Best Places: Easy Hikes (or Walks)
Castle in the Clouds
Let’s face it: New Hampshire is known for its abundance of hiking opportunities (4,000-footer club, anyone?), but not everyone is able or ready to take a full day to scale mountains and rocks in the process. Here is a list of hikes that won’t even make you break a sweat, and are family-friendly, too. We’re thinking “pack a pair of sneakers and head right out after work” kind of hikes or walk — the state is yours!
Wildcat Falls, Merrimack
www.merrimackoutdoors.org
Explore this 2.2-mile loop trail loop, which takes about 45 minutes to complete. It is a popular area for hiking and running, so you may encounter other people while romping around — including dogs. (Bring a little bucket for wild blueberry picking, too).
Odiorne Point State Park, Rye
www.nhstateparks.org
Head out on this 2.8-mile loop trail and soak in the expansive views of the Gulf of Maine, including four lighthouses; the Isles of Shoals; and the mouth of the Piscataqua River. The trail takes under an hour to complete and is also a popular birding area (leave your dog at home!).
Beaver Brook, Hollis
www.beaverbrook.org
This regional nature center has a network of more than 35 miles of trails that are open to anyone, 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk. The forest, marsh and pond landscapes are perfect if you want to do a light walk or hike, or even take it up a notch with a bike ride. Hand-curated trail maps (accessibility included) make it easy to plan your adventure.
Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough
www.castleintheclouds.org
As if visiting a more than 100-year-old castle wasn’t enough, this spot has 28 miles of trails meticulously maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. Take a leisurely hike along the cascading waterfalls, ending at the largest waterfall on the property, or drop a bead or two of sweat and opt for a more experienced hike with views of the Ossipee Mountains.
The Southeast Land Trust (SELT), Seacoast
www.seltnh.org
This group conserves and stewards land for the benefit of all Granite Staters, including tens of thousands of acres in Rockingham and Strafford counties. Check out one of the 11 trail maps and guides on their website to plot your next afternoon in nature.
Waterfalls of Lucy Brook cascade over granite wall into plunge pool at Diana’s Baths in Bartlett, New Hampshire.
Diana’s Baths, Bartlett
northconwaynh.com/dianas-baths/
A New Hampshire classic and Granite Stater favorite and tradition, this 1.3 mile out-and-back trail takes about 30 minutes to complete and includes many rocks, ledges, cascading falls and pools in the brook. Bring a picnic lunch and even your dog for a fun summer afternoon.
Tower Hill Pond Loop, Manchester
www.alltrails.com
This wide trail has a minor elevation change and a few rocks and roots to navigate, but nothing that will work up too much of a sweat. It is 3.9 miles long and takes about one hour and 17 minutes to complete, or longer if you stop for birding opportunities along the way.
The Fells, Newbury
www.thefells.org
Known as one of New England’s finest early 20th-century summer estates, The John Hay Estate at The Fells has 83.5 acres of beauty to meander, including the 22-room Colonial Revival home (perfect for a pre- or post-hike stop), renowned gardens and woodland trails. The Carriage Road Trail is an easy half-mile trail that will take you through the forest for a historic jaunt along the property.
