Hikers come from all over the country to dayhike these 20 miles—with 9,000 feet of elevation gain over nine named peaks—so it’s no surprise it’s a local fave. You’ll need a 5 a.m. start, but dawn breaking on Mt. Madison more than compensates for the early rise. Bonus: ice cream at the summit of 6,288-foot Mt. Washington in summertime. Miles from city center: 90 TO TRAILHEAD: From Gorham, drive west on US 2 and park at Appalachia trailhead in 5.2 miles.