Hiking TrailsUnited States of AmericaBristol, New Hampshire

Hiking Trails
Near Bristol, New Hampshire

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Mount Cardigan via West Ridge Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Cardigan via West Ridge Trail

Birding
strenuous
2.71 mi
+1,208 ft
Mount Kearsarge via Winslow Trail and Barlow Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Kearsarge via Winslow Trail and Barlow Trail

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
2.43 mi
+1,103 ft
Mount Kearsarge via Rollins Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Kearsarge via Rollins Trail

Dogs Allowed
moderate
1.06 mi
+350 ft
Belknap Mountain via East Gilford Trail

Classic Hike Route

Belknap Mountain via East Gilford Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
3.77 mi
+1,272 ft
Mount Moosilauke via Gorge Brook

Classic Hike Route

Mount Moosilauke via Gorge Brook

Dogs Allowed
moderate
7.02 mi
+2,517 ft
Mount Osceola via Osceola Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Osceola via Osceola Trail

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
5.59 mi
+2,028 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Walter - Newton Loop

Hike Route

Walter - Newton Loop

Historical
moderate
1.52 mi
+141 ft
Mount Cardigan via West Ridge Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Cardigan via West Ridge Trail

Birding
strenuous
2.71 mi
+1,208 ft
Mount Cardigan via South Ridge Trail over Rimrock and South Peak

Hike Route

Mount Cardigan via South Ridge Trail over Rimrock and South Peak

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
3.08 mi
+1,251 ft
Mt. Prospect

Hike Route

Mt. Prospect

Dogs Allowed
moderate
3.14 mi
+1,022 ft
Mount Kearsarge via Winslow Trail and Barlow Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mount Kearsarge via Winslow Trail and Barlow Trail

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
2.43 mi
+1,103 ft
Great Brook and Morgan Hill Loop

Hike Route

Great Brook and Morgan Hill Loop

moderate
4.75 mi
+947 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Squam Range Extended Loop Hike via Crawford Ridgepole Trail

Hike Route

Squam Range Extended Loop Hike via Crawford Ridgepole Trail

Lake
extreme
13.05 mi
+3,491 ft
Belknap Range Trail

Hike Route

Belknap Range Trail

Less Crowded
strenuous
11.57 mi
+3,466 ft
Mud Pond, Peaked Hill Pond, and Heath Pond Loop

Hike Route

Mud Pond, Peaked Hill Pond, and Heath Pond Loop

moderate
10.33 mi
+841 ft
Mount Moosilauke Carriage Road

Hike Route

Mount Moosilauke Carriage Road

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
10.03 mi
+3,139 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Mt. Cardigan Super Loop

Hike Route

Mt. Cardigan Super Loop

Birding
strenuous
8.75 mi
+3,222 ft
Mount Kearsarge via Lincoln Trail

Hike Route

Mount Kearsarge via Lincoln Trail

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
7.63 mi
+2,185 ft
Cole, Butternut and Anderson Pond Loop

Hike Route

Cole, Butternut and Anderson Pond Loop

moderate
7.97 mi
+1,008 ft
Smarts Mountain

Hike Route

Smarts Mountain

Views
strenuous
7.55 mi
+2,497 ft
Mount Shaw, Black Snout, Big Ball, and Little Ball Loop

Hike Route

Mount Shaw, Black Snout, Big Ball, and Little Ball Loop

strenuous
7.7 mi
+2,779 ft
Mount Sunapee via Newbury Trail

Hike Route

Mount Sunapee via Newbury Trail

Lake
strenuous
6.59 mi
+2,070 ft