The White Mountains near Conway, New Hampshire, guard some of the region’s most rugged, often overlooked terrain. Beyond the popular trails lies a collection of off-trail summits that offer a raw encounter with nature as fiercely alive as the mountains themselves. These peaks beckon the adventurer willing to step beyond beaten paths, promising solitude amid forested corridors and vantage points where valleys and ridgelines unfold like living landscapes.

Begin with Mount Kancamagus, a less frequented summit rising to 2,840 feet. The approach is steep and unmarked, weaving through old-growth hardwoods where sunlight dapples the ground and the air hums with the rustle of unseen critters. Expect a 5-mile round trip with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, demanding steady footing as roots and rocks challenge each step. At the summit, a sparse clearing affords broad views of the Saco River daring you to follow it downstream.

Next, try Green Hill at 2,400 feet, a compact but rewarding climb with roughly 3.5 miles round trip. The terrain shifts between moss-covered boulders and pine-stemmed slopes. Navigating this route requires a good map and compass; the hill seems to shapeshift as you ascend, the forest breathing softly with the wind. The chilly breeze at the top carries hints of distant peaks, even the faint roar of Route 16 below.

For a longer trip, Black Mountain offers a solid day hike at 7.4 miles round trip and 2,300 feet elevation gain. Its steep ledges and occasional scramble are not for the faint-hearted but reward with an expansive panorama where the White Mountains flaunt both their grandeur and their quiet stubbornness. This summit holds layers of alpine scrub and vibrant wildflowers in late spring, all under the watchful gaze of circling hawks.

Preparation is key. Hydrate early and often, wear sturdy boots with ankle support, and plan your timing to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Early morning starts not only beat the heat but catch the forests and ridges in the golden glow of dawn. Mark your route carefully—off-trail travel demands attentiveness to footing and navigation skills.

Each summit challenges you to read the land, recognize its moods, and respect its unchecked energy. The White Mountains in these pockets remain fiercely themselves—untamed peaks where the visitor is a temporary guest immersed in the pulse of the wild. These off-trail climbs are invitations to both adventure and mindfulness, a call to engage fully with a landscape that tests as much as it rewards.