Introduction
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a haven for hikers, especially those aiming to conquer the 48 Four-Thousand-Footers. This list, a badge of honor among hiking communities, includes peaks with an elevation of over 4,000 feet, each offering its own unique challenges and breathtaking vistas.
The 48 Four-Thousand-Footers of New Hampshire’s White Mountains
- Mt. Washington (6,288 ft) – Difficult: Notorious for extreme weather and challenging terrain.
- Mt. Adams (5,799 ft) – Difficult: Offers rugged paths and stunning views.
- Mt. Jefferson (5,712 ft) – Difficult: Known for its challenging ascent and panoramic vistas.
- Mt. Monroe (5,372 ft) – Moderate: Easier routes with spectacular views in the Presidential Range.
- Mt. Madison (5,367 ft) – Difficult: A demanding climb with rewarding views.
- Mt. Lafayette (5,260 ft) – Difficult: Popular for the Franconia Ridge Loop, offering stunning vistas.
- Mt. Lincoln (5,089 ft) – Difficult: Part of Franconia Ridge, known for its dramatic views.
- South Twin Mountain (4,902 ft) – Moderate: Renowned for its expansive summit views.
- Carter Dome (4,832 ft) – Moderate: Varied trails, offering both steep and gentle paths.
- Mt. Moosilauke (4,802 ft) – Moderate: Famous for its broad summit and extensive views.
- North Twin Mountain (4,761 ft) – Moderate: Often combined with South Twin.
- Eisenhower Peak (4,780 ft) – Moderate: Distinctive summit with a memorial.
- Mt. Carrigain (4,700 ft) – Moderate: Features a fire tower with comprehensive views.
- Mt. Bond (4,698 ft) – Difficult: Part of a scenic ridge traverse.
- Middle Carter Mountain (4,610 ft) – Moderate: Quieter trails, forested paths.
- West Bond (4,540 ft) – Difficult: A challenging addition to the Bond traverse.
- Mt. Garfield (4,500 ft) – Moderate: Gentle grade, panoramic summit views.
- Mt. Liberty (4,459 ft) – Moderate: Rocky summit, impressive views.
- South Carter Mountain (4,430 ft) – Moderate: Quieter hike in the Carter-Moriah Range.
- Wildcat Mountain (4,422 ft) – Difficult: Views of Tuckerman Ravine and the Presidentials.
- Mt. Hancock (4,420 ft) – Moderate: Wooded summit, part of a loop with South Hancock.
- South Kinsman (4,358 ft) – Moderate: Part of a ridge with North Kinsman, lake views.
- Field Mountain (4,340 ft) – Easy: Known for wildflowers and gentle trails.
- Mt. Osceola (4,340 ft) – Moderate: East Osceola is known for its challenging chimney.
- Mt. Flume (4,328 ft) – Moderate: Unique slide area, part of Franconia Ridge.
- South Hancock (4,319 ft) – Moderate: Wooded summit, part of a loop with Mt. Hancock.
- Mt. Pierce (4,312 ft) – Easy: Gentle climb, often combined with Mt. Eisenhower.
- North Tripyramid (4,180 ft) – Difficult: Notable for the North Slide.
- Cannon Mountain (4,100 ft) – Moderate: Offers impressive views, ski trails.
- Mt. Hale (4,054 ft) – Easy: Gentle slope, suitable for beginners.
- Mt. Jackson (4,052 ft) – Moderate: Offers a 360-degree view from the summit.
- Mt. Tom (4,051 ft) – Easy: Pleasant wooded trail, gentle ascent.
- Wildcat, D Peak (4,050 ft) – Moderate: Views of Carter Notch.
- Mt. Moriah (4,049 ft) – Moderate: Stunning views towards the Presidential Range.
- Mt. Passaconaway (4,043 ft) – Moderate: Scenic, wooded trail.
- Owl’s Head (4,025 ft) – Difficult: Known for its remoteness and challenging ascent.
- Galehead Mountain (4,024 ft) – Moderate: Views of Pemigewasset Wilderness.
- Mt. Waumbek (4,006 ft) – Easy: Gentle slope, suitable for less experienced hikers.
- Mt. Isolation (4,004 ft) – Difficult: Remote location, challenging terrain.
- Mt. Tecumseh (4,003 ft) – Easy: The easiest of the 4,000-footers, popular among beginners.
- North Kinsman (4,293 ft) – Moderate: Offers lake views, part of a ridge with South Kinsman.
- Middle Tripyramid (4,140 ft) – Difficult: Notable for the South Slide.
- West Bond (4,540 ft) – Difficult: An extension of the Bond traverse, remote views.
- Zealand Mountain (4,260 ft) – Moderate: Known for its viewless summit but beautiful approach.
- Mt. Willey (4,285 ft) – Moderate: Offers views of Crawford Notch, steep in places.
- Mt. Cabot (4,170 ft) – Moderate: The northernmost 4,000-footer, known for its long approach.
- East Osceola (4,156 ft) – Moderate: Less frequented, chimney section can be bypassed.
- North Hancock (4,420 ft) – Moderate: Part of a loop with South Hancock, wooded summit.
Exploring the Four-Thousand-Footers
Each of these mountains presents its own unique terrain and challenges, providing hikers with a diverse range of experiences. From the rugged and demanding paths of the Presidential Range to the more serene trails of the lesser-known peaks, the Four-Thousand-Footers of New Hampshire offer something for every hiker, whether you seek the thrill of a challenging climb or the peace of a quiet trail through the wilderness.