New England Travel

Ten family-friendly hikes in New England

By Legacy User

July 23, 2012

4 minutes to read

The region is blessed with a variety of trails that are both challenging and rewarding for people of all ages. Add any of these outings to an upcoming itinerary and discover some of the region’s most beautiful flora, fauna, and landscapes. 
 
Jeffrey Romano, author of ‘‘100 Classic Hikes in New England’’ (2010) and ‘‘Best Loop Hikes: From New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the Maine Coast’’ (2006), can be reached at www.jeffreyromano.com
Myles Standish State Forest

 The forest is a short drive from downtown Plymouth. Seemingly unchanged since the Pilgrims, this sprawling complex of pitch-pine, scrub oak, and small kettle ponds offers relaxing hiking along 13 miles of trails. 
Hike: The 3-mile Healthy Heart Trail circling East Head Reservoir is an ideal introduction to the area. Hugging the shoreline throughout, the loop traverses a forest ringing with the oft-repeated call of common yellowthroats. 
Trailhead: Located on Cranberry Road in Carver at the forest headquarters, east of the forest’s west entrance.
Mount Tom State Reservation

 The conservation land covering more than 2,000 acres in the heart of the Pioneer Valley houses more than 20 miles of trails to explore mature forests en route to striking clifftop panoramas. 
Hike: Follow the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail 1.5 miles south. Parallel trails to the east offer slightly longer, more gradual return options. 
Trailhead: Located on Smiths Ferry Road in Holyoke, 1.5 miles west of the reservation’s main entrance.
Monument Mountain

 Monument Mountain is the famous Berkshire location where Herman Melville was inspired to write ‘‘Moby-Dick.’’ The centerpiece of the mountain enjoys ledges that are inspiring to look at and even more impressive to stand atop. 
Hike: A steady but straightforward 2.6-mile loop can be completed by combining the Hickey, Squaw Peak, and Indian Monument trails. The narrow summit of Squaw Peak offers tantalizing views. 
Trailhead: Located on Route 7 in Great Barrington, 3.1 miles south of Stockbridge.
South Pawtuckaway

 This park’s 5,500 acres are an outdoor recreational paradise in southern New Hampshire. Venture along Pawtuckaway’s forested paths to explore wildlife-rich habitats, as well as three scenic peaks. 
Hike: Use the Mountain and South Ridge trails to reach the 908-foot summit of South Pawtuckaway in 2.4 miles. The route eventually emerges onto open ledges before arriving at a fire tower that affords 360-degree views. 
Trailhead: Located near Mountain Pond, 0.4 mile beyond the park entrance in Nottingham.
Green Hills

 A 4,222-acre Nature Conservancy preserve minutes from the outlet stores of North Conway, N.H., the Green Hills feature rare plants and spectacular views of the Mount Washington Valley. 
Hike: Bear left to reach the nature preserve and the start of a loop. Hike clockwise along the Peaked Mountain, Middle Mountain Connector, and Middle Mountain trails before returning to the start. 
Trailhead: Located in North Conway on Thompson Road, 0.3 mile off of Artist Falls Road.
Bradbury Mountain

 The open ledges atop this 485-foot Maine mountain offer pleasant countryside views as well as a great vantage point for marveling at the spring migration of returning raptors. 
Hike: Dissected by a network of trails, hikers can choose the short, steep 0.3-mile Summit Trail or take one of the more gradual paths that reach the highpoint from the north. The longest and quietest choice is the 1.5-mile Boundary Trail. 
Trailhead: Begin at the park entrance on Route 9, 0.5-mile north of Pownal Center.
The Bubbles

 The two distinctive rounded summits of the Bubbles that overlook Maine’s beautiful Jordan Pond are the perfect mountain destinations for young hikers. 
Hike: The Bubble Rock Trail provides a short but steady climb to side paths that lead in opposite directions, more easily to South Bubble and a bit more strenuously to North Bubble. 
Trailhead: Located in Acadia National Park on the Park Loop Road at the Bubble Rock parking area, roughly 2 miles west of the road up Cadillac Mountain.
Block Island

 With more than 43 percent of its land permanently conserved, this scenic island off Rhode Island, surrounded with dramatic ocean bluffs and more than 17 miles of beaches, is the perfect destination for hikers of all ages. 
Hike: Begin a 5.5-mile loop along the Greenway Trail as it winds gradually through Enchanted Forest and past Turnip Farm. Head south to scenic Black Rock Beach and then meander north through Rodman’s Hollow. 
Trailhead: Park at Nathan Mott Park located on Center Road.
Wolf Den

 The park beckons hikers, young and old, to imagine the past, while experiencing an inviting landscape of forested hillsides, carpets of wildflowers, and unique geologic formations. 
Hike: Follow the Blue Trail south over rolling terrain as it passes the park’s signature features: Wolf Den, Indian Chair, and Table Rock. Descend north toward the area’s namesake brook before swinging east to complete the 4.2-mile loop. 
Trailhead: Located in Pomfret at the State Park Campground on Wolf Den Drive.
Penwood State Park

 This Connecticut park is an 800-acre oasis minutes from downtown Hartford. 
Hike: After a brief stint north along the paved road, bear left up the Metacomet Trail. Hike past Lake Louise to a scenic pinnacle overlook. Retrace your steps and pick up the yellow-blazed trail leading south from the lake’s outlet stream. The 4-mile loop winds past quiet vistas before concluding. 
Trailhead: Located at park entrance, off Route 185 in Bloomfield. Use first parking lot on right.