Are you the type of person who doesn’t consider it a “real” hike unless you wake up sore the next day and have trouble putting on your shoes? Or…do you think that’s completely nuts? Maybe you might be an avid outdoorsman, but you have young kids, older parents, or novice friends that you want to spend time with, preferably without them falling off the side of a mountain or passing out from exhaustion.
The White Mountains are teeming with hundreds of hiking and biking trails, and while there are plenty that will take you all day and push your fitness to the limit, there are also several easier paths where everyone can feel at home. With the paths detailed below, you and your loved ones can take a leisurely walk while still getting one-of-a-kind views and experiencing the best the region has to offer.
Diana’s Baths
A gem of the area that features a serene collection of several small waterfalls that all come together to form one magical place, you can reach it after a calm 1.3-mile hike that features plenty of natural beauty along the way. With Diana’s Baths, it’s not just the sights, but the sounds that leave an impression. Before you set eyes on the roiling water, your ears will “start the show” first by hearing a gentle babbling in the distance before unveiling the full torrent in all its splendor.
Echo Lake Trail
A lakeside stroll sounds great…pretty much all the time, right? Located in Echo Lake State Park, this trail is flat, well-maintained, and only takes about 20 minutes. And if that’s too “strenuous,” you’ll find plenty of places to sit down, enjoy the water, and have a picnic as you’re swaddled in the crisp, New England air.
Glen Ellis Falls
Didn’t get enough waterfalls with Diana’s Baths? So many stunning views are packed into this sub-mile-long hike, culminating in the 64-foot falls of the Ellis River. There are several stairs you’ll need to traverse to get down to see the waterfall up close, but the view is certainly worth the effort!
Black Cap Trail
Open year-round and pet-friendly, Black Cap Trail takes on average an hour to finish, and it’s one of the highest-rated casual trails in the entire country. Both beginners and veteran adventurers sing its praises thanks to tree-lined paths and an almost tangible “magical” quality that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
One More Short Walk
Another journey that is worth the short trip is to the Cranmore Mountain Lodge, which features award-winning service and accommodations, a rich tapestry of American history, and a location that lets you scout the beautiful area just minutes away from these trails. Featuring a mid-19th-century house that has been fully restored so it keeps all of its traditional charm while having the latest amenities, it’s the perfect place to plan your next excursion, take a break between hikes, and fuel up with locally sourced food made on-site.
In the White Mountains, you can certainly push yourself to your limits…or you can take a more laid-back approach that may be perfect for you and your less outdoorsy friends and family, ensuring that while the experience might not leave you sore, it will leave you filled with memories.
Taking it easy is sometimes the best way to go—click here to book your stay, call 603-356-2044, or text 978-788-0018.