New Hampshire is a hiker’s paradise, with miles upon miles of trails that traverse through the state’s scenic beauty. From the soaring peaks of the White Mountains to the tranquil forests of the Lakes Region, New Hampshire has something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, New Hampshire’s trails offer a variety of difficulty levels and distances, making it a great destination for families.
In this blog, we’ve explored five of the best hikes for families in New Hampshire. These hikes have been chosen based on their accessibility, family-friendly terrain, and stunning scenery. They offer a range of options for families, from easy strolls through the woods to more challenging hikes up to scenic vistas.
By exploring the White Mountains, families can experience the rugged beauty of New Hampshire’s most iconic range. The Flume Gorge Trail and Mount Major Trail are great options for families looking for an easy to moderate hike. These hikes offer stunning views of the White Mountains while remaining accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
Additionally, families can explore the serene beauty of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region on the Mount Major Trail. This hike is a great choice for families looking for a more leisurely hike that still offers breathtaking views of the region’s beautiful lakes and forests.
New Hampshire’s diverse landscape and wealth of hiking trails make it a fantastic destination for families. With so many options to choose from, families can tailor their hikes to their interests, fitness level, and time constraints. Whether you’re looking for a quick day hike or a more challenging multi-day adventure, New Hampshire has something for everyone.
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Mount Monadnock
Mount Monadnock is one of the most popular hiking destinations in New Hampshire, and for good reason. This 3,165-foot mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great hike for families with children of all ages.
The most popular trail to the summit is the White Dot Trail, which is 4.2 miles round trip. It’s a challenging hike, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort. If you’re hiking with younger children or prefer an easier hike, the White Cross Trail is a good option. This trail is slightly longer at 4.4 miles round trip, but it’s less steep and offers more shade.
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Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is another great destination for families who love to hike. Located in the White Mountains, this park offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Flume Gorge Trail, the Franconia Ridge Trail, and the Cannon Mountain Trail.
The Flume Gorge Trail is a 2-mile round trip hike that takes you through a beautiful gorge with waterfalls, pools, and towering granite walls. The Franconia Ridge Trail is a more challenging hike, but it offers some of the best views in the park. The Cannon Mountain Trail is another popular hike that takes you to the summit of Cannon Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the White Mountains.
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Mount Kearsarge
Mount Kearsarge is another popular hiking destination in New Hampshire. This 2,937-foot mountain is located in the town of Warner and offers great views of the surrounding landscape. There are two trails to the summit: the Winslow Trail and the Barlow Trail.
The Winslow Trail is the more popular of the two and is a 2.6-mile round trip hike. It’s a relatively easy hike, but it does get steep near the top. The Barlow Trail is slightly longer at 3 miles round trip, but it’s less steep and offers more shade. Both trails offer great views from the summit.
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Mount Major
Mount Major is a great hike for families who want a challenge. This 1,785-foot mountain is located near Lake Winnipesaukee and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding area. The most popular trail to the summit is the Mount Major Trail, which is a 3.8-mile round trip hike.
The Mount Major Trail is a steep hike, but it’s well-maintained and offers great views from the summit. If you’re hiking with younger children or prefer an easier hike, the Boulder Loop Trail is a good option. This trail is 2.7 miles round trip and is less steep than the Mount Major Trail.
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Arethusa Falls
Arethusa Falls is a great hike for families who want to see a beautiful waterfall. This 160-foot waterfall is located in Crawford Notch State Park and can be accessed via the Arethusa Falls Trail. The trail is 3 miles round trip and is relatively easy, with a few steep sections.
The trail follows a stream and offers beautiful views of the surrounding forest. The waterfall itself is stunning and well worth the hike. There are also several smaller waterfalls along the way, making this hike a great option for families who love waterfalls.
New Hampshire offers some of the most picturesque hiking trails in the country. Its natural beauty and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for a family hiking adventure. The five hikes discussed in this blog are just a few of the many family-friendly trails that New Hampshire has to offer. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these trails offer something for everyone.
It is important to remember to prepare adequately before embarking on any hiking adventure. This means checking weather conditions, bringing appropriate gear and clothing, and ensuring that you have enough food and water. It is also essential to stay on designated trails and to respect the natural environment.
In addition to the physical benefits of hiking, spending time in nature has been shown to have positive effects on mental health and well-being. Hiking is a great way for families to disconnect from technology and enjoy quality time together in the great outdoors.
New Hampshire’s hiking trails offer a fantastic opportunity for families to explore the state’s natural beauty and make memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and hit the trails for an unforgettable adventure in New Hampshire!
