The Fourth of July is right around the corner and we’re stoked to share some of our favorite places to go to avoid the crowds and hit the trails in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. If you’re willing to battle the northbound traffic then we’re willing to give you some epic places to hike that won’t be overcrowded. From hidden waterfalls to beautiful mountaintops, this series has something for everyone. Lengths range from under a mile to over ten. There are easy to follow trails and navigational challenges so be sure to break out your map and guidebook before heading out on some of these hikes.

Before hitting any trail we encourage everyone to refer to the White Mountain Guidebook and map to read about the hike. Carry the Ten Essentials, practice Leave No Trace, and make sure you are sharing your plans with a trusted individual(s) before heading out into the woods. Check the weather where you are intending to hike the day of your hike (if possible) and be prepared to turn around if necessary. But most of all, have fun!

Day Hikes

Last week we shared some of our favorite water features to visit that are likely to be uncrowded. This week we are going to share a handful of hikes that are great places to visit if your goal is to get away from the crowds, enjoy a woods walk, or a summit snack. These hikes range in length from 2 miles long to over ten miles and navigational difficulty will be noted on each option. For more in depth information on the trails and full descriptions we highly encourage each of you to purchase a copy of the White Mountain Guidebook and map set.

Rainbow Trail

Jackson, New Hampshire
10 Miles total (out-and-back)
2,600’ Elevation gain

Rainbow Trail is nestled in the Wild River Wilderness. This trail is stunning in fall, but in summer is equally as breathtaking. To avoid the crowds on the more popular approaches we recommend taking Bog Brook Trail to the start of Rainbow Trail. Bog Brook Trail can be marshy and more overgrown than many of the more popular trails so please be sure to read the trail description before heading out on this hike. Rainbow Trail runs through a stunning birch glade and reaches a beautiful open bald prior to the final push to the summit of Carter Dome. From this spot you have views toward the Carter and Wildcat Ranges.

Caribou Mountain

Gilead, Maine
5 Miles total (out-and-back)
1,850’ Elevation gain

Caribou Mountain is found in the Caribou-Speckled Wilderness in Maine. It is a beautiful mountain which offers views towards the Mahoosuc Range from its summit. To avoid crowds in the Evans Notch region we recommend climbing this mountain from the eastern trailhead on Bog Road. This hike is not difficult in terms of navigation and despite being in a wilderness following the trail was not a problem.

Mount Crag

Shelburne, New Hampshire
2 Miles total (out-and-back)
700’ Elevation gain

Mount Crag is a small summit tucked right in the crook of the Mahoosuc Range. Although this hike is short, it is also steep, gaining 700’ in roughly a mile of hiking and the majority of the elevation gain happens during the final .3 miles of hiking. From the summit you have views west towards the Carter-Moriah Range and the northern presidentials. This trail is well maintained and easy to follow.

Moose Mountain, South Peak

Hanover, New Hampshire
4 Miles total (out-and-back)
950’ Elevation gain

Moose Mountain, South Peak is nestled right along the Appalachian Trail in Hanover, New Hampshire. From the summit you have views southeast. The trail to the summit is moderately graded and easy to follow. There is a beautiful grassy spot on the summit where you can stop for a break and enjoy the summer sun.

The Scaur

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
4.5 Miles total (out-and-back)
700’ Elevation gain

The Scaur is a small summit nestled into the side of the ridge that eventually reaches the summit of Scaur Peak. This small summit offers limited views into the Sandwich Wilderness. Although this peak doesn’t have 360 views, it is well worth the visit for the woods walk alone. From easy to follow Livermore Trail, you will take a left onto Kettle’s Path. The summit spur is marked with a sign and a short climb off the main trail takes you to the open ledge where you can take a short break before returning to the trailhead.

Little East Pond Trail

Livermore, New Hampshire
4 Miles total (out-and-back)
900’ Elevation Gain

This woods walk is worth visiting even if it doesn’t end at the top of a mountain. Little East Pond Trail runs from the very popular Tripoli Road to Little East Pond. The trailwork that has been done along this route is stunning. Although you won’t be finishing the hike at a mountaintop, you will end at a beautiful pond perfectly surrounded by Scar Ridge. There is the option to make this a loop hike by taking East Pond Connector and East Pond Trail back to the trailhead.

What are some of your favorite hikes to avoid the crowds? Comment below!

Fourth of July Hikes to Avoid the Crowds in the White Mountains Part Two: Day Hikes