Favorite valley walks in the Whites?

[carla]

Hi folks, I am looking for a 10 mile-ish hike that is scenic, feels relatively isolated and is relatively flat. No peak-bagging required!

Trying to get in a nice walk this weekend that isn't too taxing on legs/knees, since I am saving my legs for a big cycling event a few days later.

I was thinking of the Zealand Valley area, which I find beautiful, but maybe others have favorite valley hikes they can recommend?

Thanks!

Carla

 

[sweeper]

Hancock Notch/Sawyer River trails

Flat Mtn Pond down in Sandwich range

Most of the others Thoreau Falls/Shoal Pond require a multi-day trip, for most of us.

Haven't been there but Mad River Notch (?)

 

[eddie]

Maybe up the Great Gulf Trail to Spaulding Lake and back from Rt 16?

 

[NewHampshire]

Start at the Greeley Pond trailhead over on the Kanc and head out to Waterville Valley. I did this on a somewhat rainy day and had a nice time. You can hit a couple of small side trails in Waterville before returning. I would suggest taking the short Big Pines trail, and where it dead ends at the Pines keep walking toward the sound of the river not more than 25 yards into the open woods. You will come to the Mad River with some nice views. A pleasant spot!

Brian

 

[dug]

The walk to Shoal Pond is a favorite if I'm not hitting peaks. I would guess it's 5-6 miles each way, but probably only 5 hours of walking. It's actually a great rainy-day hike.

 

[wardsgirl]

How about the Bolles Trail from Ferncroft to the Kanc and back? A bit longer than 10 miles, but uncrowded and pretty.

 

[Mad Townie]

I second the Great Gulf suggestion. It's a wonderful, beautiful, magical place.

 

[Amicus]

The Bearcamp River Trail in Sandwich, Tamworth and Ossipee is a long, flat one that would save you some driving from Mass. and is very little used, in part because it is not many years old. Some of the others would give you better views, but the west end of the Trail in particular has some nice sections and spots, such as Beede Falls.

 

[vegematic]

Wild River Valley. I usually go in from the north, park at Wild River Campground, and head south on trail. You could stay on the east side of the river (Wild River Trail) for about three miles before fording where the spider bridge used to be and continue south on the WRT. Or you could cross on a suspension bridge very near the campground and do your whole hike on the Highwater Trail on the west side of the river. The first couple miles would be rolling and more work (and a few stream crossings) than the first option but nothing like peakbagging.

For that matter you could park at 113 where the Wild River Road leaves it and hike the Highwater Trail south from there.

You won't see a lot of people but you might see some interesting aquatic birds.
-vegematic

 

[MichaelJ]

And if you go all the way to Perkins Notch Shelter (the true notch is beyond, at the Rainbow Trail junction), turn west at one of several small paths and you'll come out at No-Ketchum Pond with beautiful views of the backside of the Carter Range.

 

[DrewKnight]

I second Brian's suggestion of Greeley Ponds R/T from either end, with a side trip to Big Pines, or even the Scaur.

I did it last year and was actually thinking of doing it this weekend. There's something cool about walking across the "wilderness" a few miles and cutting the corner on what would be a 30-some-odd mile drive.

 

[carla]

thanks all--great suggestions

Now I have a quiver full of great walks to pull out when I just don't feel like climbing. These all would make lovely snowshoe trips too.

--Carla