The List of the Easiest 4000 Footers NH

New Hampshire’s White Mountains are not to be underestimated.

For avid (and motivated) hikers they are a diverse range of peaks to conquer. One of the best ways to hike the White Mountain’s is by doing one of the hiking challenges such as the list of the 48 NH 4000 footers.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the easiest 4000 footers in New Hampshire, providing a perfect starting point for those seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the White Mountains without facing the most grueling climbs. Whether you’re a beginner or simply in the mood for a less strenuous hike, these mountains promise an enjoyable adventure and rewarding summit views.

We live in New Hampshire and hike in the White Mountains as often as possible. Hadley is well on her way to completing the 48 peaks and Finley and Freja are’t far behind.

If you are looking for more information on the 48 peak challenge check out our Guide to the NH 48 of if you are looking for more amazing easy hikes in the Whites check out the list 52 with a View.

10 Easiest 4000 Footers NH

There are many reasons you may be looking for the easiest 40000 footers in NH – you may be looking for an easy mountain to start, you might be looking to hike with someone else who isn’t up for a challenging hike, or you may be looking to conquer one of these peaks in the winter.

Here are the 10 easiest 4,000-footers in New Hampshire, along with a brief description of each:

1. Mount Tecumseh (4,003 feet): Located in the Waterville Valley area, Mount Tecumseh offers a relatively short and family-friendly hike. The Tecumseh Trail leads hikers through a serene forest and features moderate terrain, making it a great choice for beginners.
2. Mount Osceola (4,315 feet) and East Osceola (4,156 feet): This twin peak adventure provides a moderate climb with stunning ridge-line views. The trail starts at the Tripoli Road trailhead, offering a more gradual ascent, and is known for its splendid outlooks over the surrounding valleys.
3. Mount Hale (4,055 feet): Mount Hale is a picturesque peak located in the Zealand region. The Hale Brook Trail provides a gentle ascent, passing through beautiful woodlands and leading to an open summit with a fire tower and fantastic views.
4. Mount Jackson (4,052 feet): Accessed from the Crawford Notch area, Mount Jackson offers a well-maintained trail, the Webster-Jackson Trail. It is a relatively moderate hike with rewarding vistas of the Presidential Range and the notch below.
5. Mount Waumbek (4,006 feet): Situated in the Pliny Range, Mount Waumbek is accessible via the Starr King Trail. This hike is known for its gradual incline, making it an excellent choice for those new to hiking the 4,000-footers.
6. Mount Moriah (4,049 feet): Nestled in the northern Presidentials, Mount Moriah’s Carter-Moriah Trail is a moderate hike with a picturesque forested path. The summit offers splendid views of the surrounding peaks.
7. Mount Pierce (4,310 feet): Part of the Presidential Range, Mount Pierce can be reached via the Crawford Path from the AMC Highland Center. It’s one of the more accessible peaks in the range and offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
8. Mount Field (4,340 feet): Also within the Crawford Notch area, Mount Field can be hiked via the Avalon Trail and Willey Range Trail. The ascent is gradual, and it provides remarkable views of the Willey Range.
9. Mount Tom (4,051 feet): Often hiked in conjunction with Mount Field, Mount Tom offers similar accessibility and great vistas. The Avalon Trail makes for a leisurely ascent, and the open summit provides breathtaking panoramas.
10. Mount Tecumseh (4,003 feet): Located in the Waterville Valley area, Mount Tecumseh offers a relatively short and family-friendly hike. The Tecumseh Trail leads hikers through a serene forest and features moderate terrain, making it a great choice for beginners.

These 10 peaks offer a diverse range of experiences, from gentle ascents to beautiful summit views, making them perfect for hikers of varying skill levels seeking to conquer New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers.

List of NH 4000 Footers by Difficulty

Below you can find a list of the NH 4000 footers difficulty. Remember this is subjective but is based on our personal experiences as well as conversations with others. Note that some of the best 4000 footers in NH are also some of the most challenging.

