Mount Paugus, Albany NH

• 4-star hikes • 7 to 8 mile options • Moderate | Gain 2,200 to 2,700 feet • Albany, NH | White Mountains . 52WAV South Peak views of Passaconaway & Whiteface. Mount Paugus sits quietly in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, Mount Chocorua, and tends to get overlooked by hikers heading for bigger names in the Sandwich Range. That's a shame, because this loop turns out to be one of the most enjoyable hikes you can experience in the area. We chose a looping trail that begins on the side of Route 113A and combines Big Rock Cave Trail, Old Paugus Trail and a section of Lawrence Trail before returning down Cabin Trail. Starting out counterclockwise on Big Rock Cave Trail the going is surprisingly easy. The lower elevations are gentle and largely free of rocks - more of a pleasant forest stroll than a mountain climb. Before things get more serious, make a point of stopping at Big Rock Cave. It's formed from massive mansion-sized granite monoliths that tumbled down the mountainside long…