Top 10 Scenic Hikes Near Lincoln, NH
Explore scenic hikes near South Peak Resort- perfect trails for every season
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, Lincoln offers four-season adventure, and one of the best ways to experience it is on foot. Whether you’re a homeowner at South Peak Resort or just visiting for the weekend, you’ll find dozens of trails right outside your door that rival any ski slope in terms of views and experience. From peaceful riverside walks to rewarding summit climbs, these 10 nearby scenic hikes are all within a 15-minute drive (or less!) from South Peak Resort—and prove that Lincoln is just as magical in hiking boots as it is in ski boots.
1. Serendipity Loop Trail
Distance from South Peak Resort: 2 minutes
Trail length: 2.2 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Serendipity Loop is a hidden gem right in the backyard of South Peak Resort. This gently rolling loop winds through a scenic mixed forest, offering peaceful surroundings, mountain views, and well-maintained paths. It’s ideal for early morning strolls, post-dinner walks, or families with young hikers. The trail connects with other nearby paths like the Escape Route or J.E. Henry Trail, making it easy to customize your walk based on your mood and time. In the fall, it becomes especially stunning with colorful foliage blanketing the area.
2. East Ridge Trail
Distance from South Peak Resort: 2 minutes
Trail Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The East Ridge Trail provides a scenic ridge-top experience that starts close to South Peak homesites and rises gradually through mature hardwood forests. The views open up periodically, offering glimpses of Loon Mountain and the town of Lincoln nestled below. This trail is well-maintained and quieter than some of the region’s more trafficked hikes, making it perfect for a peaceful escape. Whether you’re out for exercise or a nature-immersed hike, East Ridge has enough terrain variation to keep it interesting without being overwhelming.
3. South Peak Escape Route
Distance from South Peak Resort: 2 minutes
Trail Length: 2.3 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Don’t be alarmed by the name- you’re not actually escaping anything. The “Escape Route” is simply a slightly more challenging loop trail on South Peak. Used as a connector or out-and-back adventure, the Escape Route weaves through mixed forest terrain and provides views of the Pemigewasset River. Its well-marked path makes it ideal for residents who want a quick hike without venturing far. You can easily link up with other local trails like Serendipity or the J.E. Henry Trail to make a longer loop, perfect for an hour-long outdoor break.
4. J.E. Henry Trail
Distance from South Peak Resort: 2 minutes
Trail Length: 1.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
Named after one of Lincoln’s founding figures, this riverside trail follows the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River. The terrain is flat and wide, making it accessible for strollers, bikes, and casual walkers. Benches and interpretive signs along the way provide rest stops and insight into the area’s logging and railroading past. This is the perfect trail for a low-effort, high-reward experience—great for dog walks, morning jogs, or leisurely weekend strolls with friends or family.
5. Georgina & Harvard Falls Trail
Distance from South Peak Resort: 7 minutes
Trail Length: 2.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Waterfall lovers, this one’s for you. The Georgiana Falls Trail is a lesser-known gem in Lincoln that leads to not just one, but two pretty waterfalls on Harvard Brook. It’s a moderate hike of about 2.5 miles round-trip (if you go to the upper falls and back), but you can tailor it to your ability by choosing to visit only the first falls for an easier trip.
The hike begins quite gently, following an old logging road alongside the brook. You’ll first reach Georgiana Falls. Georgiana Falls is about 30 feet high, a lovely fan of water pouring over granite ledges in a sylvan glen. Many people make this their turnaround point, for a quick 1.4 mile round-trip easy hike. If you stop here, you’ll have had a pleasant outing with a scenic reward and relatively little effort. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, continue on the trail to Harvard Falls, sometimes called Upper Georgiana. The trail gets steeper and rougher beyond the first falls – you’ll scramble up some rocky sections and cross the brook – so take care and expect a short, more strenuous push. After the steep ascent, you’ll be rewarded with remarkable views and natural pools where you can cool off on warmer days.
