Family Friendly Hikes Around New England
Looking for a mountain to get your family into hiking? This is our working list of hikes we’ve experienced, separated into five of the six New England states. (Sorry, Rhode Island, we haven’t found a mountain there yet!)
These hikes are perfect for getting the entire family outdoors. They all have pretty views, nothing on this list is too challenging, and each one will leave you feeling accomplished and happy because you just spent time in nature.
Our Family-Friendly Rating Scale-
We rate hikes on a 1–5 scale, with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most challenging. No two families, mountains, or hikes are the same, so think of this as a guide rather than a rulebook. Each listing includes our 1–5 rating, mileage, elevation gain, and whether it’s a good spot for your four-legged family member.
5 – Advanced Family-Friendly
These hikes can be around 5 miles (sometimes less). They’re not for first-timers. They’re for families ready to tackle a bit more length, elevation, and challenge. You might be a little out of breath and sore the next day, but you’ll earn both the view and the workout. Some of these could have a bit of basic rock scrambles, but nothing you can’t handle if you’ve hit the trails before.
4 – Upper Moderate
Not quite advanced, but definitely a step up from a moderate hike. These trails have views, elevation, and miles (usually under 5). Consider these when you’re ready to move up from moderate hikes but not quite ready for the advanced challenge.
3 – Moderate
These hikes are around 3 miles or less with enough elevation to give you a workout and views to match. Perfect for when you want an adventure but still have plans later in the day. You’ll get your nature fix without being gone for hours.
2 – Easy
Great for starting your family hiking adventures! Ready to break in those hiking boots or get your younger kids some trail experience? These are perfect starter trails, maybe a bit longer or steeper than a “walk in the park,” but still very approachable.
1 – Super Easy
Kind of like a walk in the park (literally). Not sure how your kids will do on a mountain? Start here.
You know your family best! Always bring water (and maybe a snack or two). Nobody wants a hangry hiker! Stay safe and have fun!
Vermont Hikes
Mt. Philo
Rating: 2 Location: Charlotte, VT Miles: 2 Elevation Gain: 652 ft Dog-Friendly Bathrooms at trailhead
A beautiful hike with some stairs and great views from the top! Plus Adirondack chairs where you can relax and take in the Adirondack Mountains.
Gile Mountain
Rating: 2 Location: Norwich, VT Miles: 1.5 Elevation Gain: 387 ft Dog-Friendly No Bathrooms
A fairly short hike with lots of stairs and a cool fire tower at the summit. On a clear day, you can even spot the ski trails of Killington Mountain.
Mt. Pisgah
Rating: 5 Location: Orleans, VT Miles: 4.5 Elevation Gain: 1,660 ft Dog-Friendly No Bathrooms
The most challenging on our Vermont list due to length and elevation. The viewpoints are stunning! Watch out for cliffs!
Maine Hikes
Mount Agamenticus
Rating: 2 Location: York, ME Miles: 1.5–2+ Elevation Gain: 350+ ft Dog-Friendly on a leash Bathrooms at the trailhead and peak
A perfect first mountain for little hikers. There are a variety of trails here, choose your own adventure! You can make it short and sweet or extend your outing as you wish. On a clear day you can see Mt Washington and the Atlantic Ocean!
Table Rock
Rating: 3 Location: Gilead, ME Miles: 2.3 Elevation Gain: 902 ft Dog-Friendly Bathrooms at the trailhead
You can take the loop counterclockwise for the steep section first, or clockwise to avoid it and do an out-and-back. Either way, you’ll earn those views. The steep rocky part has serious fairytale vibes, beautiful and a bit breath-stealing (in both senses!).
Views from the peak of Table Rock in Grafton Notch State Park
Mt. Philip
Rating: 1 Location: Rome, ME Miles: 1.4 Elevation Gain: 338 ft Dog-Friendly No Bathroom
A short and lovely hike. No sweeping views, but a wonderful family trail for kids and dogs alike.
When the leaves are off the trees you get pretty views at Mt Philip
Mt. Megunticook
Rating: 3 Location: Camden, ME Miles: up to 4.5 (can be under 3) Elevation Gain: 1,214 ft Dog-Friendly Bathroom at the trailhead
Choose your adventure! Some solid elevation may leave you catching your breath, but on a clear day, the views of Camden Harbor are worth every step. You can even extend your trek over to Mt. Battie. (Sure, there’s a road to the peak, but hiking it is way more fun and that’s what this list is all about!)
Mt Megunticook on a cloudy day
New Hampshire Hikes
Mt. Major
Rating: 4 Location: Alton Bay, NH Miles: up to 4.5 Elevation Gain: 1,165 ft Dog-Friendly Bathrooms at trailhead
A very popular hike, and for good reason. Depending on the trail you choose, you might find yourself scrambling over rocks or taking a longer but gentler route. Either way, the views of Alton Bay are stunning.
Hazy views from our end of summer hike of Mt Major
Mt. Monadnock
Rating: 5 Location: Jaffrey, NH Miles: 3.9 Elevation Gain: 1,772 ft Dog-Friendly Bathrooms at trailhead
One of the most hiked mountains in the U.S., and for good reason. It’s a true New England classic. But don’t underestimate it just because it’s popular! Bring plenty of water and snacks; this one is a workout.
Mt. Pemigewasset
Rating: 5 Location: Franconia Notch State Park, NH Miles: 3.5 Elevation Gain: 1,260 ft Dog-Friendly Bathrooms at Flume Gorge on season only
A fun family challenge with rewarding views at the top. We even tackled this one as a winter hike, it was a great way to test our gear!
Mt Pemi is even a fun winter hike!
Mt. Willard
Rating: 3 Location: Twin Mountain, NH Miles: 3.2 Elevation Gain: 912 ft Dog-Friendly Bathrooms at trailhead and AMC Hut
A personal Around New England favorite. It’s a steady climb to the summit, with stunning views of Crawford Notch. Pack snacks and water, there’s no better spot for a mountaintop picnic.
Mount Kearsarge
Rating: 4 Location: Winslow State Park, Wilmot, NH Miles: 2.5 Elevation Gain: 1,115 ft Dog-Friendly (on leash) Bathrooms at trailhead
Bathrooms at the trailhead (always a plus). There’s a small fee unless you have the NH State Park plate. The loop trail can be hiked either way. Go counterclockwise to tackle the steep part first and save your knees on the way down. There’s even a tower at the top you can spend the night in (first come, first serve)! A great family hike with a little challenge and a big payoff.
Massachusetts Hikes
Mt. Tom
Rating: 2 Location: Holyoke, MA Miles: 1.5+ Elevation Gain: 627 ft Dog-Friendly No Bathrooms
A fun, fairly short hike with a few steep sections and some loose rocks. There are multiple trail options, so you can make it longer if you’d like. A great family spot if you’re in the area.
Connecticut Hikes
Ragged Mountain Preserve
Rating: 2 Location: Berlin, CT Miles: up to 4.5 Elevation Gain: 620 ft Dog-Friendly No Bathrooms
A peaceful and beautiful hike with more trail than parking — the lot is small! You can take a shorter route, but if you want those great views, be prepared for a bit of a longer trek. Some steep sections at the start, but totally worth it once you reach the top.
Always stop and enjoy the views! Ragged Mt Preserve has some beautiful spots!
We will keep adding hikes as we experience them and think they would be good for the entire family! If you have any we should check out please let us know! Happy Hiking!
