Here’s a roundup of some of the best hiking trails near Plymouth, NH and The Lookout. Get out there and enjoy!
White Mountain National Forest
Driving distance from The Lookout at Loon Lake: 27 minutes
This is one of the most popular hikes in White Mountain National Forest! It is a loop trail that offers beautiful views of Waterville Valley. Note there is a fee to park and passes can be purchased at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74457. Insiders tip: do the route in the counter-clockwise direction.
- Length: 4.0 miles
- Estimated Time: 3h 1m
- All Trails Rating: 4.8 Stars
- Difficulty: Hard
Franconia Notch State Park
Driving distance from The Lookout at Loon Lake: 32 minutes
This trail gets our vote for the biggest bang for your buck. It is a steep hike that culminates with beautiful views of the White Mountains at the top of the trail. Park in the Flume Gorge parking area, but there is no fee for this trail. Tip: Bring a small picnic lunch to enjoy at the top, and (carefully) take your White Mountain selfie while you’re there!
- Length: 3.3 miles
- Estimated Time: 2h 16m
- All Trails Rating: 4.7 Stars
- Difficulty: Hard
Franconia Notch State Park
Driving distance from The Lookout at Loon Lake: 32 minutes
This short hike is packed with beauty and is a must see while in the area. There are beautiful waterfalls and flowers as you travel through the gorge and see its tall granite walls up close. Much of the hike is on a boardwalk and there are a lot of stairs. A reservation and fee are required to enjoy this trail: https://newhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com/tourDetails.do?contractCode=NH&parkId=274351&tourId=64319&cat=1
- Length: 2.2 miles
- Estimated Time: 1h 7m
- All Trails Rating: 4.7 Stars
- Difficulty: Moderate
White Mountain National Forest
Driving distance from The Lookout at Loon Lake: 18 minutes
This quick hike is known to be very steep, with rewarding views at the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain. Insiders tip: Make sure you do the loop at the top to enjoy all of the views.
- Length: 2.3 miles
- Estimated Time: 1h 39m
- All Trails Rating: 4.5 Stars
- Difficulty: Moderate
White Mountain National Forest
Driving distance from The Lookout at Loon Lake: 24 minutes
This trail offers a gradual climb and is good for beginner hikers who want to spend a few hours exploring outdoors, with a payoff of a wonderful view from the summit. Insider tip: stay on the main hiking path and avoid the snowmobile trails.
- Length: 4.1 miles
- Estimated Time: 2h 38m
- All Trails Rating: 4.4 Stars
- Difficulty: Hard
More Hikes in the White Mountains and Best New Hampshire Hikes
Looking for more information on hikes in the White Mountains, family hikes, fall foliage hikes in NH, and even where to hike the 4000 footers? Here’s some more information that may help as you plan your visit to New Hampshire:
Fall Foliage Hikes in the White Mountains
10 Great Foliage Hikes (And Four Easy Walks)