A Family Adventure in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region

This summer, our family set out to explore New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region as part of a partnership with Visit Monadnock. What we discovered is that this corner of the state is the perfect destination for active families. Between the hiking, biking, farm adventure, and family-friendly attractions, we barely scratched the surface of what the region has to offer.

What is the Monadnock Region?

The Monadnock Region is located in the southwest corner of New Hampshire, centered around the iconic Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. But it’s more than just a mountain - this area includes charming small towns like Keene, Jaffrey, and Peterborough, plus countless lakes, forests, and cultural gems. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or downtown strolls, it’s a beautiful spot for families to slow down and connect.

Our Family-Friendly Itinerary

Friday: Arrival at the Inn at East Hill Farm

We kicked off our trip at East Hill Farm, an all-inclusive, family-focused getaway at the base of Mount Monadnock. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel at home. We toured the property, swam in one of their three pools, and sat down to a hearty turkey dinner. That evening, the kids loved the glow party that was fun with dancing, lights, and plenty of energy burned off before bed. 

View from the pool in front of our room at East Hill Farm in Troy, NH

East Hill Farm had animals to meet, amazing meals (all included), and family-friendly activities.

Saturday: Farm Fun and Downtown Keene

After a made-to-order breakfast (literally anything you can dream up), the kids jumped into farm life. They had the option to milk cows and goats, pet bunnies, pet goats, and check in on the chickens. We spent the morning pedaling a boat around the farm’s pond and joining activities like ice cream making and friendship bracelet crafts. Lunch was included before we packed up and headed to Keene.

Our first stop in town was the Keene Bike Park, a pump-track-style park where the kids zipped around on bikes and scooters. Then we checked into the Carriage Barn Inn, a cozy inn right in downtown Keene. We explored the charming shops, grabbed burgers and fries at Fritz, and treated ourselves to frozen yogurt at YOLO Café. To top it all off, we listened to live music at the town bandstand - a perfect summer night in Keene.

Keene had a ton to offer - shops, food, culture, and nature.

Sunday: Mount Monadnock & Spofford Lake

We set alarms for an early start to hike Mount Monadnock. Parking reservations are required ($16) at the park headquarters, so we reserved in advance. We hiked the White Dot Trail up and descended the White Cross Trail. It is a 3.9-mile loop with 1,774 feet of elevation gain. It’s a challenging climb with open slab and spots that require a bit of fancy footwork, but our family made it to the summit and back in about four hours. The views stretched across all of New England and were worth every step.

Afterward, we celebrated with giant portions of ice cream at Kimball Farm in Jaffrey, then headed to Ware’s Grove Beach on Spofford Lake. Non-resident admission costs a small fee, but it was well worth it: a sandy beach, concessions, playground, and warm, clear water with a sandy bottom made it a family favorite.

That evening, we returned to Keene and had dinner at Buba Noodle Bar. The kids devoured bao dumpling sandwiches and crab rangoon spring rolls, while Matt and I enjoyed pho and ramen. 

Mt Monadnock is a challenging, yet rewarding climb.

This small ice cream from Kimballs was HUGE!

Monday: Bookshops & Rail Trails

On our final morning, we checked out of the inn and enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Yellow Bell Café. Before heading home, we stopped at Toadstool Bookshop, an independent bookstore where the kids picked out new reads. Our last adventure was biking a section of the Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail, a flat, scenic path perfect for families. 

Delicious huevos rancheros at Yellow Bell Cafe

Best Things to Do with Kids in the Monadnock Region

If you’re planning your own family trip, here are some highlights we recommend:

• Stay at East Hill Farm – a perfect mix of farm fun, activities, and relaxation for families.

• Hike Mount Monadnock – best for older kids who can handle a moderately challenging hike.

• Swim at Ware’s Grove Beach – sandy shores, playground, and clear lake water.

• Bike the Keene Rail Trail – flat and family-friendly, great for all ages.

• Visit Keene Bike Park – a fun spot for kids on bikes or scooters.

• Explore downtown Keene – from live music on the green to shops and kid-approved eats like Fritz and YOLO Café.

• Pick out books at Toadstool Bookshop – a cozy local spot perfect for rainy-day browsing.

• NEXT TIME - We didn't get a chance to visit the Keene Children's Museum, participate in the rail trail passport program, or visit some of the other, small hikes in the area. I'd also love to go back and visit the town of Peterborough because I've heard such good things! 

