52 With a View Hiking list

When my hiking journey began 20+ years ago, my dad and I had one goal for every hike: great views and a little challenge—but not so hard that we’d be limping into work the next day. We used to search through a book called Foghorn Outdoors New England Hiking: The Complete Guide to more than 380 hikes by Michael Lanza, where the author rated trails 1/10 for both views and difficulty. And so, our quest began.

Little did we know about the 52 with a View list back then.

When Mike and I started hiking more, we also had goals—maybe we’d tackle the 48 4,000-footers one day. But before diving into those bigger challenges, we wanted to get our hiking legs under us. So, we set out to find hikes that checked the boxes: beautiful views with some challenge… but not 4,000-footer-level challenging—yet.

Mt Chocorua

Enter 52 With a View

A friend eventually introduced me to Ken MacGray’s book: New Hampshire’s 52 with a View: A Hiker’s Guide. This list was originally created by the Over the Hill Hikers Club in 1990. Apparently, it took me a while to catch on! We love having a list of mountains with great views!

Funny thing? We’d already hiked some of these mountains before we even got the book! Now, we’re thrilled not to have to scour the internet for hike suggestions anymore.

In 2024, we officially started checking off these beautiful spots. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about each one, updating the list as we go.

Mt Willard

1. Mt. Willard

We conquered Mt. Willard on July 4, 2024. It was a warm, beautiful day. We hit the trail early, and I’m so glad we did because that parking lot is happening! There are multiple trailheads in the area, and since it was a holiday, we knew it would be busy.

The trail itself is pretty easy—no rock climbing or scrambling, just good ol’ fashioned hiking. The views along the way are lovely, especially when passing Centennial Pool.

Rating:
🌄 View: 10/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 3/10

Family & Dogs: Dogs on a leash are cool. This would be a great hike for families with kids!
Location: Crawford Notch
Distance: 3.1 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 895 ft

Mt Cardigan

2. Mt. Cardigan

Another July hike for us—and I’m so glad we stumbled upon this one! It was a great hike with some steep sections. You can listen to our podcast where Mike talks about how he wasn’t sure he was going to make it off the mountain… spoiler: he did, and he’s fine.

There’s a loop section here, and if you know us, you’ll know we somehow got lost… not sure how that happened, but we made it! And, bonus: we took the correct way down. FYI, anytime we’ve gotten lost, it’s because we didn’t have the AllTrails app yet. Don’t make the same mistake we did—get the app. It’s a game-changer.

Anyway, back to the hike! It was a steady climb to the summit, and the views from the top were more gorgeous than I expected. There’s a fire tower at the summit that wasn’t open when we visited, but if it’s staffed, you can climb up, learn about fire spotting, and enjoy even more amazing views.

Rating:
🌄 View: 10/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 3.5/10

Family & Dogs: A little more challenging than Willard but doable for kids who aren’t afraid of heights. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash.
Location: Cardigan State Park, Orange, NH
Distance: 3.1 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,194 ft

Mt Chocorua

3. Mt. Chocorua

This was one Mike and I had both done before—just never together. I was so excited to show him the Brook and Liberty Trail, which is absolutely beautiful and never seems to be busy when I go. But this particular day? If you’ve listened to our podcast, you already know—it was a very challenging hike for me. If you want to hear all about my struggles, go check out that episode. Spoiler alert: I’d do this hike again in a heartbeat because it’s amazing.

As of writing this, I haven’t completed the 52 With a View list yet, but Chocorua was by far the most challenging for me. If you choose the Liberty and Brook Trail, I recommend hiking it clockwise. You’ll follow a stream for most of the way up, and I highly recommend doing this in the fall. The colors are breathtaking. Have I mentioned how amazing it is?

Rating:
🌄 View: 10+/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 8/10

Family & Dogs: I saw families with older kids, maybe middle school and up. This isn’t to say younger hikers couldn’t do it, but I’d only recommend it if your child has hiking experience. Definitely not a beginner hike. You know your kids best, but this is not one I would have brought my daughter on when she was younger.
Location: Albany, NH
Distance: 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,582 ft

Mt Kearsarge on a cloudy day

4. Mt. Kearsarge

This wasn’t our first time hiking Kearsarge, but it was the first time we were disappointed by the views. No fault of the mountain—it was just one of those cloudy days.

We did the loop here (no getting lost this time—win-win!) and went up Winslow and down Barlow. It was definitely a relentless climb up, but overall, a beautiful hike. There are some big rocks to step up, but nothing too challenging. You can find out why we hiked the day we did and other details of the trail HERE on our podcast.

Rating:
🌄 View: 3/10 (blame the clouds!)
⛰️ Difficulty: 3/10

Family & Dogs: Popular hike for families, and dogs are welcome on a leash. A little more challenging than Willard, but if your kids are up for a fun adventure, this is a great mountain to tackle.
Location: Winslow State Park (fee required unless you have the NH State Park plate)
Distance: 5.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,565 ft

One of the famous caves on Morgan & Percival

5. & 6. Morgan & Percival

I’ll admit—I was skeptical about this one. I mean, how many pre-hike Google searches include “Will I fit in the cave?” or “How sketchy are the ladders?” Or worse… “Has anyone died in the cave?”

