The 48 Challenge invites outdoor enthusiasts to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s mountains over 4,000 feet in elevation. This epic trek spans rugged terrain, variable weather, and rewarding panoramas that reach for miles. From the granite cliffs of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, to the forested ridges of Mount Moosilauke, each summit offers its own personality, challenging you to read the trail and respond with steady footing and clear planning.

Covering over 200 miles of footpaths and climbing roughly 65,000 feet in cumulative elevation gain, the 48 Challenge is an endurance test as much as a nature immersion. Trails slice through dense spruce and fir forests that murmur with the breeze, while exposed ridges dare you with gusting winds and sharp drop-offs. Expect steep ascents on rocky scree fields, root-laden paths that tug at your boots, and streams that glance down from ledges, quick to reclaim their space.

Begin with the White Mountains’ best known peaks—Washington, Adams, and Jefferson—where well-marked paths steer you past alpine plants and the occasional stubborn rockslide. As you progress, less trafficked mountains hold quieter, intimate encounters with the wild, whether it’s a sudden breeze coaxing mountain laurel blooms or a chipmunk darting between leaf litter. Your preparation hinges on pacing: break the 48 into manageable sections, plan overnights near key trailheads, and layer clothing to answer mountain moods.

Hydration is crucial; natural springs and streams will tempt you, but a filter or purification tablets are non-negotiable. Footwear demands grip and ankle support because loose stones and slippery roots will test your balance. The best windows for this quest are late spring through early fall, when trails shed their winter ice but avoid the intense mud of thaw. Start hikes early to maximize daylight and watch how the mountains morph as the sun moves, shadows stretching and retracting with steady rhythm.

The 48 Challenge isn’t about conquering the peaks—it’s about entering their world with respect. Weather shifts without warning and summits hold their own fierce character. Accept their terms, stay flexible, and you’ll find a rare reward: a pulse quickened by effort, a view earned by persistence, and a connection forged with a landscape fiercely itself.