Mount Chocorua, NH
As our long drive to New Hampshire was coming to an end, we drove through Tamsworth. The subtle ache and tightness of our bodies and the buses exhausted sound was enough for us to find a place to rest. That first rest stop happened to be the parking lot of Lake Chocorua. We stepped outside the bus to stretch our legs and noticed a bridge along the path, just beyond the parking lot. As we walked to that bridge, the trees began to clear out. A stunning view stood before us, the clear lake stretching out and a mountain towering over this body of water. This mountain is known as Mount Chocorua and sits at roughly 3,490 feet.
Little did we know from then on, Mt. Chocorua would sit nestled in the back of our minds throughout the summer season. A mountain that seemingly follows you through the town of Conway while running errands. There it stood, always within the backdrop. This sparked mass curiosity and wonder, until the day we decided to hike the summit.
There’s something about Mount Chocorua that feels timeless. Rising sharply from the lakes and forests of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, it’s one of those peaks that demands attention — both from your eyes and your legs. On a crisp, sunny morning this past September 17, we set out to reach its iconic summit via the Carter Ledge Trail, ready for a challenge, some views, and maybe a few existential thoughts along the way. And sure enough: we got all three.
Trail Overview
Location: Mt. Chocorua, NH (White Mountain National Forest)
Trailhead: Piper Trail Parking Lot, off NH Route 16
Route: Carter Ledge Trail → Middle Sister Trail → Mt. Chocorua Summit
Distance: ~8.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: about 2,900 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous — expect steep rock scrambles and open ledges
Time: 6–7 hours total (depending on pace and photo stops)
The Carter Ledge Trail is a lesser-traveled alternative to the busier Piper Trail or Champney Falls routes, but it rewards you with some of the best panoramic ledge views in the region. It’s steep, rugged, and at times a little intimidating — but also incredibly beautiful.
On the Way Up
The trail wastes no time reminding you that mountains don’t give away their views for free. The first mile rises gently through pine and birch, but soon you’re climbing — hands occasionally joining the effort as you navigate rocky scrambles. Every so often, the trees open to reveal glimpses of what’s to come: endless blue sky and the jagged silhouette of Chocorua’s summit ridge. The extra bonus was seeing the early morning fog that resembled an ocean, resting in the crevices of these quiet giants.
By the time we reached the Carter Ledges, the forest had dropped away, replaced by smooth granite slabs that seemed to go on forever. The views were staggering — layers of mountains fading into haze, Lake Chocorua shimmering far below, and a breeze strong enough to make you double-check your footing and your life choices.
The Middle Sister and Beyond
From the ledges, the trail climbs toward Middle Sister, one of three rocky summits east of Chocorua. The ridge here feels almost alpine — exposed, sunny, and incredibly silent. In previous mountain hikes, there is always some highway nearby so this was a first in experiencing the sheer silence of a mountain. The height seems to overpower every distant highway noise. In regards to the hiking landscape, these rocky steep ledges are no joke, and they seem to come around almost every corner. Be vigilant and take breaks as often as needed!
From Middle Sister, the final push to Mount Chocorua’s summit is a thrilling, boulder-hopping ascent. You catch a glimpse of the summit every so often throughout the hike, and it's motivating to see it closer each time.
Soon enough, we reached the base of the bald rocky top. From what began as a clearly marked, straight-forward trail became a “however you can manage,” pile of varying-sized rocks. We went up around the east-facing side of the summit (overlooking Whitton pond and Lake Chocorua) and left around the west-facing side. At this point, we new the top was within sight and the energy was high.
Reflections from the Summit
The 360° view from the top is everything it’s hyped to be: peaks, lakes, and the sense that you’ve somehow climbed into a postcard.
Standing on Chocorua’s summit, I felt that rare quiet that only mountains seem to grant — the kind that clears your mind but fills your heart. The world below looked small and far away, and for a few minutes, so did every worry that had seemed big earlier that week.
Tips for Future Hikers
Start early: The sun hits the ledges beautifully in the morning, the fog is a must-see and parking fills up fast (during peak season).
Bring plenty of water: There aren’t many reliable sources after the first mile.
Watch your footing: Some ledge sections are steep and exposed — dry weather is best.
Layer up: Even on sunny days, wind at the summit can chill you quickly.
Leave time to linger: The ledges are destinations in themselves — don’t rush.
Closing Thoughts
Every trail teaches something, and for me, Carter Ledge Trail taught patience — and that the best views often come after the hardest climbs. As we descended, golden light filtering through the trees, I realized that hiking isn’t just about summits; it’s about the spaces between effort and awe, between laughter and silence.
And yes — my legs hated me the next day. But my soul? Absolutely renewed.
Thanks for tuning in!
The Road We Wander
We have a short video showing our highlights from this hike! If you are interested please see the links below:
Instagram: Highlights of Mt. Chocorua
Facebook: Highlights of Mt. Chocorua
