Mount Willard New Hampshire
Iconic moderate hike in Crawford Notch, NH, offering breathtaking panoramic views, especially stunning during fall foliage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and snag parking
Mount Willard New Hampshire
Best Time
Beat the crowds and snag parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic moderate hike in Crawford Notch, NH, offering breathtaking panoramic views, especially stunning during fall foliage.
"One of the best hikes in NH with gorgeous views, perfect for beginners and fall foliage lovers!"
🎯 Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 9 AM, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy the summit with fewer people.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Crawford Notch, especially stunning during fall foliage season.
Centennial Pool Waterfall
Along the trail
A charming small waterfall and pool offering a refreshing stop on your ascent.
Crawford Notch Drive
Surrounding area
The scenic drive through Crawford Notch itself offers beautiful vistas and pull-offs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Foliage
Trail Conditions & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 9 AM, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy the summit with fewer people.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
It's a moderate uphill climb. Stay energized with plenty of water and snacks.
📸 Summit Photo Caution
The summit has sudden drop-offs. Be extremely careful when taking photos, especially with children.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early to Beat Crowds
Arrive before 9 AM, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy the summit with fewer people.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and can be slippery. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
It's a moderate uphill climb. Stay energized with plenty of water and snacks.
📸 Summit Photo Caution
The summit has sudden drop-offs. Be extremely careful when taking photos, especially with children.
🚻 Restrooms Open Late
Restrooms at the trailhead may not open until 10 AM, so plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Willard for its absolutely gorgeous summit views, calling it one of the best hikes in New Hampshire, especially during fall. It's frequently recommended for beginners and families due to its moderate difficulty and rewarding scenery. Some note that the summit can get crowded and caution is needed due to drop-offs.
"Gorgeous view from the peak. I did this hike during fall colors. One of the best hikes in NH. The hike might be little treacherous for new hikers. So carry enough of water and energy snacks before starting the hike.
Also if you are starting early note that the restrooms will be locked until around 10 AM."
Ashish K
"Beautiful,Blissfull view!!! Perfect for Beginners. Total 3.2 miles hike. By passing trail there is Centennial pool which is a small waterfall.Half the trail is rocky and they are not so slippery there are plenty of flat spots also.Most of the trail has running water by side feels good to hear the running water sound.There is less area up the mountain and there is a sudden drop at the summit.Must be careful while taking photos.Pretty good parking area and can park car facing train tracks.Views are beautiful and worth the hike."
kavya Hallur
"Beautiful short hike to one of the best views during fall. Pretty crowded at the top but the view was worth it. Drive around the mountain was also fantastic with plenty of spots to park and enjoy the view."
Saugat Pradhan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Willard is located in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. The trailhead is typically found at the AMC Highland Center parking area off US-302. It's about a 2.5-hour drive from Boston.
Yes, there is a pretty good parking area near the trailhead. It can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Mount Willard. Driving is the most common and practical way to access the trailhead.
From Boston, take I-93 North to US-3 North, then US-302 East towards Crawford Notch. The trailhead parking is off US-302.
While Mount Willard is in the White Mountains and near the Appalachian Trail, the main Mount Willard trail is a separate path, not directly on the AT.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to hike the Mount Willard trail. It's a public trail within the White Mountain National Forest.
The trail is open year-round during daylight hours. However, trailhead facilities like restrooms may have limited hours.
Parking at the trailhead is generally free, but it's part of the White Mountain National Forest, which may have general access fees or require a parking pass depending on the specific lot and season.
Since there are no tickets, focus on planning your visit. Weekdays and early mornings are best to avoid crowds.
While not typically required, guided tours might be available through local outfitters. However, the trail is well-marked and popular for self-guided hikes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Mt Willard NH trail is generally considered moderate. It's a 3.2-mile round trip with about 900 feet of elevation gain, featuring rocky sections. 
Most visitors complete the Mount Willard hike in 2-3 hours, round trip, allowing time to enjoy the summit views.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the trailhead, but they may not be open until around 10 AM.
Yes, it's considered a good hike for families with kids, but adult supervision is crucial due to the rocky terrain and summit drop-offs.
Wear comfortable hiking attire and sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Layers are recommended as mountain weather can change quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most iconic panoramic views. The waterfall along the trail also makes for beautiful shots.
Absolutely! Mount Willard is renowned for its spectacular fall foliage views, making it a prime location for photographers during autumn.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the landscape beautifully.
Drone usage in National Forests is regulated. Check current FAA and White Mountain National Forest regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive summit views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures of the waterfall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The waterfall along the trail provides an exciting point of interest for younger hikers, and the stunning summit views offer a great reward for their effort. Packing plenty of snacks and water will help keep energy levels up. The accessibility of the trailhead also makes it convenient for families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Your main expenses will be transportation to Crawford Notch and any food or water you bring. Packing your own provisions is a great way to save money and ensure you have what you need for the hike. The stunning natural beauty offers immense value without a hefty price tag.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. The waterfall along the trail also presents a lovely subject. Remember to prioritize safety when framing your shots near the summit's edges.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Willard Trail Experience
+1While considered beginner-friendly by many, it's important to note that the summit presents a sudden drop-off, requiring extra vigilance, especially for those with children or pets. The trail can also be slippery, particularly after rain or during the fall foliage season when leaves cover the rocks. Proper footwear is highly recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
Beyond the summit, the trail features a charming Centennial Pool waterfall, offering a picturesque stop and a chance to cool off. The drive through Crawford Notch itself is also a highlight, with numerous pull-offs providing additional scenic viewpoints.
Capturing Mount Willard's Beauty
Early morning and late afternoon light can offer the most dramatic and flattering illumination for your shots, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the colors. The Centennial Pool waterfall also provides excellent opportunities for capturing motion with longer exposures, creating a silky water effect. Remember to be mindful of the summit's drop-offs when composing your shots; safety should always be the priority.
For those interested in capturing the scale of the landscape, consider including elements like trees or hikers in the foreground to provide a sense of depth. The drive through Crawford Notch also presents numerous scenic overlooks perfect for landscape photography.
Planning Your Mount Willard Visit
Consider the trail conditions; while generally well-maintained, the rocky terrain can be slippery. Wearing appropriate footwear is crucial. Also, be aware that facilities like restrooms at the trailhead might have limited operating hours, often opening around 10 AM.
For those traveling from further afield, like Boston, Mount Willard makes for a feasible day trip. The drive is around 2.5 hours, allowing ample time for the hike and enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit