Summer is one of the best times to hit the trails with the family. New Hampshire’s White Mountains have many amazing trails to choose from, but one main question that many families ask before they even get started is – will the trail suit all ages and hiking levels? That’s why we put together a list of 5 Family-Friendly Summer Hikes!
A couple must-have items when hiking with kids are: snacks, snacks and more snacks; water – for you and your children; a first-aid kit with band-aids, alcohol wipes, and tweezers; extra socks – even on a hot summer day, kids can find the one puddle of water and hiking in soggy socks is no fun; and one last thing – more snacks! For a more complete list of what to bring on a hike, check out our hiking page.
Here’s our list of 5 family-friendly hikes, in no particular order. We encourage you to try them all!
1. MT. WILLARD (2804′)
Mt. Willard Trail 1.4 miles – 1 hr. 10 min.
This is an excellent short hike. The trail begins at the old Crawford House Railroad Station opposite Saco Lake and is an easy grade up an old carriage road leading to a spectacular view of Crawford Notch. The trail’s gradual incline, makes it an easy day hike for families of all ages.
2. ARETHUSA FALLS
1.4 miles, 1.5 – 3 hours
The trail to Arethusa Falls has been rerouted and is now open after being closed due to damage from a forest fire in May. This set of falls is a short 1.5 mile hike, located on Route 302 in the town of Livermore. This trail does have a steady incline and is rated as a moderate hike. It is still a great hike for families, but be sure to have proper hiking shoes as there is some uneven terrain (rocks and tree roots). The entire family will enjoy the beauty of Arethusa Falls, claimed to be one of New Hampshire’s tallest waterfalls!
Looking for more waterfalls? Check out our waterfalls page.
3. ELEPHANT HEAD
Round trip: 0.6 mile
This is a short, easy hike for all age levels. Follow the Webster-Jackson Trail for 0.1 mi to the Elephant Head Spur, the gray rock here is striped with veins of white quartz. This mass of rocks resembles an elephant’s head and trunk. The spur trail ascends to the summit of the knob and open ledges that provide views of Crawford Notch. Some parts of the trail are a bit rugged and muddy, however the trail is only about a third of a mile each way.
4. ZEALAND VALLEY
Zealand Trail 2.7 miles – 1 hr. 30 min.
Starting at the end of Zealand Road, the trail rises gently on an old railroad bed leading to open meadows teeming with wildlife. At the far end of the valley lies Zealand Pond, Zealand Falls and the AMC Zealand Falls hut – providing stunning views of the pond, waterfalls, and mountains.
5. AROUND-THE-LAKE-TRAIL (Ammonoosuc Lake)
Round trip: 3.6 miles
An easy scenic loop hike around Ammonoosuc Lake near the AMC’s Highland Center Lodge. This is a popular trail for birding and hiking. The trail also includes great views of the surrounding mountains.