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Planning a family hiking trip to New Hampshire? Look no further than the White Mountains!
We chose the area for our summer getaway after researching the best hikes in the White Mountains and realizing how many of them are surprisingly family-friendly, offering incredible views without overwhelming distances. After exploring the trails ourselves, we can confidently say the area exceeded every expectation.
The White Mountains offer a combination of waterfall trails, woodland paths, and jaw-dropping summit views. There are a variety of different trails, ranging from short nature walks to challenging hikes,making it a great destination whether you are traveling with toddlers, elementary-aged explorers, or teens.
Choosing the best hikes for your family can be tough and that’s why we’re breaking down the easy, moderate, and challenging trails in the White Mountains. Choose (or more!) that best fits your children’s ability levels, and head out for your next adventure!
Tips For Hiking in the White Mountains
- Our number one tip for hiking in the White Mountains with kids is to ensure you choose the right trail. Make sure you do your research and know what you are getting yourself into. Always make sure the trail is appropriate for your child’s ability level to prevent unwanted trouble!
- You will want to plan on arriving early. White Mountains hiking trails are popular and become busy very quickly, especially during the summer and fall months. Arriving early will help ensure that you are able to find a parking spot.
- Make sure you come prepared for weather changes. Mountain weather can change quickly. Always bring layers and rain gear.
- Always be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles when hiking in the White Mountains (or anywhere else!).
Best Hikes in the White Mountains: Easy Hikes
Diana’s Baths
Diana’s Baths is one of the best White Mountain hikes for families. Diana’s Baths are a set of cascading waterfalls with a total height of 75 ft. They lie on Lucy Brook in Bartlett, New Hampshire, just outside of North Conway. One of the best features of Diana’s Baths is the shallow pools that are a good spot for cooling off on a hot summer day.
The trail is 1.3 miles round trip along an easy, flat trail. There is an elevation gain of only about 60 ft.The trail is gravel, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible. The area near the baths is a little more rocky with some exposed tree branches. There are also benches and accessible bathrooms at the baths.
There is a large parking area on site, but it does fill up quickly during the busy season. There is a $5 parking fee with a self-serve kiosk onsite. Entry is free if visiting on foot.
Basin-Cascades Trail
The Basin-Cascades Trail is a 2.5 mile round trip trail in Franconia Notch State Park that features a waterfall, scenic pool, and some interesting rock formations. However, if visiting with small children, the trail to the Basin is short and paved, making it one of the best hikes in the White Mountains for families.
The trail takes you to the Basin, a glacial pothole with a waterfall flowing into it, and then to Kinsman and Rocky Glen Falls. After you reach The Basin, continue on the trail over the bridge and head right to follow the Basin-Cascades trail. If you don’t want to do the entire loop, you can turn around and head back to the parking area. If you continue on the trail, you will reach Cascade Brook, Kinsman Falls, and Rocky Glen Falls.
The trailhead begins at The Basin parking area in Franconia Notch State Park, accessed from I-93 (Exit 34). Parking is available in a large, well-marked lot. A New Hampshire State Park parking pass or daily fee is required. Seasonal restrooms are available near the parking area.
Artist’s Bluff & Bald Mountain Trail
The Artist’s Bluff & Bald Mountain Trail is a short loop hike in Franconia Notch State Park that brings you to views overlooking Echo Lake and Franconia Ridge. The full loop is approximately 1.5 miles with only 436 feet of elevation gain, making it one of the best hikes in the White Mountains for families.
The trail climbs steadily from the parking area to Artist’s Bluff, then continues over Bald Mountain before looping back. The trail is a dirt trail with rocks, exposed roots, and short steep sections, but nothing to crazy. Artist’s Bluff features open ledges, while Bald Mountain is mostly wooded with limited views.
The trail head is located in Franconia Notch State Park, accessed from I-93 (Exit 34C). You will want to park at the Echo Lake parking area, with the trail head located across the road from the lake. A New Hampshire State Park parking pass or daily fee is required.
Sabbaday Falls
The trail to Sabbaday Falls is a short, popular waterfall hike located along the Kancamagus Highway. The hike is approximately 0.7 miles round trip with about 100 feet of elevation gain. The trail takes you to the 3 tier cascading Sabbady Falls, a pot hole, and a boardwalk/stairs taking you to the upper part of the falls.
This hike is very family-friendly and appropriate for young children. The short distance and minimal elevation gain make it accessible, though there are stairs and uneven stone surfaces that you will want to be cautious of. The trail is not stroller/wheelchair accessible due to steps.
The trailhead is located directly off the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) at the clearly marked Sabbaday Falls parking area. There is a large parking area that requires a White Mountain National Forest recreation pass or America the Beautiful Pass. The lot fills quickly during summer and fall weekends, so plan to arrive early if possible. Vault toilets are available seasonally at the parking area.