Let me put your worries at ease—none of my crazy Google searches came true. The caves are avoidable if you pay attention, and the ladders felt totally safe… even if we went down instead of up. Yep, you guessed it—we went the wrong direction. It’s recommended to go clockwise, but we somehow went counterclockwise. You can listen to the podcast episode where we recount that adventure!

Fun fact: This double-peak hike counts as two spots on the 52 With a View list. And with a loop, you’re already committed—might as well do both!

Rating:
🌄 View: 7/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 7/10

Family & Dogs: Yes, families ready for adventure and dogs on a leash are welcome!
Location: Holderness, NH
Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,522 ft

Middle & North Sugarloaf

7. Middle and North Sugarloaf

Only Middle Sugarloaf makes the official 52 With a View list, but honestly, do both. The trail looks like a sloppy capital “T” if you were looking at it from above. We went right first to conquer North Sugarloaf and then headed to Middle Sugarloaf.

The views from both peaks were stunning, even on a cloudy morning. The trail starts pretty steep—no breaks until you get to the top of the “T.” You’ll also find some cool glacier boulders, a staircase, and even a cold plunge spot at the end. Honestly? It’s a pretty magical place. Listen to more details about this hike HERE on our podcast.

Rating:
🌄 View: 9/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 5/10

Family & Dogs: Great spot for the whole family, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,059 ft

Welch & Dickey

8. Welch & Dickey

Another two-for-one deal in a loop! We hit this one at the peak of fall foliage, and if you can time it as perfectly as we did—do it! The views and the trails here are pure magic.

We hiked counterclockwise (and actually followed directions this time—thanks, AllTrails!). The hike starts off with a gradual climb but eventually gives you a solid cardio workout. Once you hit Welch, you can see the peak of Dickey, and while it looks intimidating, it’s not as bad as it seems. You can listen to more details about this hike on our Welch & Dickey episode.

Rating:
🌄 View: 10/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 7/10

Family & Dogs: Yes to both, as long as your dog stays on a leash. It’s a bit more challenging due to the length, steepness & a little bit of rock climbing, so gauge what your kids are up for.
Location: Waterville Valley, NH
Distance: 4.4-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,781 ft

Mt. Pemi

9.Mt. Pemigewasset

This was our first winter hike, and I fell in love with winter hiking. I mean, if we live in New England, we might as well embrace the never-ending winters, right?

It was the perfect hike for everything to go wrong too… not really, but when you start by locking yourself out of your car, it’s a tough beginning. You can listen to all that drama (and how well we handled it) on our podcast.

We parked at the Flume Gorge—if you’re visiting during the busy season, get there early or plan accordingly because it’s a very popular spot. The trail was gorgeous and not overly challenging. In winter, there was no rock scrambling, but there were some steep parts. I loved the vibe here and would definitely like to check it out during a different season.

Rating:
🌄 View: 9/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 5/10

Family & Dogs: Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash.
Location: Franconia Notch State Park
Distance: 3.3 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,259 ft

Mt. Roberts with views of Gunstock Mountain

10. Mt. Roberts

Hiked on March 26, 2025—just three days after a surprise spring snowstorm. There was no snow left at home, but we came prepared for whatever the trails had in store.

The adventure begins the moment you pull into the parking area for Mt. Roberts. You’re immediately greeted with views that make you question if you even need to hike. (But trust me, you do!) The trailhead is located near Castle in the Clouds, which, unfortunately, was closed for the season.

The Hike:
The trail itself was fairly easy, with a slow and steady incline that offered plenty of opportunities to pause and soak in the scenery. And the views? Pretty much nonstop—especially if you remember to look behind you! About halfway up, there’s a scenic lookout point that’s well worth a quick break.

Now, here’s where Mt. Roberts likes to play tricks on you. A few times, you’ll think you’ve reached the summit… but nope, not quite! The actual peak isn’t the most dramatic, but it rewards you with stunning views of the White Mountains.

The Descent:
On the way back down, we stopped for lunch on a rock slab with breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and Gunstock Mountain. It was one of those “this is why we hike” moments.

Location: Moultonborough, NH

Family & Dogs: Great for families and dogs on a leash

Distance: 5.2 miles (though my watch begged to differ and clocked a bit more)
Elevation Gain: 1,335 feet
View Rating: 🌄 10/10
Difficulty Rating:⛰️3.5/10

11. Mount Monadnock

Checked off in April on one of those rare, perfect spring days—bluebird skies, no ice, and surprisingly warm weather. Monadnock is one of the most climbed mountains in the U.S., and now we understand why. Mike did this one solo because G was away and she had done this one several times before.

The Hike: He took the White Dot Trail up and came down via White Cross—a great combo if you prefer scrambles on the way up and something gentler on the knees for the descent. White Dot gives your legs and lungs a good workout, and there are a few hands-and-feet scrambles near the top. Not technical, but enough to make you earn those summit views.

