Little Niagara Falls in New Hampshire

I first heard about this little hike on the Hike it Baby group I belong to.  The mom couldn't tell me much about the hike, but the idea of a waterfall in the area with "Niagara" in the name sounded too good to pass up.  So I did some research...and it was hard. Few people could tell me anything about it.  I found a few sites with minimal information, but even all trails didn't have it listed.  Therefore, I feel it's my duty put aside my other work for tonight, giant pile of laundry, and messy house...and write this one down.  If not for the public, then for me so I can remember how to do it again!

Little Niagara Falls is a secret treasure in New Hampshire

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Little Niagara Falls

Getting there:  The falls are located along a road-like trail that stretches from Barn Door Gap Road to Little Niagara Road (off First Crown Point Road) in Strafford, New Hampshire.  The falls can be accessed from either side of this 1 mile end-to-end trail.  With limited time, I decided to go from the Barn Door Gap Road side. Drive to Leightons Corner Road in Strafford, New Hampshire.  Drive 800 feet and then turn right onto Wingate Road.  Travel 1.5 miles down Wingate until you reach Barn Door Gap Road.  Turn right onto Barn Door Gap Road - it is a dirt road and can be quite muddy during the spring mud season.  Along Barn Door Gap Road you will pass a few homes and green gated tote roads.  At exactly 1.3 miles down the road, your trailhead will be on your left.  It is a forked entrance to an old logging type road.  On one side of the fork is a green gate, and the other large bounders blocking vehicles.  If you reach the house at 375 Barn Door Gap Road, you've gone a little too far.  Park on the side of the road.  

Trailhead to Little Niagara Falls Trail

Trail:  The trail is wide.  My guess is that it is an old logging road.  It was a little unnerving that it was not marked in anyway, but with the wide cut road, it was easy to follow and I never worried about getting lost.  

It begins by declining down into the forest.  The scenery is a mixed hard and softwood forest.  There was some natural sticks and forest debris in parts of the trail but overall is was easy to maneuver.  Near the beginning, a powerline was visible over the trailhead.  Soon, that disappears and the trail rises back up with some easy elevation.  There are very few points of interest along the route, although I did see a seasonal stream along the way.  

I heard the falls before I saw them.  It's spring melt and the water was flowing hard!  At 0.4 miles from the trailhead, the trail opened up to a rock slab with the falls to the left and the trail continuing straight.  Hikers are able to approach the waterfall on the slab and get fairly close (careful of your footing)!  It's power was impressive!

 

 To view the cascade from the opposite side, walk upstream and cross the narrow gapped bridge.  Here you can see the top of the falls as well as the pond of standing water behind it, waiting to fall.  

The trail does continue from here an additional 0.6 miles straight out to Little Niagara Road.  I'm told this section is flatter and easier walk (though longer). Next time I'll have to approach from that side!

Little Niagara Falls Trail is wide and easy to follow

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 0.8 out-and-back to falls from Barn Door Gap Road.

Recommendations: 

- This path can get muddy and wet in wet season.  Wear waterproof boots.

- Wear bug spray and take precautions for ticks

- There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.  

- Pack in and out your waste.  

- I'm not sure if the trail is managed by anyone but it was surprisingly devoid of litter.  Carry in/carry out waste and trash.

- I had cell service there but it was spotty.  Don't count on it.

This was a great after-work short hike and I was thrilled to find another waterfall near Seacoast New Hampshire!  Do you love waterfalls?  Check out these other similar hikes:

- Gonic Trails

- Arethusa Falls

See video of this hike at Seacoast Hikes on Instagram and Facebook.  Please follow!

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

Peverly Pond Loop - Short and Sweet Boardwalk Loop

There are two things I absolutely love about Peverly Pond loop trail - it's short enough for my two year old to walk without being carried and it's entirely on a boardwalk.  What's more, this little 0.4 mile loop offers water views of the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge and has a large, free parking lot.  It's perfect for a quick jaunt through the woods, quick family walk, or a stroll with the stroller.  

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Peverly Pond Loop Trail

Getting There: The trail is located at the end of Arboretum Drive in Newington, NH.  To get there from Dover area, I take 16 south to exit 3 toward route 3.  At the roundabout, go straight to get on Arboretum Drive. Take this road 2 miles until it ends at the parking lot.  The trailhead is well signed next to the restrooms.

Trail:  This flat, wide trail is a boardwalk loop.  It offers views of the pond - look for turtles and great blue herons, as well as meandering through the forest.  

Difficulty: Easy! This trail is also stroller and wheelchair friendly.

Distance: 0.4 mile loop

Recommendations:  

- The trail can be buggy in late spring and early summer.  Pack bug spray. 

 

- No dogs allowed on this trail - leave them at home.

- Although there are public bathrooms available at the trailhead, at the time this post was written COVID 19 precautions have temporarily closed them.

- The refuge is open dawn to dusk.

