The 8 Best Hikes in Southern New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire has so many incredible hikes for all levels! If you do not want to venture too far north, you have plenty of trail options.

Although the mountains are not the tallest in Southern New Hampshire, they do not lack stunning views! Whether you want to hike to a mountain summit, lake, or waterfall, there are hikes in Southern New Hampshire for everyone.

This guide will review everything you need to know about the best hikes in Southern New Hampshire, including tips, what to pack, and the best trails you should add to your bucket list!

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Tips for Hiking in Southern New Hampshire

Get to the trailhead early. Many hikes in Southern New Hampshire are popular and are crowded, especially on the weekends. I recommend arriving at the trailhead as early as you can, so you can secure a parking spot and enjoy the trail with fewer people.
Don’t underestimate these hikes and pack the appropriate gear. Just because these trails in Southern New Hampshire don’t lead to the tallest mountains in the state doesn’t mean they aren't strenuous. Even the easy trails in New Hampshire are rugged, so it’s crucial to be prepared with the appropriate gear, food, and water.
Make reservations in advance if necessary. Some of the hikes in Southern New Hampshire, like Mount Monadnock, require reservations. I highly recommend making reservations in advance to secure your spot. You may get turned away if you don’t have a reservation.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Many of these trailheads have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away when you finish the hike. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

When to Hike in Southern New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a four-season state and has trails you can hike year-round! Each season brings something different and beautiful, so New Hampshire has a hike for you every season. Here are some things to consider and expect for hiking in Southern New Hampshire in each season:

Summer is one of the best times to hike in Southern New Hampshire because the temperature is warm, and the days have long-lasting daylight. Even though summer brings beautiful weather to New Hampshire, the mountains can have unpredictable weather, so it’s crucial to pack layers just in case. Summer is also one of the busiest times to visit New Hampshire. I recommend arriving at trailheads early in the morning, so you can secure a parking spot and hike with fewer crowds. Some trailheads fill up before 8 am in the summer!
Fall is the busiest time in New Hampshire and one of the most beautiful because of its vibrant fall foliage. Everything will be bright with reds, yellows, and oranges, which is a spectacular thing to witness! The trails will have large crowds, so I recommend arriving early at trailheads to secure a parking spot. Early fall brings beautiful hiking temperatures, especially in Southern New Hampshire. Late fall can bring snow, so it’s crucial to check the weather in advance and pack the appropriate hiking gear.
Winter is an underrated time to hike in Southern New Hampshire! Because many people prefer to hike in warm weather, the trails in winter are less crowded. Winters in New Hampshire are cold and snowy, so it’s crucial to pack warm layers and appropriate winter hiking gear.
Spring is a tricky month to hike in New Hampshire because the weather varies, and the snow can linger into late spring. The trails can be icy and slushy, and river crossings after the snowmelt can be difficult. As spring approaches summer, New Hampshire sometimes sees a lot of rain, making the trails muddy. I highly recommend reading recent trail reviews to understand what gear you need to pack for the hikes in Southern New Hampshire to ensure you are prepared.

What to Pack for Hiking in Southern New Hampshire

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

Map of the Hikes in Southern New Hampshire

The Best Hikes in Southern New Hampshire

Mount Monadnock

Trail: White Dot > White Cross

Length: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Monadnock is the second most hiked mountain in the WORLD and the most hiked one in the United States. It is a stunning hike in Southern New Hampshire, and on a clear day, offers views stretching as far as Boston.

Because it is popular, it is very crowded, even on weekdays. The Monadnock State Park implemented a reservation system to help, so I recommend making your reservation in advance. If you do not have a reservation and the parking lot is full, they will turn you away.

Although Mount Monadnock is a popular hike, it is not as easy as you may assume. In two miles, the trail gains 1,800 feet of elevation, so there are many steep sections. I promise the effort is worth it for the incredible 360-degree views!

The two most popular trails are White Dot and White Cross. Many people make it a loop by ascending White Dot and descending White Cross, but you also have the option of doing either as an out-and-back. No matter how you decide to hike Mount Monadnock, it will become one of your favorite hikes in Southern New Hampshire!

trail review of mount monadnock

mount monadnock summit - hikes in southern new hampshire

North Pack Monadnock Mountain

Trail: Wapack Trail

Length: 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

If you are looking for a less popular hike in Southern New Hampshire with similar views to Mount Monadnock, North Pack Monadnock Mountain is perfect! Although it does not have 360-degree views, it offers stunning views looking south towards Boston.