  

  Swimming at Ware's Grove Beach was a big hit.

  
  

  

  We could have easily spent a week at East Hill Farm - so many activities!

  
  

Why Families Will Love the Monadnock Region

This trip proved that the Monadnock Region is a playground for active families. From swimming and biking to hiking one of the most famous peaks in the world, there’s something for every age and ability level. Add in charming towns, delicious food, and family-friendly accommodations, and it’s a destination we can’t wait to return to.

We only just began to uncover all that this region has to offer, and we’re already planning our next trip back.  Visit Freelance Adventurer or Visit Monadnock instagram for more photos and videos!

You might also enjoy these similar adventures:

- Family Friendly Northern White Mountains Weekend 

- 24 Hour Affordable Getaway in the White Mountains with Kids

- Ogunquit Maine for Families

Spring Family Weekend in the White Mountains

 Spring in the White Mountains is a shoulder season.  While the cherry blossoms and tulips are blooming in southern New England, northern New Hampshire is just beginning to thaw.  As a result, tourists keep their distance until late June and it's a quiet place to visit.  That said, this can be a perfect time to take advantage of low-season accommodations, quiet trails, and an awakening of life in the mountains.  Here's a rundown of my spring family weekend in the White Mountains.

Dates

Early May to late June are off-season in the White Mountains.  If you go when we did, the first weekend in May (Mother's Day weekend), you'll likely beat the black flies, see some great wildflowers, experience rushing waterfalls, and find empty trailheads.  The downside is, trees are usually still bare and trail conditions are unpredictable - with possible mud and even snow.

Location

We LOVED our vacation rental.  This was the second time this year I booked a stay with Bretton Woods Vacations.  This family-owned business manages multiple homes in the White Mountains.  We stayed at Owls Roost - a beautiful cabin on 32 acres - complete with easy trails, mountain views, a river beach and a swimming hole.  It's also pet friendly so we brought Summit!  The house had three bedrooms, kitchen, loft playroom, living room, fire pit, and deck.

Our rental cabin Owls Roost by Bretton Woods Vacations

We ate all our meals at the rental

Activities

Bretton Woods is located just north of Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountain wilderness.  It's one of my favorite hiking locations.  This is because it is home to my favorite 4000 footer, New Hampshire's tallest waterfall, and a hike that has the best bang for your buck in the Whites. For this trip, I wanted to take advantage of Crawford Notch's easier hikes that my kids would enjoy but still have some awesome views.  Here were our excursions:

Kid-Friendly Hikes

Ripley Falls: Ripley Falls is a 1.2 mile out-and-back hike that climbs about 400 feet in elevation to a tall slabby waterfall.  The hike is moderately difficult - with one narrow part along a gorge that made me nervous with the little kids.  My four and six year old managed the hike totally fine with a couple snack breaks.  They loved climbing the boulders at the base of the falls and feeling the spray.  It was a perfect morning hike.  New Hampshire State Parks charges $5 to an iron ranger for parking at the trailhead.  The AllTrails link to the trailhead is here.

Ripley Falls in Crawford Notch State Park

Elephant Head: Elephant Head is a short 0.6 mile out-and-back up to a cliff in Crawford Notch.  The view is a ton of bang for your buck and a great place if you're short on time and want a view.  The trail climbs up rocks and roots on a moderately difficult trail.  Because of the short distance, my four and six year old handled it fine.  The most challenging parts for my four year old was the prevalence of decaying bog bridges that was a balancing act to traverse.  At the cliff, enjoy views of the notch both ways.  You can even see the red roofs of the iconic Mount Washington Hotel to the north.  If you have a little more time, also tag on the Around The Lake trail that's right next to it!

On Elephant Head in
Crawford Notch State Park

Ammonoosuc River:  Our rental at Bretton Woods Vacations had an easy trail system that took us to beaches and a swimming hole on the Ammonoosuc River.  This trail system is only available to those who rent one of three properties on their Moose Lodge and Cabins properties.  However, even if you aren't staying there, you can enjoy this river and it's short. Try the Ammonoosuc River Loop - a 2 mile, easy trail that grants views and access to the river.

