New England has some incredible hiking. Whether it is the highest peaks of the White Mountains, the cold waters of mountain streams, or the seacoast of Maine and New Hampshire, there is a hike for just about everyone to enjoy. To see some of the most beautiful views in all of New England, you are likely going to have to work hard for it, but certain places like Mount Washington, or Cadillac Mountain are accessible to everyone. Here is a list of the best hikes in New England.
Below, we have a list of the best hikes, and here we have some quick navigation to the best hikes in New England based on categories:
Quick Navigation:
The Best Easy Hikes in New England
Best Hard Hikes in New England
Vermont Hikes
New Hampshire Hikes
Maine Hikes
If after this post, you still don’t know where you should go, check out our hike finder tool to help you pick the right hike!
Mount Washington
As the highest peak in the northeast, Mount Washington doesn’t disappoint. With incredible views in all directions, incredible hiking trails, a road to the summit, and even a cog railroad up to the summit, it is one of those New England gems that is accessible to many, often filled with tourists, but still allows hikers to feel isolated in the wilderness.
Height: 6,288 feet
Distance: 8.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 4,186 feet
Duration: 5-10 hours (dependent on hiker’s ability)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Read about Hiking Mount Washington
Mount Katahdin
Mount Katahdin is Maine’s highest peak. The legendary knifes edge trail is spectacular, and stands out as extremely unique for the northeast. The hiking is difficult, but extremely rewarding. The summit of Katahdin is also the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Elevation: 5,269 feet
Elevation Gain: Around 4,000 feet depending on the trail.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration:
Distance: 8.6 miles
Read About Hiking Mount Katahdin
Cadillac Mountain
Cadillac Mountain is one of those rare hiking gems where you don’t have to put in crazy amounts of effort to be rewarded with absolutely incredible views. With some of the first views of Sunrise in the U.S. each morning, the 360 degree views of the oceans and surrounding lakes are fantastic. Drivable, this mountain is accessible to all.
Height: 1,530 Feet (466 Meters)
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet
Duration: 2-5 hours
Difficulty: Easy-Intermediate
Read about Hiking Mount Cadillac
Franconia Ridge
Franconia Ridge is one of New Hampshire’s classic hikes. The views from the ridge into Franconia Notch and the Pemi Wilderness are some of the best in the country. This is a popular hike even though it is considered strenuous.
Mileage: 8.5 miles (3,700 feet of elevation gain)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: 4-6 hours
Views: Incredible
Read about Hiking Franconia Ridge
Mount Moosilauke
Moosilauke rises seemingly by itself on the West side of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The views are incredible at the top, but the waterfalls on the way up are just as incredible.
Height: 4,802 Feet
Rating: Difficult
Distance: 7.6 miles
Duration: 4-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,506 feet
Read about Hiking Mount Moosilauke
Bondcliff
Bondcliff takes a lot to get to (9 miles one way), but the views are arguable some of the best in all of the northeast. The large cliffs are a perfect spot to make you feel small above the vast Pemi Wilderness. This hike is a long day hike, but also wonderful to combine with overnight camping. Especially when combined with nearby peaks of Mount Bond and West Bond.
Height: 4,265 feet
Distance: 18.4 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet
Duration: 6-10 hours (trail running: 3-6)
Read about Hiking Bondcliff
North & South Baldface
These mountains aren’t hiked that often when compared to the others on this list. They are tough, but this loop trail is one of the best loops in New England. These mountains may be the best on the NH 52 WAV list.
North Baldface Trail Views
Height: 3,566 feet
Distance: 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 3,569 feet
Duration: 5-7 hours
Read about Hiking North & South Baldface
Mount Chocorua
This frequently trafficked mountain has one of the most unique summit profiles in New Hampshire. With numerous trails up containing waterfalls, cliffs, blueberries, lakes, and more, this is a must hike for anyone that loves visiting the White Mountains.
Height: 3,478 feet
Distance: 7.8-9 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Duration: 5-7 hours
Read about Hiking Mount Chocorua
Mount Carrigain
Mount Carrigain (4,682 feet) is one of the most popular of the NH 48 due to its outstanding 360 degree views, and gorgeous ridge line trail. The summit features a fire tower with amazing views.
Signal Ridge from Mount Carrigain Summit
Height: 4,700 feet
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 3,250 feet
Duration: 5-8 hours
Read about Hiking Mount Carrigain
Camel’s Hump Vermont
Camel’s Hump is located in the Green Mountains of Vermont. It is the third highest peak in the entire state, standing at 4,083 feet in elevation. A must do Vermont hike.
Height: 4,083 feet
Distance: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation Gain: 2,349 feet
Duration: 3-4 hours
Read about Hiking Camel’s Hump
The Best Easy Hikes in New England
Mount Willard
Mount Major
Champney Falls
Mount Avalon
Mount Major
Mount Roberts
Arethusa & Ripley Falls
Cadillac Mountain
Best Hard Hikes in New England
Franconia Ridge
Mount Washington
North & South Baldface
Mount Marcy
The Presidential Traverse
Pemi Loop
Bondcliff
Mount Katahdin
Mount Moosilauke
Mount Carrigain
Vermont Hikes
Mount Abraham
Camel’s Hump
Mount Mansfield
New Hampshire Hikes
Franconia Ridge
Mount Washington
North & South Baldface
The Presidential Traverse
Pemi Loop
Bondcliff
Mount Moosilauke
Mount Carrigain
Mount Willard
Mount Major
Champney Falls
Mount Avalon
Mount Major
Mount Roberts
Arethusa & Ripley Falls
Mount Crawford
Maine Hikes
Saddleback Mountain
Old Speck Mountain
Cadillac Mountain
Mount Katahdin
Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about