By Lyla Harrod, Burgeon Outdoor Athlete
New Hampshire’s White Mountains are most often known for their 48 4,000 foot peaks with their iconic alpine views, wild weather, and vast trail networks. However, there are unlimited hiking and backpacking opportunities that don’t call for the same commitment of time and energy as a 4,000 footer, but still provide an exciting wilderness experience.
I’ve curated a list of three hikes that I love. All have the potential to be turned into an overnight camping or backpacking trip if you want, yet don’t reach above 4,000 feet or require high mileage, so the stakes are generally lower, and might be more appealing to folks just starting out with hiking and backpacking.
Sawyer Pond (3.1 miles out and back)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/sawyer-pond-trail
From the Sawyer Pond Trailhead, this relatively short day hike is a relaxed hike through lush forest to Sawyer Pond. Gorgeous in all four seasons, but especially summer and fall, this pond is great for swimming, birding, hiking and camping. There’s a lean-to style shelter that sleeps six and there are six large tent platforms that are first come first serve, no fee or reservation required. More info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recreation/recarea/?recid=74929&actid=34
To me, this is an ideal first backpacking trip for a newbie because the hike is just over 1.5 miles to get to the pond and tentsites, over generally flat terrain with a total of a little over 300 feet of elevation gain. The pond is a great place to relax and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful view from the pond shoreline. There will be other campers there during peak weekends in the summer and fall but for the most part you can expect you will be able to find a campsite or spot at the shelter no matter when you go.
Sawyer Pond Trailhead is lease than two miles down Sawyer Pond Rd. to Signal Ridge Trailhead so if you have a more intrepid group of hikers looking for a full day adventure, you can direct them to Mt. Carrigain, a 4,000 footer, via the Signal Ridge Trail, which offers an iconic view in the White Mountains.
More info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/signal-ridge-trail-to-mount-carrigain
Hedgehog Mountain (4.4 mile loop)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/unh-trail
From Downes Brook Trailhead the UNH trail is a 4.4 mile loop with 1,400 feet of elevation which takes you to the summit of Hedgehog Mountain. While the elevation may sound daunting, the trail doesn’t require any scrambling and the trail isn’t eroded down to the rocks like many more well-known summits in the Whites. For your efforts on the climb, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views as you meander along the East Cliffs. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon out of it. While there are no designated backpacking spots on this trail, keep the tent in your car and set it up over at Passaconaway Campground directly across the street from the trailhead after you finish the hike.
Mount Crawford (4.3 miles out and back)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-hampshire/mount-crawford-via-davis-path-trail
The steepest and most challenging of these three hikes, Mount Crawford is a good amount of work, but you get a massive payoff on a clear day with a 360 view of the Presidentials and more. The first half mile or so of the Davis Path is flat, so that means you are covering about 1,000 feet per mile in elevation the next two miles to the summit. The hike doesn’t require scrambling, but it will require patience and frequent breaks. Make sure you bring snacks and water to keep you fueled.
Same as with Hedgehog, you can keep your tent in the car and when you’re done with your hike swing by the Crawford Notch Campground. It’s a private campground where you can rent sites for a fee, as well as shop at the general store.
Get Out There!
The truth is, if you prepare properly and give yourself enough time, these hikes are achievable for folks with a base level of fitness. If you can be flexible, check the weather and wait for a good weather day to take on these challenges so the trail is in the best possible condition, and you’re most likely to get a stunning view as a reward for tramping all the way out there. And of course, make sure you wear your Burgeon Outdoor base layers, mid-layers and outer layers to stay comfortable and dry while you hike. Happy trails!