November 17th is National Take a Hike Day, and here in New Hampshire, we have some of the best hiking trails in America right at our doorstep. Our real estate agents are eager to share some of their favorites. 

Some of New Hampshire's best hikes are in the White Mountains, a rugged region with some of the East Coast's tallest peaks. But trekking up the rugged mountain slopes can be a major undertaking in any season, let alone the chilly days of late fall. That's why we've selected five short, easy hikes in the Plymouth area. 

• Langdon Park and Baker River Walk - Plymouth, NH 03264
  Right in the heart of Plymouth, the Baker River Walk is a charming 2.9-mile out-and-back that follows a level, gravel-surface footpath alongside the banks of the river just north of downtown and minutes from countless Plymouth homes for sale. This seldom-hiked trail is mostly enjoyed by locals and provides some great woodsy scenery close to home. The eastern end of the trail is located within Langdon Park, which is owned by Plymouth State University. The west end is just off the Tenney Mountain Highway (just east of the Hatch Plaza Shopping Centre parking lot). 
  
  
• Quincy Pasture Forest Loop - 1120C E. Rumney Road, Rumney, NH 03266
  Quincy Pasture Forest is a 92-acre section of woodlands less than 6 miles west of Plymouth, and it's a perfect place for a fall hike. The 1.8-mile loop hike formed by the Red Trail and Blue Trail offers some great scenery, including a very photogenic view of the river below. The trail gains about 590 feet in elevation from the trailhead on East Rumney Road, making this an easy-to-moderate hike that's well worth the effort. 
  
  
• Peaked Hill Pond Trailhead - Peaked Hill Pond Road, Thornton, NH 03285
  Less than a 20-minute drive north of Plymouth, the Peaked Hill Pond Trail is an easy hike with some lovely scenery. This 3.3-mile out-and-back trail is located near the southern edge of White Mountain National Forest, and it's a well-maintained trail with an easy-to-find trailhead just off Interstate 93 in Thornton. From the parking area, you'll hike through a gate into picturesque woods, climbing gently uphill until you reach the scenic shore of Peaked Hill Pond. This is a fairly popular trail, but it's not too busy during the off-season. Take a look at these Thornton homes for sale after your trek.
  
  
• Forest Discovery Trail - NH-112, Lincoln, NH 03251
  One of the easiest and most accessible trails in White Mountain National Forest, the Forest Discovery Trail is a 1.4-mile loop just off the Kancamagus Highway, near these Lincoln homes for sale. An easy stroll through mature woodlands, this trail is like a living classroom, with interpretive panels along the way that provide fascinating information on local flora and fauna.
  
  
• Hedgehog Mountain via U.N.H. Trail - Albany, NH 03818
  Gaining about 1,400 feet of elevation over the course of 4.8 miles, the U.N.H Trail to the summit of Hedgehog Mountain is a moderately challenging hike. But it's also one of the easiest true peaks in the White Mountains, giving you great bang for your buck in scenery. It's an ideal "starter mountain," and the view from the top is excellent. The hike begins at the Downes Brook Trailhead, across Route 112 from the Passaconaway Campground, not far from these Albany homes for sale.

Contact us today to learn more about life in New Hampshire and talk with our real estate agents about all the adventures that await in the White Mountains. We've helped countless families find their dream homes in the Plymouth area, and we're here to help you find yours every step of the way.