The summit delivered 360-degree views into Massachusetts, Vermont, and the Whites. It’s a rocky, scrambly, beautiful hike that’s more of a challenge than its popularity suggests. Bring plenty of water, good shoes, and a sense of humor for the scrambles. Pack sunscreen and bug spray, and swing by the cute trailhead store. Bonus: the bathrooms have real plumbing!

Rating:
🌄 View: 10/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 6.5/10

Family & Dogs: We saw plenty of families—some kids were crushing it, others not so thrilled about “too many rocks.” Dogs are welcome, but make sure they’re comfortable with rocky terrain.
Location: Monadnock State Park (reservation recommended; $15/car or free with NH State Park plate)
Distance: 3.9 miles loop (White Dot up, White Cross down)
Elevation Gain: 1,772 ft

12. Mt. Cube

We hiked Mt. Cube on a beautiful Friday in late June. This spring made it tough to plan hikes around the rain, but on this particular day, we got lucky. The weather was perfect—not too hot—which felt like a win considering it had been over 100°F just a few days earlier. (If you're more of a listener than a reader, you can catch all the details on our podcast!)

Mt. Cube is located in Orford, NH—a part of the state I hadn’t heard of before. To get there, we took Exit 26 off I-93 North in Plymouth. That section felt familiar, but once we left Plymouth, things quickly got more remote. Mt. Cube is about 25–40 minutes from Plymouth, depending on your pace.

Pro tip: Hit the Dunkin’ in Plymouth before you head out—it's your last public bathroom stop!

The parking area is a small lot, and the trailhead is just a short walk down a dirt road. We took the CRT (Cross Rivendell Trail).

The hike itself wasn’t super challenging, in my opinion. It had a steady incline with some breaks along the way. Near the summit, there’s a great spot to rest and take in the views. Mt. Cube actually has two peaks. The South Peak is about 4.2 miles round trip, and if you add on the North Peak, your total hike will be around 5 miles. Both are worth seeing! The South Peak is the one that counts for the 52 With a View list. The North Peak isn’t hard to reach, though we did get just a tiny bit turned around—as usual.

Rating:
🌄 View: 9/10
⛰️ Difficulty: 3.5/10
🐾 Family & Dogs: A great hike for families—and dogs on leashes! I found it to be easier than Mt. Cardigan and Mt. Willard.

Quick Info:
📍 Location: Orford, NH
🥾 Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
📈 Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft

Almost to the summit of MountChocorua

Whew, that’s a lot of views—and we’re just getting started! Stay tuned for more as we continue to check off the list! 🥾🌲

A Perfect NH Itinerary For Your Visit This Summer.

*In our opinion

From its small coastline, to its gorgeous mountains, New Hampshire offers a variety of beautiful scenery. There are great spots to vacation, hike, eat, and explore. Here is what we would recommend for a long weekend getaway.

Day 1. Start in Portsmouth, NH, easily accessible from 95 and only an hour from Boston. This historic little city (yes NH has cities) has a lot of charm, history, and great places to eat and drink. We recommend that you check into the Sailmaker's House. They’re a small hotel that boasts an intimate experience with Portsmouth quaint downtown. This hotel recommends all kids be over the age of twelve and offers free parking which is a hot commodity in downtown Portsmouth.

Once checked in, walk over to Strawbery Banke. Strawbery Banke is New Hampshire's only Smithsonian Affiliate Museum. The museum itself offers a few historical homes all decorated from distinct time periods from pre-colonial to the 1940s. Strawbery Banke Museum is only open in the summer, however if you are planning to visit in the winter, they offer outdoor ice skating called Puddle Dock Pond. If you are planning to visit around Halloween or Christmas also check their calendar for special events such as Ghosts on the Banke or the Candlelight Stroll.

After enjoying some history, walk around downtown Portsmouth for some shopping. Some of our favorite spots include: 

Off Piste- A unique shop with something for everyone, funny cards, books, games, socks, and some New Hampshire specific souvenirs. They deem themselves “the coolest gift shop to exist in the history of forever” and we could not agree more! 

Evie- An upscale boutique clothing store with a unique selection of rotating stock that is always fun to shop at! 

Nahcotta- A adorable art and stationary store that has a variety of options such as pens, prints, original paintings, and some pretty cute jewelry! 

Cotillion Bureau- A curated up-cycled vintage clothing and accessory store that has some of the most unique pieces I have ever seen. My daughter has bought a variety of different items there from a 1940s jacket, to vintage silk scarves, they have something for everyone. One aspect that we would love to highlight is that they sometimes offer plus size options in the form of high quality vintage inspired outfits.

For lunch, there are so many amazing spots. You truly can not go wrong. We recommend: 

The River House- Located on the Piscataqua, The River House has beautiful views and delicious food. We recommend the clam chowder. 

Popovers- Located in the heart of downtown, Popovers has good coffee, tasty salads and their popovers with maple butter are a must try. Whether you want a quick coffee to go, or to sit down for a few minutes, Popovers has options for both. 

Moe’s- Moe’s is a New Hampshire institution. Moe’s offers Italian sandwiches, it's a classic Portsmouth staple. We recommend an original Moe’s with oil and don’t forget those salt and vinegar chips. 

