In our last post we summarized our top 5 favorite winter hikes under 10 miles. In this post, we’re taking it one step further and summarizing our top 5 favorite winter hikes OVER 10 miles. These hikes are going to require a commitment of a full day (7+ hours) in the woods. Depending on your experience level you can absolutely complete some of these hikes in under 6 hours (maintaining a 2mph elapsed time) but for most people these hikes are going to take at minimum 6 hours of hiking to complete. While there are a myriad of incredible hikes to do in other parts of New England, it feels fitting to start our series on winter hiking by sharing some incredible winter hikes located in our favorite part of New England: The White Mountain National Forest.

We recommend checking out our post on the basics of winter hiking if you’re new to hiking in the winter.

Winter Hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire OVER 10 Miles

Owl’s Head (out-and-back) - 15.8 Miles, 3,300’ Elevation Gain

Route: Lincoln Woods Trail, Black Pond Trail, Black Pond Bushwhack, Lincoln Brook Trail, Brutus Bushwhack, Owl’s Head Herdpath

Starting off, we are throwing out a hike that is perhaps a questionable place to start. This 4000’er is by no means going to present sweeping views. Located smack in the middle of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, Owl’s Head is one of the 4000’ers many hikers loathe completing. However, in winter, you can shave 2 miles off this hike by completing it via the two bushwhacks which are heavily trafficked in winter. The Black Pond bushwhack also removes one of the larger river crossings. The added bonus of doing this hike in winter is the muddy sections of Lincoln Brook Trail are covered in snow so you won’t be subjected to rock hopping around wet sections. We recommend doing this hike with a partner and familiarity with off-trail navigation, especially if the bushwhacks haven’t been broken out yet. Check here for trail conditions prior to setting out.

Mount Garfield (out-and-back) - 12 Miles, 3,300’ Elevation Gain

Route: Road walk Gale River Rd., Mount Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail

Mount Garfield is one of our favorite hikes regardless of season. It is one of the few trails in the White Mountains that has switchbacks, and the gradual ascent to the summit is a welcome change from the usual relentlessness of New England hiking trails. From the summit you have views in all directions and the stone foundation of a former fire tower for some protection from the weather. Because Gale River Trail is closed in winter, this 10 mile hike is 12 miles in winter. However, it is well worth the added 2 miles of road walking for the breathtaking views from the summit and gentle ascent on Mt. Garfield Trail.

Eisenhower, Pierce, & Jackson (extended loop) - 11 Miles, 3,800’ Elevation Gain

Route: Crawford Connector, Crawford Path, Eisenhower Loop Trail, Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail, Webster-Jackson Trail Jackson Branch, Webster-Jackson Trail, Roadwalk

This extended loop hike includes an out-and-back to the summit of Mount Eisenhower before swinging south to the summit of Mount Pierce and finally Mount Jackson. At under 12 miles, and less than 4,000’ of climbing, this hike is easily doable in winter with proper gear. Be sure to check the higher summits forecast and recent trail conditions. The trail between the Mizpah Hut and the summit of Mount Jackson is less traveled in winter so may require breaking out. The rest of the trails are often traveled in winter.

Mount Whiteface & Passaconaway (loop hike) - 11 Miles, 4,000’ Elevation Gain

Route: Blueberry Ledge Trail, Rollins Trail, Passaconaway Loop (West), Dicey’s Mill Trail

Mount Whiteface & Passaconaway are two peaks that are visited in winter on a regular basis. The rock scramble up to the summit of Whiteface will be icy and it is highly recommended that you ascend this trail and descend the hike via Dicey’s Mill Trail. If you choose to do only Whiteface as an out-and-back, be sure to bring proper traction (such as crampons rather than just microspikes). This loop has a great view from the rocky outcropping prior to Whiteface’s summit, and from another outcropping prior to Passaconaway’s wooded summit.

Zealand Falls Hut (out-and-back) - 12.5 Miles, 700’ Elevation Gain

Route: Zealand Road, Zealand Trail, Twinway

Although this hike doesn’t end at a summit, we believe that even just a long walk in the woods in winter is worth the excursion. For those who are looking for a little extra miles and a view, head an additional mile (1,000’ elevation gain) past the hut to Zeacliff. Zealand Falls Hut is one of the few huts that are opened in winter (caretaker only in winter). You can spend a few minutes on the porch and have a snack before returning via Zealand Trail. Zealand Trail is a beautiful trail that only gains a few hundred feet of elevation (less than 800’ in 2.5 miles) and follows a former logging railroad bed.

Additional Hikes of Note

While this is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the hikes over 10 miles in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to visit in winter, they are some of the most popular hikes. Hikes over 10 miles in the winter require added caution. Be sure to carry appropriate gear regardless of how long your hike is, especially in winter. Hikes that require backcountry navigation (such as the two bushwhacks noted on the first hike on this post) should be done with a partner and previous experience of off-trail hiking. A few additional hikes that are over 10 miles and completed in winter are as follows:

Zealand, West Bond, Bondcliff, Mount Bond Traverse: 23 Miles, 5,000’ Elevation Gain
Isolation via Engine Hill bushwhack: 11 Miles, 3,100’ Elevation Gain
Mount Washington & Monroe via Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail: 10 Miles, 4,100’ Elevation Gain

Five Winter Hikes OVER 10 Miles in New Hampshire