5 Fun Family Hikes in New Hampshire

Why Hike in New Hampshire with Your Family?

New Hampshire is a great place for families who love being outside. It has all kinds of trails, so there's something for everyone. You can start with easy walks and then try climbing your first mountain together as your kids get older.

The hikes lead to cool places that make the walk worth it. You might find amazing views, a peaceful river, or a big waterfall where you can cool off. Having a fun destination makes hiking exciting for kids.

The state has many parks and the huge White Mountain National Forest. These places are well-kept and easy to get to. This makes it simple for parents to plan a safe and fun day trip for the family.

A Quick Look at Our Top 5 Hikes

Here's a quick look at our 5 favorite family hikes to help you pick the right one.

1. Mount Major in Alton

• Location: Mount Major is in Alton, right near Lake Winnipesaukee. It's the most popular hike in the area. It gives you a great view of the big lake.
• Trail Details: The main trail is about 3.0 miles round trip and goes up 1,150 feet. A family should plan for 2.5 to 4 hours to complete it. The trail was recently updated with new stone steps, which makes the climb easier on you and the mountain.
• Key Features: The view from the top is amazing. You get a 360-degree look at Lake Winnipesaukee and all its islands. Kids can also explore the old stone hut ruins at the summit.
• Kid-Friendly Factor: This hike is good for kids, but it's not a simple walk. The trail is rocky, and you'll need to use your hands to scramble up some steep parts near the top. It's a great challenge that will make kids feel proud when they reach the summit.
• Logistics: There is a large parking lot on Route 11, but it fills up very early on weekends, so get there before mid-morning. There are no parking fees. You can find portable toilets at the trailhead.

2. Diana's Baths in North Conway

• Location: You can find Diana's Baths just a few minutes from the village of North Conway. It is located on West Side Road in Bartlett. It's deep in the White Mountains.
• Trail Details: This is more of a short walk than a real hike. The path is wide, flat, and about 1.3 miles round trip. It's easy enough for strollers and wheelchairs.
• Key Features: The trail leads to a series of small waterfalls and pools on Lucy Brook. The water flows over smooth granite rocks. It’s a popular spot in the summer for families to have a picnic and splash in the cold water.
• Kid-Friendly Factor: This is the easiest option on our list. It's perfect for families with toddlers or for groups with grandparents. Just be careful, because the rocks are very slippery when they're wet.
Safety First: The smooth granite rocks at Diana's Baths are extremely slippery when wet. Always supervise children closely near the water's edge.
• Logistics: Parking can be tricky here. The lot requires a $5 recreation pass for the White Mountain National Forest. Plan to arrive before 9 a.m. on a summer weekend because the lot fills up fast.

3. Arethusa Falls Trail in Crawford Notch

• Location: This hike is in Crawford Notch State Park. The trail starts on Arethusa Falls Road. It's located right off the main road, Route 302.
• Trail Details: The trail is about 2.8 miles round trip and climbs around 900 feet. It is a moderate hike that takes about 2 to 3 hours for a family. The path is a steady uphill climb.
• Key Features: The goal of this hike is to see Arethusa Falls. It is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in New Hampshire. The water drops about 160 feet down a giant granite cliff.
• Kid-Friendly Factor: This is a great hike for kids who have a little experience. The trail is a real mountain trail, with lots of rocks and tree roots to navigate. For an extra adventure, you can take a side trail to see two smaller waterfalls.
• Logistics: There is a parking lot at the end of Arethusa Falls Road, with more parking on Route 302. There is no fee, but you can leave a donation to help with trail upkeep. The waterfall is most powerful in the spring or after a big rain.

4. Mount Willard in Crawford Notch

• Location: This hike is also in Crawford Notch and starts at the old train depot. It's in the middle of the White Mountains. The location is easy to find.
• Trail Details: The trail is 3.2 miles round trip and climbs about 900 feet. It follows an old, wide road, so the climb is steady but not too steep. It's a good workout for most families.
• Key Features: This hike is famous for having the best view for the least amount of effort. The trail ends suddenly at an open cliff with an incredible view down into Crawford Notch. You can see the road and train tracks winding through the valley below.
• Kid-Friendly Factor: The trail itself is very kid-friendly because it isn't too steep. But the summit is an open cliff with dangerous drop-offs. Parents must watch their children very closely at the viewpoint.
Important Safety Note: The summit of Mount Willard has unfenced cliffs with significant drop-offs. Keep children within arm's reach at all times at the viewpoint.
• Logistics: Parking is at the Crawford Notch Depot on Route 302. This lot is very popular and fills up fast, especially on weekends and in the fall. You should plan to arrive early.

