White Mountain National Forest

New England waterfall walks, rugged summits, exposed ridges, and Presidential Range terrain.

Use the sections and guides below to explore this subject in a clear, practical order.

Franconia Ridge Loop

A classic White Mountains circuit over Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette on an exposed alpine ridge.

A steady forest climb to one of New Hampshire’s tallest waterfalls.

A short, steady climb to a dramatic ledge above Crawford Notch.

A compact but demanding loop over open granite slabs and two summits.

A long climb past seasonal waterfalls to a sharply exposed summit with sweeping views.

A short forest walk to a narrow gorge and photogenic series of cascades.

A forest hike to cascades that are strongest during snowmelt and wet seasons.

A broad former railroad grade along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River with flexible distances.