Salud- Salud offers a lighter affair, including Acai bowls, smoothies, and as the name may suggest, salads. This is your spot for a healthy bite to eat.

For evening activities summer is the time to visit Portsmouth. Prescott Park Art Festival offers a play throughout the summer. That is their main stage production playing most Thursday- Sunday throughout the summer. Then they also offer concerts and weekly movies in the park. The stage is set on the Piscataqua River and truly has magical vibes.  Get there early, set a blanket down and walk around the beautiful flowers. Prescott Park Arts Festival is free to attend but they do ask for donations.

Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, the Music Hall and the Press Room are other venues that offer great shows. Check out their websites for schedules and to purchase tickets. Although all these venues have a different vibe, they all offer high quality entertainment.

Looking for dinner? Or maybe a cocktail before you head out to listen to some amazing live music? Check out one of our go-to spots that is within walking distance from the hotel: 

The Wilder- A gastropub, with moody vibes, The Wilder has a collective menu with something for everyone. We recommend the espresso martini. 

Jumpin’ Jay’s- A local seafood spot that boasts fresh fish that is delivered daily. We recommend the catch of the day, where you can pick your fish, sauce and sides.

Old Ferry Landing- A rustic seacoast treasure that is right on the water. It is a popular spot to grab a drink and enjoy watching the tugboats. For drinks we recommend trying a Jimmy Juice. For dinner this is your spot for fried seafood.  

Barrio- Tacos, tequila, and whiskey! Need I say more? 

Toscana- An upscale Italian chop house and bar. Their food and drinks are amazing. This is a great spot for a special occasion, we recommend their burrata starter.

There are many other amazing spots around town that we could not fit them all here!

Day 2. The next morning, grab a coffee and a pastry (or my personal favorite, the eggs cilbir) at Elephantine Bakery. In the summer the line can get long but it is well worth the wait. Not only is their food amazing, but the atmosphere, owners, and the staff are also wonderful! If you are visiting in the summer we also recommend checking to see if there is any availability for their Aperitivo dinner, it has been the highlight of my summer each time I have been. They run this event on select nights later in the summer. 

After you have your coffee it's time to hit the road. Start heading up north to explore the beautiful White Mountains. Have your hiking gear ready. There are so many trails for ANY ability. Pack a lunch or stop along the way and grab a sandwich for your outdoor adventure. The Common Man Roadside is a great spot to grab a bite on the go. The most convenient locations are in Hooksett (on 93 N) or if you miss that in Plymouth, NH.

The first spot I recommend stopping at is the Flume Gorge. The current cost is: $18 in advance or $21 at the ticket window per adult. This hike is about 2 miles  round trip.  You will be treated to an absolutely beautiful waterfall. Although it is pricey for a hike, it is worth the visit here. The trail is well maintained and it has a boardwalk that provides you a close up view of the flume.

After your hike at the Flume Gorge, keep on driving up through Franconia Notch (also known as the Notch), and check out the Basin. This family friendly hike has a paved section which is (according to their website) is handicap accessible. The Basin itself is the star of the show and is towards the beginning of the hike, so if the full 2.5 mile hike is not for you you can cut it short.

Want to rest your legs but still see some amazing views? We recommend stopping by Cannon Mountain’s Aerial Tramway (off exit 34B). The tramway is an amazing option to get an aerial view of the White Mountains, Maine, Vermont, and if you are lucky, sometimes even Canada! Tickets need to be purchased in advance and prices vary depending on if it is peak season or not. Check out their website for pricing and availability.

Or are you ready for another hike? We recommend stopping by Cannon Mountain’s Artist Bluff (exit 34C). Artist Bluff is a great hike for most people. The trail is 1.4 miles and can get very busy on beautiful days and extremely busy in the fall. Accessible from Cannons parking lot, there is some slight elevation gain, but it is still an easy hike. The trail provides amazing views of the Notch, lake, and Cannon Mountain.

After your mountain adventures check into the Mountain View Grand Hotel. Personally, this is one of my all time favorite hotels. They offer many seasonal activities. They have a game room, movie theater, indoor and outdoor pool, and a spa. In an ideal world it would be nice to spend two nights here. The first day check in a little later, enjoy dinner and drinks at the hotel restaurant and bar, then unwind in their pool.

We love to stay here anytime! They even make winter wicked fun!

Day 3: The next day, be sure to get up early and head to Sugar Hill to get breakfast. No trip to NH would be complete without a stop at Polly’s Pancake Parlor. This historic pancake parlor is amazing. They used to only be open in the summer but after a large renovation years ago, they are now open year round. They are a very busy place, so if you’re hitting them at peak breakfast hours make sure to call ahead. Before you leave Polly's grab yourself some of their special pancake mix from their gift shop for when you’re home. 

Ready for another hike? After you have filled up with delicious pancakes head on over to Crawford Notch to hike Mt Willard. This 3.1 mile round trip hike is absolutely stunning. It is an out and back hike and offers amazing views with no rock scrambles or climbing experience needed. You can hear about our experience hiking Mt Willard on our podcast Link here. 

