Hiking in Hart's Location

Hart's Location sits at a crossroads that catches a lot of hikers by surprise: you can spend your afternoon on a gentle riverside walk or be scrambling up steep rock to a Presidential view, sometimes within a 15-minute drive of each other. The town's position on the edge of the White Mountains National Forest means the hiking here runs the full spectrum, which is both the appeal and the thing that requires actually knowing what you're after before you head out.

Most people think of Hart's Location as either the jumping-off point for the northern Presidentials or a quieter alternative to the mobbed trailheads in North Conway. That's partly right, but the real distinction is that Hart's Location hiking tends to be less crowded without being remote—you're still in range of services, you're still on well-maintained trails, but you're not fighting for parking or waiting in line at a popular summit. Peak season runs the same as everywhere else—leaf peepers and summer weekends—but shoulder season here rewards early arrivals more generously.

One thing worth knowing: check road conditions in winter and spring before you head to the higher trailheads. Hart's Location gets the weather that the southern towns miss, and a closure or washout can redirect your whole day.

We've catalogued nine solid options across the town and its immediate surroundings—everything from moderate loops to serious alpine climbs. Browse the list below to find what fits your timeline and fitness level.