You might also enjoy these similar experiences:

Great Bay Discovery Center

Winnie the Pooh Trail

Pickering Ponds Nature Park

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

WM Gonic Trails - River Views and Waterfalls

I've blogged this one before. The Gonic Trails on the Waste Management land in Gonic (Rochester), New Hampshire is probably my most hiked trail in the Seacoast.  It's about 5 minutes from my house and provides river and waterfall views, easy to moderate walking, and limited mileage - perfect for a quick after work dog walk or Saturday family morning stroll.  I also love doing it as a winter hike or snowshoe.  After posting photos of it on my Instagram stories this week, I realized that the only post I had about it was for deep snow and winter walks.  It's a slightly different experience when there's no snow on the ground.

Waterfall views on the Gonic Trail.

Here's how to recreate this adventure:

Adventure: WM Gonic Trails in Summer/Fall

Getting there:  The main parking lot for this trail is located on Rochester Neck Road.  Take Rt 125 to Rochester Neck Road (across from 1st City Motors Auto Dealer).  The parking lot is located on the right about 0.7 miles down Rochester Neck Rd.  Park in the gravel lot.  There is a sign in the parking lot that says WM Trails.  Parking is free but there are no restrooms.

Trail Sign in parking lot (with map)

Trail: There are three trails in this system - blue, red, and yellow.  There are multiple opportunities to take a loop (see map).  My favorite is to start by taking the yellow trail toward the waterfall.  When facing the parking lot from the road, this trail starts to the far right.  This path is wide and easy.  It travels through hemlock forest on the outskirts of the waste management land.  There is a slight decline and a fairly straight stretch.  When you reach the Isinglass river, you can see remnants of a bridge or damn.  The trail curves left and goes down a moderate rocky area, past a rock wall to low area where you can approach the waterfall.

After enjoying the waterfall, continue on the yellow trail (trail markers on trees).  It will wander up and down with small elevation changes until it drops back to the river and it meets the Red Trail.  Here I continue with the river on my right until I get the second offshoot of the red trail.  If you continue straight here on yellow, you will go multiple miles more to a different parking lot.  There is a sign present which warns that the red to the left is the last option to loop back.

Take Red up a steep incline.  After about 20 feet, the trail levels off again and you will enjoy an easy walk back to the parking lot through hardwood forest.

Trail Map available here.

Difficulty: Easy with a few short/steep portions.

Distance: The yellow to red loop is about 1.5 miles.

Yellow Trail

Recommendations/Additional Information

- There usually is ample (free) parking in the dirt lot.  At times it can get crowded on hot summer days.

- Leashed dogs are allowed.  Be prepared to see them on trail.

- There are no bathrooms available at the trailhead.

- For an even longer hike (or different approach), hike the out and back yellow trail.  You can also access this trail further down the Rochester Neck Road on the right.  It's labeled Isinglass River Park.

Yellow/Red Trail right before taking red back toward parking lot.

I've hiked this trail in every season and really enjoy all that it offers in such a reasonable loop.  It's one of the many short, yet beautiful scenic hikes in Seacoast New Hampshire.  

Isinglass River in September

For similar experiences, check out:

- Winnie the Pooh Hike in Barrington, NH

- Hanson Pines in Rochester, NH

- Pickering Ponds in Rochester, NH

Pickering Ponds Loop - Easy Nature Trail in Rochester, NH

Pickering Ponds is an easy 1.7 mile loop trail located in Gonic, NH. 

Just down the street from me (literally) is a little trail called Pickering Ponds.  I haven't blogged about it before because like so many, I fall into the trap of whatever's further and more exotic, is better.  Not true at all!  This 1.7 mile easy loop trail is perfect for nature lovers, families, and dog walkers.   On a warm sunny day, I popped my 15 month old in a pack and met another momma, Jen, for a pack walk around the ponds and Cocheco river.  We were treated to sunshine, water views, and wildlife including - great blue heron, turtles, and waterfowl.

Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Pickering Ponds Loop Trail

Unmarked road to trail head can be tricky to spot.

Getting There:  Pickering Ponds is (not surprisingly) located on Pickering Road in the Gonic area of Rochester, NH.  To get there from Dover, take 6th street toward Rochester.  Once you cross the town line into Rochester the street name changes to Pickering Road.  After you pass England Road (on right) keep a lookout for the pullout on the left.  It is not marked - but is a long paved driveway/road with a chain link fence at the end (see image to the left).  For navigation systems, it is opposite the house at 374 Pickering Road in Gonic.  Park along the "driveway" leading up to the fence. There is a prominent "No Hunting" sign.

Complete trail map available at rochesternh.net

Trail: The trail starts by entering through a large chain linked fence at the end of the driveway.  You will immediately get views of the ponds.  Jen and I started by walking north along Beaver Dam Road (see map).  This takes you along two large ponds.  I'm told they were originally planned as waste management ponds but have never been used for that purpose.  As a result, it's a favorite spot for bird lovers and you'll see many wildlife photographers if you frequent the ponds.