After your hike, head into Littleton, NH. This is one of the cutest towns in New Hampshire. They have some great spots to eat, shop, and explore. A couple of my favorites include

Little Town Brews -A great beer store with the opportunity to make your own 6 pack with beers from around New England. They also offer a variety of non-alcoholic beers. And if you’re lucky you can meet their dogs who are so well behaved and so cute!

Chutters- A candy story which boasts the world's longest candy counter. Legit it is long! They have every type of candy we can imagine and then some. 

Shaun Terhun Fine Art Photography Gallery- This one of a kind store is a must visit. His photography is absolutely stunning.

Looking for a good meal or a good beer or both? For dinner we recommend Schilling Beer Co for some of the best pizza and beer New England has to offer in a beautiful setting!

Day 4 After breakfast at the hotel and (being sad to leave the Mountain View Grand) head to the base of Mount Washington to ride the Cog Railway. You should pre purchase your tickets. They can be purchased onsite if availability allows. 

This historic train has been taking people to the peak of the tallest mountain in the Northeast since 1869. It has a unique cog and rack system built specifically for the steep grades of Mt Washington.  We learned on our adventure the technology that allows the train to ascent these steep peaks is similar to the chain on a bicycle. Once at the peak you will have plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the White Mountains including on a good day being able to see into Vermont, Maine, New York and even Canada! Make sure to pack some layers as Mt. Washington is famous for weather shifts and is known as the “world’s worst weather”.

After you have soaked up the amazing views it will be time to head to North Conway. An idyllic town for you to visit. You can get here a couple of ways, the most direct would be to drive 302 east, which is pretty scenic and will take you about 45 minutes. But if you have more time and want to visit one of the more iconic roads in NH drive back down through the Notch on 93 South and take exit 32 in Lincoln. The start of the Kancamagus Highway (Rt 112), also called “The Kanc” is at the end of Main Street.  This trip will take you double the time but the views  will be worth it. 

When you arrive in North Conway, check into your hotel. We have always liked the North Conway Grand located in the heart of the outlet shopping area. There are a variety of hotels to fit all budgets here. 

Spend time shopping around the main street area. Check out the famous Zeb's General Store. You can find something for everyone here. They have such a nostalgic vibe to them you will have so much fun poking around picking your perfect NH souvenir. 

Check out one of our other favorite shops The Penguin or any of the other small business establishments here.

For a mid day coffee pick me up we like Frontside Coffee Roasters. 

For lunch we like: Delaney’s Hole in the wall, Wicked Fresh Craft Burger or Breetos.

For dinner The only spot I would recommend is Tuckerman Brewing Co. They are my personal favorite beer and the food, which is pizza, is top notch. 

Ending your trip to our beautiful state might be sad  there is so much to do and see and explore. Everything in the article listed above we have tried or experienced and loved. I tried to write & plan this like I was taking the trip. To have you drive in a way that made sense and hit the highlights. It got me thinking what would other people from NH recommend.  I took to TikTok to see what I missed. Even though I grew up in NH and went to college here, as well as live here, I am not a NH expert nor do I pretend to be. There are so many wonderful spots in our state left for me to explore. My TikTok followers left me over 300 comments about where they would recommend you visit if you have never been to NH before. Listed below are some of the more popular TikTokers recommendations:

* Places we have been to that didn’t fit into the itinerary above but we love.

Family Spots:

*Castle in the Clouds Moultonborough

*Storyland, Glen

*Santa’s Village, Jefferson

Clarks Trading Post, Lincoln

Fun Spot, Laconia

Polar Caves, Rumney

*Squam Lake Science Center, Holderness

*Seacoast Science Center, Rye

Restaurants

Pickity Place, Mason

*Woodstock Brewery, North Woodstock

Vino, Exeter

*Cure, Portsmouth

*Petey’s, Rye

Tuckaway Tavern, Raymond

Rye Lobster Pound, Rye

Flying Goose Pub, New London

Walter’ Basin, Holderness

*Mad River Coffee, Campton

*Kaffee Vonsolln, Portsmouth

*A Place Above the Notch, Bethlehem

Maryann’s, Derry & other locations

Tilton Diner, Tilton

*Biederman’s, Plymouth

*BRGR-BAR, Portsmouth

Outdoor adventures

Tubing on of our beautiful rivers

*Hike Mt Major, Alton

*Hike Mt Monadnock, Jaffery

*Glen Ellis Falls, Gorham

*Diana’s Bath, Bartlett

*Gunstock Mountain , Gilford

Hike West Rattlesnake, Sandwich

*Hike Welch & Dickey, Thorton

Lost River Gorge, Woodstock

Hike to Lonesome Lake, Franconia Notch

Swim/ Camp in the Lake region

Historic Sites and Other Cool Things to Check Out

The Woodman Museum, Dover

Ben’s Sugar Shack, Temple

Parker's Maple Barn Mason

Alpine Adventures, Lincoln

Granite Oak Farm, Harrisville 

Tupelo Music Hall, Derry

Hotels

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, Lincoln 

Patio Cabins, Twin Mountain

Wentworth by the Sea, New Castle

Church Landing, Meredith

Omni Mt Washington, Bretton Woods

Mills Falls, Meredith

The Wentworth, Jackson

We hiked a 4,000 footer!!

