The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Coos County

Mount Pierce stands at 4,310 feet and is toward the southern end of the Presidential Range. From its summit, you get sweeping views north toward Mount Eisenhower and Mount Washington from a mix of alpine scrub and rocky ledges. Named after Franklin Pierce, the only U.S. president from New Hampshire, it’s a must stop if tagging all the peaks along on the Presidential Traverse, or those looking for a challenging day hike.

Lake of the Clouds Hut is the highest and one of the most iconic of the AMC’s backcountry huts. Perched at 5,012 feet between Mount Monroe and Mount Washington, it offers stunning alpine views, dramatic sunsets, and a front-row seat to the Presidential Range’s famously unpredictable weather. It's a great place to stop and refill water bottles or shelter from the weather on a day hike or an iconic (and popular!) place to spend the night. The hut is full-service during the summer and early fall, with bunk accommodations, family-style dinner and breakfast, potable water, and composting toilets. It sleeps over 90 hikers and is a popular overnight stop for those tackling the Presidential Traverse. Reservations are essential and fill quickly.

Nestled in the White Mountain National Forest, the Mizpah Spring Hut is a cozy stop for hikers exploring the Presidential Range. Offering bunk accommodations, hearty meals, and potable water, it’s a great place to rest and recharge while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you're tackling a challenging trail or looking for a serene overnight retreat, this Appalachian Mountain Club hut is a memorable part of any White Mountains adventure.

Washington is the most prominent mountain in the eastern U.S. and an absolutely incredible peak to bag. This is easily one of the best summits in New England. It is also the most dangerous if you come unprepared, especially in the winter. Washington creates its own rapidly changing weather system and is known for being the deadliest small mountain in the world. The second-fastest wind speed on earth was recorded here at over 230mph. That said, a quarter million people visit Washington every year, and if you come prepared and respect the mountain you have nothing to fear and are guaranteed to have an epic summit.

Dress warmly. Snow season begins July 1 and ends June 30. We were at 68 mph at the summit. Keeping your hat on is a good idea. Two days ago, when we were last up there, it was 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was blowing lightly around 23 mph. Mt. Washington is the highest peak within 1,000 miles, making it an exposed location with what the US Weather Service calls the worst and most surprising weather in the world.

Nice stop at mountain lakes

The Highland Center at Crawford Notch is an AMC-managed information center, lodge, and archive complex. Built on the site of the historic Crawford House hotel, the Highland Center is just a few hundred yards from the historic Crawford Depot, which houses the Macomber Family Information Center. Open during the summer and fall seasons, there are interpretive displays, an information desk, and a small gift shop where you can also purchase last minute hiking items like whistles and compasses. The Highland Center houses the official AMC Library and Archives and offers full-service lodging for those who wish to stay in the heart of the White Mountains. There is a full meal service, shuttles to nearby trailheads, and activities, like guided day hikes, instructional talks on topics like outdoor skills, and evening programs like films and guest lectures.

At a height of 6,288 feet in elevation, Mount Washington is the highest point in the range, state, and region. Some people drive to the summit, but there are a couple of days each year that you can bike the paved road to the top, which is a popular challenge for avid cyclists. A gravel bike can be handy since some of the road grades get so steep that you need that bigger cassette. The two events hosted each year for cyclists is the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race each August and the Early Bird (which is just a solo ride for 150 riders) in July. There are places to refill your water, go to the restroom, lock up your bike, and even get a bike to eat if you need it at the top on race day. Note that all riders have to get a ride down the mountain and aren't allowed to bike down the road!