Five Hikes Under 10 Miles to Avoid the Crowds on Memorial Day in the White Mountains
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times to go north to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Regardless of whether or not you’re planning on hiking, the influx of people to the lakes region north can be overwhelming and downright frustrating. If you’re looking for some of the best places to go hiking but avoid the crowds, you’re in the right place. Every one of these hikes comes with views, so be sure to bookmark this one and let’s get into the hikes!
*Be sure to carry proper gear. Even though we’re in late May, there is still a chance to come across remnants of snow or ice on the trails. We recommend purchasing the AMC White Mountain Guidebook and map set.
Sugarloaf Mountain, Nash Stream Forest, New Hampshire
4.2 Miles Total
2,200’ Elevation Gain
First on the list is a peak nestled right on the edge of one of our favorite regions in the White Mountains, Nash Stream Forest. Located in Stratford, New Hampshire, Sugarloaf Mountain packs a punch, gaining 2,200’ in 2 miles one way. The former home of a fire tower, the summit of this mountain offers stunning views in all directions, depending on where you’re standing. As an added bonus, there are remnants of the old fire watchman’s tower scattered among the ferns on the side of the trail. What makes this peak extra special is not just the hike itself but the location. For those looking to get away from the droves of people in Lincoln, New Hampshire or North Conway, New Hampshire, Nash Stream Forest is tucked far enough north to limit the likelihood of being packed to the brim. The road to the trailhead follows Nash Stream and passes by two busier peaks, North and South Percy, which are more than worth hiking as well, albeit more likely to have a full parking lot at the trailhead.
Caribou Mountain, South Oxford, Maine
6 Miles Total
1,900’ Elevation Gain
Caribou Mountain is a beautiful peak that is seldom visited and therefore is perfect for this list. The summit is reachable from the northeast and the west and we recommend you take the northeastern approach to avoid crowds in Evans Notch. Caribou Trail east parking is found at the end of Bog Road off of route 2 and Caribou Mountain is located within the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness. The ascent to the summit is gradual and we consider this hike to be on the easier side of the moderate range. Once you reach the final ascent to the summit you will begin to meander along a rocky summit cone and from the summit views stretch in all directions. You will have views of the Northern Presidentials, the Mahoosucs, and the Carter-Moriah Range from the top of Caribou Mountain.
Blueberry Mountain, Fryeburg, Maine
3.5 Miles Total
1,200’ Elevation Gain
Blueberry Mountain in the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness is another stunning peak that you can be sure won’t be overcrowded this Memorial Day weekend. And while there are four different ways to reach the summit, we recommend parking on Shell Pond Road off of route 113, ascending via White Cairn Trail, and descending via Stone House Trail. This route is less trafficked and both of these trails are stunning in and of themselves. There are views towards the Baldfaces from the summit of Blueberry Mountain. And as an added bonus, there is a spur trail off of Stone House Trail that leads to Rattlesnake Pool, an emerald colored swimming hole worth a visit. Be sure to respect the private property that is located near the start of Stone House Trail and park in the designated parking spot along Shell Pond Road.
Victor Head, Stark, New Hampshire
4.5 Miles Total
1,100’ Elevation Gain
This summit is tucked right in the middle of Nash Stream Forest. It is located off of the Cohos Trail, a 165 mile trail that runs from the US/Canadian border to the Davis Path trailhead in Crawford Notch. Victor Head is a wooded summit that has a view north towards the Percy Peaks. There is room for a tent or hammock on the summit and you will be unlikely to see anyone on your hike along the Old Summer Club Trail to the summit spur. We highly recommend purchasing a copy of the AMC White Mountain Guide and the map set if you are planning on doing this hike as it is in a pretty remote part of the state. There is also the option to stay at the three sided Adirondack style lean-to off of the Unnamed Trail leading to the junction with Old Summer Club Trail (this area is very well signed so you won’t miss the spur to the lean-to). Parking is found on Summer Club Road and there are active logging operations going on in this area as of 2023/2024.
Blueberry Mountain, Benton, New Hampshire
3.2 Miles Total
1,090’ Elevation Gain
Blueberry Mountain in Benton, New Hampshire can be hiked from the south or west. We chose to plan out the route from the south because there are more views from this side of the mountain even on the ascent. The final stretch of trail runs along rocks and from the trail you can see the Gentle Giant, Mount Moosilauke in the distance. The likelihood of this trail being crowded, given its vicinity to the trailhead for Mount Moosilauke and the Appalachian Trail, is lower because more people will be hitting those summits than this smaller peak. However, Blueberry Mountain is a beautiful summit and deserves a visit, especially if you’re looking for a shorter hike with less elevation gain. From the ledges, later in the summer, you will find an abundance of blueberries for picking. The trailhead for Blueberry Mountain Trail south is found off of Long Pond Road.
What are some of your favorite places to hike to avoid the crowds? Comment below!