Glen Ellis Trail
The Glen Ellis Trail is another one of the best hikes in the White Mountains. Located in Pinkham Notch, the main highlight of this trail is the Ellis River and 64 ft. Glen Ellis Waterfall. The trail is short at only 0.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 85 ft.
Once you reach the falls, there is a steep set of stairs you have to climb down to reach the viewing area. The return trip is mostly uphill, so keep this in mind if visiting with young children.
There is a parking area for the Glen Ellis Trail along Route 16 in Gorham, New Hampshire. There is a $5 per day parking fee, or you can use the America is Beautiful pass.
Best Hikes in the White Mountains: Moderate
Flume Gorge
The Flume Gorge is one of the best hikes in the White Mountains for families. The Flume Gorge is a short, well-maintained loop hike located in Franconia Notch State Park. The full loop is approximately 2 miles with about 450 feet of elevation gain.
The route combines packed gravel paths, wooden boardwalks, and short stair sections as it winds through a narrow granite gorge formed by glacial activity. Key features along the trail include the Flume itself, Avalanche Falls, covered bridges, and views of Liberty Gorge.
I included it under moderate hikes because the trail can be quite steep in several places and there are many stairs to climb going through the gorge.
The trail is not stroller or wheelchair accessible due to the stairs. Advanced ticket reservations are required for this hike, and there is a fee for entrance. The gorge is typically open from May to October.
Arethusa Falls Trail
The Arethusa Falls Trail is a well-known out-and-back hike located in Crawford Notch State Park and leads to one of the best waterfalls in the White Mountains. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles round trip with about 900 feet of elevation gain.
The lower portion follows a wooded forest path with gradual climbing, while the upper section becomes noticeably steeper and rockier as it approaches the falls. The payoff is Arethusa Falls itself, which drops nearly 200 feet.
This trail has some steep sections, rocky sections, exposed tree roots, and narrow sections that require good footing, making this trail better for families with older children.
The trailhead is accessible off U.S. Route 302 in Crawford Notch State Park, just off Arethusa Falls Road. From Route 302, turn onto Arethusa Falls Road and follow it to the parking area. The trail begins just across the railroad tracks and follows well-marked blue blazes into the forest
Mount Willard
The Mount Willard Trail is a popular hike located in Crawford Notch State Park that leads to a broad cliff-top viewpoint overlooking the notch. The trail is approximately 3.2 miles round trip with about 900 feet of elevation gain. It follows the historic Crawford Path, beginning on a wide forest trail with a steady incline.
There is a bit of a climb along the final stretch before reaching the open ledges at the summit, which provide expansive views of Crawford Notch, including the rail line and surrounding cliffs.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with no scrambling required, but because of the consistent uphill grade I marked it as moderate. The views from the summit are well worth the climb! There are exposed ledges with steep drop-offs, so close supervision of children is necessary at the top.
The trailhead is located directly off U.S. Route 302 in Crawford Notch State Park, across from the Crawford Notch Depot area. There is a small roadside parking lot near the trailhead. Parking along Route 302 is not permitted, so plan to arrive early in the day to ensure you are able to find parking.
Boulder Loop Trail
The Boulder Loop Trail is one of the best hikes in the White Mountains for families looking for a little bit of a challenge. It is a moderate loop hike located along the Kancamagus Highway near Sabbaday Falls. The full loop is approximately 3.4 miles with an elevation gain of about 900 feet. The steady elevation gain and some rocky/uneven sections make this trail moderate. The summit offers 180-degree views of the surrounding mountains ranges.
The trail passes through mixed forest and is known for large glacial boulders scattered along the path. Terrain includes dirt trail, rocks, exposed roots, and short steeper sections, but no actual scrambling. The loop can be hiked in either direction and is clearly marked at junctions.
The trailhead is located off the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) near the Sabbaday Falls parking area. A valid White Mountain National Forest recreation pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required. Seasonal vault toilets are typically available at the parking area.
Middle Sugarloof Mountain
The Middle Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is a short out-and-back hike located in the White Mountain National Forest. The hike is 2.6 miles round trip with about 900 feet of elevation gain.
The trail starts as a combo with the Middle and North Sugarloof Mountains. You will want to cross the bridge from the parking area to the Trestle Trail. The trail will follow along the Zealand River for a little while. You will then pass some large boulders deposited by glacial melt.
About a mile past this, the trail will branch off into two separate directions. To take the MIddle Sugarloof Trail follow the trail left. If you follow right, you will be on the North Sugarloof Trail. There are some rocky sections along the trail. Once you reach the summit, it opens up into an open ledge with views of the surrounding mountains.
When descending, if you have time and are up for more hiking, consider adding on the North Sugarloof Mountain trail. At the junction you passed earlier, take the trail right and continue the short distance to the North Sugarloof Trail summit.
