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This is a fantastic White Mountains loop!
Embark on a historic and visually stunning journey up Mount Chocorua via the Piper Trail, one of the most celebrated paths in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
This popular trail, renowned for its extensive stretches of open ledges, offers hikers not only a challenging ascent but also unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. Accompanied by a captivating gallery of over 35 high-quality images, this guide is designed to bring the trail’s beauty and the exhilarating experience of reaching Chocorua’s summit to life.
The Piper Trail weaves through dense, whispering forests and across crystal-clear mountain streams, leading to its most distinctive feature: the expansive open ledges. These natural balconies offer hikers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vastness of the wilderness, with unobstructed views that stretch to the horizon.
As you ascend the 3,490-foot summit, each step takes you through a diverse ecosystem and closer to the panoramic spectacle that awaits at the top. The summit of Mount Chocorua is a place of exhilaration and contemplation, where the sweeping vistas of the Sandwich Range unfold before you.
This was one of the two best hikes I did in 2023, the other being my solo hike of the Lower Great Range in the Adirondacks.
The Piper Trail is more than a hike; it’s a journey through history, nature, and the sheer joy of mountain trekking.
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Mount Chocorua Piper Trail
The Piper Trail, first blazed in the 1860’s by Joshua Piper, is steeped in history. Originating from the gateway opposite the old Wing’s Tavern, this path has been a gateway to the breathtaking vistas of Mount Chocorua for over a century and a half. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the White Mountains, drawing hikers from near and far.
The Mount Chocorua Piper Trail hiking trail includes…
- Ample parking (a small fee is required)
- An relaxing walk in before the main ascent
- Stunning trails the whole way
- Incredible open ledges
- Superb rock scrambles
- A very tricky rock scramble near the summit
- An iconic open rock summit
- Amazing 360° views
- Several route options for your descent
- Jim Liberty Cabin
- A tricky stream crossing
- Descent via Liberty › Hammond › Weetamoo › Piper trails
A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below, with 35+ spectacular photos.
Mount Chocorua Piper Trail Hike Time
Allow 5-7 hours for this hike.
Mount Chocorua Piper Trail Elevation gain
The elevation gain for this route is 2,650 feet (apx 810 meters).
Mount Chocorua Piper Trail Trail Notes & Gallery
Begin at the large trailhead parking lot on Piper Trail Road. It has enough space for at least 40 cars. Make sure to purchase a site pass for the duration of your visit.
The first part of the trail, following an old logging road, is an easy walk through lovely woods. You’ll see how much love this trail gets from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
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Similar Hikes
There are several routes Mount Chocorua’s summit and I plan to do them all. For now, consult AllTrails’ Chocorua listings.
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The parent mountain for this hike is Mount Chocorua.
If you do this hike, LMK how it went…
Trailhead Info for this Hike
Large lot, small fee.
Google Maps Location: 43.939964, -71.227982
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Good service throughout, even at the trailhead. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
