In our last post we summarized our top 5 favorite winter hikes under 5 miles. In this post, we’re taking it one step further and summarizing our top 5 favorite winter hikes under 10 miles. Perhaps you’re looking for more of a challenge but still want to keep your time in the woods under 7 hours. If so, this is the list for you. 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.

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 Under 10 Miles

Mount Pierce - 6 Miles, 2,400’ Elevation Gain

Route: Crawford Connector, Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail (out-and-back)
This very popular hike is one of our favorite 4000’ers to do in winter. Located in Crawford Notch, this historic trail is the oldest continuously maintained footpath in America dating back to 1819. The trail gains around 2,400’ elevation over the course of 3 miles and upon the summit of Mount Pierce you have 360 degree views of the presidential range.

Mount Moosilauke - 10 Miles, 2,700’ Elevation Gain

Route: Ravine Road, Gorge Brook Trail (out-and-back)
Mount Moosilauke, known as the gentle giant, is another wonderful 4000’er to climb in winter. Gorge Brook Trail is heavily trafficked, a bit steeper than Crawford Path, and gains a few hundred feet more elevation. There are views in every direction from the summit but be sure to bring proper winter hiking clothes because weather on the summit can be much different than the weather below treeline. Parking is along Ravine Road and the additional mileage is added to the 10 mile total. This hike is also done as a loop, ascending Gorge Brook Trail and descending via the Carriage Road and Snapper Trail back to the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge.

Middle Hancock & Mount Hancock - 9 Miles, 2,600’ Elevation Gain

Route: Hancock Notch Trail, Cedar Brook Trail, Hancock Loop Trail (out-and-back)
The Hancocks are two peaks situated in the Pemigewasset Wilderness and although the summit views are sporadic in the summer, with multiple feet of snowpack, views from Mount Hancock’s view spur are incredible in winter. The ascent to the summits along the Hancock Loop Trail is steep regardless of what way you complete the loop and the majority of people choose to do this loop clockwise in winter. Both trails leading to the twin summits are incredibly steep ascending 1,000’ in .6 miles (to Mt. Hancock’s summit) or 900’ in .4 miles (to Middle Hancock’s summit).

Middle & South Moat Mountains - 6.5 Miles, 2,200’ Elevation Gain

Route: Moat Mountain Trail from the south trailhead (out-and-back)
The Moat mountains are some of the most stunning peaks that aren’t on the 4000’er hiking list. From the summit of either South or Middle Moat Mountains you can’t go wrong in the view department as both summits are barren rock with scattered patches of vegetation. The trail leading to the summit of South Moat starts off gradual before making the final ascent to the summit. Be sure to wear proper traction as the exposed rocks along the trail can become very icy.

Lafayette, Lincoln, Little Haystack Mountains - 9 Miles, 4,000’ Elevation Gain

Route: Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge, Greenleaf Trail, Old Bridle Path (loop hike, counterclockwise)
Our final recommendation for a winter hike under 10 miles is the incredible Franconia Ridge. This strenuous hike gains around 4,000’ in under 9 miles, and runs above treeline along the exposed Franconia Ridge for the better part of 2 miles before dipping back below treeline on Greenleaf Trail right before reaching the Greenleaf Hut (closed in winter). There is really no comparison to the views that you get from these three breathtaking beauties under 10 miles and if you’re up for the relentless climb to the ridge, and only have one hike you can do in winter, we highly recommend this one. Be sure to bring sharp traction as Falling Waters Trail can be very icy.

Additional Hikes of Note

While this is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the hikes under 10 miles in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to visit in winter, they are some of the most popular hikes under 10 miles. Some additional hikes of note, under 10 miles are as follows:

North & South Kinsman Mountain, Franconia, NH - 9 Miles, 3,000’ Elevation Gain
Sandwich Dome, Waterville Valley, NH - 7.5 Miles, 2,600’ Elevation Gain
Carter Dome, Beans Purchase, NH - 10 Miles, 3,600’ Elevation Gain
Mount Liberty, Franconia, NH - 8 Miles, 3,100’ Elevation Gain
Mount Tom & Field, Crawford Notch, NH - 7 Miles, 2,900’ Elevation Gain

Five Winter Hikes Under 10 Miles in New Hampshire