Top Hikes in New England

Hiking in New England is arguably the best hiking experience in the country. Sure, many will argue that the West is best, but hear me out. Because the mountains of New England are not as extreme, the area is entirely accessible. Instead of looking at mountain peaks, you can hike them! Plus, did I mention there is a beautiful ocean coast too?

I love how diverse the hikes are in this region, from the rugged mountains of New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the coastal paths in Maine. Each hike provides a unique view and a chance to immerse myself in the local topography, and a nice dose of history as well. If you’re eager to reconnect with nature or experience a bit of adventure, the hikes in New England will not disappoint.

Join me as I share some of my favorite trails, offering insights into what makes each one special. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these hikes promise an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of New England’s outdoor offerings.

9 Must-Visit New England Trails

Exploring New England offers a variety of hiking experiences, from stunning mountain summits to serene woodland paths. Below are some outstanding trails that showcase the the area. I tried to keep some variety on the list, knowing different people are looking for different things..

Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire

The Franconia Ridge Loop is one of my favorite hikes, stretching about 8.6 miles with a challenging elevation gain of 3,500 feet. This trek starts at the Franconia Notch State Park and ascends through lush forests before reaching breathtaking ridge views. The highlight is the soaring peaks of Mounts Lafayette, Lincoln, and Little Haystack, offering panoramic sights that make every bit of effort worthwhile. It’s a long like, but if you have the fitness to tackle it and a nice day, it is absolutely one of the best hikes you will find in all of New England. Just be sure to be cognizant of when the sun will set — you will be hiking for several hours. This part of Northern New England is particular rugged and open – and you won’t be far from other favorites such as Lake Willoughby or Mount Mansfield (mentioned below.)

I often recommend this trail for its remarkable views that give you a great feel of the White Mountains, and for the excellent all-day workout it provides.

Region: New Hampshire, White Mountains
Distance: 8-9 miles
Journal Notes: Great hike, long but do-able for most. Beware that the weather conditions can really change during the time you are on the trail.

Jordan Pond Path, Maine

Inside Acadia National park, the Jordan Pond Path is a shorter but absolutely stunning hike, clocking in at 3.2 miles. It’s located in Acadia National Park, and I love the easy access from the Jordan Pond House. The trail is flat and family-friendly, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and stunning views of the Bubbles Mountains. The serene atmosphere here is perfect for picnics, and you can even sample the famous popovers at the nearby restaurant.

I should note that there are many trail offshoots from the Jordan Pond Path loop, so you can easily make it a longer hike if you want to. It will be good to have a map along or loaded on your phone so you can stay on course given all the forks, but it is pretty easy in that you really just want to be sure you are encircling the pond.

Region: Maine, Acadia National Park
Distance: 3.2 miles
Journal Notes: Easy hike, relatively flat so nice when with a group of mixed abilities. Especially good in spring and early summer during a bloom.

Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Mount Washington is the pinnacle of New Hampshire, topping out at 6,288 feet. This actually makes it the tallest U.S. mountain east of the Mississippi. This challenging hike spans about 8.2 miles through the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. The journey is tough with steep climbs, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the White Mountains. The weather can be unpredictable, so I always check forecasts before setting out. Standing at the summit, I feel on top of the world, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

I did another piece devoted to the White Mountains if you want more details on the area.

Region: New Hampshire, White Mountains
Distance: 8-9 miles
Journal Notes: Hard hike, look at the weather forecast as conditions can turn on a dime. There are multiple ways to approach Mount Washington, but this one is a good, hard hike. Some scrambling involved.

Mount Mansfield, Vermont

At 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and a fantastic hiking destination. The ascent is approximately 6.6 miles, and I love tackling the Sunset Ridge Trail. This trail showcases diverse terrains, from rocky scrambles to lush woods. The views from the top are spectacular, particularly during sunset when the sky lights up in vibrant colors. It offers a rewarding experience that captures the essence of the Green Mountains. Plus, it is close to Burlington, a great all-around outdoor town.

Region: Vermont, Green Mountains
Distance: 6-7 miles
Journal Notes: Especially good in fall, lots of color on this trail. Be ready for some scrambling, parts of this trail are a bit rugged, but still passable for the casual hiker if you have the right clothing.

Rattlesnake Mountain, Connecticut

Rattlesnake Mountain features a moderate 2.5 to 3.5-mile round trip, making it an accessible hike near the scenic Lake McDonough. The trail winds gently through the woods before culminating in expansive views of the Farmington River Valley. I appreciate this hike for being relatively family-friendly as long as the kids can scramble a bit; children will love the engaging terrain. The historical aspects, including old foundations along the way, add a touch of intrigue to the experience.

There will be bugs in early summer, to bring bug spray.

