The best walks and hikes around New England

New England offers many highly-regarded hiking areas.

In New Hampshire, the White Mountain National Forest is a vast, popular destination with trails for all levels. Within it, both Franconia Notch State Park and Crawford Notch State Park are local favorites known for their well-maintained trails and stunning scenery. For a true high-altitude experience, Mt. Washington State Park offers challenging hikes to the highest summit in the Northeast.

Further south, the New England Trail offers a long-distance hiking experience through Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Yes, New England has many trails suitable for families. While the routes in this guide are generally moderate, you can find easier options throughout the region. For a rewarding hike with a waterfall, the trail to Arethusa Falls in New Hampshire is a popular choice as it leads to one of the state's tallest waterfalls. Many state parks, like Crawford Notch State Park, also feature trails with smaller cascades that are accessible for younger hikers.

The best time to hike in New England is typically from late spring to early fall (May through October).

Summer offers warm weather and full access to all trails, including high peaks. Autumn is world-famous for its brilliant fall foliage, making it a spectacular time for hiking, though it can be crowded. Winter hiking is possible but requires specialized gear like microspikes or snowshoes and expertise in cold-weather conditions, as many trails are covered in ice and snow. Spring can be unpredictable with 'mud season' making many trails wet and fragile.

Always check local trail conditions and weather forecasts before you go, especially for mountain hikes where conditions can change rapidly.

Dog policies vary significantly across New England. Many state forests and parks, including parts of the White Mountain National Forest, are dog-friendly, but they usually require dogs to be on a leash. However, some fragile ecosystems, such as the alpine zones of Mount Mansfield or parts of Acadia National Park, have restrictions or do not permit dogs at all. Always check the specific regulations for the park or trail you plan to visit before bringing your dog.

For a day hike, it's essential to be prepared for changing weather, especially in the mountains. Key items include: sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing (avoiding cotton), a waterproof jacket, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks. A map, compass, or a GPS device like the komoot app on your phone is crucial for navigation. Also, pack a small first-aid kit, sun protection (sunscreen, hat), and insect repellent.

Absolutely. New England is known for its rugged terrain. The White Mountains in New Hampshire are home to the 4,000-footers, which offer strenuous climbs. Hikes like the Franconia Ridge Loop and climbing Mount Washington are classic challenges known for their difficult ascents and exposure to unpredictable weather. In Maine, tackling Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park is another iconic and demanding hike that requires a high level of fitness.

Both offer fantastic hiking, but with different characteristics. The White Mountains in New Hampshire are known for their rugged, rocky, and often exposed granite peaks, offering dramatic alpine scenery and some of the most challenging climbs in the Northeast. The Green Mountains in Vermont are generally more forested and rolling, characterized by lush, dense woods and a more pastoral landscape. While they also have challenging peaks like Mount Mansfield, the experience is often one of woodland immersion.

Yes, New England's coastline offers unique hiking experiences. In Maine, Acadia National Park is famous for its trails that blend mountain and ocean views, with granite cliffs rising directly from the sea. For a different experience, the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, is a paved path that combines stunning ocean vistas with views of historic mansions. The sandy trails of the Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts also provide beautiful walks through dunes and salt marshes.

The trails around New England are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the incredible diversity of the landscape, from the challenging, rocky summits of the White Mountains to the serene, wooded paths in Vermont and the dramatic coastal trails in Maine. The well-maintained trail networks and the spectacular views are frequently mentioned as highlights.

While many famous New England trails are challenging, there are countless options for beginners. Look for trails in state parks or nature preserves away from the high peaks. For example, the Barkeater & Can't Hardly Trails loop is a moderate route with minimal elevation gain, making it more approachable. Many coastal areas and wildlife refuges, like Sachuest Point in Rhode Island, offer flat, scenic walks perfect for those new to hiking.

New England is home to several significant long-distance trails. Portions of the Appalachian Trail run through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, with its northern terminus at Mount Katahdin. Vermont is also home to the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance trail in the US. For official information, including current trail conditions, alerts, and section-planning resources, it's best to consult the websites of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy or the Green Mountain Club.