Best Hikes Near Eastman

Eastman is a good 1.5 hour drive from the best hikes in the White Mountains, but there are plenty of great, albeit much less strenuous, hikes within a short drive. Here are some of our favorites!

1 – Cole Pond

Cole Pond is located just outside of Eastman in Enfield. This is our go-to hike in any season. It’s relatively short and easy, but the pond itself is really beautiful. There are two primary routes to Cole Pond, but the main trailhead is located on Bog Road. There is a small parking area near the trailhead but you can also very easily park along the road. The trail is located in the Henry Laramie Wildlife Management Area (called the Enfield Wildlife Management Area until 2011).

Distance: 1.8 miles

best hikes in Dartmouth Sunapee region — Baxter taking a dip in Cole Pond

2 – Halfmile Pond

The trailhead is located just off of exit 15 on I-89 in Enfield, NH. The view at the end of the trail is just as rewarding as Cole Pond, but the hike is a bit longer round-trip.

Distance: 4.6 miles

3 – Smith Pond

Smith Pond shares a trailhead with Halfmile Pond, so you could reasonably see both ponds in one hike. The pond is dotted with small rocky islands, making it look almost Acadia-esque (maybe a bit of an exaggeration). Watch out for porcupines!

Distance: 2.6 miles

4 – Butternut Pond

By now you’re probably recognizing the theme of short hikes to small bodies of water. The hike to Butternut Pond can be combined with Cole Pond, as the trails eventually intersect.

Distance: ~2 miles

5 – Lake Solitude (Mt. Sunapee)

The hike to Lake Solitude, located just below the summit of Mt. Sunapee (2,726 ft.) has long been our favorite hike in the Dartmouth-Sunapee region. The trailhead is ~25-30 minutes from Eastman, so it’s not quite as close as the previously mentioned trails, but still a very reasonable day hike. While the summit offers beautiful views of Lake Sunapee, the view from the cliffs overlooking the much smaller Lake Solitude are arguably even more impressive. There are two trails leading to Lake Solitude, the Andrew Brook Trail and the Newbury Trail. They’re both moderately challenging, but nothing too crazy. Even though it’s about a half mile longer each way, we usually prefer the Newbury Trail since it offers some views of Lake Sunapee along the way

Distance: 4.8 miles (Newbury Trail); 3.8 miles (Andrew Brook Trail)

6 – Moose Mountain

Moose Mountain is a short hike in Hanover, NH which also happens to be along the Appalachian Trail. There is a small clearing near the summit that offers views of Mt. Cardigan and Mt. Kearsarge.

Distance: 3.8 miles

best hikes in Dartmouth Sunapee — View from Moose Mountain

7 – Mt. Cardigan

Mt. Cardigan is about as close as you’ll get in the Dartmouth-Sunapee region to one of the 4,000 footers of the White Mountains. At 3,155 ft. above sea level, Mt. Cardigan is the tallest peak in the region and its bald rocky summit offers views of the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee and some mountains in Vermont. This is about a ~40 minute drive from Eastman.

Distance: 2.6 miles

Read More: Best Winter Hikes in New Hampshire

8 – Mt. Kearsarge

Mt. Kearsarge is a familiar landmark in the region for anyone who has spent any time on I-89. As a “monadnock”, the mountain towers over the surrounding landscape, and despite not even being a member of the 3,000 footer club, Kearsarge is one of only 12 mountains in New Hampshire with a prominence of over 2,000 feet. Kearsarge is a hair shorter than Mt. Cardigan at 2,936′ and about 30 miles farther south so the views are only slightly less impressive but still some of the best in the region. This is about a 45 minute drive from Eastman.

Distance: 3.6 miles

Read More: Best Hikes in New England

9 – French’s Ledges

French’s Ledges offers 360-degree views including an impressive view of Mt. Ascutney. There are several routes to the top and the network of trails can be a bit confusing to make sure to pay attention to the map. The trailhead is 25-30 minutes from Eastman in Plainfield, NH.

Distance: ~3 miles