Honeymooners

[WhiteMTHike]

First time hikes for non-hikers (honeymooners)

Not me, I've been happily married for 16 years. I "know" a guy from another online community that I belong to, it's not a hiking board though. This guy is getting married in October and he's thinking of going to the WMNF for his honeymoon, he lives in South Carolina. He tells me he's not a hiker but he and his fiance' (who used to live in NH) would love to try hiking a trail in the WMNF while they are on their honeymoon.

Here is my question, if you were to suggest a hiking trail for first time hikers what trail would you suggest? I'm certainly not going to suggest a 4K footer to newbies. I'm thinking a short hike, not too difficult with decent views is old favorite Welch-Dickey. Mount Potash also falls into this category. Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[SteveHiker]

seems like you don't really want to wear yourself out on the trail during your honeymoon, so I'd suggest something like the Flume or Arethusa Falls. Or if they really want to go up a mountain, something like Willard or Hedgehog.

 

[wardsgirl]

Zealand Trail and The Twinway to Zeacliff Overlook. It's where me and my honey met 14 years ago! It passes beaver and moose habitat, a waterfall, and ends at one of the best views in the Whites. All that for only 8 total miles, most of which is easy.

 

[DrewKnight]

What could be better than Bridal Veil Falls?

Over in the Kinsmans... haven't been there in a long time, but last time I did it, it was a relatively easy walk to a very wild-feeling area with a beautiful waterfall / swimming hole. The shelter way-back-when was an open-front ADK shelter, very cozy though not awfully private.

 

[dvbl]

...Here is my question, if you were to suggest a hiking trail for first time hikers what trail would you suggest? ...

The Link (kidding)


Mt Willard: Perhaps the best "views per effort" ratio in the Whites (not kidding)

 

[bobandgeri]

So many to choose from! It's a 10 mile round trip, but easy hike out to Thoreau Falls. Other shorter hikes that end at open peaks with great views are Mt Crawford, Mt Avalon, Hedgehog, Little Haystack, The Moats, Doubleheads, Sugarloafs in Twin Mountain, Cherry Mountain. Mt Peirce is a fairly easy 4K with great views. October is such a nice time in the Whites, so the places to go are endless.

 

[SilentCal]

If your friend is getting married in October, there might be some nice fall foliage at the lower elevations still. The pair of Sugarloaf Peaks in Twin Mountain are nice. A trip up and around Lonesome Lake is not too tough and quite interesting.

 

[askus3]

I like the Evans Notch area for short hikes with plenty of bang for the effort. Caribou Mt, The Roost, Moriah Gorge, East Royce, Blueberry Ledge/Speckled Mt., The Wild River Trail as far as youy want to go. This area is loaded with relatively easy endless possibilities. And a big plus, plenty of solitude as this area is far less traversed.

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

There have been some good suggestions given. I would also suggest Kearsage. The views from the ledges are good in themselves if one got tired before reaching the top. Also only 30 minutes to the east of Conway is Pleasant Mt. with outstanding views and a multiple choice of trails. This massif stands alone so the views are unhindered in all directions.

 

[Gris]

Middle Sugarloaf

Without a doubt, Middle Sugarloaf off Zealand Road...

 

[amstony]

Welch-Dickey in Waterville Valley and Mt. Pemigewasset (aka Indianhead) in Franconia Notch get my vote.

Both are easy to find, have great views, in or near resort towns and will not take all day to hike, and of course, you'll still have plenty of energy for other activities!

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

I agree with all of the before mentioned hikes, my favorite out of the bunch are probably the Sugarloafs. On a clear day the view of the Presidentials from there is hard to beat, and the sunsets are great, too. In October the full moon rises over Washington about the same time the sun is setting behind you, very nice .

http://ghostflowers.com/white_mtns3000/sugarloafs10606/sugarloafs10606.html

If they want something real easy, Bald Mountain at the top of Franconia Notch offers great views of the notch to the south and east and sunsets to the west. It's about a fifteen minute hike from the parking area across from Peabody Slopes on Cannon Mountain. It might be alittle tricky crossing the slabs near the top for someone who never climbed before.

KDT

 

[Puck]

Don't some of the mountains have romantic stories associated with them? Like Nancy? I am not saying a bushwack of Nancy would be great for a honeymoon, it could be something to chat about if they were to hike up, say, Carrigan or something