Some of my favorite hikes in the White Mountains are gorgeous, short, and perfect for beginners. Every hiker is a beginner at some point during their journey, and these are some of my favorite hikes to get started and see if spending more time on the trail is for you! These trails are also great to introduce new hiking companions, canine and otherwise, to hiking, or if you only have a short amount of time to spend in the great outdoors. These hikes never fail to leave me feeling refreshed even if I have a busy day, and are the perfect length with lots of views to get your friends to join you in the mountains!

Welch-Dickey Loop

This hike is one of my absolute favorites in the Whites and my most recommended beginner hike. It’s a short 4.4 mile loop that summits Welch and Dickey Mountains and has gorgeous views for two miles of the hike. It starts with a gentle walk through the forest before breaking out into large granite slabs with its breathtaking views all around. This hike is in Waterville Valley relatively close to Boston, and is a great bang for your buck when it comes to views versus effort expended.

Read this trip report for more information!

Mt. Willard

This popular hike in Crawford Notch is just a short jaunt up to an incredible view. You can see some of the peaks in the Presidential Range on your left, and a great view of Mt. Willey and Willey Slide on the right. These masive 4,000 footers are bisected by route 302 winding below. It’s one of my all time favorites with a gentle, wide trail to the summit perfect for beginners. Because of the gorgeous views with such little mileage this trail is often extremely busy, so I’d recommend doing it on a weekday if possible. Bonus points if you can get there during peak foliage for gorgeous fall views!

Read my fall trip report here!

Mt. Pemigewasset

Mt. Pemi is a mountain near and dear to my heart. I hiked it many times with my dad when I was a young child, and it holds many fond memories of car camping and my childhood love of the mountains. This short hike yields beautiful views and is great for a short trip. I often do this hike after I get home from work in the summer because it’s such a refreshing little jaunt.

Click here for a trail report from this hike!

North and Middle Sugarloaf

This little hike is a favorite of mine with two summits boasting beautiful views of Mt. Washington and the Presidentials. This hike is short with a small steep section ascending a wooden ladder. It may sound treacherous but never fear! The ladder is more akin to a small flight of stairs and is so sturdy that it’s really nothing to worry about. The views at the summit of both of the Sugarloaves are a perfect reward for your efforts and have large granite slabs to sit on and soak in the sights.

Read our trail report from this hike here!

Black Mountain

Black Mountain in Benton, NH is a great hike for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. There are two trails leading to its summit, but both are under five miles round trip. Black Mountain Trail approaches from the northeast and follows a gentle logging road for most of the way to the summit. Although it may be slightly longer than Chippewa Trail from the west, it’s considered the easier climb. Chippewa Trail is the more direct but steep trail to the summit, but you’re rewareded with extra views of Mt. Moosilauke along the way.

Read the report from our autumn ascent up Black Mtn Tr here!

Lonesome Lake

Lonesome Lake is a great short hike for year round mountain fun! There are great views of Franconia Ridge sitting behind the lake and Lonesome Lake Hut is usually open with fresh homemade goodies to reward your outdoor efforts. In the winter the hut is also open with tea and cocoa to warm you up for your descent. You can even walk across the lake after it freezes for unique views and lots of snowy fun! This is the hike that inspired me to start hiking the Whites, so I have a special place in my heart for Lonesome Lake.

Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned ourdoorsman these hikes are short and sweet with gorgeous views all around! If you’re new to hiking and not sure what gear you need, don’t forget to check out my three season gear list to make sure you have everything necessary to stay safe in the mountians!