This one has gone both ways more than any other hike that we've done. Sometimes it's been a dazzling success. Other times it's been a complete disaster. Never anything in between.
On the plus side, Chocorua is one of New Hampshire's signature mountains. Anchoring the southeast corner of the White Mt National Forest the view from the top is truly magnificent. As major mountains go, it's not that far from camp making it possible to do as a day hike.
The downside is that although the trail is relatively gradual, it's long. There's also not a lot of positive reinforcement (like views) along the way. The number of trails on the mountain can cause confusion especially towards the top where many of them meet. And to top it all off, the mountain is named for the Indian Chieftain who cursed the people who murdered him as he was thrown off the mountain. Never a dull moment.
Drive Time: 90 min
Hike Time: 2-3 hours each way
Age/Ability Level: Day Trip older (14-15), O'night: Middle (12-13)
Swim: You won't have time.
Ice Cream: Conway