16 Must-See Hikes in New England for Adventure Seekers

Discover the best hikes in New England, from scenic mountain trails to coastal escapes. Explore the most breathtaking routes in this vibrant region.
BrandMy RatingPrice
By Rene Laubach (Author), Charles W. G. Smith (Author)
Best Cheap Pick
9.4/10
By Eli Burakian (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
Best for Scenic Views
9.0/10
By Robert N. Buchsbaum (Author)
Best for Family-Friendly Hikes
9.4/10
By Daniel Doan (Author), Ruth Doan Macdougall (Author)
Best for Trail Challenges
9.6/10
By Moon Travel Guides (Author), Kelsey Perrett (Author), Miles Howard (Author) & 0 More
9.2/10

Best Hikes in New England

Embark on a journey through New England’s most breathtaking trails, where rugged peaks and lush forests weave a tapestry of adventure and discovery. From towering cliffs to tranquil streams, these hikes promise unforgettable vistas and a breath of fresh mountain air. Discover the best hikes in New England and unlock nature’s hidden treasures in your next outdoor escape.

Best Cheap Pick: AMC Best Day Hikes Connecticut

AMC's Best Day Hikes in Connecticut: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails from the Highlands to the Coast
Highlights
Comprehensive trail info
Well-organized guide
Easy trail selection

This guide delivers a comprehensive list of the best day hikes in Connecticut, complete with detailed trail info and easy-to-navigate organization.

It makes selecting the perfect trail a breeze, whether you're after a scenic overlook or a peaceful woodland stroll.

Best of all, it’s a budget-friendly choice with a highly positive rating, making it an ideal pick for adventure seekers on a budget.

While it’s limited to New England and a few trails might get crowded, its portability and thoroughness make it a must-have for local explorers.

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Price history for AMC Best Day Hikes Connecticut on Amazon

Best for Scenic Views: Hiking Waterfalls in New England

Hiking Waterfalls in New England: A Guide to the Region's Best Waterfall Hikes
Highlights
Detailed directions
Useful maps included
Organized by categories

this guide excels at showcasing the most breathtaking waterfalls in New England. The detailed directions and useful maps make it easy to find your way to these stunning water features, even if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Organized by categories, it helps you narrow down your next adventure based on scenery and difficulty—perfect for quick decision-making.

While some info might be slightly outdated and a few waterfall listings are limited, for water lovers seeking the scenic views of cascading falls, this guide is a vivid and valuable resource.

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Best for Family-Friendly Hikes: AMC Best Day Hikes

AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains: Four-season Guide to 60 of the Best Trails in the White Mountain National Forest
Highlights
Comprehensive trail info
Easy-to-use maps
Detailed trip planning

this guide truly shines for families seeking accessible adventures.

It features trails in the White Mountains that are suitable for all seasons, with easy-to-follow maps that simplify navigation.

The detailed trip planning sections make it a breeze to prepare for outings, ensuring everyone can enjoy the scenic beauty without stress.

While some directions might be a bit outdated, the overall value, extensive trail descriptions, and user-friendly layout make it a top choice for anyone wanting a reliable, fun, and safe family hike.

It’s a solid addition to any outdoor library!

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Price history for AMC Best Day Hikes on Amazon

Best for Trail Challenges: Explorer's Guide 50 More Hikes

Explorer's Guide 50 More Hikes in New Hampshire: Day Hikes and Backpacking Trips from Mount Monadnock to Mount Magalloway (Explorer's 50 Hikes)
Highlights
Detailed trail commentary
Helpful hiking tips
Concise and informative

This guide is a treasure trove for thrill-seeking hikers eager to push their limits.

The detailed trail commentary provides a clear roadmap through some of the most demanding hikes in New England, from the rugged slopes of Mount Monadnock to the challenging ascent of Mount Magalloway.

The helpful tips ensure you're prepared for every twist and turn, making tough hikes more manageable.

While it's a bit heavier and hasn't seen recent updates, the concise and informative content makes it a trusty companion for those craving adventure.