We Conquered Our First 4,000-Foot Mountain!! 🎉

I’ll admit it—this one got me a little emotional. It wasn’t that it was the most challenging hike, but it was our first 4k. We always said we weren’t sure if we’d be into the 4,000-footers list, but suffice it to say… we’re hooked. Guess we’ve got a new obsession on our hands!

Click Photo To Listen to Podcast!

Mount Osceola Stats:

• Distance: 5.7 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: 2,040 feet

• Scramble/Climbing: Nope, no rock climbing here—just good old-fashioned hiking!

We parked off Tripoli Road in Waterville Valley. A heads-up: this road can be closed during the off-season, so always check the status of trail and road closures before you head out. Also, Tripoli Road is basically a rugged rollercoaster ride for your car, so watch out for potholes that could double as small craters. There's a small, cash-only parking fee. The good news? There’s a bathroom. Which, when you're out in the wilderness, feels like winning the lottery.

The trail itself isn’t exactly marked—at least, not that we could find. But it’s pretty straightforward and starts right off the parking lot. Of course, it was raining when we began, which definitely had us second-guessing our decision to hike a mountain. But, hey, what’s a little rain, right?

Click Photo to Listen to Podcast!

The rain let up as we hiked on, and the trail? Gorgeous. The incline was gradual (thankfully). The trail is made up of mostly rocks, not so much the climbing kind but to be careful of as you’re hiking on. As we got closer to the summit, the views started to peek through the trees—though, if the clouds had parted, I bet it would’ve been even more epic. I could catch glimpses of Waterville Valley’s ski trails and other mountain peaks trying to sneak their way into view.

Getting closer to the top, we hit one major muddy spot and a rock that was a bit too slanty and slippery for comfort, thanks to the morning’s rain. But it wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle. The whole hike took us about 3.5 hours—though I should mention that I'm super slow, especially on the uphill sections. My cardio could use some work! But honestly, just being out in nature made the slow pace totally worth it.

Click Photo to Listen to Podcast!

Once we hit the peak, we had the option to keep going and summit East Osceola, which would have meant conquering two of the 48 4k-footers. But we decided to call it a day while we were ahead. I was feeling good, and didn’t want another Mt Chocorua day (Listen to that episode here) and the views were incredible. We hung out for a while, soaking it all in. Through the trees, we could see Waterville Valley, and I swear I caught a glimpse of Mount Chocorua peeking through the clouds.

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All in all, it was a perfect first 4k. I’ve never hiked any other 4,000-footers, so I can't really compare, but I think Osceola was the perfect place to start. The incline was manageable, and the views were out of this world. It felt a little easier than Chocorua (though, let’s be honest, that’s not saying much), but it wasn’t a walk in the park either. Just the right balance for a 4k newbie.

Final Thoughts:

• Views on top: 10/10 🌄

• Difficulty: 7/10 🥵

Happy hiking, everyone! And remember, it’s not about the height of the mountain—just the memories you make along the way!

Our Favorite New England Breweries We Have Stopped at… so far

Tuckerman Brewing Company

Our original brewery. Well, at least in terms of drinking their beer. I’ve been a fan of Tuckerman beer since my college days—way back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth (or at least before cellphones where a thing). They didn’t always have a restaurant, and I’m not exactly sure when they opened their tasting room, but it’s been a few years now.

Located in Conway, NH, Tuckerman has an awesome vibe. They serve a variety of pizzas and, of course, beer. A sampler is always a fun way to go if you like to mix things up. The main indoor space is wide open, featuring beautiful images of Mt. Washington, which is fitting since you might need a beer (or two) after hiking it. They also have a large lawn area, food trucks, and live music on occasion. If you’re in the area, check them out—I know I always do!

Tuckerman Brewing Company - Conway, NH

Zero Gravity

Located in Burlington, VT, Zero Gravity will forever be on my “must-do” list when we’re back in the area. Their Beer Hall has a cool, cozy vibe, with comfy couches mixed in among the tables and a rich, dark-wood interior. It’s a great spot for the whole family—because yes, even kids appreciate a comfy seat while their parents sip craft beer.

The food here? Absolutely amazing. And for non-beer drinkers like Mike, they even brew their own non-alcoholic beer called Rescue Club—As they state on their website: “The people make the party, not the alcohol”. The menu features unique options like kale salads and rice bowls alongside classic burgers. A win-win!

Stoneface Brewing Co.

This one is a local favorite for us. Their menu constantly evolves, but they keep some delicious staples that never disappoint. Every time we eat here, we leave full and happy, which is really the only acceptable way to leave a brewery.

It’s a great place to meet up with friends, grab a quick bite on your way north, or just sit and enjoy a solid meal with a great beer. Trust me—the food and beer here are worth the stop.

*No pictures! I guess when you go often & you love it so much you don’t take as many pictures! Will update next time we visit though. Just trust us the food and vibes are immaculate.

Whalers Brewing Company

This one was new to us. On a recent trip to Rhode Island, we decided to check out Whalers, but there was one thing we didn’t realize—they serve beer. And only beer. Yep, that’s it.

