Best Family Hikes
Want to get the entire family into hiking? Not sure where to begin or who to trust with your hike plans? Look no further—we've got you covered!
White Mountains NH
Mt. Agamenticus in York, Maine
Perfect for all ages! If you have preschoolers or beginners, this is the best little mountain to start with. There are multiple trails, some longer and some shorter. The Ring Trail, when followed clockwise from the parking lot, features a seasonal story maintained by the Friends of Mt. A. The Ring Trail circles the mountain without reaching the summit, but several trails branching off lead to the top.
I personally love the Ring Trail not only for the story but also for the views and the old ski lift from when Mt. A had skiing. The trail is just under 2 miles, and the mountain's total elevation is 692 feet. The views from the top are beautiful—you can see the ocean and, on a clear day, well into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Dogs on a leash are welcome, so bring the entire family! Plus, if you hit this one early in the day, you can finish with a bagel and iced chai from the Bagel Basket.
Mt A
Mt. Major in Alton, NH
We love this mountain and have so many fond memories of hiking it as a family with friends. Located not far from Gunstock, it was a perfect step up from Mt. A and still close to home, or at least our home.
There are a few trails here. The Boulder Loop Trail (marked with blue blazes) offers a more direct route to the summit. Alternatively, you can take the Mount Major Trail, which involves a good amount of rock climbing, or opt for the Brook Trail, which is a little longer but less steep. The overall elevation here is about 1,800 feet, and depending on the trail, your round-trip mileage will be approximately 3.1 miles with an elevation gain of over 1,100 feet.
This mountain is perfect for the entire family, including dogs on leashes! Elementary-age kids are the sweet spot here—it’s a great confidence-building hike.
Mt. Kearsarge in Warner, NH
The trailhead is located in Winslow State Park. This mountain is a bit more challenging than Mt. Major. The round-trip hike is about 3 miles but involves a steeper ascent.
We hiked the Winslow Trail up and the Barlow Trail down. The elevation gain is about 1,100 feet, and the mountain's overall elevation is just over 3,000 feet. The 360-degree views of the White Mountains and into Vermont are incredible.
The ascent is steep but just challenging enough for kids and dogs (on leash). At the summit, there is a fire tower (usually closed to the public) and a picnic table area. Keep in mind that there is a fee to enter the park. Perfect for older elementary kids and older.
Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch, NH
The Mount Willard Trail starts at Saco Lake by the old train station. This trail is about 3.1 miles round-trip with approximately 900 feet of elevation gain.
There are a few water crossings and some rocky terrain, but the trail is well-marked. The summit, at about 2,900 feet above sea level, offers a stunning, jaw-dropping view of the Crawford Notch area, including the beautiful Willey Mountain Range. If you time your hike right, you can even catch a glimpse of the scenic railroad train passing through the notch.
Fall can be very busy, but the views are stunning year-round. We prefer to avoid peak season to enjoy the trail without the crowds. We love this hike for a step up from Mt A elementary age kids and older. There are no rock climbing or scrambling. We appreciate the lack of any technical aspects of this hike. Perfect for beginners or experts alike!
Basin Cascade Trail in Lincoln, NH
This trail is accessible from the Franconia Notch Bike Path and is perfect for even the littlest hikers. You can push an off-road stroller for much of the trail after the pavement ends.
The trail follows a series of waterfalls and smoothed rocks, creating a beautiful and unique hike. There are deep pools where people wade and cool off. You can hike as far as you like, but the full out-and-back trail is about 2.6 miles. The trail increases in steepness as you go, with the lower sections being the busiest. Because that is where the view is.
There is a fee for parking, and it is strictly enforced due to the trail's popularity.
Diana’s Baths in Bartlett, NH
A must-do activity if you're visiting the North Conway area! This easy hike is part of the U.S. National Forest System, so there is a self-pay kiosk for parking, and the lot can get busy on popular weekends.
This hike is perfect for little ones and grandparents alike. It’s a short walk to the viewpoint area. While there are some rocks to climb if you want to get closer to the water, climbing is not necessary to enjoy the view.
If you like this list or want more suggestions check out our podcast for more details about all of these hikes and other outdoor adventures Around New England.
Thanks Mike & G.
