Guide to Hiking Trails in the Northeast

• Buffer
• Tweet

If you’re heading to the Northeast on vacation this summer, or you’re a year-round resident, check out the following list of five of the best day hikes nearby. They range in difficulty from moderate to very difficult, but all will reward you with breathtaking views at their summits.

1. Cascade Mountain

Location: Keene, in Essex County, New York.
Range: Adirondacks
Elevation: 4,098 ft above sea level
First Ascent: Lon Pierce, 1872 (first recorded)
Season: June-October
Information: (518) 897-1276

The mountain is part of the Northeast Adirondack mountain range. The mountain was named after a series of waterfalls near its base that flow into nearby Cascade Lake. Cascade Mountain is the most frequently hikes mountain of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks.

The overall length from the base to the summit is 2.2 miles, and just under 2,000 vertical feet. The trains are a combination and rocks and roots. These surroundings give way near the summit, which is an exposed rock face as the result of a fire in 1903 that eliminated all vegetation. This flat and open bald summit allows for 360 degree views of Lake Champlain, Cascade Lake, the Green Mountains, Whiteface Mountain, the Great Range, and other peaks including Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong, Gothics, Saddleback and Big Side.

2. Mount Mansfield

Location: Chittenden County and Lamoille County, Vermont
Range: Green Mountains
Elevation: 4,393 ft above sea level
First Ascent: unknown
Season: June-October
Information: http://www.greenmountainclub.org

Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak, at 4,393 feet above sea level. The mountain extends into the towns of Stowe and Cambridge, popular skiing areas in Vermont. There are many trails to choose from when ascending Mount Mansfield, the most popular of which is Long Trail, which traces the main ridgeline and is ranked M for Moderately difficult. The Haselton Trail is also ranked M. The Profanity Trail is rated a DD (more difficult) hike, and the Cliff Trail is a DDD (very difficult).

The peaks of Mount Mansfield are named The Firehead, the Upper Lip, the Lower Lip and the Chin, because of the distinct human face profile that the mountain has when seen from afar. The Chin is Vermont’s highest point.

3. Saddleback Mountain

Location: Rangeley, Franklin County, Maine
Elevation: 4,121 ft above sea level
Season: June-October
Information: matc.org

Saddleback Mountain is part of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,170 mile National Scenic Trail that extends from Georgia to Maine. The Saddleback ski area is located on the North Face of the mountain. It’s northern location, with respect to the rest of the Appalachian Trail, means that its trails are much less congested than the trail is known to be further south. The trails are rated as difficult, and most who hike the 13.4 mile trail are on their way through, and continue to hike onward to other trails and peaks.

Climb to the top of Piazza Rock, different than any Italian Piazza you’ve ever seen. This rock is perched at a precarious angle and displays sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. Climb [rickety] wooden ladders to The Horn peak, which is host to gorgeous views of the Rangeley Lakes and the rest of the Sugarloaf region.

4. Moose Mountain

Location: Hanover, Grafton County, NH
Range: close to the White Mountains
Elevation: 2,313 ft above sea level
Season: June-October
Information: Dartmouth

Moose Mountain is an 8 mile ridge in Hanover New Hampshire. Surrounding mountains include Holts Ledge (2,110 feet) and Shaker Mountain (1,690 feet). The mountain has a north and a south summit that are about one mile apart. The trail leads over 2 miles through a dense tree line to the 2,290 ft South Peak. After taking in the sweeping views, continue on another 2 miles to the North Peak.

Fun Fact: Take your snowshoes in the winter time; the mountain is open year round and is great for winter sports!

5. Franconia Range

Location: New Hampshire
Range: White Mountains, Appalachian Mountains
Highest Point: Mount Lafayette; 5,260 ft
Season: June-October
Information: (603)466-2721

Franconia Ridge; the best was saved for last. The ridge is the second-highest range of peaks in the White Mountains. The Franconia Ridge Trail is park of the Appalachian Trail, and leads from Mount Lafayette to Mount Liberty, traversing Mount Truman, Mount Lincoln, Little Haystack Mountain and Mount Flume. Lafayette, Lincoln, Liberty and Flume are all part of the New Hampshire four-thousand footers.

The loop is a combination of Falling Waters Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Greenleaf Trail and Old Bridle Path, and is an 8.9 mile loop, the majority of which is located above the tree line and along the ridge of the connected peaks, allowing for a scenic hike on a clear day.

BONUS HIKE:

Check out this NH secret. It’s an easy hike but well worth the trip if you go during blueberry season in August. While not nearly as laborious as the previous list, this quick 0.8 mile hike up a fire tower peak in Farmington New Hampshire is a gorgeous way to spend a crisp fall afternoon. Bring empty reusable containers because this Mountain holds a secret. It’s home to acres of low wild blueberry bushes at the peak. When I was young, we brought empty ice cream gallon-pails (we liked ice cream a lot) and would have contests to see who could pick the most blueberries. It was there that I discovered my competitiveness. Two and a half gallons later I was sore, but I won. We froze buckets of blueberries in our large chest-freezer and thawed a small amount most Sunday mornings for delicious blueberry muffins and scones. Good memories.

Resource by A.Evans

Related Research For Teachers, Students, and Kids