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Price history for Explorer's Guide 50 More Hikes on Amazon

Moon Outdoors

Moon New England Hiking: Best Hikes plus Beer, Bites, and Campgrounds Nearby (Moon Outdoors)
Highlights
Comprehensive hiking info
Beautiful photographs included
Easy to navigate layout

The guide offers comprehensive hiking information that covers a wide range of trails across New England, ensuring you find the perfect hike for your skill level and interests. The inclusion of stunning photographs not only inspires adventure but also helps you visualize the experience before hitting the trail.

Its easy-to-navigate layout makes planning a breeze, saving you precious time.

However, its weight and bulk make it a challenge for those looking for a lightweight option or digital convenience.

Overall, if you want a detailed, beautifully illustrated guide dedicated to New England's best hikes, this book is a solid choice.

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Price history for Moon Outdoors on Amazon

Day Hiking New England

Day Hiking New England
Highlights
Helpful trail information
Detailed maps and guides
Expert local knowledge

Mountaineers Books’ "Best Hikes in New England" offers helpful trail information paired with detailed maps and expert local knowledge that truly make it stand out.

It’s perfect for those who want to plan their adventures with confidence, even if the maps are a bit limited for on-trail navigation.

The compact size makes it easy to carry, though it’s not meant for on-the-trail use.

With a solid 4.7-star rating from fellow hikers, this guide is a reliable companion for discovering the best hikes in the region without overloading your pack.

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Price history for Day Hiking New England on Amazon

Explorer's Guide 50 Best Hikes Hikes in New England

Explorer's Guide 50 Best Hikes in New England: Day Hikes from the Forested Lowlands to the White Mountains, Green Mountains, and more (Explorer's 50 Hikes)
Highlights
Comprehensive and organized
Easy to navigate
Positive customer ratings

This guide offers a comprehensive and organized approach to exploring New England's hiking treasures.

It’s super easy to navigate, making it perfect for quick planning sessions.

The positive customer ratings say a lot—people love its reliability and well-curated selections.

While it skews a bit toward the more eclectic side and doesn’t cover every iconic trail—like those in Maine—it shines in providing a solid foundation for discovering hidden gems and lesser-known routes.

If you're after a trustworthy, user-friendly trail companion, this guide is easily a top contender.

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Price history for Explorer's Guide 50 Best Hikes on Amazon

Rail-Trails Southern New England

Rail-Trails Southern New England: The definitive guide to multiuse trails in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
Highlights
Comprehensive trail info
Great for beginners
Quick hike ideas

This guide offers comprehensive trail info that’s perfect for those new to hiking or short on time.

The quick hike ideas are a real treat, helping you plan your adventure with ease.

While it doesn’t dive into every trail detail, it provides enough to get you started without overwhelming you.

Its regional focus on New England makes it a handy resource for exploring the area's natural beauty.

Plus, at just over 200 pages, it’s compact and portable, ideal for tossing in your backpack on the go.

Overall, a solid choice for beginner hikers!

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Price history for Rail-Trails Southern New England on Amazon

100 Classic Hikes in New England

100 Classic Hikes in New England
Highlights
Comprehensive hike coverage
Durable, high-quality pages
Clear trail maps included

This guide offers comprehensive coverage of hikes across New England, making it a reliable resource whether you're a seasoned trekker or a casual adventurer.

Its durable, high-quality pages ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use, while the clear trail maps help you navigate with confidence.

Keep in mind, it provides basic info only and some details are limited — so for more in-depth details, you'll need to go online.

Overall, a solid companion for planning your next outdoor excursion!

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Price history for 100 Classic Hikes in New England on Amazon

Beer Hiking New England Hikes in New England

Beer Hiking New England: The Tastiest Way to Discover Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island
Highlights
Beautiful full-color illustrations
Comprehensive trail & brewery info
Supports local businesses

The full-color illustrations truly bring each hike and brewery to life, making planning more fun.

It offers comprehensive trail and brewery info that’s perfect for those wanting to combine scenic routes with local sips.

We love how it supports local businesses, adding a genuine regional touch.

While it covers only 50 hikes, each one is carefully curated, though the maps are a bit less detailed.

Overall, if you’re seeking a vibrant, easy-to-digest guide to explore New England's natural beauty and flavors, this book is a fantastic pick.

