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 but for the next month we’re going to be giving you a wide variety of options in terms of day hikes that can be done in under six hours in the White Mountain National Forest. 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 Under Ten Miles in the WMNF

Mount Osceola, Livermore, NH

6 Miles Out-and-Back
2,000’ Elevation Gain

Mount Osceola is a beautiful summit tucked right in the Waterville Valley area and is a very busy hike in the summer for good reason. With a handful of switchbacks along the steepest part of the ascent, and a large rocky summit where you can take in the views, this 4000’er is one of our favorite summer hikes to do. For a bit longer of a hike, you can continue along the ridge past the summit of Mount Osceola to their sister peak, East Osceola, and then back, adding a further 800’ of climbing, another 4000’er, and an additional 2 miles of hiking.

Route: Mount Osceola Trail, Out and Back from Tripoli Rd.

Nancy & Norcross Ponds, Hart’s Location, NH

8.5 Miles Out-and-Back
2,400’ Elevation Gain

Nancy Pond and Norcross Pond are two small bodies of water found in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The Nancy Brook Research Natural Area encompasses these two ponds as well as the four waterfalls found along the trail leading up to the ponds. Following along Nancy Brook, the trail meanders along a graded ascent through the drainage where Nancy Brook runs before making the steeper climb up along three waterfalls before becoming less steep for the final push to the ponds. A beautiful place to spend the day, this region is home to one of the 100 highest peaks in New England as well, Nancy Peak, and the herd path to the summit is found at the northern tip of Norcross Pond.

Route: Nancy Pond Trail out and back from Route 302.

Smart’s Mountain Fire Tower via J Trail, Orford, NH

7 Miles Out-and-Back
1,900’ Elevation Gain

Smart’s Mountain Fire Tower can be reached by four individual trails but out of the four, we enjoyed J Trail the most for its easy to follow footpath, more gentle ascent, and beautiful forest. Views from the fire tower on the summit are well worth the climb and given the fact that this trail is a portion of the Appalachian Trail you will be hard pressed to find yourself alone while hiking it in summertime. There is something special about this single track and the sense of being a part of that something while hiking along the footpath is well worth the beads of sweat that will form on your brow as you make your ascent. *Parking is located .5 miles one way down the road from the trailhead on Quinttown Road and not included in the mileage total above.

Route: J Trail out and back from Quinttown Road.

Appalachian Trail Three Mile Road to Trescott Road, Hanover, NH

7.5 Miles Out-and-Back
1,000’ Elevation Gain

The Appalachian Trail in the western part of New Hampshire holds a special place in our hearts. While tackling this section of the guidebook, we found ourselves in brand new territory and this 3.5 mile stretch of trail between two roads was hands down our favorite part of this section of the White Mountains. Running through fields, along boardwalks through marshes, and at a gentle grade, gaining less than 1,200’ as an out-and-back, this section of trail is the perfect place to visit when the goal isn’t a summit. Rather than rocks and steep climbs, this portion of trail is a breath of fresh air for both our knees and our lungs.

Route: Appalachian Trail out and back from Three Mile Road to Trescott Road.

Black Angel & Basin Trail Loop, Beans, NH

8 Miles Loop Hike
1,700’ Elevation Gain

For our final summer hike under ten miles we have the beautiful Black Angel Trail and Basin Trails, located within the Wild River Wilderness. We recommend completing this hike by ascending Black Angel and descending Basin Trail. Basin Trail has a series of beautiful water features and small cascades that are the perfect place to stop and soak after a long day of hiking. As an added bonus, you can also stay the night at the Blue Brook Tentsite which is found right off of the Black Angel Trail along the Basin Trail Spur.

Route: Wild River Trail to Black Angel Trail to Basin Trail Spur to Basin Trail.

What are some of your favorite short hikes in the White Mountains? Comment Below! Next week we will share some of our favorite hikes over ten miles in the WMNF.

Our Favorite Summer Hikes Under Ten Miles