Playing on the sandy beach at the
Ammonoosuc River at our rental property

AMC Highland Center Playscape

One of my kids favorite parts of the trip was playing at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center Playscape.  The Highland Center is a large lodge for dining, overnight accommodations, and guided trips.  It is a prominent feature in the northern edge of Crawford Notch State Park and the main hub for multiple highly trafficked hikes.  Free to use- the center has a large wood, stone, and rope play structure that blends with the natural landscape.  My children love traversing the suspension bridge, crawling in caves, and climbing the ropes.  This free attraction is perfect for age 4-10.  Plus, there's access to bathrooms, food, and gear store in the center.  Parking is limited in the high season, but May is relatively empty.

AMC Highland Center playscape is free and fun

Pros and Cons of Bretton Woods Location

I'm frequently asked where to stay in the White Mountains region.  It really depends on what you're looking for.  If you want a bustling town with proximity to restaurants, parks, museums, and shopping - stay in North Conway - you'll get the town experience and will be close to hikes.  If you'd like quiet, nature, and don't need town - Bretton Woods is an awesome choice.  We made our own meals at the cabin, had s'mores in the fire pit, listened to the peeper frogs and saw the stars.  It was a perfect weekend for what we where looking for.  

Bretton Woods is perfect if you want to
getaway from town and into the mountains

Crawford Notch offers some great kid-friendly hiking

For more images of my spring family weekend in the White Mountains, visit my instagram for video and photos.  Happy Hiking!

You might also enjoy these posts:

5 Best Family Hikes in the Whites
24 Hour Bretton Woods Getaway
3 Great Spring Mountain Hikes in New England

Little Harbor Loop Trail - A Portsmouth Treasure

 In my pursuit to find all the best Seacoast hikes, I realized I had left out what many would consider the "capital" of the Seacoast - the city of Portsmouth.  I've done many trails near Portsmouth - Great Bay, Peverly Pond, and Fort Constitution , but very few nature walks actually within the city limits.  I did some research and decided to try Little Harbor Loop Hike.  I liked it so much, the next day I went back with the kids!

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Little Harbor Loop Trail

Getting there:  Little Harbor Loop trail has three possible parking areas along the trail.  One is at Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion located at the address: 375 Little Harbor Road in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  This historic site and grounds is managed by New Hampshire State Parks and offers free parking and a trailhead to the loop.  The other two parking areas are located on the Creek Farm Reservation Property which is maintained by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

The Little Harbor Loop Trial is well signed. 
Follow the yellow blazes!

Trail:  The trailhead to Little Harbor Loop is right in the parking lot to the Wentworth-Coolidge parking lot and marked with a small wooden sign and a gap in the woods.  The important thing to note on this trail is to follow the yellow blazes.  The trail is well marked but there are several unmarked offshoots where a hiker could get off course.  Stay on the yellow trail and you’ll be fine.

The hike begins in the woods.  You will hike over uneven terrain of rocks and roots.  The trail winds through woods, crossing a driveway, passing through two rock walls, and eventually to a trail junction sign that shows you can veer off the loop to the right to visit the “view spur”.  This is definitely worth it.  Take the spur and you will be rewarded with views of the tidal bay, rocky shoreline, and a grassy marsh.  Return the way you came and continue on the yellow-blazed loop.

The trail will cross the road and enter the well signed “Creek Farm Reservation” and second parking lot.  The trail is well signed, but travels along the road - yellow blazes marked on trees on the shoulder until entering the third parking lot for this hike near the Shoals Marine Laboratory and Sagamore Creek Boat Car Top Boat Launch.

The trail continues around the grounds of the impressive building and hugs the shore, curving around an inlet marked on the map as a tidal pool. Continue to follow the yellow blazes (now marked on stones), along the shore with views of Goose Island on your right.  

The trail will cut back inland and travel the road back to the parking lot of Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion.

Part of the Little Harbor Loop Trail walks along the road. 
Follow the yellow blazes.

Difficulty: Mostly easy with some root/rocky footing in the first half mile.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Recommendations:

• Little Harbor Loop Trail is managed by the New Hampshire state parks and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.  It is open dawn to dusk.

• A trail map is available on the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion website.

• Dogs are not allowed on the trail.

• At low tide visitors can walk out to some of the close islands and tidal pool areas. Be mindful of the tide so you don’t get stuck.

