Mount Chocorua, Conway NH

• 5-star hikes
• 7 to 10 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 2,400 to 3,210 feet
• Conway, NH | White Mountains
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Two hikers stand side by side on a sunlit granite outcrop at a mountain summit, gazing out over a sweeping landscape of forested hills, distant lakes, and layered mountain ridges. One wears a bright orange cap and green shirt, the other a wide-brimmed hat and blue shirt; both carry backpacks and face away from the camera, immersed in the panoramic view beneath a clear blue sky.

Mount Chocorua's superlative summit.

The rocky pyramid of Mount Chocorua punctuates the southern Sandwich Range, its bare summit visible for miles across New Hampshire's Lakes Region and beyond. Named for a Pequawket chief, this peak draws hikers to its exposed granite slopes and offers views of grand panoramic landscapes.

The mountain sits within the White Mountain National Forest and most approaches involve steady climbing through northern hardwood forests that transition to spruce and fir at higher elevations. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky as you gain altitude. The upper mountain is characterized by open ledges and slabs. The treeline arrives lower here than on many neighboring peaks, and the final approach to the summit cone involves some scrambling over bare rock.

Google Maps

⬤ 5★ Piper-Weetamoo Loop 8.5 mi loop, moderate, gain 2,730 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions* GPX?

⬤ Champney Falls Trail [Y] 7.6 mi out & back, gain 2,400 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions*

⬤ Carter Ledge & Middle Sister Loop [Y] 9.5 mi loop, gain 3,210 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

⬤ Brook & Liberty Trails [Y] 6.9 mi loop, gain 2,580 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

⬤ Hammond Trail [Y] 7.5 mi out & back, gain 2,870 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

$ *Paid parking P **Free parking Y Yet to review

So far we've only hiked a looping route up Piper Trail, returning on a section of Liberty Trail that connects to Weetamoo Trail that completes the loop. Thanks to Open Street Map we're able to share maps and GPX navigation files for all routes to the summit, and we plan to expand this article as we explore the rest of them.

If you're pursuing the 52 With-A-View Challenge, any trail to the summit of Mount Chocorua qualifies. Just be sure to include Middle Sister as well, since it's also on the list. For those tackling New Hampshire's Terrifying 25, note that the Carter Ledge Trail must be completed in its entirety, starting from the Carter Ledge Trailhead, to meet the challenge requirements. We have links to both challenges at the foot of this page.

A tranquil lake reflects the blue sky and surrounding forest, framed by autumn foliage and a leafy tree in the foreground. In the distance, a pointed mountain peak rises above the rolling hills, anchoring the serene landscape with its distinctive silhouette.

Peak previews from the road, across Chocorua Lake.

⬤ Piper-Weetamoo Loop
The Piper Trail ascends steadily through cover of forest before steepening over rocky terrain toward treeline. Breaking out from the tree-line, Piper Trail's exposed ledges provide superb southerly vistas to enjoy as you continue to the summit. Descending via Liberty Trail, you pass the Jim Liberty cabin site, where once stood a historic summit hotel hosting Victorian-era tourists. The trail drops steeply before joining Hammond Trail's gentler grade through mixed forest. Finally, Weetamoo Trail winds back to the trailhead.

Terrain is generally easy or moderate, though rocky sections on Piper's ledges and Chocorua's summit can be particularly challenging in wet and icy conditions. There's also a section of Liberty Trail close to the summit that required us to butt-scoot our way down.

Split image showing two forest trails near Mt. Chocorua. Left: a leaf-covered path begins at a trailhead marked by a brown USFS sign listing multiple hiking routes and destinations. Right: a rugged, sun-dappled trail climbs through dense woods over rocks and roots, suggesting a more strenuous ascent.

Expect shaded, forest trails until the higher elevations.

Piper Trailhead is operated by White Mountain National Forest which requires a cash payment, placed in an envelope and deposited in an iron ranger. Interagency passes are also accepted, such as the White Mountain Annual Pass and the National Parks Pass. The trailhead has a large parking lot, though this can still fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.

For an additional 0.9 miles and about 300 feet of elevation gain, you can add an out-and-back trip across the ridgeline to Middle Sister's summit where you'll find the remains of an old stone fire tower, and excellent views of Mount Chocorua.

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Expansive mountain vista viewed from a rocky outcrop, with evergreen trees in the foreground and rolling forested hills stretching into the distance. Lakes glisten below a clear blue sky, while patches of autumn foliage hint at the changing season across the northeastern landscape.

Views heading down the Liberty Trail.

A person in a purple top sits peacefully on a sunlit granite outcrop, gazing toward a forested mountain ridge and a prominent rocky peak under a clear blue sky. Autumn foliage peeks through the trees below, adding warm tones to the expansive wilderness view.

Mt Chocorua views from Middle Sister's peak.

A small, dark-wood cabin with a stone foundation nestles among mixed forest trees at the edge of a clearing, backed by a dramatic rocky mountain peak under a vivid blue sky. The shelter features a plaque above the door and a sign beside the entrance, suggesting its role as a trail or wilderness waypoint. Autumn hues tint some of the foliage, adding seasonal contrast to the evergreen canopy.

Free overnight stays at Jim Liberty Cabin.

Other Routes:
⬤ Piper Trail Out & Back 7.8 miles, gain 2,660 ft
⬤ Piper-Nickerson-Carter Ledge-Weetamoo Loop 8.6 miles, gain 3,015 ft

External Links:
Chocorua Lake Conservancy website

Trailspotting Nearby:
4★ Whiteface& Passaconaway Mountains (9-11 mi)
4★ Great Hill Fire Tower (2 mi)
4★ Beede Falls (1 mi)
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