Fall Hikes

Fall Hikes

Hey EHS! Happy November!

Following the spookiness of Halloween, it’s finally time for the cozy and fun holiday-filled month of November. The breeze is crisp, the leaves are  bursts of red, yellows, oranges, and browns that fall onto the coarse pavement below; and there are the many cozy, “fall-esque” activities that we can do under the warm rays of the sun. A very popular activity that is associated closely with the season is hiking. With that, here are 4 great hiking spots in NH that you can tackle this November!

1. Mount Morgan, Holderness NH

• The views on this trail will amaze you. You get a fantastic view of Squam Lake from below, and you can gaze ahead to get a stunning view of Mount Major that rests on the Horizon. A fun aspect of the hike is that there is a wooden ladder that you can climb to enter a cave that leads to another trail. 

  • Distance → 3.9 miles (Roundtrip)

  • Elevation Gain→ 1377 Feet

  • ~2-3 hour long hike, Moderate Difficulty

  • Dogs ARE allowed!
    
    

2. Artist’s Bluff Trail, Franconia Notch State Park

• You might’ve already climbed this short hike, but if you haven’t, I totally recommend it! It’s quick and easy for the most part, as I often find myself racing my brothers and friends up to the summit. Despite the short trip, it still gives you  stunning beauty at the peak: a view of Echo Lake below, and Cannon Mountain from afar.

  • Distance →1.5 Miles (Roundtrip)

  • Elevation Gain →436 Feet

  • ~1 hour long hike, Low Difficulty (easy!)

  • Dogs ARE allowed!
    
    

3. Arethusa Falls, Crawford Notch State Park

• Alongside the fall foliage on this hike are the beautiful attractions of Arethusa Falls and Bemis Falls. According to New England Waterfalls, there is a swimming hole called Fawn Pool at the attraction of the falls, which you can swim in. Overall, it’s the perfect warm-up hike!

  • Distance →2.8 Miles (Roundtrip)

  • Elevation Gain→800 Feet

  • ~1.5-2 hours, Easy/Moderate Difficulty

  • Dogs ARE allowed!
    
    

4. Lonesome Lake,  NH

• A little different from the rest ‘view-wise’ but overall gorgeous. At the summit lies the Lonesome Lake, which is surrounded by views of gorgeous trees. On some days, you can even see the tranquil reflection of the trees in the lake itself. The hike, up on the other hand, is steep and rocky… but in the end it is worth it. If you want to pay some money to reserve a spot at the Lonesome Lake Lodge, you will get to stay a night in a co-ed bunkhouse and will be supplied meals as well. This lodge is around 1.2 miles away from the start of the trail. 

  • Distance →3.1 Miles (Roundtrip)

  • Elevation Gain→1000 Feet

  • ~2 Hours, Moderate Difficulty

  • Dogs ARE allowed!
    
    

5. North/Middle Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, White Mountains

• This trail is actually very unheard of and overlooked for its beauty! At the end is an out-and-back trail fork, where you can choose whether you go to the North Peak or the Middle Peak. You can do either one, but the Middle one has a higher elevation and considerably better views in comparison to the North Peak. However, the North Peak is mostly less crowded. There is a nearby Sugarloaf campground that is within walking distance of the trail that you can even stay at.

  • Distance →3.3 Miles (Roundtrip)

  • Elevation Gain →1096 Feet

  • ~1.5-2 hours, Moderate Difficulty

  • Dogs ARE allowed!

Hopefully you’ll give these trails a chance! They are perfect opportunities to get a breath of fresh air in the beautiful nature of New Hampshire. Just make sure to come prepared!