The best walks and hikes in Coos County

Mount Franklin, at 5,003 feet, sits between Mount Monroe and Mount Eisenhower on the southern Presidential Ridge. Though it doesn't officially count toward the AMC’s 4,000-Footer list due to its lack of prominence, it still offers an alpine experience with sweeping views in all directions. The summit is broad and open, with low vegetation and a windswept feel that makes it a striking spot to pause for a sip of water and a breather between peaks. Most hikers pass over Franklin while on the Crawford Path often without realizing it’s a named summit! Regardless, its still a great summit to tick off, especially if trying to bag all the named peaks within the Presidential Range.

Mount Pierce stands at 4,310 feet and is toward the southern end of the Presidential Range. From its summit, you get sweeping views north toward Mount Eisenhower and Mount Washington from a mix of alpine scrub and rocky ledges. Named after Franklin Pierce, the only U.S. president from New Hampshire, it’s a must stop if tagging all the peaks along on the Presidential Traverse, or those looking for a challenging day hike.

Lake of the Clouds Hut is the highest and one of the most iconic of the AMC’s backcountry huts. Perched at 5,012 feet between Mount Monroe and Mount Washington, it offers stunning alpine views, dramatic sunsets, and a front-row seat to the Presidential Range’s famously unpredictable weather. It's a great place to stop and refill water bottles or shelter from the weather on a day hike or an iconic (and popular!) place to spend the night. The hut is full-service during the summer and early fall, with bunk accommodations, family-style dinner and breakfast, potable water, and composting toilets. It sleeps over 90 hikers and is a popular overnight stop for those tackling the Presidential Traverse. Reservations are essential and fill quickly.

Okay, so Zeta Pass isn't exactly spilling over in spectacular views. But it's a junction between the Appalachian Trail and the Carter Dome Trail, opening the door to some great views. It also offers access to/from the Nineteen Mile Brook Trailhead, which is a bit more than 7 miles away from this spot.

Nestled in the White Mountain National Forest, the Mizpah Spring Hut is a cozy stop for hikers exploring the Presidential Range. Offering bunk accommodations, hearty meals, and potable water, it’s a great place to rest and recharge while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you're tackling a challenging trail or looking for a serene overnight retreat, this Appalachian Mountain Club hut is a memorable part of any White Mountains adventure.

Washington is the most prominent mountain in the eastern U.S. and an absolutely incredible peak to bag. This is easily one of the best summits in New England. It is also the most dangerous if you come unprepared, especially in the winter. Washington creates its own rapidly changing weather system and is known for being the deadliest small mountain in the world. The second-fastest wind speed on earth was recorded here at over 230mph. That said, a quarter million people visit Washington every year, and if you come prepared and respect the mountain you have nothing to fear and are guaranteed to have an epic summit.

Dress warmly. Snow season begins July 1 and ends June 30. We were at 68 mph at the summit. Keeping your hat on is a good idea. Two days ago, when we were last up there, it was 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was blowing lightly around 23 mph. Mt. Washington is the highest peak within 1,000 miles, making it an exposed location with what the US Weather Service calls the worst and most surprising weather in the world.

Nice stop at mountain lakes