New England is one of the best hiking destinations in the United States, as you can find a wide variety of landscapes concentrated in a relatively small geographic area. For hikers lucky enough to live in this region, it’s incredibly convenient to take a quick weekend getaway by driving just an hour or two in any direction.
Whether you’re a beginning hiker looking for an easy introduction to the hobby or a seasoned veteran seeking out a true challenge, you have no shortage of options in New England. Here are some of the best hikes worth seeking out in New England.
Mount Washington – the Highest Peak in the Northeast
With a peak of 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest mountain peak in the northeastern United States and one of the highest in the country. Naturally, a hike to the summit offers some of the most rewarding views you can find as a hiker anywhere on Earth.
However, taking in these majestic views is not an easy task, as this is also one of the more difficult hikes in New England. The 8.2-mile hike can take anywhere from five to ten hours depending on your skill level and the current weather conditions, which can often become extreme with hurricane-level winds, snow, and ice.
Mount Washington is not a hike to take on a whim. Hikers should prepare thoroughly before they attempt to tackle the challenging climb to the summit. But the preparation and struggles will all be worth it in the end, with some of the most stunning panoramic views of New England’s world-famous landscapes.
Cadillac Mountain – Where the Sun First Rises in the US
Cadillac Mountain offers some of the most beautiful views of any hiking destination in New England, but without the steep challenges that some of the other famous hikes require. This relatively easy, stress-free hike covers 4.4 miles and will take between 2 and 5 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 1,150 feet.
After reaching the summit at 1,530 feet, hikers can take in 360-degree views of Maine’s Atlantic coast and nearby lakes. If you can get up early enough, we recommend trying to reach the peak at sunrise, where you can watch the first rays of light touch the continental United States. Sunset offers equally gorgeous views as the hues of red, orange, and yellow illuminate the water and surrounding hills.
Mount Katahdin – Where the Appalachian Trail Ends
Mount Katahdin is the northern conclusion of the Appalachian Trail, which offers a worthy reward for those who have tackled the full 2,200 miles of one of the United States’ most iconic and challenging hiking trails. Of course, you don’t need to complete the entire trail to enjoy Mount Katahdin, but you should probably be an experienced hiker, as it is quite a strenuous hike.
With an elevation of 5,269 feet, Mount Katahdin is the highest peak in Maine, and hiking this mountain involves 4,000 feet of elevation gain, depending on which trail you opt to use. Hunt Trail is the most popular option, which begins at Katahdin Stream.
Reaching the top will be a challenge regardless of which trail you choose, as all options are difficult. But your exhaustion will be worth it as you take in the mesmerizing sites along the way.
The Ladder Trails of Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is internationally renowned for its many hiking trails and adjacent awe-inspiring landscapes, so it should come as no surprise that the park is home to more than one of New England’s best hikes. The Ladder Trails also offer one of the country’s most unique hiking experiences, as hikers will have to make use of various iron ladders, rungs, and rails on their way to the 1,194-foot summit.
Here is a quick overview of the different Ladder Trails of Acadia National Park:
The Precipice
One of the more challenging trails, where hikers will need to use ladders to tackle the steep ascent of the 1,058-foot Champlain Mountain.
The Beehive
A short but challenging hike to an elevation of 520 feet, culminating at a granite dome with sweeping views of Sand Beach.
Dorr Mountain
Standing at an elevation of 1,270 feet, Dorr Mountain is the third-highest peak in Acadia National Park. The Ladder Trail is the best way to take in the spectacular views found at the summit.
Jordan Cliffs
The Jordan Cliffs Trail includes various ladders, railings, and bridges and culminates at the 1,194-foot summit of Penobscot Mountain, overlooking Jordan Pond.
Beech Cliff
Located on the western end of the park, Beech Cliff is one of the shortest ladder trails. Hikers can enjoy the lush greenery of the forest while hiking near Echo Lake on their way to the peak of the trail, which offers 360-degree views of the lake and the Atlantic Ocean.
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