Photo: PeakVisor
There’s nothing quite like summer in the White Mountains. As someone who’s lived in New Hampshire for years, I can tell you — if you haven’t laced up your boots and hit these trails when the sun’s out and the ridgelines are clear, you’re missing out on the best this state has to offer.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking to spend a day out in the fresh air, there’s a trail here that’ll check all your boxes. Here are some of my personal favorite hiking spots in the White Mountains — ones I’ve done, sweated through, and would do again in a heartbeat.
1. Franconia Ridge Loop – The One That Stays With You
Photo: Bearfoot Theory
Let’s start with a bang. The Franconia Ridge Loop is hands-down one of the most unforgettable hikes in the Whites — maybe even the entire Northeast. You’ll hit three peaks: Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette. And once you're on the ridge? Wow. That ridgeline hike above the treetops? It’s something else.
Local tip: Start early. Like, headlamp early. It gets busy quick in the summer, and you’ll want time to take breaks and soak in those views.
- Distance: ~9 miles
- Difficulty: Strenuous but totally worth it
- Parking: Lafayette Place (fills up fast)
2. Mount Willard – The “Wow” for Minimal Effort
Photo: White Mountains
If you want a big view without an all-day commitment, Mount Willard is your trail. It’s one of those hikes I recommend to friends visiting from out of state. Just 1.5 miles up, and you get this incredible overlook of Crawford Notch that looks straight out of a postcard.
What I love: It’s a great “after work” hike during the long summer days. You can be up and back in under 2 hours, and the trail is shaded most of the way.
- Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Great for: Beginners, families, or a quick morning hike
3. Arethusa Falls – Cool, Misty, and Peaceful
Photo: Tripadvisor
This trail is a personal favorite for hot summer days. You walk through a quiet forest trail that leads to New Hampshire’s tallest waterfall — and trust me, it’s impressive. The air is cooler by the falls, and the mist feels like nature’s AC.
Local tip: Pack a snack and hang out at the base of the falls for a bit. It’s a peaceful place to just sit and breathe.
- Distance: ~2.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Bonus: Pair it with a trip to nearby Ripley Falls if you’ve got time
4. Mount Washington – The Big One
Photo: The Mount Washington Cog Railway
Yep, Mount Washington. It’s a beast — but if you’ve got the legs and the weather window, it’s one of those hikes that gives you serious bragging rights. I’ve hiked it a few different ways over the years, but Tuckerman Ravine remains my favorite route.
Why summer rocks: The trail is snow-free, the alpine flowers are blooming, and the summit is usually just breezy enough to cool you down (without freezing your face off like in October).
- Distance: ~8.4 miles via Tuckerman
- Difficulty: Very strenuous
- Pro tip: Always check the summit forecast before you go — weather up there is no joke
5. Welch-Dickey Loop – Underrated and Unforgettable
Photo: Stav is Lost
This one flies under the radar, but honestly, it’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in the Whites. Welch-Dickey gives you open granite slabs, wide views, and not one but two summits in just over four miles. And in summer, the exposed ledges are dry, the air is warm, and the skies are often crystal clear. Check it out on AllTrails → Welch-Dickey Loop Trail, New Hampshire — see the route, reviews, and map before you go.
Local favorite moment: The ridgeline between Welch and Dickey — you feel like you’re walking across the spine of the world.
- Distance: 4.4 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Quick adventure with big views and not a lot of crowds
6. Presidential Traverse – If You’re Feeling Wild
Photo: Yankee Magazine
I’ve only done the Presi Traverse once, and I still talk about it like I finished a marathon. It’s a long, demanding, incredible day — covering several 4,000-footers in one continuous hike. Summer is your best shot at pulling it off safely.
Would I do it again? Yes. Just… not next weekend.
- Distance: ~20+ miles (depending on where you start/finish)
- Best for: Experienced hikers ready for a challenge
- Must-have: Early start, good weather, and strong legs
Why Summer Is the Best Time to Hike the Whites
- More daylight: Start early, finish late — no rushing
- Comfortable temps up high: It might be 85°F in town, but the summit’s a cool 60°F
- No snow (usually): Most trails are clear by mid-June
- Everything’s open: AMC huts, shuttles, parking — all running smooth
Final Thoughts
These mountains have a way of pulling you in. One hike turns into a dozen. One weekend turns into a lifestyle. There’s something about the White Mountains in the summer — the air, the views, the way the light hits the peaks at sunset — that stays with you.
So if you’ve been thinking about getting outside more this season, this is your sign. Pick a trail, grab your boots, and see why locals like me can’t stop talking about these mountains.
See you out there.