Beginner & Family Friendly Hikes
Diana's Baths was our very first NH hike when the kids were very young but we continue to go back because it's so much fun. The trail is primarily flat and only .6 miles ending at a series of waterfalls and pools along Lucy Brook. Bring swimsuits and towels because you won't be able to resist cooling off in the refreshing water on a hot summer day. When you reach Diana's baths there are several places where you can easily cross the river and continue to head up river for more falls and pools. The further up stream you go, the less crowded it can be. On a hot summer day it can be as busy as a beach on Cape Cod. The trail head is located in Bartlett just north of North Conway and parking at the trail head is $5.
Mt. Willard
Mt. Willard is one of our favorite hikes. We've hiked it in the spring, summer, fall and winter. It's 3.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 977 ft. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to hike without stopping. However the views from the peak are breathtaking as you look down the Crawford Notch. Pack a lunch and take time to enjoy the accomplishment of getting to the top. This is a great hike for younger kids and a perfect hike for first timers.
Because of the views and the fact that Willard is an easy hike, it can be crowded, especially on the weekends in the summer. It's located in Carroll, NH near Bretton Woods Ski Resort. There is plenty of parking at the trail head and along the road. The North Conway Scenic train has a small station at the base of the trail head and across the street is Saco Lake. There is a small trail that goes around the perimeter of Saco Lake if you still have some energy after Mt. Willard.
Mt. Pemigewasset is another great beginner hike with rewarding views awaiting you on the peak. Mt. Pemi is a 3.7 mile out and back trail with a elevation gain of 1,253 ft. There are some steep sections but nothing too difficult. This trail can also be busy on weekends in the summer and fall. The trail head is located in Lincoln, NH and starts in the back of the Flume parking lot (34A off I-93)
Arethusa Falls is the 2nd tallest waterfall in New Hampshire. The trail is a 2.8 mile out and back trek with an elevation gain of 784ft. There are plenty places to sit down take off your shoes and wade in the cool water of the falls. Make sure to take the Bemis Brook Trail offshoot so you can catch two bonus waterfalls. There is a steep section at the end of Bemis trail with roots and rocks to scramble so if you want to avoid that take Bemis on the way down vs. the way up. The trail head is on Rt. 302 in Hart's Location.
Hedgehog Mountain was another hike my kids loved. It was a little more challenging than Willard but not too difficult. It's a 4.9 mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,394 ft. the trail head parking is located off the Kangamagus Highway closer to the Conway side. The road to the trail head is right across from the Passaconaway camp site. We did the loop clockwise choosing to take the gradual hike up and the steep section on the way down. There is a small narrow exposed ledge section. Nothing too dangerous but it will get your heart pumping if you don't like heights. The Eastern ledges provide amazing views and make a great spot to eat lunch. From the eastern ledges you can turn around and see the peak behind you. There are views from the peak but not as much room if the trails are busy.
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