Dries Buytaert

Two hikers on a mountain ledge overlooking the forest.
13 miles (21 km), 3,800 feet of elevation gain (1,200 meters), two 4,000-foot peaks, and 10 hours on the trail — Mount Whiteface and Passaconaway Loop in New Hampshire was a serious challenge. Our favorite part was the final stretch up Mount Whiteface, with a steep, rocky climb that starts at the exposed ledge in this photo. It's part of the notorious Terrifying 25 (T25), a collection of New Hampshire's most challenging and intimidating hiking trails. Two days later, I'm still sore, but I loved it!