Cathedral Ledge Lookout is a ledge located in Echo Lake State Park. There's a mile long road that…read morevehicles can drive up to a parking area. There are also hiking trails that leads up to it. Being able to drive up and park was perfect for my family and I since I have young kids. It's a short distance walk from the parking area. There are two lookouts, both fenced in. The first lookout was smaller and has a bench. The second lookout was wide. It's on a huge boulder and the views were stunning. The pictures and videos don't do it any justice, you have to see it for yourselves. There are views of the White Mountains, Saco River Valley, and Echo Lake. This is also a popular place for people to rock and ice climb. I'm glad we got to check it out!

Stunning entry point to the Pemigewasset Wilderness!…read more I was looking for a short hike to salvage the great weather we had at the end of a rainy weekend and this one came across my facebook feed of all places. I was amped though because I was hoping for 3 things this trip to NH: viewpoints, water, and bridges. This had 2/3 and The Flume had given me the last piece the day prior. I got there around 11 which seemed to be pretty early as the trail was empty. So empty I second guessed myself as there were bear warning signs and no cell reception. After a brief pep talk I continued on my way. So glad I did because eventually other day and thru hikers joined the path. This trail goes for a little over 3 miles and ends at a waterfall and connects to other trails and mountains in the Whites. Much of it is abandoned railway and the old planks are still partially exposed along the path. The view downriver is breathtaking. I must have stood on the suspension bridge for 20 minutes taking it all in. Were it a bit warmer I would have joined some of the other brave souls and dipped my feet in! Things to know: -paid parking for a nominal fee. They have machines and the trust system. -tons of parking spaces -restrooms though I can't say if they're flush or not -right off the Kanc and close to Loon Mountain I can show you better than I can tell you - enjoy my pics!

We came during foliage season and it was one of the best spots to see foliage. We parked at the…read moremain parking lot right off the Kancamagus Highway and we only walked for about 5 minutes to get into water. We did not finish the 3+ mile trail, we came back to the parking lot after a short walk. This parking lot could get very busy during Fall, so I suggested either go early or go late during foliage season.

Difficulty wise, I'd rate Artists Bluff as a 3/5. The hike is a 1 mile loop but there's a lot of…read moresteep inclines and the path is pretty narrow. I wouldn't recommend bringing young kids along. The overlook of the lake is the best part of the hike. I hiked this in June during a weekday, and there were only about 3 cars in the entire parking lot. Compared to the Flume Gorge hike, this was pretty solitary and peaceful. There were a ton of bugs and mosquitoes out and about, so bring bug spray.

It was supposed to be a short 1.5 miles loop trail, however, the trail wasn't clearly marked. Many…read morepeople came down from the same trail as how they got up to the top as they were unable to find the other part of the trail. The first part of the trail was going downhill, but that was actually right! It got more difficult and steeply toward the end of the trail (before we got up to the top). Hiking boots are strongly recommended. The view from the top was awesome, especially during foliage season. We actually went during foliage season and the trail got very crowded during mid-day. Please give yourself enough time to enjoy the view from the top, so you should leave yourself about 2 hours for this hike.

Rocks roots and…read more ruts Ripley Falls is a 100 foot high waterfall that takes on several different personalites. In the late summer and fall it is a quiet and well behaved little falls. A nice place to hike out with the kids, dogs and grandpa and have a picnic. However in the spring when the snows in the mountains start to melt it becomes raging torrent. The noise is actually deafening. In the winter in frequently freezes and huge icicles hang off it. The actually hike to get to the falls is only a half a mile and in the proper conditions is quite easy. However the trail frequently is wet and broken and ice forms easily so it's a bit more difficult than it looks. A woman I met on the trail said that this trail has a reputation as a leg breaker because of all the loose rocks and wet and slippery roots. Of course many other trails connect so you can hike for days if you want. The falls is just a starting point to far more rugged and interesting places and few people turn back here. Ripley Falls is just one of the many waterfalls in the area and a pleasant little diversion from more strenuous hiking. In the spring it is pretty impressive but it's still but still nice even in periods of low water. A nice spot to visit as long as you don't have you expectations too high.

Regardless of season, a fun waterfall to chillax or be adventurous…read more I've snow hiked here a couple winters ago to take some nature snow landscape photos. I managed to not fall off the hiking trail in foot deep snow and made it back here this summer for some waterfall repelling. Waterfall repelling was a fun experience. Repelling next to the falls that is. I still got soaked in 55 degree water.

This is a beautiful and really tall mountain! We wanted to take the train up, but the tickets are…read morepretty expensive so we opted to drive. It's a very windy and a little bit scary drive, but once you get to the top it's so worth it! There are beautiful views and lots of photo ops. They also have a few stores, a museum, a post office, and food options. There is also an option to hike up and down, or take the train (one or both ways). Overall a really cool experience and I recommend if you're in the area!!

Lifelong New Englander and made my first trip to Mount Washington. Unfortunately, like most days,…read moreit was overcast and windy, so I couldn't really partake in the views. Nonetheless, it was still a fun time. You have about 45 minutes if you take the cog railway up, which is enough time to check out the museum, grab a snack, and look around.

4780 foot high mountain in the Presidential Range. It is a very nice view…read more It was my second time to do Eisenhower. The first time it was in summer, but there was no view because the summit was in the clouds. The second time I did in March. The trail are all covered in snow. MIcrospikes are sufficient. I brought snowshoes just in case but didn't need them. I hiked via Crawford path, 8 miles total in out and back, about 3100 feet elevation gain/loss. Dog friendly.

Nice view with many wild flowers. I did a loop hike. 9.2…read moremile, 2625 feet elevation gain. Hiked up via Gorge Brook trail, then checked out South peak which is a small detour. Then, continued on Carriage road to the Mount Moosiluke. Hiked down via Beaver brook trail and Asquam ridge trail. The top area is green meadow. This is very unusual in the White mountains. It is nice to sit down in the meadow and have lunch with view.

Took my first winter hike today following the Gorge Brook-Carriage Road-Snapper Trail loop…read more Amazing is all I have to say! I highly recommend this trail for a half day 4-5 hour outing as the full loop is about 7.5 miles. There is a little stretch near the top that's so windy it will freeze up your face and any liquids you're carrying will instantly turn into ice. I'm pretty sure with the windshield factor up there, it's below zero. As long as you've got the proper gear (gloves, multiple layers of clothing, hat and definitely microspikes or crampons) to tackle this baby, the summit is absolutely worth all the hard work. Such gorgeous views.

Walk across the wooden Albany Covered Bridge, built above the boulder-studded Swift River in 1858…read moreand restored in 1970. It's one of the coolest covered bridges in New Hampshire. There is a large parking lot here and you can also purchase a recreational pass via the self-service station. The bridge is 120 feet long and it took 'just' $1300 to build it ;) There are walking paths on either side of the bridge and plenty of areas to climb out on the rocks in the river for a perfect scenic photo with the bridge in the background. Don't forget to cross the bridge in your car- it's allowed and on the other side, it's very beautiful. we took that path to reach Belfast. Note: Watch out for traffic crossing the wooden bridge.

Another cute New Hampshire covered bridge! This one is a pretty busy stop though during fall…read morefoliage. I showed up around 10:30AM on a Thursday morning in early October and it was nearly impossible to take a solo picture. There's a large parking lot near the bridge and a lot of foot traffic. Cars can also drive through the bridge so watch out for your safety!