Our Favorite Summer Hikes Over Ten Miles
Summer is in full swing and as the dog days roll in we’re ready to share some of our all time favorite summer hikes. From sweeping views to hidden gems, this list has something for everyone. We recommend checking out this post or this one if you’re interested in a late summer backpacking trip. In this edition of the summer hiking series, hikes that are over ten miles in length will be summarized. These hikes will take anywhere from five to ten plus hours to complete so please plan accordingly. Be sure to purchase a copy of the White Mountains map set and guidebook which can be found here. Let’s get into it!
Day Hikes Over Ten Miles in the WMNF
Crawford-Ridgepole Traverse, Sandwich, NH
11 Miles, Traverse
3,300’ Elevation Gain
This classic traverse located in the Squam Lakes region of New Hampshire will take you over (or right next to) the summits of over a half dozen named peaks and gains over 3,000’ of elevation in under 12 miles. Completing this traverse from south to north is more difficult and gains more elevation than starting at the northern terminus and heading south. The approach trail from the south is Cotton Mountain Trail and from the junction with Crawford-Ridgepole Trail you will continue along the ridge until reaching the final descent down to the northern trailhead on Sandwich Notch Road. This traverse is the perfect hike to challenge you physically while also giving you a series of small goals to reach along the way. Each summit can be seen as a mini-accomplishment as you rack up the elevation gain, and there are some incredible views along the ridge.
Route: Cotton Mountain Trail to Crawford-Ridgepole Trail
Mount Carrigain Loop, Livermore, NH
14 Miles, Loop Hike
4,000’ Elevation Gain
Sitting at almost 4,700’ elevation, Mount Carrigain is nestled right up against the Pemigewasset Wilderness in Livermore, NH and hiking to the summit from the north or the south is not for the faint of heart. Completing this loop counterclockwise, you will begin with the long, gradual walk along old railroad beds before starting the climb in earnest to the summit of Mount Carrigain. From here you drop down into the Pemigewasset Wilderness by the steep Desolation Trail before reaching the junction with Carrigain Notch Trail, banking right at the junction, and then taking another right at the next junction with Nancy Pond Trail, before beginning the gradual ascent back up to the height of land before making the descent back to the start. This loop will challenge you physically and is a great way to see some of the less trafficked parts of the White Mountain National Forest.
Route: Signal Ridge Trail to Desolation Trail to Carrigain Notch Trail to Signal Ridge Trail
Mount Moosilauke Loop, Woodstock, NH
10 Miles, Loop Hike
3,100’ Elevation Gain
Mount Moosilauke is one of the most breathtaking summits in the White Mountains. There are a variety of ways to reach the top of this peak, but one of the less traveled ways is via the Al Merrill Loop and Asquam Ridge Trails. This loop can be done in either direction. Gorge Brook Trail is one of the most heavily trafficked trails on Moosilauke and the Carriage Road is part of the Appalachian Trail so you will be hard pressed to step foot on this trail on a summer day and not run into thru-hikers. Asquam Ridge Trail runs through stunning forest over the summit of Mount Jim. Al Merrill Trail, which was originally designed as a ski trail, is seldom traveled and extends this loop hike to 10 miles without the roadwalk back to your car.
Route (clockwise): Gorge Brook Trail to Carriage Road to Beaver Brook Trail to Asquam Ridge Trail to Al Merrill Loop Trail to Asquam Ridge Trail
Zealand-Ethan Pond Traverse, Hart’s Location, NH
10 Miles, Traverse Hike
1,100’ Elevation Gain (West to East)
This traverse hike is perfect for those who want to spend a day in the woods but don’t want to gain a ton of elevation. Regardless of which direction you complete this traverse, the elevation gain never reaches over 1,800’ total and if you complete it from west to east it will be around 1,100’ total for ten miles of hiking. Running along old railroad beds from the logging days, Zealand Trail makes a very gradual ascent before reaching the junction with Ethan Pond Trail. From here, the trail continues at gentle grades running right along the Pemigewasset Wilderness boundary. Views from the stretch of trail that brushes up against Whitewall Mountain are stunning. From here, you continue the gradual ascent along bog bridges before beginning the descent down to Crawford Notch.
Route: Zealand Trail to Ethan Pond Trail
Cohos Trail Traverse, Stark, NH
12.5 Miles, Traverse Hike
3,500’ Elevation Gain (west to east)
This traverse along the Cohos Trail in northern NH is one of our favorite hikes. Starting on Nash Stream Road, you will follow a series of trails that make up a portion of the 170 mile Cohos Trail. From the start, you will enter a heavily wooded forest, running along and crossing Pond Brook Falls, before reaching the junction with Trio Trail. From here you make the long, gradual ascent towards the twin Percy Peaks. At the Junction with Percy Loop Trail you begin the climb in earnest to the North Percy Spur. Descend from this almost treeless summit (where views rival the Presidential range, in our opinions) and begin the continued descent to the junction with Old Summer Club Trail. From here, the trail becomes much less traveled as it winds down into the forest on the southeastern slopes of the Percy Peaks. Take the short, steep spur to Victor Head for added elevation gain and a peak at the twin peaks through the trees before continuing along Old Summer Club Trail to the trailhead along Percy Road. Be sure to pay attention to the trail markers (yellow blazes) specifically along this stretch of trail where there are two side trails that branch off of Old Summer Club Trail.
Route: Pond Brook Falls Trail to Trio Trail to Percy Loop Trail to North Percy Summit Spur to Percy Loop Trail to Old Summer Club Trail to Victor Head Spur to Old Summer Club Trail
What are some of your favorite short hikes in the White Mountains? Comment Below!