Mountain	Elevation (feet)	Difficulty	Latitude (° N)	Longitude (° W)
Washington	6,288	Challenging	44.2705	71.3032
Adams	5,744	Challenging	44.32	71.2907
Jefferson	5,712	Challenging	44.3045	71.3189
Monroe	5,384	Challenging	44.2567	71.3225
Lafayette	5,249	Challenging	44.16	71.6446
Lincoln	5,089	Challenging	44.1602	71.6445
South Twin	4,902	Challenging	44.2023	71.5549
Carter Dome	4,832	Challenging	44.3769	71.1631
Eisenhower	4,780	Challenging	44.2402	71.3502
North Twin	4,761	Challenging	44.2169	71.5584
Bond	4,698	Challenging	44.16	71.5513
Middle Carter	4,610	Challenging	44.2856	71.1651
West Bond	4,540	Challenging	44.1527	71.5457
South Carter	4,430	Challenging	44.2834	71.1697
South Kinsman	4,358	Challenging	44.1406	71.7369
North Kinsman	4,293	Challenging	44.1445	71.7364
Bondcliff	4,285	Challenging	44.1403	71.5543
North Tripyramid	4,140	Challenging	43.9593	71.4405
Middle Tripyramid	4,140	Challenging	43.9626	71.4472
Owl’s Head	4,025	Challenging	44.1402	71.5523
Galehead	4,024	Challenging	44.1942	71.5675
Isolation	4,004	Challenging	44.2527	71.2819
Tecumseh	4,003	Challenging	43.9542	71.4942
Madison	5,367	Medium	44.3284	71.2775
Moosilauke	4,802	Medium	44.0248	71.8304
Carrigain	4,700	Medium	44.2988	71.4076
Garfield	4,500	Medium	44.1872	71.6081
Liberty	4,459	Medium	44.1159	71.3893
Wildcat A	4,422	Medium	44.2622	71.2396
Hancock	4,420	Medium	44.0497	71.5278
Osceola	4,340	Medium	43.9669	71.5259
Flume	4,328	Medium	44.0826	71.6432
South Hancock	4,319	Medium	44.0497	71.5278
Willey	4,285	Medium	44.1847	71.4044
Zealand	4,260	Medium	44.2252	71.4422
Wildcat D	4,070	Medium	44.2594	71.2158
Tom	4,051	Medium	44.1458	71.4658
Moriah	4,049	Medium	44.3406	71.1325
Field	4,340	Easy	44.1987	71.4075
Pierce	4,310	Easy	44.2655	71.4097
Cabot	4,170	Easy	44.5072	71.4169
East Osceola	4,156	Easy	43.9673	71.5233
Cannon	4,100	Easy	44.1565	71.6988
Hale	4,054	Easy	44.2203	71.4472
Jackson	4,052	Easy	44.2039	71.4069
Passaconaway	4,043	Easy	43.9547	71.3669
Whiteface	4,020	Easy	43.95	71.34
Waumbek	4,006	Easy	44.4122	71.3722

What you Need to Know about Hiking the NH 48 – 4,000 footers

Route Planning and Navigation

Before embarking on your journey, it’s important to thoroughly plan your routes and become proficient in map reading and GPS navigation. Many of the 4,000-footers are located in remote wilderness areas, and the terrain can be challenging. Be sure to carry updated topographic maps, a compass, and a GPS device to aid in navigation.

Weather Preparedness

New Hampshire’s weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Hikers should be well-prepared for changing conditions, including sudden temperature drops, high winds, and precipitation. Check weather forecasts before your hike and carry appropriate clothing, gear, and emergency supplies.

Physical Fitness and Training

Hiking the 4,000-footers requires a good level of physical fitness and endurance. Train your body by doing regular cardiovascular and strength exercises to build stamina and muscle strength. Start with easier hikes and gradually work your way up to more challenging peaks to build your hiking fitness.

Leave No Trace Principles

It’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. Practice proper waste disposal, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Respect the fragile alpine vegetation found on many peaks by sticking to established paths and avoiding trampling on sensitive areas.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Safety should be a top priority when hiking the 4,000-footers. Carry essential safety equipment, including a first aid kit, headlamp, whistle, and emergency shelter. Additionally, let someone know your hiking plans, expected return time, and the location of your hike. In case of emergencies, you’ll need a reliable means of communication, such as a satellite communicator or a cell phone with a backup power source.

Learn more about hiking the 48 4000 footers or follow along with us on INSTAGRAM as we keep working on this list.