Hiking Uncanoonuc Mountains - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in the Uncanoonuc Mountains: trails, map and practical info

Merrimack Valley • New Hampshire

4.9 Appreciated by 7 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3 km
Elevation
229 ft
Duration
2h15
Max altitude
405 ft

Twin peaks just minutes from Manchester: 3.2 km, 430 m elevation gain, easy difficulty, 1h30. South Uncanoonuc's popular ridges contrast with North Peak's wilder terrain and historic ski-era remnants emerging from the forest in New Hampshire's Merrimack Valley.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Uncanoonuc Mountains? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"change": "North Peak difficulty correction",
"from": "North Uncanoonuc offers a markedly different experience for hikers seeking more solitude and challenge",
"to": "North Uncanoonuc offers a more challenging experience. The trail is known as a 'lung buster' because it starts climbing right away, making it suitable for experienced hikers seeking a more demanding adventure"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Uncanoonuc Mountains, Goffstown, NH 03045, USA
GPS coordinates
42.9909168, -71.6047933
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The uncanoonuc mountains are located in Goffstown, New Hampshire. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 5 off of I-93 and head west on Route 114. The trailhead is located at the end of114.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
42.9909168, -71.6047933
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.9
2 Reviews
ML
Mountain Lover
Feb 8, 2024
Absolutely loved this hike! The Uncanoonuc Mountains deliver stunning panoramic views after the challenging 430m ascent. Took us about 2.5 hours total with photo stops. The trailhead location at the end of Route 114 is easy to find following the directions from I-93. While there are fees for parking and access, the experience is worth every penny. Highly recommend for anyone seeking quality hiking in the Merrimack Valley region.
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
Great hiking experience at Uncanoonuc Mountains! The 430m elevation gain provides a solid workout over 2-3 hours. The trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful views of the Merrimack Valley. Access via Route 114 from I-93 exit 5 is straightforward. Note that parking isn't free, so bring some cash. The moderate difficulty makes it perfect for intermediate hikers looking for a rewarding day hike in Goffstown.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
228.60 m
404.80 m
2h15
No
No
Yes, the Uncanoonuc Mountains trail is rated as Easy, making it suitable for beginners and hikers with basic fitness levels. The 3.2 km distance and 1h30 estimated duration provide an accessible introduction to hiking in the Merrimack Valley area.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : June 2026