My son and husband go to sports practice on Sunday mornings in the fall and spring. This leaves my six year old and I with a morning together. I like to take her on an outing of her own — something I know she will enjoy — but that her brother won’t be jealous of. Seacoast trails have been the perfect solution! In order to keep her enthusiasm up, I like to keep the length short. If this sounds like something you could add into your weekday or weekend routine with your kids, here are five Seacoast trails under a mile that are kid (and mom) approved.
First Things First: What I Pack
Before heading out on a local Seacoast trail, be sure to bring some hiking essentials. I’ve learned the hard way that if you’re a half mile from the car, the first aid kit inside isn’t going to help you. For these hikes, I always pack a little backpack with:
- A jacket or extra warm layer for both of us
- A first aid kit (you can get family friendly hiking ones online or make your own)
- Water (1 liter each)
- Snacks
- Navigation – for Seacoast Hikes, I often track our route on the AllTrails App, download or print a map from the source, and for some of them – use my ebook that stays on my phone (Seacoast Hikes for iPhone or amazon)
- Depending on the season, I’ll also pack hats, mittens, bug repellent, and sunscreen.
5 Seacoast Trails Under a Mile
Peverly Pond Loop
Location: 4 Arboretum Drive, Newington, NH
Mileage: 0.5 mile
Description: This short boardwalk loop travels through forest, up to a viewpoint of Peverly Brook Pond. This short, half mile loop is not only kid friendly, it’s stroller and wheelchair accessible as well. There’s a large (free) parking lot with bathrooms and a trail sign. Keep the pups at home, however — no dogs allowed at this one. Learn more about it here.
Newhall Conservation Land Pond Loop
Location: Intersection of Merry Hill/Hemlock/Partridge Rd in Barrington, NH
Mileage: 0.9 mile
Description: I recently discovered this short but sweet loop. My daughter and I loved the easy trail with views of forest and pond. It’s rarely frequented so you’ll likely have it to yourself. Parking is on the street along a stone wall, and there’s a trail sign near the road to indicate where to enter. Dogs are allowed but I recommend keeping them on a leash. This trail is open to the public because private landowners allow easement through their property, so be sure to respect the land and keep those pups close. Learn more about this property here.
Great Bay Discovery Center Boardwalk
Location: 89 Depot Rd, Greenland, NH
Mileage: 0.7 mile
Description: This has long been a family favorite spot and appears as one of the ten family friendly trails in my phone friendly ebook/trail guide (Seacoast Hikes). Not only is this an easy and interesting trail for littles, it is also stroller and wheelchair accessible. My kids not only love the boardwalk loop, but all the interesting things to interact with along the way — including viewfinders, a wigwam replica, naturescape playground, and climbable boats. This local treasure also has a large (free) parking lot, seasonal visitor center, porta potties, and picnic area. Keep the pup at home on this one, as there are no dogs allowed.
Raymond and Simone Savage Wildlife Preserve
Location: 15 Dover Rd, South Berwick, Maine
Mileage: 0.9 mile
Description: I discovered this Great Works Regional Land Trust property years back when it was along the commute to my daughter’s preschool. Since then, we frequented it as an easy after-school walk. This trail meanders through woods and grassland out to a picnic area along the shores of the Salmon Falls River. Since it is also the site of a private residence, dogs are not allowed on this property. Learn more about this preserve here.
Sliding Rock Conservation Area Loop
Location: 20 Piscassic Street, Newmarket, NH
Mileage: 0.3 mile
Description: Some might scoff at a trail that’s barely a quarter mile, but believe me, this little hike has a lot to offer. The 2.5 acre Sliding Rock Conservation area is the point of land where the Piscassic River meets the Lamprey River. The easy trail runs the perimeter of the point, awarding you with fantastic water views in a dense hemlock forest. There’s a trail sign and boat launch — in fact, it’s one of my favorite Seacoast kayaking spots. Dogs are allowed and parking is free. Although it’s easy, roots make it a poor choice for strollers and wheelchairs. You can learn more about it here.
Short but Sweet
Whether you’re looking for a good trail for little legs, or just fancy a quick jaunt into the woods, the Seacoast has plenty of short trails to offer. These five Seacoast trails under a mile are perfect for all ages. Looking for more hikes for young ones? Try my Seacoast toddler trail recommendations!
