Veterans Overlook on Clinch Mountain
This roadside overlook is on the southeastern slope of Clinch Mountain in the Cumberland Range on the eastbound side of US-25E. It’s a great stop to stretch the legs with a nice view of Cherokee Lake (Reservoir) from Beans Gap.
Sunrise at Fish Haul Beach
This is a narrow beach on the northeastern shore of Hilton Head Island and is generally quieter and less crowded than the more popular beaches further south. It provided an outstanding sunrise view on our final morning on the island and was the best sunrise view of the week.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Full Tour
This 14-mile trek is a gorgeous way to get outside for the day and enjoy the natural coastal environment on wide, flat, and well manicured trails. Enjoy several ponds, waterside vistas, and the quiet beach at White Point. Sunrises and sunsets can be had here without the crowds. Check the hiker notes below.
Audubon Newhall Preserve
This is a nice place for a short walk in the woods while visiting Hilton Head Island. With plenty of benches and an active group of caretakers, the preserve is clean, relaxing, and beautiful.
Mount Willard and Centennial Pool
Of all the hikes in the White Mountain National Forest Region, this is the single best in terms of incredible views for least amount of effort. A modest hike in relative terms, this three mile walk provides a commanding view of the spectacular Crawford Notch. We closed out an outstanding week in style with this one!
Sunset at Bald Mountain
This quick hike up to the top of Bald Mountain offers expansive views and makes a great sunset spot. We had some clouds clog up the horizon, but it was beautiful looking out toward the setting sun and then back over to Franconia Ridge.
Mt. Jackson and Mt. Pierce Loop and Spurs
This hike has all the beauty of the Whites - clifftop overlooks, mountaintop vistas, and a relaxing waterfall. While this is a strenuous hike, it rates on the easier side of things when compared to other high peaks in the region. The views from Mt. Pierce are particularly impressive with Mt. Eisenhower in the foreground and Crawford Path weaving its way up to Mt. Washington.
Rocky Gorge Out and Back
This is a terrific stop on the scenic Kancamagus Highway anytime you’re visiting the area. With calm, relaxing pools on Swift River and the fast moving falls through the gorge, this walk is always a winner!
Bridalveil Falls Out and Back
This triple breaking waterfall is a nice, steady hike on double track trail. With the relatively longer length, it’s also less likely to be filled with throngs of other hikers that opt for much shorter waterfall hikes in the region.
The Basin and Kinsman Falls Out and Back
This is a classic short hike in Franconia Notch State Park. The Basin is an amazing geological area with loads of beautiful water features. We added the short walk up to Kinsman Falls - one of the few vertical falls in the region before turning back short of Rocky Glen Falls due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Mt. Monroe and Mt. Washington Loop
This is an iconic hike to the summit of the highest peak in New England - Mt. Washington. We added the short spur to Mt. Monroe as well to make for a full day in the Presidential Range of White Mountain National Forest. We enjoyed perhaps the best weather day of the year with comfortable temps, abundant sunshine, and only a light breeze at the summit.
Flume Gorge Loop
This short loop is among the most popular easy hikes in the Whites and with lots of good reasons. Enjoy a nice walk through the forest, passing a pair of covered bridges, a number of cascades, a gorgeous waterfall, and a couple picture perfect views. Just be sure to pay the ticket price and book your time slot in advance.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
This was a great spot to stretch our legs on our quick stopover in Poughkeepsie, New York. This bridge was converted from railroad tracks to walkway over a picturesque spot on the Hudson River with palisades on the west side, city on the east side, and the Mid-Hudson Bridge to the south.
White Point Beach Out and Back
A long walk keeps White Point decidedly uncrowded. We had the crushed shell beach to ourselves, watched a pod of dolphins a few dozen yards off the shoreline, and saw a ton of wildlife including a white ibis rookery, a couple armadillos, and a few juvenile alligators - all up close and personal.
Cannon Mountain and the Cannonballs
This is a hiker's hike. It's physically challenging with long stretches of steep climbs and descents, but it is gorgeous! With 360 degree views from the tower and direct views out to Franconia Ridge, this hike had plenty of views. Oh, and Lonesome Lake was a nice bonus;-)
Echo Lake Beach
This is a quick walkout to an outstanding lakeside view looking straight down Franconia Notch. The ladies enjoyed a cold dip, while I took in the sweeping views with extremely active afternoon clouds. Located just off the interstate, this is a nice stop anytime you’re in the area.
Ripley Falls Out and Back
This is a great, short hike leading to the gorgeous, cascading Ripley Falls. While other routes to this are available, this is the most direct path. The falls were impressive, beautiful, and relaxing with only one other hiking group on trail with us.
Silver Cascade
This is one of two cascades on the north end of Crawford Notch. Of the two, this one is a little nicer thanks to a gorgeous view of Mt. Willard above. Again, this was a low flow visit, but after big rains, this little walk is pretty amazing!
Flume Cascade
This is a short out and back moving up a series of cascades just of US-302. It was nice to have the area to ourselves to enjoy the morning - even if the flow was on the low side after a dry spell.
Crawford Notch Overlook
This drive-up overlook provides an easy view of Crawford Notch with Mount Webster on the left and Mount Willard on the right. A far, far better view from the same angle is available by hiking Mount Willard that sits high above this viewpoint.