8 Short Winter Hikes In NH With Beautiful Views
New Hampshire is home to hundreds of beautiful mountains and thousands of trails. When the weather gets cold and the wind picks up, a short hike can be a great way to get outside and enjoy some stunning views. Here are 8 short hikes in New Hampshire which are great for winter adventures!
#1 – Pitcher Mountain
- Mountain Height: 2,152 Feet
- Recommended Trail: Pitcher Mountain Trail
- Trail Length: 0.6 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 242 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- AllTrails Link: Here
Pitcher Mountain Trail is a 0.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Stoddard, New Hampshire. The trail is popular year round and dogs are allowed when kept on leash.
#2 – Mount Kearsarge
- Mountain Height: 2,936 Feet
- Recommended Trail: Mount Kearsarge via Rollins and Lincoln Trail
- Trail Length: 1 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 337 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- AllTrails Link: Here
Mount Kearsarge via Rollins and Lincoln Trail is a 1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Warner, New Hampshire. The trail is only about a mile long, but the views from the summit are amazing! There can be a few icy spots in the winter, but overall the hike is good for all skill levels. It is dog-friendly too.
#3 – Artists Bluff and Bald Mountain
- Mountain Height: 2,340 Feet
- Recommended Trail: Artist Bluff Trail
- Trail Length: 1.5 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 436 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- AllTrails Link: Here
Artist Bluff Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Franconia, New Hampshire. The trail has lots of alpine scrambles and beautiful woods. Hikes are able to take in beautiful views of Cannon Mountain, Echo Lake, and Franconia Notch.
#4 – Pine Mountain
- Mountain Height: 2,410 Feet
- Recommended Trail: Pine Mountain via Avery Road
- Trail Length: 1.9 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 308 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- AllTrails Link: Here
Pine Mountain via Avery Road is a 1.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Alton, New Hampshire. The hike is super simple and is good for all skill levels. The views from the top are really beautiful, but the summit can be very cold and windy.
#5 – Rattlesnake Mountain
- Mountain Height: 1,260 Feet
- Recommended Trail: Rattlesnake Mountain Trail
- Trail Length: 2.3 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 938 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- AllTrails Link: Here
Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is a 2.3 mile loop trail located near Rumney, New Hampshire. The trail is a great winter hike with a steady, gradual incline for about 3/4 mile before leveling out. The trail is popular in the winter and the views from the top are very rewarding.
#6 – Mount Kearsarge
- Mountain Height: 2,936 Feet
- Recommended Trail: Winslow and Barlow Trail Loop
- Trail Length: 2.4 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 1,102 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- AllTrails Link: Here
Winslow and Barlow Trail Loop is a beautiful 2.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail up Mount Kearsarge. The trail is well marked and is a fun trek in the winter. The parking lot does not hold many cars so it does fill up early.
#7 – Middle Sugarloaf
- Mountain Height: 2,539 Feet
- Recommended Trail: Middle Sugarloaf Trail
- Trail Length: 2.6 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 885 Feet
- Trail Type: Out and Back Trail
- AllTrails Link: Here
Middle Sugarloaf Trail is a 2.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail to the summit. The trail is rated as moderate, but the work is well worth the view!
#8 – Mount Cardigan
- Mountain Height: 3,156 Feet
- Recommended Trail: Mount Cardigan Loop Trail
- Trail Length: 3 Mile
- Elevation Gain: 1,181 Feet
- Trail Type: Loop Trail
- AllTrails Link: Here
Mount Cardigan Loop Trail is a 3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Canaan, New Hampshire. In the winter, the access road is usually closed, but the walk up to the trailhead is quick and easy. The fire tower at the summit is super cool and it can be a great place to block the cold winter wind. The views for 3,000+ feet high are truly magical.
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