The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Coos County

Prepare for a difficult hike up Mount Washington via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, a challenging ascent covering 4.0 miles (6.5 km). You will gain a significant 4202 feet (1281 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 21 minutes to reach the summit. The route begins with pleasant woodland views, passing the picturesque Crystal Cascade waterfall, before the terrain changes dramatically. As you climb, you will enter the impressive Tuckerman Ravine, navigating over boulders on the headwall for increasingly spectacular views above the treeline.

Planning your visit requires careful attention to Mount Washington's famously unpredictable weather. The trail starts at the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Pinkham Notch Visitor Center; it is wise to check current conditions there before you begin. In winter and spring, the Tuckerman Ravine headwall can be impassable and closed due to snow, ice, and avalanche hazards, often requiring technical gear. Even during summer and fall, you should be ready for high winds, low visibility, and rapid temperature changes.

This iconic route is one of the most popular ways to reach the summit from the east side, located within the White Mountain National Forest. While the summit can offer expansive views, be prepared for it to be frequently shrouded in fog and clouds. The dramatic changes in terrain and climate make this a notable experience for those seeking a true mountain challenge.

Embark on the challenging Mount Tom, Field, Willey, and Avalon Loop, a difficult 7.8 miles (12.5 km) hike that typically takes 5 hours and 54 minutes. You will ascend a significant 3077 feet (938 metres) through varied terrain, typical of the White Mountains, featuring rocky and rooty sections. While Mount Tom and Mount Field offer mostly wooded summits, the highlight is Mount Avalon, which rewards your effort with exceptional panoramic views of Crawford Notch and Mount Washington. Along the lower Avalon Trail, you can also discover the beauty of Beecher Cascade and Pearl Cascade, adding visual interest to your journey.

The trailhead for this loop is easily accessible from either the Crawford Notch Visitor Center or Crawford Depot, offering convenient starting points. This difficult route is viable year-round, but be aware that conditions change significantly with the seasons. If you plan to hike during winter months, you should be prepared for potentially icy sections. Make sure to bring appropriate gear such as microspikes or snowshoes to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the trail.

This loop is situated within Crawford Notch State Park, a region known for its rugged beauty and diverse landscapes. The path between Field and Willey guides you through a dense, scenic forest, showcasing the natural environment of the White Mountains. The varied terrain and multiple summit experiences make this a notable and rewarding hike for experienced adventurers seeking a comprehensive tour of the area's peaks and waterfalls.

Embark on the difficult Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine and Boott Spur Trail, a challenging hike covering 9.8 miles (15.7 km) with an elevation gain of 4275 feet (1303 metres). This route typically takes around 6 hours and 35 minutes to complete, leading you past the scenic Crystal Cascade and into the dramatic glacial cirque of Tuckerman Ravine. As you climb above the treeline, you will experience rugged alpine conditions and expansive 360-degree views of the Presidential Range, with Harvard Rock offering a direct vantage point into the ravine.

Before you set out, be aware that Mount Washington is known for its rapidly changing and extreme weather, so always check forecasts and prepare for high winds, low visibility, and potential snow, even during summer months. This demanding hike requires proper gear and a realistic assessment of your physical limits. You can begin your adventure from the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, which serves as the primary access point for this area.

This loop offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw power of nature in the White Mountain National Forest, traversing a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. The trail's ascent into Tuckerman Ravine provides a close look at a significant geological feature, while the summit views showcase the vastness of the Presidential Range. It is a notable route for those seeking a strenuous and rewarding alpine hiking experience in New England.

Embark on the Mount Washington via Lion Head and Boott Spur Loop for a truly challenging hiking experience, covering 10.2 miles (16.4 km) with a substantial elevation gain of 4677 feet (1425 metres). This difficult route, estimated to take around 7 hours, transitions from shaded forested paths to exposed alpine environments. You will pass the beautiful Crystal Cascade early on, then ascend to sweeping views of Huntington Ravine and the broader Presidential Range before reaching the iconic Mount Washington Summit.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration due to Mount Washington's notoriously severe and rapidly changing weather conditions, which can include high winds and cold temperatures even in summer. It is crucial to be well-prepared with appropriate gear and to check forecasts before you go. The trail typically starts and ends at the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, which offers facilities and serves as a key access point.

This loop offers panoramic vistas into Tuckerman Ravine, especially from Boott Spur, providing a unique perspective on the rugged landscape of White Mountain National Forest. The diverse terrain and the rewarding views from the summit make this a standout adventure for experienced hikers seeking a memorable journey in the region.