The 52 With a View: A Journey Through New Hampshire’s Scenic Summits

Introduction

The “52 With a View” list is a beloved challenge among hikers in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. These peaks, all under 4,000 feet, boast some of the most spectacular views in the region. The list was created in 1979 by a group of hiking enthusiasts and has since become a bucket list item for many.

The Complete List of the 52 With a View

1. Mt. Starr King (3,907 ft) – Easy: Gentle ascent, historical significance.
2. Mt. Webster (3,910 ft) – Moderate: Overlooks Crawford Notch.
3. Smarts Mountain (3,238 ft) – Moderate: Features a fire tower.
4. Mt. Roberts (2,582 ft) – Easy: Views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
5. Jennings Peak (3,460 ft) – Moderate: Quiet, forested paths.
6. Mt. Cardigan (3,155 ft) – Moderate: Bald summit with extensive views.
7. Kearsarge North (3,268 ft) – Moderate: Fire tower summit.
8. Mt. Crawford (3,119 ft) – Moderate: Impressive views for moderate effort.
9. Stinson Mountain (2,900 ft) – Easy: Short hike, lake views.
10. Hedgehog Mountain (2,532 ft) – Moderate: Unique rock formations.
11. Mt. Potash (2,680 ft) – Moderate: Overlooks Sandwich Range Wilderness.
12. Percy Peaks-North Peak (3,400 ft) – Moderate: Distinctive shape, expansive views.
13. Shaw Mountain (2,990 ft) – Easy: Lesser-known, tranquil.
14. Sugarloaf-Middle (2,539 ft) – Easy: Accessible climb, great views.
15. Mt. Pemigewasset (Indian Head) (2,557 ft) – Easy: Resembles an Indian head.
16. Mt. Chocorua (3,500 ft) – Difficult: Iconic, challenging trails.
17. Mt. Cube (2,909 ft) – Moderate: Unique Upper Valley views.
18. Mt. Willard (2,865 ft) – Easy: Popular, overlooks Crawford Notch.
19. Mt. Garfield (4,500 ft) – Difficult: Pemigewasset Wilderness views.
20. Horn (2,900 ft) – Moderate: Part of Blueberry Mountain range.
21. Black Mountain-Benton (2,830 ft) – Easy: Offers solitude, views of the Kinsman Range.
22. Blueberry Mountain (2,662 ft) – Easy: Named for wild blueberries at the top.
23. Mount Avalon (3,442 ft) – Moderate: Stunning views of Crawford Notch.
24. Baldfaces (3,600 ft) – Difficult: Challenging, rewarding panoramas.
25. Mount Success (3,565 ft) – Moderate: Historical significance, part of the Appalachian Trail.
26. Eagle Crag (3,020 ft) – Moderate: Unique view of the Wild River Wilderness.
27. Mount Resolution (3,415 ft) – Moderate: Scenic overlooks, quiet trails.
28. Iron Mountain (2,726 ft) – Easy: Lesser-known, peaceful.
29. Mount Tremont (3,371 ft) – Moderate: Overlooks Sawyer River Valley.
30. Mount Parker (3,004 ft) – Moderate: Offers views of Mount Washington.
31. Mount Shaw (2,990 ft) – Moderate: Tallest in the Ossipee Range, lake views.
32. Mount Hibbard (2,920 ft) – Moderate: Wildlife sightings, serene.
33. Mount Martha (3,560 ft) – Moderate: Overlooks Cherry Valley.
34. Mount Paugus (3,198 ft) – Moderate: Secluded, less traveled.
35. Mount Pickering (2,934 ft) – Moderate: Named after a geologist, unique rock formations.
36. Mount Langdon (2,900 ft) – Moderate: Quiet, lesser-known.
37. Mount Crawford (3,119 ft) – Moderate: Exceptional vistas for moderate effort.
38. Mount Parker (3,004 ft) – Moderate: Views of Presidential Range.
39. Eastman Mountain (2,939 ft) – Moderate: Part of the Baldface-Royce Range.
40. Mount Kearsarge (2,937 ft) – Easy: Fire tower, panoramic views.
41. Mount Monadnock (3,165 ft) – Moderate: One of the most hiked mountains in the world.
42. South Baldface (3,547 ft) – Moderate: Part of a challenging loop, stunning views.
43. Mount Israel (2,630 ft) – Moderate: Offers views of the Sandwich Range.
44. North Doublehead (3,053 ft) – Moderate: Ski trail, cabin at the summit.
45. Stairs Mountain (3,478 ft) – Moderate: Unique rock formations, overlooks the Presidentials.
46. Mount Surprise (2,194 ft) – Easy: A pleasant surprise with lovely views.
47. Magalloway Mountain (3,383 ft) – Easy: Fire tower, views of the Connecticut Lakes.
48. Mount Morgan (2,220 ft) – Easy: Features ladders and caves.
49. Mount Percival (2,212 ft) – Moderate: Adjacent to Mount Morgan, similar features.
50. Mount Cardigan (3,155 ft) – Moderate: Bare summit, extensive views.
51. North Moat Mountain (3,196 ft) – Moderate: Part of Moat Mountain Range, panoramic views.
52. Mount Hitchcock (3,362 ft) – Moderate: Overlooks Franconia Notch.

Conclusion: A Hiker’s Dream

The “52 With a View” list offers an incredible array of hiking experiences, from gentle ascents to more challenging climbs. Each mountain provides a unique perspective of New Hampshire’s natural beauty, making them perfect for those who appreciate both the journey and the destination. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting, these peaks promise memorable adventures and breathtaking views. Remember to respect the trails, prepare adequately, and enjoy every moment in the beautiful White Mountains. Happy hiking!