Pinkham Notch stands as a rugged gateway to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, a stretch of wild where the earth pushes skyward in jagged peaks and alpine meadows stretch like green blankets underfoot. Each trail here dares you forward—through dense forests where streams chatter and rocks remember the steps of countless explorers. With Mount Washington looming as the North’s fiercest giant, the hikes around Pinkham Notch deliver a raw blend of forest, highland winds, and panoramic views that demand respect.

Start your adventure at the Glen Boulder Trail, a relatively short 1.4 miles, climbing 700 feet through thick spruce and fir. The trail’s terrain is rugged but well-maintained, and the final viewpoint lets the mountains touch the horizon. As the wind brushes past, it feels less like a breeze and more like the mountain testing your resolve. Ideal for those easing into White Mountain hiking.

For a longer challenge, try the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Stretching 4.1 miles one way, it gains 3,200 feet in elevation. The terrain shifts from forested paths to steep rock-strewn ascents, demanding steady footing and good fitness. This trail battles its own weather, where alpine winds push and gust along the ridge. Yet, the payoff is unmatched—the sweeping views of Mount Washington’s summit crowned with tundra and the deep ravine below, a valley where snowfields dare you even in summer.

Another must-try is the Ellis River Trail to Glen Ellis Falls, 2.5 miles roundtrip with a manageable 400-foot gain. It’s a forested trek where the river boldly cuts its path alongside, ending at a cascade that thunders and sprays—a raw reminder of nature’s force. Easy footing and scenic rest spots make it suitable for families or anyone wanting a reward without the grind.

Hiking here requires practical planning: sturdy boots grip the rocky surfaces; layered clothing defends against rapidly shifting weather; hydration is essential as the mountain air can dry you out faster than you expect. Set out early—mountain weather changes in minutes and daylight shifts with the seasons. Respect the terrain that is fiercely itself, alive with wind, rock, and sky.

Every step on these trails invites an exchange with the wild. The air is a living thing, tightening against your lungs as you ascend or gently coaxing you forward. Pinkham Notch’s trails offer not just views, but active partnerships with nature’s elements—intense, rewarding, and thoroughly real. They’re ready to test your limits and open your senses to the rugged beauty of New England’s high country.