the Pemigewassett River in Lincoln, is considered one of the prettiest drives in the country. The designated Scenic Byway is a two-lane road winding through the White Mountain National Forest, with scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and swimming holes. But for the best views, park the car and take one of these hikes.
Moat Mountain, Boulder Loop and Champney Falls Trails
Traverse a long, bare ridge that rises from the Saco River and offers great views from open summits and outlooks along the Moat Mountain trail. The trail traverses the main ridge of the mountain, over South Moat, Middle Moat, and North Moat summits, before descending to Diana’s Baths in North Conway. The southern trailhead is off the Kancamagus Highway, near the Blackberry Crossing Campground. The one-way hike is 9.2 miles, about a six-hour trek, which requires a car pick up on the other end. Or hikers can simply go as far as they like before turning around and re-tracing their steps back to the trailhead. In just a little over two miles, hikers reach the open ledges of the 2,770-foot summit. The trail then continues up Middle Moat Mountain and the summit of North Moat, with short scrambles over rocky ledges.The North Moat summit, at 3,200 feet, is five miles into the hike. From here, descend to Diana’s Bath, a series of cascades and falls.
The short Boulder Loop Trail, also off the Kancamagus Highway near the Covered Bridge Campground, is the perfect day hike. The 3.1-mile loop can be completed in two to three hours. The trail gains about 1,000 feet in elevation, but the uphill is short and the rewards significant. Go left or right, either way, hikers have views of Mt. Chorcorua, Mt. Passaconaway, and Middle Sister. There are also plenty of open ledges for picnics and picture-taking.
One of the best trails off the Kancamagus is the easy to moderate Champney Falls hike passing through woods to a series of cascades and clear, cold swimming holes. Those looking for more of a challenge and lofty views can continue to the open summit of Mt. Chorcorua. The trail starts at an easy grade, along an old logging road, before beginning its moderate climb to Pitcher and Champney Falls. The falls are about a mile and a half from the trailhead, an hour or so walk. Add another 2.4 miles (one-way) onto the excursion by continuing to Piper Trail and climbing up Mt. Chorcorua.
Sawyer Pond, Church Pond and Sabbaday Brook Trails
Meander the Sawyer Pond trail through thick woods before reaching the shores of Sawyer Pond. The easy, 4.5-mile trail is a nice one for families, with gentle grades through pretty woods and along brooks and streams.
The Church Pond Loop is a 2.8-mile round trip walk through the woods to a pretty mountain pond. The path begins in the Passaconaway Campground, and crosses several brooks (these can be difficult during rainy seasons), and boggy areas along the way. It’s also a nice stroll for families.
Beginning at the Sabbaday Brook Picnic Area on the Kancamangus Highway, the popular Sabbaday Brook: trail follows a gravel path along the brook, with several views of pretty Sabbaday Falls. Crowds thin after the falls, as the trail follows an old logging road and crosses the brook. The trail flanks the brook, makes a few more crossings, and then begins to climb the valley between Tripyramid and Fool Killer. Climb over slabs and ledges, then scramble across rocks and boulders before reaching the junction for North Peak, to the right, and Middle Peak, to the left. It’s a 4.9-mile hike to this trail junction.
Pine Bend Brook, Hancock Notch, Greeley Ponds and Lincoln Woods Trails
For a good workout, consider Pine Bend Brook trail, a rocky, 4.5-mile, one-way climb to the summit of 4,180-foot North Peak. The trail leaves the Kancamagus Highwa about a mile west of the Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area. The hike begins gentle enough, but at about two miles, it starts to get rough, climbing steep, and often wet, slopes for open views of Mt. Washington and the cliffs of Mt. Lowell. Follow the ridgeline before reaching another grunt and groan climb to the summit of North Peak, with more views.
Combine the hancock Notch trail with the Cedar Brook and Hancock Loop trails for a long, strenuous–but great--day trip over two 4,000-footers. Follow Hancock Notch trail off the Kancamagus, then Cedar Brook trail to the Hancock Loop trail, at 2.5 miles from the highway. From here, begin the gradual then increasingly steep climb up North Hancock at 4,420 feet and South Hancock at 4,319 feet. It’s a 9.8-mile trek from the Kancamagus Highway over both summits.
The Greeley Ponds trail is one of the nicest strolls off the Kancamagus., meandering through the woods to a cluster of pretty ponds. Those with more energy and time can follow the intersecting Mount Osceola trail to the 4,340-foot summit. The trail follows an even, easy path through Mad River Notch, across several brooks, and on to upper and lower mountain ponds, with a small beach and views of Mount Osceola.
Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trail is arguably one of the finest of the gentle hikes in the White Mountains, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and camping along the way. The Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trail runs 8.9 miles along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, from the Kancamagus Highway to the Stillwater Junction. It’s a wide, level path across railroad beds and suspension bridges, with pretty river and mountain vistas along the way.
With so many options, hikers will have no problem finding the perfect trail off the scenic Kancamagus Highway.
 |
