Hiking Mount Willard, New Hampshire - panoramic view  mountain outdoor sky nature landscape hill fell hillside hiking hill station mountain range overlooking highland field land
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Hiking in Mount Willard, New Hampshire: trails, map and practical info

White Mountains • New Hampshire

4.0 Appreciated by 19 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
549 ft
Duration
2h30
Max altitude
1,015 ft

Experience breathtaking Crawford Notch Valley views from this moderate 3.2 km trail with 873 m elevation gain in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Despite its modest height, Mount Willard delivers spectacular panoramas in just 2 to 3 hours of hiking.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Mount Willard, New Hampshire? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

1 community photos

Available trails

Trails Distance Elevation Duration Difficulty GPX
49 km 293 m 11h30 Intermediate GPX
Click a trail to see it on the map

Trail description

{
"section_1": "

Mount Willard is one of the most rewarding short hikes in the White Mountains — and honestly, one of the best bang-for-your-buck trails in all of New Hampshire. You put in modest effort and walk away with a summit view that looks like it belongs on a postcard. The trail covers 3.2 miles (5.1 km) round trip with 900 feet (274 m) of elevation gain, rated Easy, and most hikers complete it in around 1 to 2 hours. It's the kind of hike that works for a wide range of people, from families with older kids to anyone looking for a solid half-day outing without committing to a full mountain sufferfest.

",
"faq_updates": [
{
"question": "How difficult is the Mount Willard hike?",
"answer": "The Mount Willard trail is rated as Easy difficulty. With 900 feet (274 m) of elevation gain over 3.2 miles (5.1 km), it is manageable for most hikers of varying experience levels, including families and beginners."
},
{
"question": "How long does it take to hike Mount Willard?",
"answer": "The Mount Willard hike typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. The trail covers 3.2 miles (5.1 km) round-trip with 900 feet (274 m) of elevation gain, making it a quick, rewarding outing."
},
{
"question": "Are dogs allowed on the Mount Willard trail?",
"answer": "Yes, dogs are allowed on the Mount Willard trail in White Mountain National Forest. Keep your dog leashed and pack out waste."
},
{
"question": "Is Mount Willard suitable for beginners?",
"answer": "Yes, Mount Willard is an excellent choice for beginners. Rated as Easy difficulty with only 900 feet (274 m) of elevation gain over 3.2 miles (5.1 km), it is accessible for hikers with minimal experience who are comfortable on uneven terrain."
}
]
}

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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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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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 $
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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 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.2042325, -71.41285479999999
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the parking lot located at the Crawford Depot on Route 302. This is the primary trailhead for the area. The address is 99 US-302, Carroll, NH 03598.

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

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
44.2042325, -71.41285479999999
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
9 Reviews
R4
Review 4
Mar 5, 2024
Very good place for mountain hiking. I recommend this place to anyone seeking a moderate challenge in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The 2-3 hour hike covers 3.2km with substantial elevation gain, offering excellent exercise and breathtaking summit views. Worth the parking fee at Crawford Depot.
R3
Review 3
Feb 20, 2024
Another beautiful trail in the White Mountains region. Mount Willard's 3.2km path offers stunning panoramic views that justify the moderate difficulty rating. The elevation gain of 873m provides a good workout, and the well-maintained trail from Crawford Depot makes navigation straightforward for most hikers.
R2
Review 2
Feb 8, 2024
I have lot of funny there with my hiking group. The 2-3 hour trek through the White Mountains was challenging but rewarding. Starting from the Crawford Depot trailhead, the moderate difficulty level kept us engaged throughout the 873m climb. Great workout and amazing views at the summit!
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Very good place for hiking enthusiasts. The 3.2km trail to Mount Willard offers moderate difficulty with 873m elevation gain, making it perfect for a half-day adventure. The White Mountains scenery is spectacular, and despite the paid parking at Crawford Depot, the experience is worth every penny.
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
Great trail for those looking for a moderate challenge. The path is well-maintained and offers beautiful scenery throughout the journey. Perfect for experienced hikers who want to enjoy nature without the crowds. Would recommend bringing plenty of water and starting early to make the most of the experience.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
549.00 m
1015.00 m
2h30
No
No
No
The Mount Willard trail is rated as moderate difficulty. With 873 m of elevation gain over 3.2 km, it requires a reasonable level of fitness but is manageable for most hikers with some experience.
The Mount Willard hike typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. The trail covers 3.2 km with 873 m of elevation gain, so your actual time may vary depending on your pace and rest stops.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Mount Willard trail. Be sure to make alternative arrangements for your pets when planning your hike.
Mount Willard is rated as moderate difficulty, making it challenging for complete beginners. The 873 m elevation gain over 3.2 km requires some hiking experience and fitness level.
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Update : June 2026