New Hampshire's iconic 4,000-foot peaks, with their rugged character and natural beauty, have been attracting hikers, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the White Mountains for more than 200 years. Though they are best known today for their long-standing popularity among peak-bagging hikers, these mountains played a major role in the development of the region from a daunting wilderness to a thriving recreational mecca. This transformation included the construction of the world-famous Mount Washington Cog Railway in 1869 and its various summit hotels atop the Northeast's highest peak, the cutting of hundreds of miles of recreational footpaths in the mountain valleys and on their steep slopes, and the creation of some of New England's first downhill ski trails on Mounts Moosilauke, Cannon, and Wildcat in the 1920s and 1930s. Over the years, the 4,000-footers have attracted visitors from all walks of life, including US presidents, renowned poets, world-class skiers, and Supreme Court justices.

Taking on one of New Hampshire’s 48 4,000 footers is becoming a pilgrimage for New Hampshire residents and its visitors. While more people than ever are hiking them, there’s still a dearth of good information about each mountain and its surrounding areas. Climbing New Hampshire’s 48 4,000 Footers fills that gap by informing adventurers—from the freshly-booted novice to the grizzled mountaineer—about each of New Hampshire’s 48 iconic mountains that top out at over 4,000 feet. Look inside to find: Multiple routes up each mountain National Geographic maps GPS coordinates Full-color photography

This fully updated, comprehensive hiking guide is the most trusted resource available for hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest. Includes three high-quality, GPS-rendered, pull-out maps.

Floundering in her second career, the one she’s always wanted, forty-eight year old Cheryl Suchors resolves that, despite a fear of heights, her mid-life success depends on hiking the highest of the grueling White Mountains in New Hampshire. All forty-eight of them. She endures injuries, novice mistakes, and the heartbreaking loss of a best friend. When breast cancer threatens her own life, she seeks solace and recovery in the wild. Her quest takes ten years. Regardless of the need since childhood to feel successful and in control, climbing teaches her mastery isn’t enough and control is often an illusion. Connecting with friends and with nature, Suchors redefines success: she discovers a source of spiritual nourishment, spaces powerful enough to absorb her grief, and joy in the persistence of love and beauty. 48 Peaks inspires us to believe that, no matter what obstacles we face, we too can attain our summits.

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A year-round guide to 68 of the best hikes, walks, and family outings in New Hampshire.