Family Friendly Hikes Around New England
view from the top of Table Rock in Grafton Notch State Park in the summer
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 Bathrooms at trailhead Dog-Friendly
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 No Bathrooms Dog-Friendly
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 No Bathrooms Dog-Friendly The most challenging on our Vermont list due to length and elevation. The viewpoints are stunning! Watch out for cliffs!
Lye Brook Falls
Rating: 4 (due to length) Location: Manchester, VT Miles: 4.8 Elevation Gain: 954 feet Dog Friendly / No Bathrooms
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hike with a beautiful payoff, this is it. I gave it a 4 rating purely because of the length, this isn’t a particularly challenging hike, just a steady hike up. There’s no scrambling or climbing required, just a peaceful walk through the woods leading to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls. And let’s be honest, when you’re hiking with kids, a big, impressive destination at the end is basically your secret weapon to keep them moving.
Lye Brook Falls the 125 foot waterfall in Manchester, VT
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 No Bathroom / Dog-Friendly
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 (varies depending on the trails you take) 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
Rating: 2 Location: Bridgton, ME Miles: 3.7 (can be less) Elevation Gain: 833 feet Dog friendly / NO bathrooms
A very fun family friendly hike with some sneaky steep parts, they can be avoided. This is a choose your own adventure type of hike! Pro tip: hike in the fall (but make sure you have your orange).
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.
Rating: 1 Location: Strafford, NH Miles: 2 Elevation Gain: 430 feet Dog Friendly / No Bathrooms
Want to get your kids into hiking? This is a great spot to start. At only 2 miles Blue Job & Little Blue Job offers beautiful views on a clear day, or even cloudy we appreciated the views and a fire tower! Fun for the entire family.
Pro Tip: Be careful of the slippery leaves in the fall!
Rating: 2 Location: Franconia, NH Miles: 1.5 Elevation Gain: 367 Bathrooms available (seasonally) Dogs allowed
This is the hike you read about and see in the news. It is very popular and for good reason. It’s a fairly easy hike for the entire family to enjoy & you get great views of the notch and Cannon MT. You can do this out and back, but I suggest hiking the entire loop, especially on a busy day! Pro tip: hike on a weekday. The Fall will be the busiest time (for good reason see picture below). This is a great hike any time of the year!
Beautiful views from Artist Bluff. You see Franconia Notch & Cannon MT on a clear day.
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!
Sleeping Giant State Park
Rating: 3 Location: Hamden, CT Milage: 3.2 (can be more) Elevation Gain: 597ft Dog Friendly/ Bathrooms available in season porta-potty in off season
This not so hidden gem is a great spot for your entire family. There are a variety of trails here, the most popular one is about 1.6 miles to the castle aka the tower. This steady incline on crushed stone is wide open and has spots to catch your breath while you enjoy a view. Hike this anytime of the year, but fall would be my pick. There is a fee to enter on season $15 for non CT resident on weekends (based on car registration) and $6 for out of state residents on weekdays. If you have CT plates you will be able to enter for free!
You can climb the tower and enjoy the views of Long Island Sound
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!
Best Family Hikes
Taking a family trip to New England and want to get out and hike? Check out the best hikes for each age group for your family.
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.