This post contains affiliate links
I had fun putting together my other post about my top ten favorite national park hikes so I thought I’d do a similar list but of my favorite hikes not found in National parks. These are in no particular order, and again, they will probably change over time as I do more! You can find them all on AllTrails.
1. Borestone Mountain (via Base & Summit Trail) – Maine
Completed: June 2021, August 2023
Distance: Approximately 3.7 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 1,354 ft.
Pros: A “hometown” hike for me, incredible 360º views of surrounding lakes and mountains
Cons: If you don’t live in the area, it can be quite the haul to get to
Notes: Stop at the Monson General Store before or after your hike for snacks and souvenirs
2. Mount Kearsarge (via Winslow & Barlow loop) – New Hampshire
Completed: October 2023
Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 1,115 ft.
Pros: The cutest trail, 360º views, short and sweet
Cons: The summit can get busy
Notes: For those who want a shorter trek, there is another trailhead to a much shorter trail
3. Hedgehog Mountain – New Hampshire
Completed: September 2024
Distance: Approximately 4.4 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 1,400 ft.
Pros: Great views, fun cliffs to walk along
Cons: No bathroom available. That’s all I can think of!
Notes: Don’t skip Allen’s Ledge, a small spur off the trail, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views
4. Corona and Bowtie Arch – Utah
Completed: September 2021
Distance: Approximately 2.3 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 462 ft.
Pros: This is an easy, fun hike to a HUGE arch not far from downtown Moab
Cons: HOT! Full exposure
Notes: Enjoy the drive on Potash Road along the Colorado River on your way to the trailhead
5. Moxie Bald Mountain – Maine
Completed: July 2024
Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 1,302 ft.
Pros: Beautiful, Great views, not a lot of people
Cons: hard to find the trailhead, requires navigating logging roads to get to
Notes: Keep your eyes peeled for moose! We saw one shortly after leaving the trailhead
6. Mount Chocorua (via Champney Brook Trail) – New Hampshire
Completed: July 2022
Distance: Approximately 7.2 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 2,214
Pros: 360º view from the top, fun rock scrambling, long trail but mild elevation gain
Cons: The pit toilet at the trailhead may have been the worst I’ve ever smelled. Very popular
Notes: Great spot to check out the New Hampshire foliage in the fall
7. Echo Lakes Trail – California
Completed: May 2022
Distance: Approximately 5.3 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 511 ft.
Pros: Beautiful lake views, easy trail with minimal elevation
Cons: A lot of residential homes along that water, which some people may think takes away from the views (I promise it doesn’t)
Notes: Make sure to visit both lower and upper lake!
8. Mount Cardigan Loop Trail – New Hampshire
Completed: September 2024
Distance: Approximately 3.1 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 1,194 ft.
Pros: Beautiful summit views, enjoyable trails
Cons: Steep, bald rock could be a hard ascent for some. Popular trail, expect to see a lot of people
Notes: I recommend doing this counter-clockwise
9. Franconia Ridge – New Hampshire
Completed: June 2023
Distance: Approximately 8.6 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 3,815 ft.
Pros: One of the most epic trails in New England, stunning views of White Mountain National Forest.
Cons: Incredibly popular, expect A LOT of people, full parking lot
Notes: Be prepared if you do this hike – a lot of injuries happen on this trail due to unprepared hikers!
10. Hanging Lake – Colorado
Completed: May 2024
Distance: Approximately 3.1 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 1,200 ft.
Pros: Ridiculously beautiful, one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen.
Cons: Timed entry, limited reservations, busy
Notes: Do not enter or touch the water in the lake
I hope these hikes inspire you to get outside and explore. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve done any of these or which one you’d want to tackle first!
The Adventures of Suze 
Leave a comment