New Hampshire is a state of inherent beauty, particularly during the fall when the leaves turn. Getting out and hoofing around gives you an opportunity to experience the pure bliss. Hiking To and Fro in New Hampshire If you have never been to New Hampshire, you are really missing out on one of the great states. Forgetting the hikes, the state itself is a bit like being in Switzerland with its rolling hills, mountain ranges and just all around beauty. There is no big city atmosphere in New Hampshire, just miles and miles of serenity and some of Mother Nature's best work. Perhaps the most famous and important of the hiking areas is the section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the state. As in many other states, the New Hampshire section runs through dramatic rugged mountain scenery of the White Mountains and attracts more hikers than any other area in the state. The Appalachian runs for 161 miles with elevation changes from 400 to 6,000 feet. It is well marked, so you can pick it up at various points and say you bagged at least part of the great Appalachian. For those looking for something a bit different, the Presidential Range is a famous and often bagged hiking area. The route is long and you can pick it up in multiple points. It snakes through the Presidential Range and gives you the opportunity to summit a variety of peaks up to 4,000 feet. This is a popular spot for weekend hikes with many people tackling a summit a day. The main route runs between Madison Hut and Lakes of the Clouds Hut. At over 6,000 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the state and offers some of the best hiking in New Hampshire. There are a number of ways to attack the mountain. The Tuckerman Ravine route is the best known, but is also heavily trafficked. The Boot Spur approach is perhaps the better option if you are looking for fewer people. Either way, you will get a beautiful view from the summit, but keep in mind the weather can be cold, wet and miserable up there. New Hampshire is an amazing state. Break out the boots and explore all it has to offer whenever you get a chance. |
