New England's Top 10 Family Hikes

• Length: 2.9 miles
• Estimated hiking time: 1.5–2.5 hours
• Trail map
• Park information

Hubbard Park sits within Connecticut's Hanging Hills, a mountain range with at least one spooky ghost story attached. Since the early 19th century, folklore has it that if you encounter a black dog in the woods, the spectral pooch will bring you joy on the first visit, a warning of danger on the second, and, on the third appearance, death. That might put a damper on your quest for family fun, so watch out. Hikers begin at Mirror Lake, a spot for fishing in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Follow the moderate trail up to Castle Craig (pictured), a 1,002-foot-tall stone observation tower that overlooks Sleeping Giant mountain (recognizable by its skyward-pointing “nose”) and Long Island Sound.

• Length: 3.25 miles
• Estimated hiking time: 2–3 hours
• Trail information
• Park information

Lonesome Lake at Franconia Notch State Park supplies some liquid tranquility in the White Mountains. From the Lafayette Place campground, hikers tackle the loop around the trout-stocked lake for scenic views of the water against the backdrop of forested hills. You can stay overnight at the Lonesome Lake Hut, a lodge with bunk beds and full-service meals in the summer and fall (at other times of the year, you'll need to bring your own food). 

• Length: 1.7 miles
• Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, not including side attractions
• Reservation information
• Trail map

Purgatory Chasm sounds ominous, doesn’t it? According to legend, the stony spot was created by Native American god Hobomoko with violent tomahawk blows. And that's not the only unique name here—hikers sidle through narrow passageways such as “Devil’s Corn Crib” and “Fat Man’s Misery" and gape at towering rock formations named “Lover’s Leap” and “The Devil’s Pulpit.” At the end is a playground where kids can blow off steam while the grownups take a well-deserved rest at the picnic area.

• Length: 1.4 miles round trip
• Estimated hiking time: 1 hour
• Trail information
• Park information

The “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast," Acadia National Park features a sprawling network of hiking trails totaling 158 miles. Bubble Rock sits at the top of a short uphill trek from the parking lot. Ancient glaciers deposited this gigantic boulder at its precarious perch on South Bubble Mountain. For more outdoor adventures, the popular Ocean Path is also tops for families. It runs along the water from Sand Beach to Otter Point. Alternatively, the Cadillac Mountain Summit Loop offers a steep but short hike to the highest peak on Mount Desert Island.

 

• Length: 3 miles round trip
• Estimated hiking time: 1.5–2.5 hours
• Trail information
• Reservation information

With 22 mountains and 125 miles of trails, the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation abounds with adventure. But the Skyline Loop is particularly well-suited to kids. The trail leads to the top of Great Blue Hill, the tallest mountain in the area and a skiing destination in the winter. At the base of the mountain, families can walk around the outdoor section of the Trailside Museum to snap photos of otters and bald eagles. At the summit stands the Eliot Tower, from which you can see the Boston skyline, about 11 miles away. Also on Great Blue Hill: the historic Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory,which houses a small weather museum and gift shop. The hike up the mountain has steep portions and uneven stone steps, so make sure you have the right footwear—and that everyone in your party can make the climb.

• Length: 1 mile round trip
• Estimated hiking time: 45 minutes
• Trail information
• Park information

The Moss Glen Falls Trail winds through the C.C. Putnam State Forest, passing the namesake waterfall almost immediately. If the weather isn't too cold, wading in the water provides the best look at the falls; pack bathing suits if it’s hot and you’d like to swim. From here, it’s just a short circular loop back to the car—though we wouldn't blame you for cutting the hike short by doubling back for another dip in the water. Take note: The identically named Moss Glen Falls in Granville, Vermont, is all waterfall and no hike, and the two are easily mixed up.

 

• Length: 3.5 miles round trip
• Estimated hiking time: 4 hours
• Trail information
• Park information

Located just south of the Canadian border, Jay Peak is a year-round destination, with skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Trails are narrow and rocky as they pass through Jay State Forest, eventually reaching the top of the mountain. Once you've caught a glimpse of Canada, you can scarf down a hot dog at the Sky Haus Deli. If anybody in your group is tuckered out from the hike, take an aerial tram down the mountain and back to the parking lot. 

• Length: 2.5 miles round trip
• Estimated hiking time: 1.5–2 hours
• Trail map
• Park information

This hike boasts wide, easy-to-walk pathways and numerous photo opportunities. The best of the latter is at the top: The Heublein Tower, a historical home and museum on the National Register of Historic Places, offers a spectacular 360-degree view from the 165-foot-tall tower. Built by A.1 Steak Sauce magnate Gilbert Heublein, the building displays an armchair where Dwight D. Eisenhower was reportedly sitting in 1950 when Republican Party muckety-mucks asked him to run for president. Path markings leading to the tower are confusing at times, so it's wise to take along a trail map.