Like it or not, September is upon us – and so is fall. We may have a month or so to go until peak foliage, but we all know the leaves start changing quickly this time of year, and September is the perfect time to enjoy a great hike before the weather starts to turn – and before the leaf peepers take over. We’ve selected a few of our favorite New Hampshire hikes for the season, none too extreme. Happy hiking!
- Mount Willard Trail, Crawford Notch State Park
AllTrails/Jim Machinchik This 3.2 mile out and back trail in Crawford Notch State Park is definitely worth your while. Though it’s steep in parts, it’s a fairly moderate trail that’s great for families, with a lovely gurgling brook running alongside much of it. At the top you’ll be rewarded with some truly incredible views, so bring your camera!
- Lonesome Lake Trail, Franconia Notch State Park
AllTrails/Kateri McGee This lovely loop trail is just over 3 miles, and though it has some rocky and hill sections, it’ll all be worth it when you reach the magnificent sight of Lonesome Lake.
- Mount Cardigan Loop Trail, Cardigan Mountain State Park
Google/Lauren Ambrose Nelson There’s a good reason Mount Cardigan is so popular – it’s incredibly hikeable, even for older children, and the sights from the top are just plain stunning. The loop trail is about 3 miles, with around 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
- Lake Massabesic Trail, Auburn
AllTrails/marik ly Looking for a hike that’s flat but beautiful? This is the spot for you. It’s 4 miles all the way around, but without much in the way of hills. It’s also very popular with bikers.
- Black Cap Trail, Green Hills Nature Preserve
AllTrails/terevos gmail This sweet little trail near North Conway is just two miles and gives you a great view of the White Mountains and the Presidential Range.
- Old Bridle Path, West Rattlesnake Natural Area
AllTrails/James Chen This gorgeous trail is less than 2 miles out and back, and after just a bit of climbing you’ll end up at the most incredible overlook of Squam Lake.
- Lockes Hill Trail
AllTrails/Susan McDevitt If you can’t get enough of the lake view trails, another great one is Lockes Hill Trail in Gilford. Just a 1.8 mile hike will get you to some wonderful views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
After all that hiking, you’ve earned a treat. Head to these New Hampshire bakeries for out-of-this-world desserts!
AllTrails/Jim Machinchik
This 3.2 mile out and back trail in Crawford Notch State Park is definitely worth your while. Though it’s steep in parts, it’s a fairly moderate trail that’s great for families, with a lovely gurgling brook running alongside much of it. At the top you’ll be rewarded with some truly incredible views, so bring your camera!
AllTrails/Kateri McGee
This lovely loop trail is just over 3 miles, and though it has some rocky and hill sections, it’ll all be worth it when you reach the magnificent sight of Lonesome Lake.
Google/Lauren Ambrose Nelson
There’s a good reason Mount Cardigan is so popular – it’s incredibly hikeable, even for older children, and the sights from the top are just plain stunning. The loop trail is about 3 miles, with around 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
AllTrails/marik ly
Looking for a hike that’s flat but beautiful? This is the spot for you. It’s 4 miles all the way around, but without much in the way of hills. It’s also very popular with bikers.
AllTrails/terevos gmail
This sweet little trail near North Conway is just two miles and gives you a great view of the White Mountains and the Presidential Range.
AllTrails/James Chen
This gorgeous trail is less than 2 miles out and back, and after just a bit of climbing you’ll end up at the most incredible overlook of Squam Lake.
AllTrails/Susan McDevitt
If you can’t get enough of the lake view trails, another great one is Lockes Hill Trail in Gilford. Just a 1.8 mile hike will get you to some wonderful views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
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