Small hikes, big views

Some people dream of big adventures on big mountains. But there's something to be said for taking the short hikes that you can do easily and that offer big rewards for the effort. 

Fortunately, there are literally hundreds of great short hiking trails throughout the White Mountains. Some of these boast absolutely tremendous views.

I'll let you in on two secrets about views.

First, all of the views you get on a hike are automatically better than any you saw from your car, just because you earned them.

Second, many of the views you'll get from these little excursions, especially on hazy summer days, are actually better than the ones you get from big summits. On a smaller hill, you'll usually have something in the foreground that stands in sharp contrast to the haze in the distance. That makes for a more interesting view, and better photographs, too.

So how do you find these great little hikes?

Sometimes, it's as simple as asking. My companion Marilyn and I were up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire over July 4 weekend, staying at the new Highland Center in Crawford Notch. This is hiking country, and all the people who work and stay there are outdoorsy and were eager to point out great short hikes.

Everyone we encountered suggested the hike up Mount Willard. as easy (1.6 miles), short (about an hour), and the outlook spectacular.

The trail starts across the train tracks from the Crawford Depot. The AMC White Mountains Guide describes the view from Mount Willard as "perhaps the finest views in the White Mountains for the effort expended." Be warned, however, that on a humid, still morning in early July, the blackflies can be fearsome here. Bring repellent and prepare to keep moving until you break out into the open near the top.

We also did the trails to Artist's Bluff and Bald Mountain in Franconia Notch as we passed through. The 1.5 mile loop was a perfect leg-stretcher after a long drive north. It was a glorious summer day, and the view across Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain and through Franconia Notch were stunning.

But you don't have to travel all the way to the White Mountains to find great views on short hikes. You've got them right in your own back yard. If you already know a short hike with a great view, get out and do it soon. If you don't already have a favorite short hike, go exploring until you find one

Decoding guide books

When you're looking over hiking guide books in search of a short hike with a great view, look for certain key words. They will almost always lead you to what you are looking for.

"Bald" is the most reliable key word. I'd be willing to bet that any mountain, hill, ridge or knob with bald in its name (and there are dozens in New England) is going to have a great view. I've yet to find an exception. Even the ones where the bald has grown over still have openings you can peak through.

"Ledges" is another key word that almost always tips you off to good views. Wherever the bones of the earth thrust through the topsoil, vegetation usually thins enough to allow good viewing.

Another old reliable is "Lookout."

"Cliff" is almost always a tip-off to a great view. So is "Head" or "Point" and names like "Sunrise" and "Sunset." These are natural names for natural features that usually allow a view.