• The first half mile of the trail from Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion has a series of unmarked offshoot trails.  Stick to the yellow loop so not to impact more areas with unofficial trails- with the exception of the marked viewpoint.

I really enjoyed Little Harbor Loop twice this week. When I brought the kids, we didn't do the full loop - we just went down to the viewpoint and back.  This was the perfect length for my 2 year old.  Afterwards we enjoyed the lawn and waterfront views of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion who's grounds were open to the public.  I hope you get to enjoy it too!

See more photos and adventure on my INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

Little Harbor Loop Trial in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

You might enjoy these similar experiences...

- Cutts Island Trail in Kittery

- Stonehouse Pond in Barrington

- Little River Park Loop in Lee

Morgan and Percival Loop: Ladders, Caves, and Amazing Views

Somehow I'd gone this far being an avid New Hampshire hiker without even hearing about the Mount Morgan and Mount Percival peaks.  Then, thanks to social media, I've been seeing photos of people climbing ladders, pushing packs through narrow rock holes, and enjoying stunning views on these lakes region peaks.  The first chance I got, I wrangled two work friends into joining me and we thrilled at the Morgan and Percival loop hike.  

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop 

Getting there: These lakes region peaks are located near Squam Lake in Center Sandwich, New Hampshire.  To get there from the Seacoast, I took 101 West to 93 North.  From there, take exit 24 onto Route US-3, NH-25 toward Ashland/Holderness.  Follow US-3 for 4.5 miles, then turn left onto NH-113.  The trailhead will be on the left after 5.5 miles. There is an overflow parking lot across the street, however, be warned - this trail has been extremely popular this summer and even on a weekday morning, my friend and I got the last spot open at 10 am.  Weekday hikers should plan for 9 am or earlier and weekend possible earlier!

After ladders, hikers crawl through cave on Mount Morgan

Trail: 

    Both peaks can be hit in a loop.  It was recommended to travel clockwise - hitting Mount Morgan first.  To do this, from the trailhead, hike about 0.1 mile to the junction where the trails meet.  Veer left on the Mount Morgan trail.  The trail ascends consistently through hardwood forest with moderate terrain.  The trail leads to a set of three ladders that allows you to climb a rock face.  THIS IS OPTIONAL!  My friend Kaley and her dog took the bypass while Danielle and I took the ladders.  Footwork is a little tricky on the third ladder.  Once up the ladders, the trail continues through a short and narrow cave.  Crawl through the rock and you will climb out onto a beautiful ledge with stunning views of the lakes and peaks below.  I really enjoyed this experience but those who are afraid of heights, struggle with mobility, young children, dogs, and large packs should take the bypass.  

    After the ledge, there is a short and somewhat difficult slab with high exposure to get to the near-summit view.  We spent a good half hour on this ledge view where the two trails meet up again.  From there, you will head back into the woods and pass the official summit of Mount Morgan (no view).  Continue onto the Crawford-Ridgepole trail through short, dense forest to Mount Percival.

    Mount Percival's summit has even more expansive views of lakes and peaks below.  The challenging portion of Mount Percival is directly below the summit - where hikers quickly descend into a boulder field followed by caves and rock outcrops.  At one point, we all had to remove our packs (even my small one) to descend a vertical drop into a hole.  I felt like Indiana Jones!  Looking at the map, there is a bypass for this as well, however we didn't take it.  This would be impossible for a large dog that could not be carried, a large pack (like baby carrier), or those with mobility issues.

    After the exciting caves, continue a moderate/steady descent on the Mount Percival Trail.  To get back to the parking lot, take the Morse Trail at the junction (unless you parked at the Percival parking lot), to return to your car.  

Crawling over boulders and caves on Mount Percival

Difficulty: Moderate with (optional) sections of difficulty - ladders, caves, and rock ledge/boulders

Distance: Entire loop is 5.1 miles

Enjoying the view on Mount Morgan, New Hampshire

Recommendations: 

- Take the clockwise loop with Mt Morgan first. This way you will be going with the flow of other hikers and also won't have to go down ladders.

- Parking is limited and fills fast on this popular hike.  Also, we did not have cell service in the parking lot.  Plan ahead and have a back up plan if the parking lot is full.  Street parking is prohibited. 

- There are no bathroom facilities available.

- Dogs are allowed on the trail but it is not advisable to take dogs on ladders and caves.  Take the optional bypass.  

