If you've ever driven to the North Conway, NH area, you've probably spotted Mt. Chocorua. It's that mountain that looks like it's trying really hard to be the star of the show—and succeeding. In my humble opinion, it's the most distinctive and recognizable mountain around. So, in a bold attempt to level up our hiking game, we decided it was time to tackle this beast.

Now, we've both hiked Mt. Chocorua before—me with my dad about, oh, just 20 years ago (where does the time go?), and Mike more recently, just before the pandemic hit, with a friend. With over 7 miles and 2,582 feet of elevation gain ahead of us, it was definitely a step up from our usual hikes.

We took it nice and slow, soaking in the views and marveling at the beautiful waterfalls along the Brook Trail on our way up. It took us about four hours to reach the summit—yes, four hours, but we were busy savoring every moment (and maybe catching our breath). At one point, we got a little lost because the trail near the summit is not well marked. But we figured it out by following the most basic of hiking rules: when in doubt, just keep going up! The trail does get steeper, and there’s a bit of climbing involved, but the 360-degree views from the peak make it all worth it. They’re the kind of views that make you forget how much your legs hurt… at least for a minute.

After a quick snack and some much-needed water, it was time to head back down. We chose the Liberty Trail for our descent, and let me tell you, it felt longer—whether it actually was or whether I was just ready to beeline it to the car is up for debate. Along the way, we passed the Liberty Cabin, where you can camp overnight. Just a little further down, we found a toilet. Nothing fancy, just what you’d expect in the middle of the woods, but hey, it was a nice alternative to finding a tree to hide behind.

When we reached the parking lot I thought Mike was joking when he said he saw our car. It was a welcoming site. Mt. Chocorua might have tested our limits, confused us with its tricky trails, and made our legs scream for mercy, but it also gave us some unforgettable memories and a few good stories to tell. And honestly, isn't that what hiking's all about? If you're planning to tackle Mt. Chocorua, be sure to bring sturdy hiking boots, plenty of bug spray, and more water than you think you'll need. And don’t forget to set aside a good chunk of time—this mountain demands it.

As for the final verdict? I’d give Mt. Chocorua an 8/10 for difficulty and a solid 10/10 for views. Happy hiking!