[Andrew]

I have crew of peeps that want to try doing some hikes in The Whites but they are not really up for any big climbs. Does any one have any recommendations for valley hikes that cover some mileage and are not too strenuous? I've done the Lincoln woods trail but that’s about it.

Thanks in advance, so far the input I've got from this board has been great for trying new trails this summer.

[dudley]

When I hike, I like there to be a goal, climax, reason to be there... what ever.
That may be a summit, a scenic overlook, or a natural area like a flume or waterfalls
Abandoned farms and villages are way cool too.

This summer I gravatated to pond hikes in the area where I was living.
Two excellent loop hikes were to the East Ponds off the Tripoli Rd. and the Three Ponds loop in the area north of Rumny just past Stinson Lake.
East pond was way scenic and you could swim there if you wanted,.I plan on that one again.
The Three ponds was the kind of place where you might see some wildlife, although I saw none.

There are plenty of lesser summits that have excellent views
The Welch/Dickey loops is a well known one as is Mt. Pemigewasset (Indian Head)

In Waterville Valley you have the Greeley ponds trail, and a bunch of other short, scenic, little trails all grouped together off the Livermore road

Just 'cause kids are little doesn't mean they need to do a valley hike, I did Mt Whiteface (4015) when I was seven...alone...sorta... long story....

So many places... so little time..

[dudley]

Don't know why I thought you were talking about kids...
If you're going to take non-hikers hiking, better to take them to someplace scenic with a bit of effort than to take them for a long walk to nowhere...
A forced march would turn anyone off.

[trekker]

I agree, it's easier to convince newbies to come along on a hike if they know they won't be spending the day climbing. Greeley Ponds in an easy walk for someone out of shape, I’ve done that a couple times.

[Andrew]

The season will certainly begin with these types of hikes for me anyways. I'm not a big fan of hiking mountains in snow and sub-zero temps.

Maybe I'm a little desk-job softened...

[bobelle]

Well....I know that I have grown into my "winter skin" and will need to start the season off with some less treacherous terrain

But I would like to get a few 4K's in there....

[rocksnrolls]

I'd recommend a hike to Lonesome Lake. It's got some elevation but not alot, a hut so you can get some hot food (or prepare your own), a pond to swim in in the hot seasons, and amazing views of Cannon, the Kinsmans and Franconia Ridge. Another awesome valley hike is the Ethan Pond Tr. I hiked it from the east and found it to be a gentle climb all the way. When you near the junction of the Zeacliff Tr the views are spectacular! To the west is the Bonds, north is Zealand (you can see the hut), to the east are the amazing White Cliffs. It's a shorter hike if you come from the Zealand Rd direction.