• Distance: 3.2 miles out and back

• Trail rating: Moderate-difficult

• Elevation Gain: 931 feet

In my opinion, Balanced Rocks is one of the most underrated hikes on this list.

The Balanced Rocks trail derives its name from - you guessed it - two giant rocks balanced on the edge of the bald mountain summit. The rocks were left behind by a glacier during the last Ice Age and make for epic photo ops and a great vantage point to take in the views of the surrounding High Peaks and the valley below.

The trailhead to Balanced Rocks is located directly off Route 73, just across the street from Cascade Mountain. The hike to Balanced Rocks is mainly uphill, with areas of scrambling and several spots that are not well marked. For these reasons, I suggest downloading the AllTrails map before you go.