Region: Connecticut, Hartford Metro
Distance: 3 – 3.5 miles
Journal Notes: Moderate hike, some parts you have to be careful on but overall an accessible walk for most. Feels a bit busier than others, but still a great day outside.

Cadillac North Ridge, Maine

The Cadillac North Ridge Trail is one of the more popular hikes in Acadia National Park, covering about 4.4 miles. This moderately challenging trail offers impressive views of the surrounding islands and ocean. You will see the prominent Frenchman Bay, and you will also see the village of Bar Harbor which is fun to see from above after you’ve gotten to know the area.

Starting from the north side of Cadillac Mountain, the climb offers unique granite outcroppings and diverse ecosystems. Reaching the summit, I am always awed by the panoramic views that often stretch for miles. This is my go-to hike anytime I visit Maine.

Region: Maine, Acadia National Park
Distance: 4-5 miles
Journal Notes: Best hike in Acadia in my opinion. Coastal views but a mountain-like hike. Not as flat as many of the coastal walks in Acadia.

Camel’s Hump, Vermont

Camel’s Hump is Vermont’s second-highest peak, with a rugged 6.2-mile trail. Known for its distinctive hump-shaped summit, this hike is moderately strenuous and offers stunning views from the top. Starting from the Camel’s Hump State Park, the trail meanders through forests and leads to beautiful alpine regions. Once you hit the summit, that open, rocky ridge always surprises you with its views. Fall is incredible too, with the foliage turning the valley below into a sea of color—it’s worth every steep, rocky stretch. You can still hike it in winter with snowshoes or crampons and the right gear.

It’s an easy 45 minute drive from Burlington, and not far from Stowe if you want to finish with dinner in the charming New England village.

Region: Vermont, Green Mountains
Distance: 6 miles
Journal Notes: Close to Burlington, making it a well-worn trail. Very nice hike and the maple and birch trees give it a great flair in fall.

Alander Mountain, Massachusetts

Alander Mountain offers a lesser-known gem for hikers with its varying-distance hike in the Berkshires — there are ways to get up the mountain in anywhere from about 4 to more than 8 miles depending on which routing you choose. This hike is characterized by its peaceful surroundings and unique rock formations. Starting from the Mount Washington State Forest, I enjoy the quieter nature of this trail. The views from the summit overlook the Taconic Range and are beautiful year-round, especially during the fall foliage season.

Region: Massachusetts, Berkshires
Distance: 4-8 miles
Journal Notes: Easy to make this into a longer hike by adding some of the foot paths around Butternut Ski Area to the hike. There will be some bugs if you go in early summer.

Kent Pond (via AT), Vermont

Perhaps my favorite fall New England hike, heading to Kent Pond via the Appalachian Trail is about 4.4 miles, offering a wonderful mix of views. This section of the AT is accessible from the Sherburne Pass. I appreciate the tranquil scenery surrounding the pond and the variety of wildlife. It’s an enjoyable hike for those seeking a beautiful spot for a break, with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The ski town of Killington is nearby so you can have a rewarding meal and drink after the hike is done.

Region: Vermont, Green Mountains
Distance: 4 miles, or as long as you want to make it
Journal Notes: Great fall color hike. Add as much distance to it as you want by hiking the AT. If you do, recommend heading in the direction of Green Gate Road.

New England Hiking Cheat Sheet

If you are setting out to hike in New England, keep in mind that you really are going to find a few different regions. Pick your region first, based on the type of scenery you are looking for, and then zero-in on a trail.

Types of Trails

In New England, I divide the trails into a few categories:

Coastal Trails: The coasts in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine feature flatter terrain along the shoreline, such as the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. They provide stunning ocean views, perfect for leisurely walks, although you can get some elevation too.
Mountain Trails: These trails, like those found in the White Mountains and Green Mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, will be steep and rugged, showcasing dramatic landscapes. You will want to be in decent shape to tackle these ascents.
Forested Trails: I enjoy hiking through lush forests with diverse ecosystems, such as Mugford Trail in Connecticut. Many forest trails have shaded paths, making them pleasant in warmer months. Note, though, that forested trails often have more bugs during bug season.
Lake and River Trails: These offer the serene beauty of water bodies. The Kennebunk River trails in Maine are perfect for picturesque scenery while they beckon proximity to nature. Just remember that during spring, the cute little streams are more like raging rivers, so be safe.
Appalachian Trail: Not a region, but rather the most famous thru-trail in the United States. The Appalachian Trail (or AT) runs through every New England state except for Rhode Island. It just barely touches Connecticut, roams through Western Massachusetts, and then crosses rugged parts of Vermont and New Hampshire before finally spending quite a bit of time in Maine. Hiking part of the AT is something everyone should do, and there are many offshoot trails as well.