We went in a bit naïve (okay, maybe just me) because I assumed every brewery would have at least something non-alcoholic. You know, a rogue can of soda hiding in the back. Not here! But what we did learn is that you’re welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks. They even have menus for local takeout spots, or you can bring your own food while you sip their beer.

The space itself is great—various seating options, a couple of pool tables, and cornhole. It’s the perfect spot to hang out with friends, even if you need to BYO-Soda. They are also dog friendly! So you can bring your fur babies here as long as they remain on their leash, so cool!

Maine Beer Company

Maine Beer Co. makes one of my all-time favorite beers—Lunch. (Yes, that’s the name, and yes, it’s absolutely delicious.) I also love Dinner. And yes they do have a Breakfast beer, I haven’t tried it, yet! But I am sure it is amazing! 

While driving through Freeport, I discovered they have a tasting room and serve pizza. And let me tell you, the pizza is fantastic. The setup: a host seats you, but you order your beer and food at the bar. The restaurant is bright, open, and airy, with a great view into the brewing area. If you’re anywhere near Freeport, this is a stop worth making!

Schilling Beer Co.

Located in Littleton, NH, Schilling is an absolute gem. The brewery is housed in a rustic old home, perched right on a river next to a covered bridge. It’s basically the most picturesque brewery setting imaginable.

The ambiance is cozy—with exposed beams, rustic wood charm, and that warm, welcoming feeling that makes you want to stay a while. And while their beer is great, let’s talk about the food. The pretzel appetizer? I know you can’t see me, but I’m actually drooling just thinking about it. Their pizza ranks among my all-time favorites.

We love stopping here after a hike or a ski trip up north. And if you’re in Littleton, the whole town is worth a visit—quaint bakeries, fun shops, and of course, Schilling itself.

• We have not been to all the breweries this list is our personal favorite places we highly recommend them all! As we discover new spots we will keep updating this list.

My Most Challenging Hike…so far

The most challenging hike we have done… so far. I don’t know what was wrong with me that day. I had done this hike a few times before—granted, the last time was over 20 years ago. I mean, how much can change in 20 years? Okay, everything can, but I digress. Out of all the hikes we did in the last year or so, this was the hardest on my body and mind.

Mt. Chocorua—this gorgeous, distinctive mountain you see as you’re driving up Route 16 to North Conway—definitely taunted me this time. Some facts before I get into the day: 2,582 feet of elevation gain with over 7 miles of hiking. We hiked on August 23, 2024, and took the Brook Trail up and the Liberty Trail down.

It started like any other hike—lots of walking. What I love about this trail is that it follows a brook for a good part of the hike, making it truly stunning and enjoyable. The ascent is gradual at first and then nonstop up. We got lost a few times as the trail markings weren’t obvious, so we just went the most obvious way - up.

The views from the top are stunning—a full 360-degree panorama that helps with the exhausted feeling. At this point in the hike, I was tired. Like, you know that feeling when your body just wants to melt into the couch? That is how I felt about 3.5-ish miles from the car. Oh, and I had to go to the bathroom. Luckily, there is a toilet (if you will) not far from the summit. With a little relief, we started the slow descent down.

The Liberty Trail was a great trail to descend. It wasn’t hard on the knees, and even with no babbling brook to see and listen to, it was still gorgeous. But with every step closer to the car, I just wanted to be done. And you know when you’re taking a different trail down, you have those doubts like, "Are we going the right way?" But mostly, "Are we there yet?" Towards the end, I was dragging my poles, ready to see the car—most importantly, our car. Mike was a little ahead of me and broke the good news: he saw the car. Still doubting him, I asked, "Our car?" Yes, he assured me, our car. It was the best thing I saw all day!

Since then, we have hiked Mt. Osceola—a 4,000-foot mountain—and the previous year, we hiked to the Hermit Lake Shelter on Mt. Washington. So, I wasn’t a total rookie, but this hike made me feel like it. Earlier in the year, I was diagnosed with Graves' disease. I’ve spoken a little about my health issues on our podcast, and this is it: Graves'. Lovely name for an autoimmune disease, huh? At this point, my doctor had been working on dialing in my medication. Each month, she would either increase or lower my dosage, and it just throws me off each month. It’s hard to explain other than feeling like garbage and not myself. I had told her my energy levels were off—like, really low. I didn’t run any road races last summer after flopping a 10K, I’ve done many times before, in June. I was just not feeling normal. The hard part is that this day started off alright. I woke up with no warning signs that my energy was going to check out. Just before the peak, I started to feel tired as my energy dipped, and no amount of snacks or water made me feel better immediately.

We made it home, and Mike helped me out so much that day—okay, all the days—but I really appreciated him being the one to get the food. I felt so worn out after this hike that I just wanted to go home and get takeout. You know it was bad when I didn’t want to stop for food. So, we ordered burgers from one of our favorite spots, BRGR BAR. Legit, their burgers and fries are the best, in my opinion, and just what I needed to make myself feel better. They’ve been my go-to spot for burgers after every half marathon or anytime I really want a real, good, hearty burger. They also have adult milkshakes if you eat in house that are pretty delicious in my opinion.