5. Lonesome Lake Trail in Franconia Notch

• Location: This trail is inside Franconia Notch State Park. It is one of the most famous scenic areas in the state. The hike is a classic New Hampshire adventure.
• Trail Details: The hike is a 3.1-mile loop with a 1,000-foot climb. The first part is a steep and rocky trail up to the lake. The second part is a nice, flat walk around the lake.
• Key Features: You'll arrive at a beautiful mountain lake with amazing views of the Franconia Ridge. The AMC Hut by the lake is a great goal for kids. You can stop in for water, use the bathroom, or buy lemonade and snacks.
• Kid-Friendly Factor: Having two goals, the lake and the hut, is fun for kids. The flat path around the lake with boardwalks is an easy reward after the climb. Since the first part is steep, it's best for families who have some hiking experience.
• Logistics: Parking is the biggest challenge for this hike. The lot is at Lafayette Place Campground and is often full by 7 a.m. on weekends. You must arrive at sunrise or go on a weekday.

How to Plan Your Family Hike

When's the Best Time to Go?

• Spring (Late April - early June): Spring is usually the worst time to hike. The trails are very wet and muddy, which can damage them. Then the black flies come out, which are very annoying.
• Summer (Late June - August): Summer is a great time to hike. The weather is warm, but you should always start early to avoid the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Expect the trails to be busy.
• Fall (September - October): Fall is maybe the best season for hiking in New Hampshire. The air is cool, the bugs are gone, and the colorful leaves are beautiful. It is also the busiest time of year, so parking lots will be full.
• Peak Fall Colors: The best time for fall colors changes each year. It usually starts in the north in late September. For the White Mountains, the best time is often the first two weeks of October.

What to Pack for a Family Hike

Packing the right gear keeps everyone safe and happy. This list is based on the classic "Ten Essentials" but is simplified for parents.

• Footwear: Everyone needs sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Sneakers are okay for easy paths like Diana's Baths. But for rocky trails, hiking shoes or boots are much better.
• Layers of Clothing: This is a key safety rule: do not wear cotton. Cotton gets wet with sweat or rain and makes you cold. Wear layers of synthetic clothes, like polyester, and always pack a rain jacket.
• Plenty of Water and Snacks: Pack more water and snacks than you think you'll need. For kids, snacks are great motivation. Bring high-energy foods and a special treat for the summit.
• Navigation: Bring a paper map of the trail. Do not just use your phone. Cell service is not reliable in the mountains, and phone batteries can die.
• Sun Protection: Don't forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
• First-Aid Kit: Pack a basic first-aid kit. Make sure it has fun bandages for the kids and any personal medicine you need.

Safety and Rules on the Trail

• Check the Weather: Always check the weather for the mountain summit, not the town at the bottom. Mountain weather can change fast and is much colder. Be ready to turn back if the weather gets bad.

• Trail Etiquette: The golden rule is that hikers going uphill have the right of way. If you are going down, step to the side and let the person working against gravity pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a hike "easy" for a family?

An "easy" hike is about more than just how long it is. A good distance is usually 1 to 4 miles. But the most important things are:

• Little Climbing: A flat 2-mile walk is much easier than a 2-mile hike that goes straight up a mountain.
• Smooth Trail: A family-friendly trail is often wide and smooth, not covered in rocks and tree roots.
• A Fun Goal: This is the most important thing for kids. A hike to a cool waterfall, a lake to swim in, or a great view is an adventure, not just a walk.

Where can I find good trail maps?

• Digital Apps: Apps like AllTrails are great for planning. You can read recent reviews from other hikers to see what the trail conditions are like.
• Paper Maps: You should always carry a waterproof paper map. The AMC White Mountain Guide is the best resource for this area. Your phone might not work in the mountains.
• Official Sources: You can also get maps and advice from State Park websites and visitor centers.

What are good towns to stay in?

The town you stay in can shape your trip. Each of these towns gives you easy access to different hikes and things to do.

• North Conway: This is a classic New England town and a great base for hikes in Crawford Notch, like Diana's Baths and Mount Willard. The town has shops, restaurants, and a scenic railroad.
• Lincoln/Woodstock: This area is the starting point for Franconia Notch hikes like Lonesome Lake. It feels more like a base camp for people focused on hiking the rugged trails nearby.
• Meredith/Wolfeboro (Lakes Region): Choose these towns if you want a lake vacation with some hiking. They are on Lake Winnipesaukee and are perfect for the Mount Major hike. You can hike in the morning and swim or boat in the afternoon.