Elevate your family outings: Unforgettable hikes with minimal effort in New England

Mount Willard trail, located in New Hampshire. (NESJ photo)

Wrangling the kids to head out for a hike can be a challenge. Luckily, New England has no shortage of easy, family-friendly hikes perfect for hikers of all ability levels. And with rewarding views that can be enjoyed with minimal effort, even the non-hikers of the family will feel a sense of accomplishment as they admire the scenic vistas and natural landscapes that await. 

Sterling Pond Trail, Vermont

Due to its ease and short distance, the Sterling Pond Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Smugglers’ Notch. The trail starts on Route 108, at the top of the notch, and climbs nearly 900 feet in one mile before reaching the pond, which is perfect for swimming and fishing. For those looking for a slightly longer hike, there are a number of trails that can be explored, some of which yield spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Mount Willard, New Hampshire

Located just north of North Conway in Crawford Notch, the trail to Mount Willard’s summit gently ascends nearly 900 feet from the Crawford Depot over the course of 1.6 miles, rewarding hikers with unobstructed views of the notch below.

While it is slightly more than a leisurely stroll, the effort required to reach the summit is well worth the views at the top. For those who might not be up for the entire hike, there is a waterfall along the way that makes for a perfect picnic spot.

Stony Ledge, Massachusetts

Stony Ledge is another hike that offers spectacular views with minimal effort. Located in the Mount Greylock Reservation off of Sperry Road, the 1.9-mile, roundtrip trail climbs just over 200 feet, making it more of a leisurely stroll than a hike. But the final destination — Stony Ledge itself — rewards hikers with views of Mount Greylock and the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Lonesome Lake, New Hampshire

Lonesome is a glacial lake in Franconia Notch State Park that overlooks the rugged Franconia Ridge from across the valley. The 1.6-mile Lonesome Lake Trail climbs 1,000 feet from the Lafayette Campground trailhead to the lake and an AMC hut, where guests can spend the night or simply buy a snack before heading back down. While there aren’t many outcroppings along the wooded trail to the lake, there are spectacular views from around the lake.

Jordan Pond Loop Trail, Maine

Located in Maine’s Acadia National Park, the 3.4-mile Jordan Pond Loop Trail is a relatively flat trail that loops around Jordan Pond, starting at the Jordan Pond House. Hikers can stick to the loop or venture out on a spur trail to bag the summit of either South or North Bubble, or both for the ambitious. After the hike, make sure to stop by the Jordan Pond House for one of its famed popovers.