Outdoor Adventures Await Kids of Every Age: Explore Trails and Forests Together!
Discovering the great outdoors has never been easier, thanks to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) who have curated a selection of family-friendly hiking destinations in the Northeast. These trails, nestled in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, Maine's wilderness areas, and beyond, offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, manageable trail lengths, and comfortable lodging, making for memorable adventures for the whole family.
One such destination is the Family Hut Hike in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This moderate 2-day hike stretches along scenic trails from the Highland Center to AMC’s backcountry huts, providing a kid-friendly route with cozy lodge stays, hearty meals, and breathtaking mountain views.
In Maine, the trails of Shaw Mountain and White Cap Mountain stand out. These easy to moderate hikes offer 360° views of the remote Maine wilderness, making them suitable for families seeking a taste of the wild outdoors without overly strenuous effort.
For families seeking a more challenging experience, consider Number Four and Baker Mountain, longer but still manageable hikes, or Gulf Hagas, known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine.” These trails may be better suited for families with older children.
In addition to these well-known trails, the AMC has highlighted several other hidden gems that are worth exploring. Allandale Woods, a 90-acre forest in West Roxbury, MA, offers a surprising escape from urban surroundings, with varied hikes through streams, marshes, hills, and stone walls.
Penwood State Park, located in Bloomfield, CT, covers 800 acres and is home to the Metacomet Trail, part of the New England National Scenic Trail. The trail passes along the eastern side of Lake Louise, a popular picnicking site. A paved 3.5-mile loop road provides walk-in access from two parking areas in the park.
Rhododendron State Park, located in Fitzwilliam, NH, covers 2,723 acres and is particularly famous for its rhododendron grove, accessible via the Rhododendron Trail, Laurel Trail, and Wildflower Trail. The prime season to visit is July, when the rhododendrons bloom with pink and white flowers.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, located in Smithfield, RI, boasts a trail system on 120 acres, but further details about the hike were not provided. The refuge is home to the Orange Trail, offering loops of 0.45 or 0.85 miles, and the Blue Trail, a 1.25-mile loop. The Yellow Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail.
High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary in Shelburne, MA, covers 600 acres of wetlands and woodlands, featuring exposed, steep cliffs and an orchid swamp, where 20 different orchid species are known to grow. The Sanctuary Road Trail leads through the sanctuary to the eponymous ledges, offering panoramic views across the Deerfield Valley to Mount Greylock.
Lastly, Double Trouble State Park, located in Bayville, NJ, covers 200 acres and features trails that wind through cedar-pine forest and around bogs.
These family-friendly trails, as suggested by the AMC, offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and bond as a family in the great outdoors.
The AMC's recommended trails, such as the Family Hut Hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains, provide a chance for families to enjoy home-and-garden style comforts in the great outdoors, with cozy lodges and hearty meals. In contrast, the trails of Allandale Woods in West Roxbury, MA, offer a home-and-garden-esque escape from urban surroundings, with diverse hiking options through wooded areas and streams.