- I do not advise carrying a baby-carrier on this hike.  The cave crawling is narrow and tight.  It would be extremely challenging and possibly unsafe to travel with a baby.

- Weather watch - ladders and caves are dangerous when wet.

- Practice LNT, practice social distancing, and wear a mask.

- Want to see what I packed for this hike? Check it out at my IGTV.

You might also enjoy these similar adventures:

- 5 Miles, 3 Peaks, 1 Loop: Day Hike in New Hampshire's Lakes Region

- Welch-Dickey Loop

- Mt Carrigan Loop

Bald Peak - Mountain View at less than 3,000 feet

Last week, after visiting Sugar Hill to see the lupines, my friend Kaley and I decided to tackle a hike in the area before heading back to the Seacoast.  Bald Peak came up in my All Trails search as being in the area, having a view, and being a moderate climb.  The 4.5 mile out-and-back trail was lightly trafficked on a June Tuesday afternoon and all I hoped for - moderate climb and amazing summit views all to ourselves.  

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Mt. Kinsman Trail to Bald Peak

Getting there: The Mt. Kinsman trailhead is located just north of Franconia Notch State park in Franconia, NH.  To get there from the Seacoast or Massachusetts, take I-93 North through Franconia Notch.  Take exit 34 C onto NH-18  North toward Echo Lake.  Follow NH-18 north 6 miles and turn left onto Kerr Rd which turns into Wells Rd. After 2 miles, turn left onto NH-116 South.  The trailhead is 2 miles down this road on the left. There is a small parking lot.  There is no fee box or bathrooms.  It is two hours from my home in Rochester/Dover area.

Waterfall along Mt Kinsman Trail

Trail:  The trail is mostly a steady uphill climb.  Although strenuous to constantly climb up, there is no technical slab, rocks, or slides on this hike.  We slowly climbed through hardwood forest, passing what I assume is some sort of maple shack in the first quarter mile.  The last mile or so we were rewarded with some small stream crossings including some beautiful cascades and a small waterfall.  Water was low and it was easy to cross.  

    The last quarter mile we reached the junction for the Bald Peak spur.  Turn right and follow the spur trail that brings you to the open peak.  The "summit" rewards you with a gorgeous 270 degree view of the Kinsmans and northern Franconia Notch.  There's a large open rock slab with a boulder sitting in the middle. We loved sitting in the sun and enjoying the view.  Kaley even said she thinks it's more impressive than Mt Willard (I disagree).  To return to the car, go back the same way you came up.  It is an out-and-back trail.

Difficulty: Moderate.  The steady uphill climb can make you really huff and puff and small brook crossings can be somewhat challenging but there's no technical hiking/climbing skills needed.

Bald Peak Spur Trail

Distance: 4.5 miles total 

Recommendations: 

- There are no bathroom facilities available at the trail head. 

- Parking is free.

- Hike this in June and pair it with a trip to see the Sugar Hill lupines!

- This is a dog friendly hike.  Please be considerate to hikers and leash your dog when approaching others.

- I used AMC White Mountain Map for Franconia-Pemigewasett. 

Panorama of summit of Bald Peak

A Perfect Day

Combine wildflower viewing with a White Mountain hike and stellar views made for a perfect day in the Whites.  Perhaps I will have to recreate this next June!

You might also enjoy these similar adventures...

White Ledge Loop

Mount Osceola 

Welch and Dickey Loop

View of Mount Kinsman from Bald Peak

White Ledge Loop in Winter: Moderate White Mountain Hike with a View

It's hard to get much better than this.  White Ledge loop trail is one of my go-to hikes.  Last weekend I finally hiked it in winter, and like every other season - it was perfect. This 4 mile hike has everything you need for a convenient and worthwhile trek: shorter drive, loop trail, moderate/dog friendly trail, and mountain views.  I've enjoyed this trail in every season.

White Ledge Loop Summit in Winter, White Mountains, NH

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: White Ledge Trail in Winter

Trail Sign at Junction for loop.

Getting there: The trail is accessed from the White Ledge Campground on Hwy 16 in Albany, New Hampshire.  It is only 5 miles south of Conway, NH.  In winter, the campground entrance is blocked and not plowed.  We parked on the side of the highway, not ideal, but there aren't many options.  We saw another hiker park in the business lot across the highway, then walk across but I'm not sure if that's technically "allowed".  I love that this trail is only one hour from my home in Rochester. In camp-season months, hikers park just inside the campground entrance on the right and there is a WMNF fee associated with parking (currently $5). 