6. Lincoln Woods Trail to Franconia Falls
Distance from South Peak Resort: 10 minutes
Trail Length: 6.8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
One of the most beloved trails in the region, this well-graded path starts at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center and follows an old logging railroad bed along the river. The hike to Franconia Falls is long but not steep, making it doable for most fitness levels. The reward is a series of flat granite ledges, natural waterslides, and gentle cascades perfect for picnics or a refreshing dip. It’s best enjoyed on a warm day, but the peaceful riverside atmosphere makes it a great escape year-round.
7. Flume Gorge Loop
Distance from South Peak Resort: 10 minutes
Trail Length: 2 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy
This unforgettable trail winds through a dramatic granite gorge complete with waterfalls, wooden walkways, and covered bridges. It’s one of the most popular natural attractions in the state and ideal for all ages. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, especially when the foliage is at its peak.
With this loop being a high traffic hike, they do require reservations to enter the trail. Reserve your visit to the Flume Gorge here.
8. Artist Bluff & Bald Mountain Loop
Distance from South Peak Resort: 15 minutes
Trail Length: 1.5 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Franconia Notch, you’ve likely glimpsed the vista from Artist’s Bluff. This short 1.5-mile loop hike packs in one of the most stunning views in the region – a panorama of Echo Lake with the surrounding mountains – making it a favorite for beginners and experienced hikers alike.The loop can be hiked in either direction, but a common route is to go counter-clockwise: ascend to Artist’s Bluff first, then continue to Bald Mountain, and descend. The climb to Artist’s Bluff is the steeper part – it’s a short but somewhat steep ascent through the forest. You’ll know you’re close when the trees thin out and you scramble up a few rocks to an open cliff. Suddenly, you’re greeted with a breathtaking view: the sparkling Echo Lake directly below, framed by the green- or orange and red in fall- valley, with the sheer cliffs of Cannon Mountain to your left and the lofty Franconia Ridge across the notch.
Pro tip: This hike is extremely popular, especially on weekends and during fall foliage season, so try to go early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds (and to get parking).
9. Lonesome Lake Trail
Distance from South Peak Resort: 15 minutes
Trail Length: 3.2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Lonesome Lake is a glistening alpine lake sitting in a basin on the side of Cannon Mountain – and it makes for a fantastic moderate and scenic hike for beginners ready to try a bit more elevation. The journey will take you through peaceful forests to the lakeshore, where you’ll have stunning views of Franconia Ridge reflected in the water. The well-marked Lonesome Lake Trail starts right from the campground parking lot. It’s about 1.6 miles from the trailhead up to the lake, with roughly 1000 feet of elevation gain. The trail is nicely graded in switchbacks, but it is a steady climb – expect to be breathing a bit harder as you go. About 1.6 miles in, the trail suddenly opens up at Lonesome Lake, and the sight is just magnificent: a 12-acre crystal-clear lake surrounded by pine forests, with the craggy peaks of Mount Lafayette and Lincoln towering across the valley . There’s a loop trail that goes around the entire lake on bog bridges and a dirt path. Depending on the season, you can check-out the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut which offers soups, snacks, and lemonade for hikers to enjoy.
10. Franconia Notch Recreation Path
Distance from South Peak Resort: 5 minutes
Trail Length: 8.8 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Franconia Notch Recreation Path is a paved 8.8-mile bike path that stretches from the Flume Gorge to Echo Lake, roughly paralleling I-93 through the state park. It’s one of New Hampshire’s crown jewels of multi-use trails – nine miles of jaw-dropping scenery in the heart of the White Mountains. This path is ideal for walking, biking, or cross-country skiing in winter, this family-friendly trail offers flexibility and scenery without having to commit to a backwoods hike. Great for beginners or those wanting a casual outing.
A Year-Round Destination
South Peak Resort may be known for its slopeside access, but the hiking trails prove that Lincoln is a year-round destination. Whether you want a casual nature stroll or a full mountain workout, there’s a trail just minutes from your door waiting to be explored.
Interested in making South Peak Resort your home? Check out real estate opportunities here.
