Best Kid Friendly Hikes in New Hampshire
What are the best hiking trails for children in New Hampshire? You’ve probably been wondering that yourself. Here are a few tips for you to find the perfect trail for your family. Take a look at the Glenwood Open Space Preserve Trail and the Bemis Creek Trail. Or, check out our list with family-friendly hikes. We hope these tips will make your hikes a success! Don’t forget your camera!
Barred Island Preserve
The Nature Conservancy and the Island Heritage Trust have created The Barred Island Preserve as a sanctuary. The trail runs 1.5 miles through a coastal maritime fog forest. The highlight of this hike is a mile-long sandy beach surrounded by tide pools. For the ultimate kid-friendly hike, bring a packed lunch and some snacks. It is best to plan on spending a couple of hours on this trail.
Bemis Brook Trail
If you’re looking for a short, scenic hike that’s fun for the whole family, Bemis Brook Trail in Vermont may be the perfect place to start. The trailhead is located on Highway 302, which connects to Frankenstein Cliffs. The trailhead crosses the tracks by a private house. The half-mile Bemis Brook Trail leads you past Fawn pool, Coliseum Falls and Bemis Brook Falls. After the last waterfall, the trail heads right and climbs steeply up to rejoin the Arethusa Trail.
Glenwood Open Space Preserve
One of the easiest places to take your children on a nature hike is the Glenwood Open Space Preserve. This 170 acre park features seven biotic communities including oak savannah, redwood forest, and chaparral. Children will love the variety of plants and trees available. This park is perfect for families with young kids. It is particularly beautiful in spring with all the blossoming trees and flowers.
Marymere Falls
Olympic National Park offers many trails. You can start at Lake Crescent or at the Willaby Falls Campgrounds. Marymere Falls, a beautiful waterfall, is accessible from either Lake Crescent or the Willaby and Falls Campgrounds. It’s also an easy hike. The hike is approximately one-and-a-half miles round trip and can be done in one day. The Olympic National Park Visitor Center is at the end of Hurricane Ridge Road.
Calvary Rocks
Calvary Rocks is a great choice if you’re looking to find one of the most family-friendly hikes in the region. The 3.4-mile out-and-back trail takes you past the Chimney Rocks and Calvary Rocks. At the halfway point, you’ll pass some midsize rocks and talus slopes. After descending a small hill, you will find yourself at a scenic overlook.
Chimney Rocks
The views from the hike to Chimney Rocks overlook the Pacific Ocean and Drakes Bay, making it one of the best kid friendly hikes in California. The hike is quite challenging with steep cliffs that drop to the water. Be prepared for the challenge. This hike is particularly popular in March and May, when dozens or even hundreds of gray whales migrate through the area. Despite its popularity, it can be difficult in foggy weather so take it slow and don’t rush.
Oneonta Gorge
If you are looking for a kid friendly hike near Portland, consider going to Oneonta Gorge. The park features a creek that kids love to explore and some rocky terrain. Oneonta Creek is located within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. There are also designated parking areas in the park. The Oneonta Bridge is the suspension bridge that crosses Oneonta Creek. On the east side of this bridge is a large log jam. It can become slippery if it rains so make sure you have good shoes and waders.
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome, located just a half-mile from the parking lot is a popular stop for hikers. The half-mile paved ramp leads to an observation deck that sits 6,643 feet above the park floor. This vantage point offers spectacular views, especially at sunrise and in the fall leaf-peeping seasons. The temperature at the summit is 10 to 20 degrees cooler than it is below.