Trail: Walk straight through the campground entrance to the clearly marked trailhead sign at the back of the campground.

The trail starts straight and flat. There is a small stream crossing in the first quarter mile.  Follow the yellow blazes for 0.3 miles until you reach the trail junction and start of the loop.  I have only ever gone counterclockwise.  This choice will lead to a longer and more gradual incline and your descent steep and shorter. 

The first third of the hike is a gradual incline through hardwood forest with the shadow of White Ledge summit on your left.  Be careful to stay on the trail.  In winter, we discovered it was easy to lose your way as there were no fresh tracks or path to follow.  The trail will take a left turn and start to increase steepness as you climb up the ledge.  In winter, footing with traction was easy as all the rocks and slab were covered in snow.  Around 2 miles, the blazes turned to cairns and for a couple minutes we had trouble finding the buried rocks.  Eventually we found the trail and continued up to the ledges.  As you climb, look behind you!  We were gifted with gorgeous clear views! 

At about 2.5 miles, you will reach the official summit - a partially clear view on your left of southern Whites.  Past the peak, you continue on the loop and get some excellent views of Mt Chocorua on your right.  There are a few steep parts on the early descent but nothing I'd label as difficult by White Mountain standards.  MicroSpikes and trekking poles helped keep our footing.

Winter proved to be another great season to hike White Ledge loop trail.  As usual, even on a gorgeous weekend, we only saw one other hiking pair here.  This is the perfect hike for someone looking for a sweet solitude hike with some great views.

Keep an eye out for Blazes.  It's easy to lose the trail.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4.1 mile loop plus extra walking through the campground to road.

Winter afternoon light.  Can you see the trail?  Look for blazes!

Recommendations: 

- Trail can be icy or snowy in winter.  I recommend preparing with traction.  I personally prefer using MicroSpikes and trekking poles to keep my footing but saw the other hikers with snowshoes. 

- If hiking in winter, you'll have to park on the side of the highway.  There is no access to bathrooms and no parking fee required. The campground is open late May - labor day weekend.  During these months, park inside the gate and expect to pay at the self service area.

- Dogs are allowed on the trail. 

- Careful to stay on the trail.  The yellow blazes are easy to lose and the trail is not well worn.  Use an AMC White Mountains Trail Map #3 to find location and trail information.

View of Mount Chocorua from White Ledge Loop Trail.

You might also enjoy these similar experiences:

- South Moat Mountain in Winter

- Boulder Loop Trail

- Liebeskinds Loop in Winter

South Moat Mountain In Winter

I got to take my friend Kaley on her first winter hike in the Whites this week!  Where to go?!  She's a strong hiker, but I didn't want us to bite off more than we could chew.  Plus, we were bringing her 40 pound dog so nothing too technical.  I chose South Moat Mountain - a 2,770 foot peak south of North Conway that's a great moderate climb with an awesome 360 degree view.  Kaley is hooked and ready for some more winter hiking.  As am I!  

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure:  South Moat Mountain in Winter

Getting there: South Moat Mountain parking lot is located on Passaconaway Road, just west of Conway village.  To get there, I drive Route 16 north.  In Conway at the light, turn left onto Washington Street.  Keep left onto West Side Rd.  After 0.7 miles turn left onto Passaconoway Road.  Drive 3.2 miles and the parking lot will be on the right.  It is signed with a WMNF trail head/hiker symbol.  

Amazing Blue Bird Day on the Summit of South Moat Mountain in the White Mountains.

Trail: From the parking lot, there is only one trail to choose from.  This is a 5 mile out and back trail.  All Trails app rates it difficult but by White Mountains standards, I'd rate is as a solid "moderate".  The trail starts relatively gradual - meandering through hardwood forest with peaks of scenery through leaves.  There is a small brook crossing in the first mile or so with a bridge.  After a couple miles, the trail continues into a more aggressive incline.  In winter, packed snow and ice hide the rocks and the trek with spikes is like a ever steepening ramp.  With the last mile to go, hikers are rewarded with an opening and outlook onto southern peaks of Mt. Chocorua and others.  We had the perfect blue bird day to enjoy the view!

