Home › New Hampshire › Conway › Piper Trailhead
Piper Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · Running trail in Conway, New Hampshire · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 10.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Piper Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hike featuring a climb with rocky peaks and expansive views, plus an old tower.
What runners say about Piper Trailhead
“A well maintained trail, lower 65% is through forrest and beneath canopy, remaining upper half is often exposed rock face with great views.”
The Piper Trail is a challenging trail that summits Mt. Chocorua (3,500 ft.) in 4.3 miles and 2,700 ft. of elevation gain. Camp Penacook Shelter can be reached by following the Piper Trail for 2.8 miles to a marked spur trail leading to the 3-sided lean-to and outhouse. I took Weetamoo to Hamond and down Piper Trail.
Great hike and challenging in bits, but the panoramic view at the top was totally worth it!
We've hiked all over the United States, and the White Mountains are one of our fave places to hike. The trails are well marked, no huge crowds ever, amazing views from tons of trailheads. Get the alltrails app, will definitely help.
We enjoyed the hike thoroughly. We enjoyed fall foliage near it's peak on October 10. Our dog joined us the entire way and he was exhausted by the end but able to do it. It's a good climb up to the top and is sure to make you sore if you're not used to frequent hiking or other exercise.
Trail conditions & character
“A well maintained trail, lower 65% is through forrest and beneath canopy, remaining upper half is often exposed rock face with great views.”
“If you are coming from Boston, leave early (we left at 5:30am) if you want a parking spot the lot is not large and fills up early.”
“8 miles to a marked spur trail leading to the 3-sided lean-to and outhouse.”
“Definitely some work getting to the top as there is considerable elevation gain, but it's definitely worth the price of admission (i.”
“Nice loop possible via Hammond, Jim Liberty and Weetamoo trails.”
“It looks dog friendly, but it made me nervous just watching them scale the rock face!”
“Trail markers are faded and sometimes difficult to find the route, especially when it is rocky.”
“Trail markers are faded and sometimes difficult to find the route, especially when it is rocky.”
Plan your run at Piper Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance10.5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 603-536-6100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Conway
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
South Moat Mountain Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
Hiking destination with views at the top including a scramble near the end.
Moat Mountain Mineral Site Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 124 reviews
Popular hiking area where visitors can gather quartz crystals and other specimens.
Redstone Quarry Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 38 reviews
Smith-Eastman Park
4 ★★★★☆ 14 reviews