Hiking in the White Mountains

Our condominium at the Nordic Inn is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest.  That means that hundreds of beautiful hikes, scenic lakes, and cascading waterfalls are accessible within a 30 minute drive!  From the Nordic Inn you can find an outdoor excursion for every level of hiking ability!

Here are a few of our favorites hikes:

Falling Waters Trail   (15 minutes from the Nordic Inn)

If you like water falls this is a great intermediate hike!  From it's starting point at the Franconia Notch State Park Parkway the trail passes Stairs Falls, Swiftwater Falls. and Cloudland Falls within the span of two miles.  The hike can be a bit steep in rocky in places, so be sure to gear-up accordingly.

Lonesome Lake Trail   (15 minutes from the Nordic Inn)

This very popular hike is an excellent introduction to the White Mountains.  It is especially popular with families wanting to introduce their children to the outdoors.  It is reached by a 1 1/2 mile (one way) trail that begins at Lafayette Place, just south of the cabin near the campground. A lakeside trail leads to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) hut at the far end of the lake and passes by an inactive beaver lodge.

Mount Chocorua   (30 minutes from the Nordic Inn)

Mt. Chocorua is one of the most climbed and photographed mountains in the White mountains of New Hampshire. In the warmer months it's a relatively short hike to the dramatic treeless summit. In the winter it's a good day in the woods with a brief taste of winter climbing in the White mountains above the treeline. The peak is very popular and you will meet people even in the dead of winter.  This hike takes about six hours with steep grades in several places.  

Welch Dickey Trail Loop    (35 minutes from the Nordic Inn)

Located in the Sandwich region of the White Mountains, Welch-Dickey is a 4.5-mile loop hike that crosses the peaks of both Mount Welch (2,605 feet) and Mount Dickey (2,734 feet). Despite a few steep sections, the trail is fairly easy and perfect for beginner to intermediate hikers.  The trail offers a tremendous amount of variety, from thickly wooded sections to exposed granite ledges. Several open ledges have beautiful views of the Pemigewasset Valley, creating perfect spots to stop for lunch or a photo op. 

 Mount Lafayette (15 minutes from the Nordic Inn)

This hike is one of the classics of the White Mountains!  While it is an advanced hike (expect it to take about eight hours with steep grades) over 2 miles of the journey is above treeline!  The resultant views along the ridge are spectacular --especially if the weather cooperates.  In our opinion, there is no finer day hike in the White Mountains! 

Mount Pemigewasset  (10 minutes from the Nordic Inn)

The open ledges at the 2,557-foot summit of Mt. Pemigewasset (Indian Head) afford excellent views of Franconia Notch, the Franconia Range and the valley to the south. The 1.4 mile (one way) trail climbs moderately to the summit from the Flume Visitor Center parking area. Return can be made by the same route or via the Indian Head Trail that diverges from the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail just below the summit, and leads one mile to Route 3, one mile south of the Flume Visitor Center.

For more great hikes visit the Appalachian Mountain Club's website at www.outdoors.org