The most popular trail is Wapack Trail which gains about 1,000 feet of elevation in about 1.6 miles, so there are a few steep sections. North Pack Monadnock Mountain is a fantastic alternative to Mount Monadnock if you are looking for something quieter or if you cannot get a reservation!

best hikes near keene nh

Crotched Mountain

Trail: Shannon’s Trail

Length: 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 800 feet

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Crotched Mountain is a ski resort in the winter and one of the best hikes in Southern New Hampshire year-round! If you are looking for an easier hike than Mount Monadnock with similar views, Crotched Mountain is perfect!

There are many trails to choose from, depending on how long you want to hike. One of the most popular trails is Shannon’s Trail, which ascends the west side of Crotched Mountain for 1.6 miles. It’s a beautiful hike that will quickly become one of your favorites in Southern New Hampshire!

Mount Cardigan

Trail: South Ridge Trail > West Ridge Trail

Length: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Cardigan is one of my favorite hikes in Southern New Hampshire because it has stunning 360-degree views. It is also another popular hike in Southern New Hampshire, and I recommend arriving at the trailhead early to secure a parking spot.

The most popular way to hike to the summit is ascending via South Ridge Trail and descending West Ridge Trail, but you can also hike either trail as an out-and-back. The hike to Mount Cardigan is not strenuous, but there are steep sections as you get closer to the summit, some of which are on exposed rock. The effort is worth it for the stunning views!

Note: The gate to enter Cardigan Mountain State Park closes during the off-season.

trail review of Cardigan Mountain

mount cardigan - hikes in southern new hampshire

Mount Sunapee

Trail: Andrew Brook Trail

Length: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Sunapee, as you probably already know, is a ski resort in the winter. What you may not know is it is home to a hiking trail system on the other side.

There are many great trails to the summit, with the most popular being Andrew Brook Trail. The Andrew Brook Trail is an out-and-back trail with a steady elevation gain to White Ledges and Mount Sunapee.

White Ledges is a popular spot with stunning views overlooking Lake Solitude, and Mount Sunapee is only a short distance past it with more beautiful views. Mount Sunapee is one of the best hikes in Southern New Hampshire!

South Mountain Lookout Tower

Trail: Mountain Trail > South Ridge Trail

Length: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 800 feet

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

South Mountain Lookout Tower is in Pawtuckaway State Park and is one of the most popular hikes in Southern New Hampshire. Pawtuckaway State Park is a stunning park in New Hampshire that is home to many fantastic hiking trails.

South Mountain Lookout Tower offers some of the best views in the area. The summit offers beautiful views, but the best views are from the fire tower. You can see for what seems like forever from the fire tower. South Mountain Lookout Tower will quickly become one of your favorite hikes in Southern New Hampshire!

Also, I recommend making hiking reservations in advance so you can secure a spot in the park!

Mount Kearsarge

Trail: Winslow Trail

Length: 2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Kearsarge is one of my favorite hikes in Southern New Hampshire because it has stunning views! Many people choose to drive to the top and hike the short trail to the summit, but there are other trails you can take that require more effort.

The two most popular trails are Winslow Trail and Barlow Trail which you can hike as out-and-backs or a loop. Both are under three miles roundtrip and have a constant incline to the summit. The trails will kick your butt but are worth it for the stunning views! Once you see the summit views, you will see why Mount Kearsarge is one of the best hikes in Southern New Hampshire!

mount kearsarge - hikes in southern new hampshire

Blue Job Mountain

Trail: Blue Job Mountain Trail > Little Blue Job Trail > Pond Trail > Blue Job Mountain Trail

Length: 2 miles

Elevation Gain: 450 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Blue Job Mountain is a favorite hike among many in Southern New Hampshire because it has a fire tower that offers stunning views. You can hike to Blue Job Mountain as a short and steep out-and-back or a longer and more gradual loop with Little Blue Job. I recommend the loop because Little Blue Job also offers beautiful views.

If you hike the loop, you can follow it clockwise and get the steep section to Blue Job Mountain over with first or follow it counterclockwise for an easier ascent but steep descent. No matter what you decide to hike, Blue Job Mountain, you will be in awe of the stunning views!

The hikes in Southern New Hampshire are beautiful and great for all levels! This guide reviews everything you need to know about the best hikes in Southern New Hampshire so you can explore its beautiful trails!