At the end of the ponds, we turned left along the fence and headed down into the Cocheco River Loop Trail.  This portion traverses through hardwood forest along the river.  It continues to be a wide and relatively flat trail.  This trail curves along the river and will eventually bring you back out to the ponds where you started.  Total - the wide loop is about 1.7 miles.

Hikers can easily shorted this adventure by just doing the ponds and skipping the river walk.

Jen and son checking out a turtle

Beautiful birch trees along wide flat trail

Difficulty: Easy

Distance:  1.7 mile loop with options for shorter

Recommendations:

- Spring and early summer this area can get very buggy.  We used bug spray for us and the kids.

- This trail is great for kids because it's easy.  It's also great for parents because it's relatively flat and wide which means, even though it's not paved, I'd say it is "stroller friendly".

- There are no bathroom facilities at the trail.

- Dogs are allowed but should be leashed.

- Parking is free.

- City of Rochester and Rochester Rec manage this property.  The government link to this trail is HERE.

Selfie with the kids at Pickering Ponds

We enjoyed our nature walk with our little ones.  I'll continue to try to focus on some local Seacoast gems in addition to "far away" destinations.

You might also enjoy these similar adventures:

- Hanson Pines Nature Walk in Rochester, NH

- Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, NH

- Wiland Pond Nature Walk in Dover, NH

Hanson Pines - A River Walk in Rochester, NH

I first visited Dominicus Hanson Pines Park last summer when my son was taking swimming lessons through the Rochester Rec Department.  I noticed a trailhead in the parking lot, but without knowing anything about the trail, I was tentative to try it with two young children alone.  I reached out to social media to my peers at Hike It Baby Seacoast, but no one responded that they had the tried the trail. I forgot about it...until this spring when I saw a post on social media of a beautiful pedestrian bridge over the Cocheco river and a lovely trail.  Next, I reached out through Facebook to Rochester Rec and they were super accommodating - answering questions about the trail and even offering to hike it with us! I took the kids and discovered it’s a hidden gem of a city park - water views, gentle trail, huge trees, and a loop!  It is now part of our regular rotation of nature walks.

Pedestrian Bride along Hanson Pines Nature Walk

Here’s how to recreate this adventure…

Adventure: Dominicus Hanson Pines Park and Nature Trail

Getting there:  The park and parking lot is located right next to Spaulding High School in Rochester at 4 Yeagley Way.

Trailhead at Hanson Pines

Trail:  The trail is a loop that’s divided by a paved path.  It’s a little misleading since it looks like the trail IS the paved path, but it actually goes around the path.  The unpaved walking trail is a relatively flat, wide trail with a floor of pine needles and leaves. There are some roots and rocks, but it is an easy trail and could be accessible for someone with a jogging stroller.  The trail loop is 0.77 miles round trip. We made it a little longer by incorporating the paved path and making a sort of figure eight shape.

If you start by turning left at the trailhead, you will parallel the Hanson Pines pool and playground.

Trail map.  I highlighted the loop in yellow.
Red marks the paved path/bridge.

Next, it wil curve right down to the river.  There are multiple resting benches along the way. At the river, the trail curves right again and travels parallel to it. You will pass the intersection of the paved path and see the impressive footbridge.  Continue straight. Here, interpretive signs are available using a QR code on your phone. We saw muskrat, turtle, and waterfowl. The large pines were also impressive.

From the river, the trail curves right again and heads into a mixed forest of hardwoods and pines. Soon, you will get glimpses of Spaulding High School through the trees and once more the trail curves, taking you back to the well marked trailhead.

We have now visited this trail multiple times - we saw other families, couples, and dog walkers (leashed) enjoying the trail.  We have also tried it with my son on his balance bike. As a parent, I appreciate the playground as well!

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 0.77 miles for loop

Recommendations:

• Unless, the Hanson Pines Pool is open, there are no bathrooms at the park
• Dogs are allowed on the trail but should be leashed
• Parking is free
• There are other small trails that weave in and out of the land. I haven't explored these (see map photo).

This is a great little strip of peaceful nature in the heart of an urban center.  It’s perfect for families with small children and/or anyone who’s looking for a short nature walk.

View from the footbridge

Happy hikers

Playground fun during hike

You might also enjoy these similar experiences:

- The Perfect Winter "Hike" with Toddlers 

- Winnie - the - Pooh Trail

- Willand Pond Nature Walk

Seacoast Moms Blog: For my Family-Focused Readers

I've taken on a new writing assignment!  I'm now a monthly contributor to Seacoast Moms Blog.  Although I will write about some things that tie into my lense of outdoor exploration on Freelance Adventurer, I will sometimes share posts here if I think my readers will appreciate it.  

Here is my April Post:  5 Toddler-Friendly Seacoast Nature Walks

And never fear, I'm going to continue to post and write on this blog.  I have a lot of exciting outdoor adventures planned for the spring and summer.  Some involving kids/families and some not!

Please also continue to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.  I appreciate all the support!