There’s a lot of hype in the hiking community about the four-thousand-footers in New Hampshire. People go to great lengths and spend years doggedly pursuing the 48 peaks, most of which are in the White Mountains, checking them off one by one. In many ways, it’s a great way to get outside and experience the mountains. But over the years the popularity of hiking has skyrocketed and it’s not uncommon to see overflowing parking lots at high-use trailheads. The human impact that comes with all that foot traffic adds up, and the delicate mountain environments that hikers have come to love and expect begin to break down.
Back in 1957, an official club was formed in an attempt to draw attention to lesser hiked peaks in the region. At the time, most of the hiking in the area was primarily focused on the Presidential Range. The impact of the concentrated foot traffic was negatively affecting the delicate ecosystems in the region, and a creative approach was needed to spread out foot traffic. This was the beginning of the four-thousand footers club, and at the time, the problems of impact and overuse were not known the way they are today. In a way, the 4k club was well ahead of its time, and had little idea how popular the pursuit of hiking high peaks would become.
Today, there are unfortunately very similar circumstances where a vast majority of well-intentioned hikers gravitate to the same peaks, impacting areas that are in dire need of rest and recovery from constant human presence. To offset their impact, hikers can choose to explore beyond the 4k checklist, and find equally beautiful trails and adventures that are much less traveled. Enter the “52 With A View” list.
Although 52 With A View was not created with the intention of lessening human impact in high use areas (it was actually formed by a group of friends who had all completed the 4k footers, and wanted to find more to explore …), it effectively does just that. The more options for hikers to explore away from high impact areas, the better. Plus, if you’re hoping to run into fewer people, this list is just the ticket! The list consists of (you guessed it …) 52 peaks that all have a great view and are all under four thousand feet. Hiking them may not earn you a crown, membership to a club, or other public “likes” and accolades, but if you’re in it for the pure joy of being outdoors, then 52 With A View might be the perfect list for you.
View full list 52 With A View >>