The summit of South Moat is stunning - 360 degree views of the White Mountains and North Conway below.  With no cover, the wind was impressive and we didn't stay long before descending for our lunch break.  Hikers can have the option to continue to North Moat, but I've never gone for it.  With warming temperatures, we struggled more on the way down as the snow was melting and we began to post hole through the deep snow.  Still, it was a perfect winter hike on a beautiful day!

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Distance: 5 miles out and back total (2.5 miles each way)

Gorgeous winter afternoon light coming down the Moat Mountain Trail.

Recommendations: 

- There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.

- You need traction on your boots to hike in winter.  I prefer microspikes but we saw other hikers with snowshoes.

- There was no place to pay to hike this trail, but I'm pretty sure in summer/high traffic months there is a $5 fee associated with parking on WMNF land. Come prepared with cash or check for a self service station.

- Winter hiking can be dangerous.  Plan ahead by bringing - waterproof winter boots, traction (see above), extra warm layers and dry clothes, extra socks (Kaley replaced hers twice!), first aid kit (so glad I had this for blisters!), food and water, map, and let a friend know your plan!

- Wear sunscreen - the snow reflects light and you will get burned!

Jumping for joy on the summit of South Moat Mountain in the White Mountains.

You might also enjoy these similar experiences....

- A White Mountain Snowshoe

- Liebeskind's Loop, Lila's Ledge, and George's Gorge in Winter

- Family Friendly Winter hikes in the Whites

- Mt Moosilaukee - Moderate Hike for a Major View

Cutts Island Trail, Kittery, Maine Family Friendly Hike

Prior to kids, my first  hiking choice was to hop in the car and drive two hours to the White Mountain wilderness.  Now, that's not a realistic choice.  With two kids under four, the drive time and the difficulty make the Whites a rare treat.  The result has been discovering beautiful nature paths within 30 minutes of my house.  Trails like Hanson Pines, Great Bay, Stratham Hill, and the Winnie the Pooh Trail make the Seacoast a mine of hiking gems!

Icy trail on Cutts Island Trail

Today my family tried a new trail - Cutts Island trail in Kittery Maine!  This Seacoast trail is perfect for someone looking for a relatively easy loop trail and is great for families.  One important thing to mention is that dogs are not allowed.  

Adventure: Cutts Island Trail, Kittery, Maine

Getting There: The trailhead is easy to miss.  It is located at the intersection of Chauncey Creek Rd and Cutts Island Lane.  Located near the bridge, you should be able to see a worn area where cars pull off the side of the road.  A kiosk with sign and outhouse-style bathroom is located at the start of the trail and is partially visible from the road.  There is no official parking area.

Kiosk at Cutts Island Trail in Kittery Maine

Trail:  The moderately trafficked trail is a 1.8 mile loop - on the trail signed as the "orange loop".  This can be cut short by cutting back early on the pink "short loop".  

We started by taking the loop on the left (creek side).  The trail meanders with a gentle incline along Chauncey creek and through salt marsh.  The trail is well marked.  

A few check in trail signs keep you on track.  At the end of the loop, take a hair pinned trail turn and return to the start through a pine forest.  Now the trail is flat and gently sloped downhill at points.  

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1.8 mile loop

Morning Light on the Cutts Island Trail

Trail maps keep you on track throughout the Cutts Island Trail in Kittery, Maine

Recommendations/Additional Information:

- Parking can be tricky.  You will need to pull of to the side of the road on the trail-side because the other side is marsh/bridge.  

- Parking is free and there are bathrooms at the trailhead.

- We saw people using this spot as a stand-up-paddleboard (SUP) put in.  

- Dogs are not allowed - even on leash.

- This part of Cutts Island is part of a larger +9,000 acre wilderness area called the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

My family enjoyed this little treasure of a trail in southern Maine!  Afterwards, we went grabbed coffee and a chocolate croissant at Lil's Cafe in Wallingford Square, Kittery.  It was the perfect winter weekend activity.  I'm so excited to add another Seacoast hike to my collection!

Hiking with my almost four year old in Kittery Maine

For more Seacoast Hikes, you might enjoy...

Gonic Trails - Rochester

Hanson Pines Trail -Rochester

Willand Pond - Dover

Stonehouse Pond - Barrington