PEAKHOUSE HIKE NEW HAMPSHIRE 2026

If you’re looking for a destination-level hiking trip within driving distance of Boston and New York City, this trip is for you.

Join us for a hiking adventure in the Northeast’s tallest and most prominent mountain range. This 4-day trip will have you summit Mount Washington, traverse Franconia Ridge, and see some of the most historically important alpine infrastructure in the world—and all during peak foliage season.

Itinerary

  • Dates: September 24-27, 2026

  • Location: Franconia Notch, New Hampshire

  • Accommodation: Private home

  • Transport: Private vehicles for group travel; carpools from Boston and New York

  • Highlights: Above-treeline hiking unique to New England; peak foliage season

  • Bonus Activities: Lake dip, cog railway

 

Day 1 – Arrival in Franconia Notch + Warm-Up Hike with Views

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Carpools Depart from Boston and NYC
Link up with the group for your ride to the rugged heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains!

3:30 PM – Artist’s Bluff Warm-Up Hike (1.5 miles roundtrip, ~400 ft gain)
A short but scenic climb to a rocky promontory overlooking Echo Lake and the surrounding alley. Ideal for stretching your legs and snapping your first iconic White Mountains photos.

Optional Longer Welcome Hike - Mount Pemigewasset Trail (4 miles roundtrip, ~1,250 ft gain) – A moderate climb with valley views, ideal for those wanting a slightly longer introduction to the terrain.

6:00 PM – Settle into Lodging + Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed local dinner together in town to kick off the trip.

Day 2 – Franconia Ridge Loop: Iconic Alpine Traverse

7:00 AM – Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop (9 miles, ~2,500 ft gain, ~6–8 hours)
New Hampshire’s most legendary loop hike begins with a steady ascent up Falling Waters Trail past cascades and through dense forest.

Reach the alpine zone at Little Haystack and begin the 1.7-mile traverse along the exposed, panoramic ridgeline over Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette.

Descend via the Old Bridle Path with wide-open views back toward the ridge.

4:00 PM – Optional Dip in Echo Lake or Visit to Flume Gorge
After the hike, cool off with a swim in Echo Lake or explore the scenic walkways of nearby Flume Gorge if time allows.

6:00 PM – Dinner & Recovery
Return to the chalet for a home-cooked dinner and rest.

Pretty wild to be able to get above the treeline in the Northeast (but this will be you if you come on this trip).

Day 3 – Summit Mount Washington via Crawford Path

7:00 AM – Hike Mount Washington via Crawford Path (8.5 miles roundtrip, ~4,900 ft gain)
Start early at the historic Crawford Notch trailhead for a full-day ascent of the tallest peak in the Northeast. The trail winds through forest, past alpine lakes, and up into the rugged Presidential Range.

Summit Mount Washington at 6,288 feet, with a chance to explore the summit observatory, museum, and panoramic viewing platforms.

3:00 PM – Optional Descent via Auto Road or Cog Railway
If weather, fatigue, or timing requires, descend via the Mt. Washington Auto Road or Cog Railway (ticket reservations recommended).

5:00 PM – Après at Omni Mount Washington Resort
Stop in at New Hampshire’s most iconic hotel for some well-deserved post-summit après. A historically important landmark where the International Monetary Fund and World Bank were established.

7:00 PM – Dinner Near Pinkham or Franconia
Celebrate the summit with a dinner in town. 

Day 4 – Kinsman Ridge Farewell Hike + Scenic Drive

8:00 AM – Hike Kinsman Ridge Trail (4.5 miles roundtrip, ~2,100 ft gain)
Begin at the Cannon Mountain Tramway base and ascend this rocky but rewarding route to the summit of Cannon Mountain. Panoramic views of Franconia Ridge and Echo Lake await at the observation tower.

12:00 PM – Scenic Drive on the Kancamagus Highway
Head south via one of New England’s most beautiful byways. Make stops at Swift River, Otter Rocks, and short waterfalls trails like Sabbaday Falls.

1:30 PM – Lunch Stop & Wrap-Up in Lincoln
Grab lunch and reflect on your adventure. Optional visits to the New England Ski Museum or a final ride up the Cannon Tramway (if open) for one last view from above.

3:00 PM – Departures Begin
Carpools back to Boston and New York.

Did we say foliage?

​Pricing

  • ​Shared room: $795

  • ​NOTE: $100 discount for rental car drivers & payment plans available

  • Spaces are limited, so if you’re interested, sign up below!