In this article, we cover the best easy hikes in New Hampshire, whether you’re brand new to hiking, or have done them all, everyone can have an incredible experience on each and every one of these hikes. This list is comprised of hikes that are great for kids and are considered family friendly.
Champney Falls
Champney Falls is located just off of the Kanc, where it can be easily accessed at the Champney Falls Trailhead. Here you will experience large rock cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, and stone steps up the side of the falls to more gorgeous pools. Whether you are taking the Champney Falls Trail up Mount Chocorua, or just checking out the falls, this is a must for waterfall lovers.
Read more in our post: Champney Falls
Artists Bluff & Bald Mountain
This 1.5 mile loop in Franconia Notch features gorgeous views of the notch, echo lake, and Cannon Mountain ski resort. This short loop is accessible for beginner hikers and families. Parking is located at the Peabody Base Area off of Route 18.
Read the full guide on Artist’s Bluff here: https://hikingandfishing.com/artists-bluff-nh/
Artist’s Bluff Hike
Lonesome Lake Hut
Enjoy camping, lakes and mountains? Lonesome Lake offers all of this, and some fishing too if you’re interested. Located just off of 93, Lafayette Campground is only a couple miles from Lonesome Lake and the Lonesome Lake AMC Hut. Lonesome Lake is on the way up the Kinsmans, which you can see about hiking both in our post: North and South Kinsman
Ripley Falls
Ripley Falls is such a unique and beautiful waterfall in Crawford Notch. Hiking to the base of the falls is only .6 miles from the parking area, and you can even easily hike to the top of the falls (seen below). Interested? Check out our post on Ripley Falls
From the Top of Ripley Falls
Mount Major
If you’re from New Hampshire, you’ve probably hiked mount major. It is flocked to by locals and out of staters on a daily basis, and for good reason. With minimal effort, you ascend to a rocky top with incredible views of Alton Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains to the north.
Welch-Dickey Loop
This 4.5 mile loop has 1,807 feet of elevation gain, putting it closer to the moderate hike level, but the views are absolutely stunning, and the loop is commonly hiked by families with children of all ages. Hikers walk across massive granite faces with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Cannon Mountain
Cannon Mountain is one of the few 4,000 foot tall mountains that borderlines the “easy” category. Though it is steep on all trails, you can ascend and descend the mountain in under 5 miles, making it far less challenging than many other 4,000 foot mountains. The platform at the top provides 360 degree views of Franconia Notch. Read More about Hiking Cannon Mountain
Arethusa Falls
Arethusa falls is one of New Hampshire’s biggest waterfalls at 140 feet tall. Only 2.6 miles round trip, and located in the beautiful Crawford Notch. This is a must do if you have a little spare time in the notch…or if you just finished the number 1 hike.
Read more about Arethusa Falls
Picture from Base of Arethusa Falls
Mount Willard
Mount Willard is probably the most rewarding hike/effort in New Hampshire. Only a 3.2 mile round trip, it offers a gradual climb that almost anyone can do. Located in Crawford Notch, it is a great spot for leaf peeping in the fall, but is gorgeous in all four seasons. If you would like a more detailed description, directions, pictures and nearby hikes, read our post: Mount Willard.
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Notable Mentions
Some other top hikes that didn’t quite make it on the list (click for complete trail guide):
Mount Roberts
Mount Avalon
Gunstock Mountain
Belknap Mountain
Piper Mountain
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Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about