Bretton Woods is surrounded by the White Mountains leading to an abundance of hiking trails. The neighboring White Mountains National Forest and state parks make the area a hiker’s dream! Many of these trails are rated difficult because they take you to a summit and gain a lot of elevation. However, most of the hikes allow dogs on a leash and can be done by children. Whichever season you may be visiting the area, keep reading for our favorite hiking trails in Bretton Woods!
Although Bretton Woods provides phenomenal hiking, the area offers countless other activities! Access our complimentary Bretton Woods Itinerary for days’ worth of things to do in the White Mountains!
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Top 6 Hiking Trails in Bretton Woods
1. Mount Washington via Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail
At 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. There are several trails to the top and all are difficult, but the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail is likely the easiest. It’s about eight miles out and back and rated difficult. However, it gains just over 3,800 feet in elevation making it easier than other hikes to the summit. The trail is open for snowshoeing in the colder months, but if you aren’t an experienced hiker or snowshoer, we recommend using it between May and October. It’s not the easiest hike for dogs, but they are allowed on a leash.
2. Crawford Path
Crawford Path is the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in the United States. The full trail is 8.5 miles one way and travels from Crawford Notch to Mount Washington ascending more than 5,000 feet. The path can get you to Mount Pierce, Mount Eisenhower, Mount Franklin, Mount Monroe, and Mount Washington, in that order. Doing the hike out and back is 17 miles, rates extremely difficult, and typically takes two days. However, many people take the trail up and a different route or the Mount Washington Cog Railway down. For a rewarding day hike, we recommend taking the trail to Mount Pierce for stunning views and a moderate hike about six miles round trip.
3. Mount Willard Trail
Great for kids and dogs, The Mount Willard Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Bretton Woods. It rewards you with beautiful forests, a waterfall, and a gorgeous view from the summit. The hike is about three miles out and back, gains nearly 900 feet in elevation, and rates moderate. The trail is also known for snowshoeing in the winter.
4. Mount Field, Mount Tom, and Mount Avalon Loop
Climb to three summits with just one Bretton Woods hiking trail! This difficult loop starts with the Mount Avalon Trail. Once you reach the summit, continue to Mount Field and then Mount Tom for a total of about six and a half miles. Each peak rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is open year-round and is a favorite with snowshoers. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
5. Mount Willey Trail
This hike takes you to the top of Mount Willey, which sits at more than 4,200 feet up. Although the trail is rated difficult, it climbs about 2,800 feet making it a fairly easy hike up a four-thousand footer. The full hike is about five miles out and back. It offers beautiful wildflowers, great bird watching, and stunning scenery across Crawford Notch. The Mount Willey Trail is best used between March and October and allows dogs on a leash.
6. Mount Jackson and Mount Webster Loop
You can get a lot out of this hike! In about six and a half miles, you’ll reach the peak of two mountains, see a waterfall, and experience some beautiful views of Mount Washington and Crawford Notch. We recommend hiking up Mount Webster first and then going up Mount Jackson for a bit of an easier trip. The Mount Jackson and Mount Webster Loop is open year-round and has a $5 fee for day-use. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Stay with Bretton Woods Vacations
After a long day of hiking, you’re going to want to come back to a comfortable, clean, and reliable vacation home. Bretton Woods Vacations offers not only the best selection of rentals in Bretton Woods and the surrounding areas but also the best customer service. When you book with us, we promise you a stress-free experience from booking to check-out.
What are you waiting for? Browse our properties and start planning that mountain adventure you’ve been dreaming of!
