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Franconia, New Hampshire

Looking for the best hiking in Franconia? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Franconia. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Franconia

  • Jefferson, New Hampshire

    Hike the Sugarloaf Trail

    3.3 mi / 1099 ft gain
    The Sugarloaf Trail begins at the Sugarloaf trailhead on Zealand Road off of US 302. There are two trails that begin at this trailhead--be sure to cross the bridge over the Ammonoosuc and look for the "Sugarloaf Trail" sign. The trail begins following the Ammonoosuc River for a short while before...
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  • Lincoln, New Hampshire

    Photograph Fall Foliage on the Kancamagus Highway

    4.0
    32 mi / 2855 ft gain
    Driving the Kancamagus Highway is something you can do as a way to cross the White Mountain National Forest quickly from I-93 in the east to Conway, or it can be an entire day's activity. In the fall, it's almost impossible not to stop at every turn-off on the scenic highway as it winds through t...
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  • Benton, New Hampshire

    Hike Mount Moosilauke via Beaver Brook Trail

    7.6 mi / 3150 ft gain
    The trailhead is located along Lost River Road.  There is a $5.00 day use parking pass required.   The trail starts off on the Beaver Brook Trail (also the Appalachian Trail).  The trail consists of cascades of rocks, wood-block steps and metal rungs (not all entirely in tact).  It is very often ...
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  • Jefferson, New Hampshire

    Hiking at Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge

    4.5
    As hiking in the White Mountain area goes, this is a pretty easy one. This is a family friendly hike along a rail trail and well maintained forest trails. The main attraction here isn't the difficultly. The main attraction here is the spectacular views and the abundant wildlife.This trail begi...
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  • Lincoln, New Hampshire

    Franconia Brook Trail

    15.94 mi / 1122 ft gain
    The Franconia Brook Trail is a 16 mile out and back trail in White Mountain National Forest. The trail features a river, and is primarily used for hiking. This trail is also great for cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. The trailhead is approximately eight miles from Thirteen Fall...
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  • Lincoln, New Hampshire

    Franconia Falls

    6.77 mi / 459 ft gain
    Franconia Falls Trail, starting at the Lincoln Woods Trailhead, features natural waterslides, a swimming hole, and fun for all ages. The Franconia Falls Trail is located in White Mountain National Forest, allows dogs, and is a perfect day trip year round! This trail is also frequently used in th...
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  • Lincoln, New Hampshire

    Hike to Bondcliff

    5.0
    18 mi / 3110 ft gain
    Park at the Lincoln Woods Visitors Center off the Kancamagus Highway where the Lincoln Woods Trailhead begins. Because of such a long hike, it's best to start at daybreak, or as early as possible to make it back before dark. The trail starts at the beginning of a suspension bridge crossing the Ea...
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  • Woodstock, New Hampshire

    Hike Mount Moosilauke via Gorge Brook Trail

    4.8
    7.4 mi / 2400 ft gain
    Mount Moosilauke is a 4000 footer located in the White Mountain Range of New Hampshire. The summit peaks at 4,802 feet with a prominence of 2,933 feet.If you're new to exploring the White Mountain range this will definitely be a great introduction to what it can offer. The Gorge Brook Trail is th...
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  • Carroll, New Hampshire

    Hike Mt. Pierce

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 2412 ft gain
    Mount Pierce (elevation 4312 ft.) is part of the Presidential Region in the White Mountain National Forest.  Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.  To begin your hike, park at the Crawford Connector Trailhead. You will follow the Crawfo...
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  • Carroll, New Hampshire

    Mount Willard

    5.0
    3.07 mi / 958 ft gain
    This hike begins at the trailhead behind Crawford Depot. The first 1/4 mile of the trail is relatively level. You will cross two small streams before the trail begins to steepen. For much of the trek up to the top of the mountain you will be following an abandoned carriage road. Along the sid...
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  • Crawford Notch Road, New Hampshire

    Hike to the Summits of Mt. Jackson and Mt. Pierce

    8 mi / 5000 ft gain
    From I93 take exit 35 onto rt 3. Follow that until you get to a four way intersection. Take a right onto rt 302 and follow that until you see an AMC information building on the right. Drive past the parking lot about 500 feet and park on the left right after the lake.From there take the Webster ...
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  • Crawford Notch Road, New Hampshire

    Snowshoe Mount Pierce

    6.4 mi / 2500 ft gain
    The hike begins right across from the AMC Highland Center, which is great because you can utilize their spacious parking lot! Once you locate the trailhead, the elevation begins almost immediately. Begin on the Crawford Connector Trail for 0.4 miles.You will come to a foot bridge over Gibbs Brook...
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  • Crawford Notch Road, New Hampshire

    Hike the Tom, Field, Willey and Avalon Traverse

    10.2 mi / 3300 ft gain
    For hikers en route to climbing the 67 4,000 footers of Northern New England, or for those looking for a day-long mini-adventure, this four-peaks-in-one traverse is a spectacular must. Mount Tom, Mount Field, and Mount Willey are all above 4,000 feet, and Mount Avalon caps at 3,442 feet. The tota...
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  • Crawford Notch Road, New Hampshire

    Snowshoe Mount Jackson

    5.2 mi / 2300 ft gain
    The hike starts across the street from the AMC Highland Center on route 302, which means there is plenty of parking and when you finish there is a fireplace and snacks to warm up with! It starts at the Webster Jackson trailhead and after 1.4 miles breaks off onto the Jackson trail. At that point ...
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  • Lincoln, New Hampshire

    Summit Mount Hancock and South Hancock

    9.8 mi / 2220 ft gain
    The Hancock trailhead is located at the infamous hairpin turn of the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains. The trail itself crosses the road and starts at 2000 feet of elevation on the Hancock Notch trail. It remains fairly flat for the first 3 miles of the trail. After 1.8 miles you will hi...
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  • Jackson Webster Trail, New Hampshire

    Hike Mount Jackson

    4.5 mi / 2109 ft gain
    The Jackson Webster trailhead is located on Crawford Notch Road a little ways down from the AMC Highland Center where they have bathrooms, food, a store, info, etc. There's a parking lot at the Center as well as a smaller lot right across from the trailhead. These lots often get filled up but you...
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