The 5 Places To Propose In The White Mountains of New Hampshire That You’ve Never Heard Of
In just a few weeks we will be inundated with engagement announcements, proposals, and newly-formed relationships and although Valentine’s Day is certainly more commercialized than any of the other holidays out there, for a lot of people it is a day that signifies the bond between two people. We’re talking about the thing that makes the world go round, y’all; we’re talking about L.O.V.E.
So for the next two weeks we will be breaking down not only the most iconic spots to propose, but the spots that you won’t see plastered all over your Instagram feed. The places where you can bet your bouquet of roses won’t be full of people when you bare it all and confess your undying love to your partner.
Before we get into the lists, it should be noted that not all of these places are accessible in winter hiking conditions. Seasonality will be noted for each location as well as rough mileage, elevation, and any necessary parking/camping permits or reservations. Hike at your own risk, do your research, and make sure that you are following the Leave No Trace Principles and carrying the Ten Essentials.
Mossy Glen, Randolph, New Hampshire
½ - 3 Miles Total
175’ - 500’ Elevation Gain
This stunning spot nestled in the Randolph Community Forest is not just a fantastic place to propose, it would be a stunning spot to hold an intimate wedding. Tucked into a small glen, you will find a multi-tiered mossy amphitheater, a series of small cascades, and a Nepalese bridge leading across the brook. Although this hike is quite short, you can absolutely spend some time exploring the multitude of trails around the Randolph Community Forest.
We recommend purchasing a copy of the Randolph Valley and Northern Peaks of the Presidential Range map as this area has a lot of trails that criss-cross each other.
Sample Itineraries:
Option 1 (Out-and-Back Hike)
Seasonality - Four season hiking option but be sure to bring appropriate gear and check weather and trail conditions.
Parking - Be sure to follow parking signs and respect private property. Parking is found along Durand Road.
Groveway Trail, Bluffway Trail
1 Mile Total
175’ Elevation Gain
Option 2 (Loop Hike)
Seasonality - Four season hiking option but be sure to bring appropriate gear and check weather and trail conditions.
Parking - Be sure to follow parking signs and respect private property. Parking at the end of Pasture Path Road.
Pasture Trail, EZ Way, The Diagonal, Glenside Trail, Bluffway Trail, The Diagonal, Beeline Trail, Pasture Trail
3 Miles Total
500’ Elevation Gain
Mud Pond Trail, Jefferson, New Hampshire
1.5 Miles Total
100’ Elevation Gain
Mud Pond Trail is a beautiful out and back hike that is wheelchair accessible. This trail leads you through a stunning conifer forest along a well constructed boardwalk. It ends at a boreal bog nestled right in the middle of the forest with views towards Owl’s Head and Mount Martha. The boardwalk opens up to a wide observation platform with benches.
Sample Itinerary:
Seasonality - Four season availability but this trail is not wheelchair accessible in winter unless you have special wheels for snow.
Parking - No fee for parking
Mud Pond Trail (Out-and-Back)
1.5 Miles Total
100’ Elevation Gain
Rattlesnake Pool, Stow, Maine
1 - 4 Miles Total
300’ - 1200’ Elevation Gain
This beautiful swimming hole is tucked into the side of Blueberry Mountain in Stow, Maine. The trail leading to cascading Rattlesnake Brook and swimming hole is located on private property so please be sure to follow signs leading to the trail which can be difficult to locate. Please respect private property and park in the designated spot on Shell Pond Road.
This is not a hike that we recommend in winter conditions. Late spring (May) through October is the best time to visit this waterfall. We recommend visiting it in summer and to take advantage of the swimming hole.
Sample Itineraries:
Option 1 (Out-and-Back Hike)
Seasonality - This is a three season hike that we recommend doing in summer to take advantage of the swimming hole.
Parking - Please follow parking signs and only park at designated spots along Shell Pond Road.
Shell Pond Road, Stone House Trail, Rattlesnake Flume Spur
2 Miles Total
300’ Elevation Gain
Option 2 (Loop Hike)
Seasonality - This is a three season hike that we recommend doing in summer to take advantage of the swimming hole.
Parking - Please follow parking signs and only park at designated spots along Shell Pond Road.
Shell Pond Road, Stone House Trail, Rattlesnake Flume Spur, Stone House Trail, Blueberry Ridge Trail, White Cairn Trail
4 Miles Total
1,200’ Elevation Gain
Province Pond Lean-To, Chatham, New Hampshire
3 Miles Total
500’ Elevation Gain
Province Pond, tucked into the middle of the White Mountain National Forest, is easily accessible by following a snowmobile route and a single-track hiking path running to the north shore of Province Pond. There is a stunning three-sided lean-to nestled right on the edge of Province Pond that is the perfect place to spend a romantic night in the woods. The accessibility of this shelter and the perfect placement right on the edge of the pond are what makes it the a wonderful place to propose or to celebrate a proposal.
Sample Itinerary:
Seasonality - This hike could be completed in all four seasons using proper winter hiking gear. Camping - The shelter is first come, first served and there is no fee to stay here.
Parking - Park in marked lot, no fee for parking.
Province Brook Trail (Out and Back)
3 Miles Total
500’ Elevation Gain
Bridalveil Falls & Coppermine Shelter, Franconia, New Hampshire
5 Miles Out-and-Back
1,200’ Elevation Gain
Our last recommendation for proposals is Bridalveil Falls and Coppermine Shelter. This 2.5 mile one-way hike leads you into the White Mountain National Forest and to the base of Bridalveil Falls. This 80’ waterfall is the backdrop of your stay in the Coppermine Shelter, a three-sided lean-to located right at the base of the falls. This is a hike that can be done in all four seasons. It is the perfect spot to stage a proposal, engagement photos, or even just a romantic walk in the woods. Park in the lot at end of Coppermine Road and walk to start of trail (marked)
Sample Itinerary:
Seasonality - This hike can be done any month of the year and is often broken out even in winter.
Camping - The shelter is first come, first served and there is no fee to stay here.
Parking - Park in the lot at end of Coppermine Road and walk to start of trail (marked)
Coppermine Trail (Out-and-Back)
5 Miles Total
1,200’ Elevation Gain
Whether you’re looking for a long day in the woods or a quick stop at a pretty view before heading out to eat, the White Mountains have something for you. This post highlights just a few of lesser known places to propose to your significant other and should be part of the planning process for your hike, not the only source you rely on to plan your hike. Be sure to read the guidebook, check weather and trail conditions, and carry proper gear on all hikes. Check out this post for additional itineraries on more popular places to propose in the White Mountains.