After all that, would I do this hike again? 100% yes! I might try a different trail, as I’ve done this one a few times. Next time, I think I would hydrate with electrolytes better and fuel like I was running a half marathon. Here’s hoping my Graves' disease is in better control this year too! I have a lot of big & little hikes I want to do.

Want to hear more details about this hike and others? Check out our podcast: Around New England.

How We Plan Our Hikes

If you're planning a trip to New England and want to explore the beautiful outdoors we call home, we're here to help! We don't do anything too fancy when planning our hikes, but a little preparation goes a long way toward having a safe and successful day. Plus, at our age, it's all about staying safe and finding the best food afterward!

Mt Pemigewasset

Step 1: Decide the Day's Plan

First things first—how much time do we have? Are there any commitments that mean we need to be home by a certain time? If not, we're free to follow where the trails (and the weather) lead us—with the promise of delicious food at the end.

I keep a running list of hikes: some challenging, some moderate, and some easy. My go-to sources for finding new trails have always been books. One of my favorites is Foghorn Outdoors: New England Hiking - The Complete Guide to More Than 380 Hikes by Michael Lanza. This book is over 20 years old, so I double-check things like road closures, but the detailed descriptions and honest ratings make it a gem. Each hike is rated on a scale of 1-10 for views and difficulty—because let's be honest, isn't that why we hike?

Another book I recently picked up is New Hampshire's 52 With a View: A Hiker's Guide. by Ken MacGray It focuses solely on New Hampshire mountains under 4,000 feet. Some trails are still challenging, but all offer incredible views without the grueling climb—a definite win-win.

Mt Osceola

Step 2: Plan the Post-Hike Meal

Food is a key part of our hiking adventures. We always research dining options before we leave because cell service at the trailhead can be spotty. Where we go depends on what time we finish the hike. If we wrap up early, we're on the hunt for a cozy local coffee shop. If it's closer to lunch or dinner, we love finding a local restaurant for a well-earned meal and a refreshing drink.

Tuckerman Brewery

Bonus Step: Use the AllTrails App

In addition to books, we rely on the AllTrails app for planning. I love checking recent trail reviews and photos to know what to expect. It's a lifesaver when it comes to gear decisions—because nothing ruins a hike faster than being unprepared. Huge thanks to all the hikers who share their trail updates!

Tuckerman Ravine trail

The Night Before: Prep is Everything

A little prep the night before makes for a smoother morning. We pack our gear, lay out our clothes, and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in advance. That way, in the morning, Mike can toast my bagel (he's the morning person, not me) while I get ready. There's something so peaceful about hitting the trail early, so this routine helps us get out the door without a hitch.

If the weather looks iffy, we throw rain gear in the car—better to have it and not need it than the other way around. We also wear comfy shoes to the trailhead and pack our hiking boots to change into when we arrive. In the summer, we even keep an extra set of clothes in the car just in case we get too sweaty and want to freshen up before heading to eat.

Middle & North Sugarloaf

Want more tips and stories? Tune in to our podcast, Around New England, where we share all the details about our hikes and adventures. Let us know what you'd like to hear next—and happy hiking!

Mt Chocorua

Mt Willard Crawford Notch, NH

What a beautiful hike—fairly easy and absolutely stunning! We rolled in around 7:30 am, only to discover that the bathroom in the parking lot had decided to sleep in. But fear not! A quick stroll over to the AMC revealed a bathroom that was actually open, plus a store for any last-minute snack emergencies. Because, let’s face it, no one wants to hike on an empty stomach!

We hit the trail shortly after 7:30 am, and by 8:30 am, we were already basking in the glory at the peak of Mt. Willard. The climb is a steady incline, starting with a charming little stream to cross—no rock climbing or scrambles here, which I definitely appreciated. As you near the top, the views of Crawford Notch hit you like a beautiful postcard.

The elevation gain is about 895 feet, so you can impress your friends by saying you conquered a mountain while still getting your morning cardio.

Ratings:
Difficulty: 3/10
Views: 10/10 (bring your camera and your jaw for all the dropping!)

The After the Hike-

After our invigorating hike, we hopped in the car and zoomed over to Littleton, NH, for lunch and some retail therapy. First up: a much-needed coffee at Crumb Bum Bakery. We strolled around town, trying to kill time until Schilling Beer Co opened for lunch—because who doesn’t want to combine carbs and hops?

Littleton is home to a few delightful shops that we absolutely adore and can’t wait to raid again. We had fun picking out our own 4 pack at Little Town Brews local New England brews. It’s a fantastic little store that’s like a treasure chest for beer lovers—offering everything from local favorites to NA options for those who prefer their fun sans alcohol.

We also stumbled upon Shaun Terhune Fine Art Photography, which is basically an Instagrammer’s dream. His incredible photography and rustic pieces would make any mountain home feel like a cozy retreat—or at least help you pretend you’re in one while you binge-watch reality TV.

In short, I’d return to Littleton, NH, just to hit up these spots again. And maybe to revisit Crumb Bum for more treats & coffee. Who’s with me?