Leaf peeping season is upon us and as the weather cools off and Pumpkin everything takes over the aesthetic, we are here to share some of our favorite fall hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. Whether you’re looking for a walk in the woods or views in every direction we have something for you. As our final post in this series, we’re sharing our favorite hikes over 10 miles long. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, carry the Ten Essentials, and purchase a copy of the White Mountain Guidebook and maps to refer to for a deep dive on trail conditions and the routes outlined below.

Our Favorite Fall Hikes Over Ten Miles

The Twins/Bonds Traverse, Lincoln, NH

21 Miles, Traverse Hike
5,000’ Elevation Gain

One of our all-time favorite long hikes to do is the Twins/Bonds traverse which takes you right through the middle of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. We recommend starting this hike at the North Twin Trailhead and finishing at Lincoln Woods Trailhead to shave over 800’ of climbing off of your day. This hike will take most hikers at least 9 hours to complete so be sure to pack enough food and water as well as proper gear. The views along Bondcliff Trail will leave you speechless and if you’re working on the New Hampshire 48 4000’ers list you’ll check 5 of the peaks off by completing this traverse.

Route: North Twin Trail to Twinway to West Bond Spur Trail to Bondcliff Trail to Lincoln Woods Trail

Eagle Link/Basin Trail Loop, Beans, NH

13 Miles, Loop Hike
2,700’ Elevation Gain

Both times that we have completed this loop hike we have not been disappointed by the scenery found along these less-traveled trails. However, in fall, Eagle Link might just be the most stunning trail in all of the WMNF. Nestled right in the Wild River Wilderness, this trail runs along the back side of North Baldface Mountain and although footing isn’t the greatest in some spots, the underside of the forest canopy during peak foliage (typically the last week of September) is brilliantly breathtaking. Basin Trail is also another one of our favorite hiking trails in summer and fall. The cascades found along this trail are beautiful. Meader Ridge Trail runs over the top of a few subpeaks and during foliage season the vegetation tucked into the cracks of rock against a bluebird are out of this world.

Route: Wild River Trail to Eagle Link to Meader Ridge Trail to Basin Trail

Tripyramids Loop, Albany, NH

14.5 Miles, Loop Hike
3,700’ Elevation Gain

With over nine water crossings, Downes Brook Trail is slowly becoming one of the more popular hiking trails in the Sandwich region of the White Mountains and for good reason. This long, meandering, gradual ascent up the Downes Brook drainage pops in fall. Kate Sleeper Trail will take you towards South and Middle Tripyramid and over the summits of West and East Sleeper Mountains. After climbing four peaks, you’ll be ready to start your descent along Sabbaday Brook Trail, which is another long, meandering walk through the woods with a handful of water crossings. From here, unless you have a carspot you’ll need to do a short roadwalk back to your car. This loop hike is the perfect way to spend a day in the woods, still get in some real decent elevation gain and check a few more peaks off of whatever hiking list you may be working on.

Route: Downes Brook Trail to Kate Sleeper Trail to Sabbaday Brook Trail

Zeacliff/Thoreau Falls Loop, Bethlehem, NH

10.6 Miles, Loop Hike
2,400’ Elevation Gain

If you’re looking for a route that will bring you past three of the most popular features in Zealand Valley, this hike has you covered. Starting and ending at the Zealand Trailhead, you will follow Zealand Trail to Twinway and the AMC Zealand Falls Hut before continuing up the steep ascent to the uber popular spur path to Zeacliff outlook. From here, continue a bit further to the junction with Zeacliff Trail, which is less traveled but stunning especially in fall. After reaching the junction with Ethan Pond Trail, take a right and another right at the Thoreau Falls Trail junction. From here you’re just a short walk away from this stunning waterfall. Retrace your steps back to the Ethan Pond Trail, this time going left, and follow until you reach the Zealand Trail junction which you will take back to the trailhead.

Route: Zealand Trail to Twinway to Zeacliff Spur to Twinway to Zeacliff Trail to Ethan Pond Trail to Thoreau Falls Trail to Ethan Pond Trail to Zealand Trail

Gale River/Twin Brook Traverse, Bethlehem, NH

15.5 Miles, Traverse Hike
2,500’ Elevation Gain

As our final recommendation for a stunning fall hike over 10 miles we’re taking you through one of the most popular wildernesses in New Hampshire, the Pemigewasset Wilderness. This traverse hike will take you directly along a handful of old logging railroad beds which have been converted to hiking trails. Remnants from the late 19th and early 20th century logging camps are found scattered among the forest floor and the trail itself has many of the former railroad ties running perpendicularly through the footpath. You are even able to smell the tar used to preserve the ties at some of the stream crossings. This traverse can be done in either direction but to save about 500’ of climbing, start at Gale River Trail and end at Lincoln Woods Trail.

Route: Gale River Trail to Twin Brook Trail to Franconia Brook Trail to Lincoln Woods Trail

Our Favorite Fall Hikes Over Ten Miles