Easy hikes and walks around High Rolls

The Pines South and Pines North Loop offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience through the diverse woodlands of the Lincoln National Forest. This easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) loop, with a gentle 430 feet (131 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through second-growth pine and fir forests, dotted with glades of oaks and aspens. You can expect to complete this tranquil journey in about 1 hour and 23 minutes, making it a perfect outing for a relaxed afternoon.

To plan your visit, head to the Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. While specific parking information isn't detailed, trailheads in national forests usually have clear access points. This route is generally suitable for most fitness levels and is a great option for families looking for a straightforward forest walk.

What makes this trail particularly interesting is its historical foundation; much of the path utilizes an old railroad bed, blending natural beauty with a touch of the past. This historical context provides a unique backdrop for your outdoor adventure, offering a peaceful escape into a landscape shaped by both human endeavor and nature's resilience. It's a notable choice for those seeking an easy, scenic hike in the region.

The Bridal Veil Falls Trail (T129) offers a delightful escape into a high desert landscape that quickly transforms into a lush, green oasis. This easy 0.6-mile (1.0 km) hike, with only 50 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 17 minutes to complete, making it a perfect short outing. You'll follow a smooth, gravelly doubletrack path along an old railroad bed, leading you through Juniper-Piñon trees to the refreshing 45-foot Bridal Veil Falls, a true visual gem.

Planning your visit to this popular trail is straightforward, as it's generally accessible for all skill levels. The trailhead is easy to find, and while specific parking details aren't noted, it's a well-known spot in Lincoln National Forest. This trail is an excellent option for a quick outdoor adventure, especially if you're looking for a family-friendly hike without significant elevation challenges.

What makes the Bridal Veil Falls Trail (T129) truly unique is its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It's part of the Rails-to-Trails system, preserving a segment of the historic Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountains railroad bed. The waterfall itself, fed by a year-round spring, historically served as a wash-up stop for train passengers, adding a fascinating layer to your experience in this cool, green sanctuary.

The Osha Trail Loop near Cloudcroft offers a delightful journey through lush alpine forests of pine, fir, and aspen, providing a scenic escape into the Lincoln National Forest. You'll experience gentle terrain changes, including an initial climb that soon levels out, leading to open mountain meadows. The route provides panoramic viewpoints of the vast Tularosa Basin, with distant glimpses of the White Sands National Monument, making it a truly rewarding experience for its easy 2.6 miles (4.1 km) and 303 feet (92 metres) of elevation gain.

Planning your visit to the Osha Trail Loop is straightforward, though it's wise to consider the season. While accessible year-round, winter brings heavy snow, transforming the path into a snowshoeing route. For the best hiking experience, aim for spring, summer, or fall, when you can enjoy temperate weather, vibrant wildflowers, or spectacular fall foliage. The trail is located near Cloudcroft, making parking generally accessible, but checking local conditions, especially for snow, is always a good idea.

What makes the Osha Trail Loop notable is its blend of natural beauty and local context. The trail is named after the Osha plant, a medicinal root valued by local healers, which grows along its path. You might also spot various wildlife, including birds, deer, and elk, especially during quieter times. This easy 1 hour and 10 minutes hike offers a refreshing taste of the high-altitude environment, making it a popular choice for families and those new to hiking.

The Cloud-Climbing Trestle Trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, winding through fragrant fir and pine trees. You'll follow ridgelines that open up to immense views of the forestland below, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of the White Sands dunes and the distant San Andreas Mountains. The path itself varies from paved sections to dirt, with some steep stretches and switchbacks, making it a dynamic experience for an easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) hike.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail starts near a replica railway depot where you'll find parking and restrooms. The route is rated easy, with an elevation gain of 390 feet (119 metres) and an estimated duration of just over an hour, making it a great option for a quick outing. No permits are needed, so you can head out whenever the mood strikes, though mornings often offer the best conditions for enjoying the scenic views.

This trail is steeped in the history of the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway, also known as the Cloud-Climbing Railroad, which operated between 1900 and 1947. The main attraction is the historic Mexican Canyon Trestle, a registered historical place built in 1899, which you can view from a dedicated platform. You'll also encounter historical markers along the way, including the large railroad cut known as the Devil's Elbow, excavated largely by hand and dynamite in 1899.

The Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail Loop takes you through a delightful mix of Ponderosa pine forests and open areas, offering a refreshing escape into nature. You will pass through the scenic Mexican Canyon, known for its vibrant bigtooth maples that put on a spectacular show in autumn. The trail also provides impressive distant vistas of the San Andres Mountains and the Tularosa Basin, including the White Sands, making for a visually rewarding 3.0-mile (4.9 km) hike.

This easy route, with 453 feet (138 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hours and 25 minutes, is a great option for a leisurely outing. While you might hear some road noise from US 82 at the start, it quickly dissipates as you delve deeper into the forest. Consider visiting in the fall for the best colors, and aim for an early start to enjoy the tranquility and easier parking.

Beyond the natural beauty, the Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail Loop is steeped in history, following parts of the old Alamogordo to Cloudcroft highway and remnants of an 1898 logging spur. You can also spot the historic Mexican Canyon Trestle, a testament to the area's rich railroad past. This blend of scenic views and historical intrigue makes it a unique and engaging experience in the Lincoln National Forest.