AMC Outdoors, September 2004
If you’re visiting the White Mountains this fall, don’t just fawn over the foliage from your car. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, these hikes will help you get an up close and personal view of the season.
For those with a few hours:
Lost Pond The Lost Pond Trail leaves the east side of Route 16 in Pinkham Notch, opposite Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and Joe Dodge Lodge, and leads to a tucked-away mountain pond whose shoreline is populated by glacial erratics. The views over the pond and surrounding trees take the eye up to Mount Washington. Most people can cover the one-mile round-trip in less than an hour, not counting time spent at the pond.
Mount Willard From the Highland Center at Crawford Notch, it is a short walk to the start of the trail that climbs to the top of Mount Willard. The trail starts behind AMC’s Crawford Depot and Macomber Family Information Center and continues 1.6 miles to the 2,800-foot summit. Some of the finest views in the White Mountains can be enjoyed here with relatively little effort. The 3.2-mile round-trip hike gains 900 feet of elevation and takes about 2-1/2 hours to complete.
For those with a half-day:
Zealand Falls The hike to Zealand Falls and Zealand Falls Hut can be a full-day excursion, but the 5.6-mile trip to the falls and back can be accomplished in less time. The trail traverses gentle terrain for almost the entire length of this hike, gaining 200 feet in the final three-tenths of a mile before the hut—the only steep stretch of the trip. The Zealand Trail is accessed by driving the length of the Zealand Road from its intersection with U.S. Route 302 between Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods. At the end of this gravel U.S. Forest Service road, the Zealand Trail begins, leading 2.5 miles through the beautiful Zealand Valley to the Ethan Pond Trail-Twinway Junction. From here the hut is three-tenths of a mile along the Twinway. Time to reach the hut is about 1 hour, 45 minutes. The return trip is over the same route. This is often one of the most colorful spots in the region during foliage season. The trail passes beaver ponds, and moose can sometimes be seen along the trail, or in Zealand Pond, below the falls.
For those with a full day:
Franconia Ridge The Franconia Ridge Loop is a classic mountain ramble that can be lovely in early fall, with endless, 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. The hike begins at the Lafayette Place parking area off the Franconia Notch Parkway. Take the Old Bridle Path to Greenleaf Hut, a 2.9-mile climb with some beautiful look-out points along the way. Those opting for a two-day trip can stay overnight at the hut. From the hut, the Greenleaf Trail leads to the 5,260-foot summit of Mount Lafayette, 1.1 mile away. The route then follows the Franconia Ridge Trail, one of the most beautiful ridge walks in the east, if not the nation. A 1.7-mile hike along the ridge takes you to the junction with the Falling Waters Trail, which leads back down to the floor of the notch, passing numerous scenic cascades along the way. This is a strenuous trip, and can be dangerous in bad weather. Plan on a full day for this 8.9-mile trip. Maps and detailed trail descriptions for the trips listed here are available in the 28th edition of the AMC White Mountain Guide.
More ideas for foliage hikes in the White Mountains can be found in Discover the White Mountains and Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains.
Preparing for a hike: The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer some of the finest hiking in the United States, but they are also home to unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous, weather. When hiking, it is important to wear or carry clothing that will keep you warm, dry, and sheltered from the wind. It is also important to carry plenty of water (at least two quarts per person, per day) and high-energy snacks. Other essential items include a guidebook, map, compass, flashlight or headlamp, matches, pocket knife, whistle, and first aid kit. Review our comprehensive gear list before your next trip.
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