hiking, skiing, biking, exploring the Granite State

Hiking

Hiking Lion Head in the Winter

Hiking Lion Head in the Winter

Not a great choice for someone right off the couch. It’s about 4 miles from the parking lot at Pinkham Notch to the summit cairn of Mount Washington via lion Head Trail, gaining 4200 feet of elevation. Don’t show up expecting a casual 4 miles, during the winter it’s chuck full of steep snow, wind [...]


Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail

Steep, but a quick way to get above tree-line.
There are too many ways to get up above tree-line in the Presidential Range, some are long and tedious, others get right to the point. I’d put this trail in the latter. I first used Ammonoosuc Ravine  Trail in the winter to do some skiing  up around [...]


Trail Run – Whitehorse & Cathedral Ledge

Trail Run - Whitehorse & Cathedral Ledge

Steep and Rugged on both the uphills and the downs.
A great loop from Echo Lake State Park, or from the base of Cathedral Ledge. For trail running it’s a bit steep right out of the gate if you start at Cathedral. Echo Lake start affords a nice mile or so flat start to get the [...]


Obscure and unspoiled – Winneweta Falls

Obscure and unspoiled - Winneweta Falls

Almost unvisited, this is really unique waterfall.
The trailhead is an obscure little pull-off on the west side of Route 16 just North of Jackson Village. I’m sure most people have zipped right by this brown and yellow trail sign. Right out of the car you’ll have to cross The Ellis River, so make sure you’re [...]


Mountain Running in the White Mountains

New Hampshire native Marc Chauvin talks about life in the mountains.
As a mountain guide Marc loves to spend as much time in the mountains as possible.  A longtime resident of the Mount Washington Valley, he definitely knows his way around the trails and mountains of New Hampshire. Cathedral Ledge and Whitehorse will be where you [...]


Elephant Head – Crawford Notch

Elephant Head - Crawford Notch

A tiny 0.3 mile walk up to a grand vista of Crawford Notch.
Since the 1800’s families have been walking up to Elephant Head to enjoy a perfect view right in the middle of Crawford Notch. On the notch side of the notch the view is short but takes in Saco Lake, Crawford Station and The [...]


Waterfalls of New Hampshire

Waterfalls so close you can touch them out the car window.
There are over 200 waterfalls throughout New Hampshire. That should give anyone plenty reasons to get out of the car and go explore these interesting gems scattered through the state. Here is a short slideshow showcasing a few of the more local waterfalls to North [...]


Nanamocomuck Ski, Run, Bike, Trail

Nanamocomuck Ski, Run, Bike, Trail

A true four season trail along the Swift River.
Winding its way South from Bear Notch Road down to the Albany Covered Bridge, this trail is perfect way to get introduced to trail running, mountain biking or snow shoeing. Also known on the map as Forest Rd. 28, and Lower Nanamocomuck Ski Trail.

The south end of [...]


Tuckerman Ravine – A spring skiing destination

Tuckerman Ravine - A spring skiing destination

Crowds, Corn and Sunshine.
If you missed the skiing this winter, or just want to extend your season Mount Washington is about the only place left in late April into May. After June 1st, most seasons, it’s not worth the hike up. Tuckerman Ravine is one of the most popular destinations, for a bunch of reasons, [...]


Trail Running – Greeley Pond, Mad River Notch

Trail Running - Greeley Pond, Mad River Notch

Moderate running in a quiet notch.
The Greeley Ponds Trail is a great fairly level run that takes you to the heart of Mad River Notch and the secluded Greeley Ponds. The trail has pretty good footing, but a few spots are a little rocky where the neighboring Mad River has washed it [...]


Mountain Running – Franconia Ridge, New Hampshire

Mountain Running - Franconia Ridge, New Hampshire

The Franconia Ridge is one of the classic New England hiking destinations. This loop includes a view into Walker Ravine, an AMC hut, a couple of 5000 foot peaks, above tree line running, and a series of waterfalls. The loop consists of the Old Bridal Path to Greenleaf Hut, the Greenleaf Trail to the summit of Mt. Lafayette, the Franconia Ridge Trail to the summit of Little Haystack, and the Falling Waters Trail back down to the trailhead.


Trail Running – Boulder Loop Trail

Trail Running - Boulder Loop Trail

Roadside loop right off the Kancamagus Highway.

The Boulder Loop Trail is a great place to do some uphills right out of the parking lot. It is also a great place to go when the winds are howling due to the shelter from the trees.  If you’re looking for something to do in the [...]


Signal Ridge to Mt. Carrigan

Signal Ridge to Mt. Carrigan

Some of the best views in the White Mountains.

This is quite the rocky climb, but the views at the top from the observation tower and the Signal Ridge are some of the best in the White Mountains.  The trail starts off fairly flat next to a stream and winds through stands of [...]


Skiing and Riding in Tuckerman Ravine

Skiing and Riding in Tuckerman Ravine

Big avalanches, lots of snow, great skiing in Tuckerman Ravine, just make sure you know where it’s good and where it’s not. It’s always an adventure skiing in New Hampshire.


Hiking – South Moat Mountain

Hiking in the White Mountains. South Moat is a great short hike anytime of the year.