The trailhead is located at the Sugarloaf Trail parking area in Franconia Notch State Park, accessed from I-93 (Exit 38). The parking lot is on Zealand Road, marked and shared by the North and Middle Sugarloaf trails. Parking requires a New Hampshire State Park parking pass or daily fee. Restrooms are available seasonally at the parking area.
Best Hikes in the White Mountains: Challenging
The hikes in this category are more challenging than the others and may be too difficult to do with younger children. However, I know that there are families with more experienced and older children, so I wanted to make sure to cover some of the best hikes in the White Mountains that are more challenging.
Mount Washington
Mount Washington is a challenging hike to the highest peak in the Northeast, but for families with older children who are more experienced hikers, tackling Mount Washington can be a rewarding challenge! We did not attempt this hike, but I didn’t want to leave it out!
The hike to the Mount Washington Summit via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail is 8.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 4,250 feet. The trail has frequent rocky and steep inclines, which can definitely pose a challenge for some hikers. The weather can also change quickly, especially at the higher elevations so make sure you are prepared for this.
The Tuckerman Ravine Trailhead is found at the AMC Visitor center in the Pinkham Notch. The Tuckerman Ravine Trail is popular, so expect it to be somewhat crowded when you visit (depending on when you visit).
Mount Pierce
Mount Pierce is a good first 4,000-footer for experienced hiking families. The standard route via Crawford Path is approximately 6.2 miles round trip with about 2,400 feet of elevation gain.
From the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Mount Washington, Mount Eisenhower, and the surrounding Presidential Range. The trail will also take you past Gibbs Falls, a small waterfall, but worth seeing.
The trail is well-established but has a consistent uphill grade, with rocky sections and root-covered footing. The final stretch climbs above treeline in an alpine environment, where exposure to wind and weather becomes a factor. While the above-treeline section is relatively short compared to other Presidential hikes, conditions can change quickly, so checking the higher-elevation forecast is a must.
The Crawford Path trailhead for Mount Pierce is located directly across from the AMC Highland Center on Route 302 in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. There is a designated parking area along Route 302, with additional parking at the AMC Highland Center.
Mount Tecumseh
Mount Tecumseh is another one of the more approachable 4,000-footers, making it one of the best hikes in the White Mountains for families looking for a challenge. The Mount Tecumseh Trail from Waterville Valley is approximately 5.2 miles round trip with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain.
The trail climbs steadily through forest, with rocky footing and some steeper sections near the summit. There is no extended above-treeline exposure, which makes it less weather-sensitive than Presidential peaks.
Because the trail is a sustained climb with few flat breaks, pacing and snack timing matter. Plan for a full half-day effort and bring adequate water, especially in warmer months. The summit is mostly wooded with partial views; it’s a summit accomplishment hike rather than a panoramic ridge experience.
The most common route to the Mount Tecumseh summit is from the Mount Tecumseh Trail trail head located at the Waterville Valley Ski Area in Waterville Valley. The trail head is on the left side of the main ski area parking lot near the resort entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beginner hikes in the White Mountains for families?
Short waterfall hikes like Diana’s Baths, Sabbaday Falls, The Basin, and Glen Ellis Falls are great starting points. They are under 2 miles round trip and have manageable elevation gain.
What age is appropriate for hiking 4,000-footers?
It depends on the child’s experience and endurance. Many families attempt 4,000-footers with kids around 8–10+ who have already completed several moderate hikes (3–5 miles with 1,000+ feet of gain). Experience matters more than age.
How do we know when to turn around?
Set a turnaround time before starting. If you haven’t reached the summit by that time, head back. Never sacrifice safety for a summit.
How do we avoid crowds?
There are a few things you can do to reduce crowds when you hike. Hike mid-week, start early, choose lesser-known summits, and avoid peak fall foliage weekends.
What wildlife should we prepare for?
Black bears, moose, and smaller wildlife are present but rarely cause issues. Teach kids to observe from a distance and never feed animals.
What is the best time of year to hike in the White Mountains?
Late June through early October offers the most stable conditions. Fall foliage is beautiful but crowded. Spring can be muddy.
How can we make hikes more fun for kids?
Create mini challenges, play trail scavenger hunts, let them lead sections, and celebrate small milestones.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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Book your traditional hotel accommodations using Booking! We love booking because of the wide variety of options, that can accommodate every budget and unique family needs!
Alternatively, consider booking a VRBO and having the entire place to yourself! VRBO is another great options for families because it gives you your own space and access to essential amenities like a full kitchen.
Book Your Flight!
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More National Park Guides For Families:
- 19 Things to Do in the White Mountains For Families
- Family Vacation to Yellowstone: 17 Activities You Must Add To Your Itinerary!
- Smoky Mountain Family Vacation Travel Guide
- Indiana Dune National Park Things to Do
- 13 of the Best Hikes in Shenandoah National Park With Kids
- Kancamagus Highway Attractions