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Price history for Beer Hiking New England on Amazon

Rail-Trails Northern New England

Rail-Trails Northern New England: The definitive guide to multiuse trails in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont
Highlights
Accurate trail reviews
Comprehensive rail trail guide
Great for planning trips

The Wilderness Press guide is a treasure trove of accurate trail reviews, making it a reliable companion for every adventure seeker. Its comprehensive rail trail section is perfect for planning those scenic, accessible trips.

The book’s compact size (just over half an inch thick) makes it easy to carry, yet the 232 pages are packed with valuable insights.

While some directions might be a tad outdated and a few trails could be clearer, these minor quirks don’t overshadow its usefulness.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone eager to explore New England’s natural beauty with confidence!

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Price history for Rail-Trails Northern New England on Amazon

Hikes in Northern New England

Hikes in Northern New England : New Hampshire Maine (Exploring the Appalachian Trail)
Highlights
Comprehensive trail info
Suitable for all hiker levels
Includes maps and points of interest

This guide offers a comprehensive look at trails across New England, making it a handy resource for both beginners and seasoned hikers. The maps and points of interest add a layer of practicality, ensuring you won’t miss out on scenic vistas and hidden gems.

While some sections could use a touch more detail, the overall coverage strikes a good balance between depth and readability.

Ideal for planning weekend adventures or exploring new areas, this book simplifies the hiking process—allowing you to hit the trail with confidence and enjoy the journey!

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AMC Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains Hikes in New England

AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains: Four-season Guide to 60 of the Best Trails in the White Mountains
Highlights
Comprehensive hiking guide
Up-to-date edition
Compact and lightweight

The Appalachian Mountain Club's guide offers a comprehensive look at the best hikes in New England, perfect for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.

It’s up-to-date and keeps info fresh, ensuring you won’t be chasing outdated trail details.

The compact design makes it easy to carry on the go, so you can explore without the bulk.

While it doesn't include detailed maps or local insights, it compensates with clarity and well-organized routes.

Whether you're planning a quick day hike or an extended adventure, this guide is a reliable companion for your New England exploration.

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Price history for AMC Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains on Amazon

Journeys of a Lifetime

Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips
Highlights
Beautiful, high-quality photos
Inspiration for travel ideas
Well organized content

This National Geographic publication is a visual feast, boasting stunning, high-quality photos that truly bring New England's scenic hikes to life.

It’s a fantastic source of inspiration, sparking ideas for adventures you may not have considered.

The content is well-organized, making it easy to find hikes suited to every skill level and interest.

However, its coffee table size makes it less portable for hikers on the go, and it offers only a limited focus on underrated spots.

Perfect for armchair travelers or planning your next trip, this guide is a beautiful addition to any travel library.

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Price history for Journeys of a Lifetime on Amazon

AMC Best Day Hikes in Central Massachusetts

AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Central Massachusetts: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails, from the Pioneer Valley to the Worcester Hills
Highlights
Comprehensive trail descriptions
Accurate directions & maps
Discover hidden gems

It offers comprehensive trail descriptions that make planning a breeze, even for those new to the area.

The accurate directions & maps help you navigate without a hitch, leading you straight to those hidden gems tucked away in New England's stunning landscape.

While it doesn’t provide trail addresses or extra-long size, its focused content and detailed insights make it a trusty companion for outdoor adventurers.

Whether you're after scenic vistas or quiet byways, this guide packs a punch with quality info—perfect for quick, no-nonsense trail hunting!

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Price history for AMC Best Day Hikes in Central Massachusetts on Amazon

White Mountain Guide Hikes in New England

White Mountain Guide: AMC’s Comprehensive Guide to Hiking Trails in the White Mountain National Forest
Highlights
Extensive hike selection
Well-written and informative
Great gift for hikers

The extensive selection of hikes ensures there's something for every adventurer, from leisurely strolls to challenging climbs.

The writing is clear, engaging, and packed with detailed insights, making it easier to plan your perfect trek.

It even serves as a great gift for fellow hikers.

While the maps can be a bit delicate and the book is hefty at 720 pages, the wealth of information easily compensates.

Overall, this guide is a must-have for anyone exploring New England's scenic trails—your go-to resource for quick, reliable trail info.

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