In 1979, a group of retirees living in Sandwich, NH got together and began hiking. Starting small and local, these like-minded friends would eventually become known as the Over The Hill Hikers, whose outdoor adventures would reach across New England and even into Europe, led by their legendary "den mother" Lib Bates.
After completing the prestigious New Hampshire 4,000-footers, the group sought out a new challenge and decided to create a hiking list in 1990 to complement the higher mountains -- a selection of 52 hikes under 4,000 ft. that offered spectacular views.
Compiled and edited over a period of years, this guide is tailored toward both experienced hikers as well as beginners -- young and old -- for which this list attracts many. It is the first comprehensive guidebook for these scenic hikes.
Books ordered directly through this website are signed and personalized with the buyer's name. If you have specific personalization requests — a gift for example — please send an email to with the details. All books are wrapped to protect the corners and are shipped individually. When clicking the link above, you'll be redirected away from this website to the Square website for ordering and payment. Quantities for multiple books can be specified on the order page. The price is $24.95 plus $7.00 shipping via USPS for each individual book. All book sales are final. Due to the prohibitively expensive costs (more than the book cover price) to ship packages internationally, only US orders are accepted. For our friends in Canada, I advise picking up a copy at a local bookstore the next time you are hiking down here in New Hampshire.
Updates to the 3rd edition
Page 64, Guinea Pond Trail, Mead Trail (Mt. Israel). The USFS has relocated a mile of Guinea Pond Trail to avoid a years-long and persistent issue with beaver flooding. The relocation begins 0.7 mi. from Sandwich Notch Rd. It stays mostly parallel to the old route but higher up on the slope and well away from beaver activity. Because of this relocation, the round-trip hike to Mt. Israel via Guinea Pond Trail and Mead Trail is now 7.2 mi. with 1,440 ft. of elevation gain.
Page 83, Downes Brook Trail, Mt. Potash Trail (Potash Mtn.) The former yellow "X" marking the high point on Potash Mtn. was naturalized several years ago and is no longer visible.
Page 113, Daniel Doan Trail (Smarts Mtn.). The small parking area at the maintained end of Mousley Brook Rd. may be used by hikers outside of winter only. In winter, this parking area serves as a snowplow turnaround and parking is prohibited.
Page 120, Bald Peak. In May 2025, as the third edition of this guidebook was being printed, it was announced that the parking area and trailhead for Mt. Kinsman Trail was being moved. The trail now begins on the private grounds of Tamarack Green Recreation on NH 116 in Easton, about 0.2 mi. north of the old trailhead. Overall distance and elevation gain are not significantly changed. Hikers can park at Tamarack for a fee: $10 per car for NH residents, $20 per car for out-of-state residents, or $80 for a seasonal pass. Veterans get a 50% discount. Fees will be collected via cash envelopes or by Venmo via a QR code at the lot. Collected fees go toward trail maintenance. The entrance to the parking area is between two granite posts at the Easton/Franconia town line (trail sign, Hiker symbol sign). Drive in between the posts to reach the parking, kiosk, and start of Mt. Kinsman Trail. For more information, visit tamaracknh.com, email info@tamaracknh.com, or call 603-682-6505. For hikers that do not wish to pay the parking fee, a delisted peak can be hiked instead toward completion of the 52WAV list. This information will be updated in future printings of the guidebook.
"Every year there is always something in the White Mountain genre that rises to the top," said Laura Cummings, owner of White Birch Books, which sits in the heart of the Whites in North Conway. "I would say for sure this year it's 'New Hampshire's 52 With a View.'" — For your gift list: Books with a New Hampshire accent — New Hampshire Union Leader, 12/15/2019
"If you want to get into hiking more, or want to hike easier to moderate peaks but don’t feel ready for 4,000-footers, or want options that might be closer to home or other areas of the state, or you want a guaranteed great view if the weather cooperates, this book is invaluable. It’s spot on accurate, detailed with the most important points, and yet concise. It’s been such a resource for me, to the point I get irritated when I need information on a peak that doesn’t have this level of information." — Mjo
"Just wanted to send a brief note of thanks to you, as your book was a tremendous guide for me in completing the 52 on North Moat yesterday. Tackling all of these peaks takes commitment, but the additional detail you provide for them is remarkable. Your writing skills and attention to detail are truly first class." — Mark
"This book looks excellent. I’m an avid hiker and lived in NH and ME for years. I can’t wait to try these trails. Thank you for writing this!"
"Hey Ken, just wanted to say thanks for the ridiculously fast processing of my book order last week! I'm really liking it, great job!" — Jason
"User-friendly, well researched, and well written. A much needed reference for this list!" — Christine
"This book was so helpful in planning the Moats traverse I did with my husband last week! Thank you for making it a reality!" — Jessica
"It is a great guide for the 52 WAV, highly recommended! I have already put it to use!" — Reid
"Extremely well researched and presented. Mr. MacGray shows a definite love of his subject for all of us to share." — M
"Great guide. Lots of information. Well done!" — Claire
"Awesome book. The 52WAV bible." — Mike
"... what I have read is well executed and a wonderful 'read'. You should take a lot of satisfaction and pride in your guide. It's a great book." — Jim
"If you haven't picked up a copy, I'm not sure what you're waiting for. Go buy it! Ken described this hike [Mt. Tremont] perfectly, with just the right amount of detail, cautions, what to look for, etc. and if he did it for this mountain, I'm sure the same is true for the other 51. [...] Again, buy Ken's book. You'll be glad you did." — Gary
"Ken's book is the best. Highly recommend it. It saved our bacon this past weekend on Blueberry. With the recent snow we lost the trail. Thankfully we had a copy of Ken's trail description which helped us immensely." — Peter
"MainSt. BookEnds can't keep this one on the shelf." — Katherine Nevins, MainSt. BookEnds, Warner, NH
"Great book with the most accurate trail descriptions and relevant info on parking and winter conditions. Highly recommended." — Ken Bosse, NH author
"The book arrived quickly, and was a helpful reference for us to hike Mt Crawford." — Chris
What's new in the 3rd edition (2025)
Reflects the current 52WAV list, which was officially revised in May 2025
Revised and expanded trail/route descriptions for each hike
More photographs, including historical images
Updated and expanded details on doing these hikes in winter
Expanded overnight options for campers and backpackers
Updated overview map showing where the hikes are around the state
Interesting 52WAV trivia and odds and ends
Also inside
Historical overview of the Over The Hill Hikers and how the 52 With A View list was formed
Detailed recommended route descriptions for all 52 peaks (plus the delisted peaks), including historical tidbits, parking & road access and summaries of additional routes
Highlights of the views from the summits of each peak, as that is what this list is all about!
