Adventure-Filled Hikes Perfect for a Family Day Out Near Nature's Wonders: Waterfalls, Rivers, and Lakes
Family-Friendly Day Hikes with Watery Highlights in the AMC Region
Exploring the great outdoors with your family has never been easier, as the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has curated a list of day hikes that offer manageable distances, scenic water features, and easy-to-moderate terrain. Here are some of the top picks:
1. Gnome Stairs, Barton, Vermont
This 1.8-mile round trip hike with approximately 202 feet of elevation gain takes you to a small, engaging waterfall that children will love to explore. The trail circles Wheeler Pond before ending at the falls, where imaginative play around the water is a must.
2. Moss Glen Falls, Stowe, Vermont
A short, family-friendly 0.5-mile round trip with around 94 feet of elevation gain, Moss Glen Falls offers a mostly flat trail with multiple spots to cool off by a shallow brook. The highlight is the impressive 125-foot waterfall at the end.
3. Zealand Falls Trail, New Hampshire
Suitable for kids and dogs, the Zealand Falls Trail is a gentle, colorful hike that ends near Zealand Falls and the AMC Zealand Hut. The trail features a lovely stream with boulders near the hut where children can splash around.
4. Laurel Lane to Pitcher Brook Waterfall Loop, AMC Noble View Outdoor Center, Massachusetts
This 4-mile loop hike features Pitcher Brook Waterfall, providing a wooded walk with waterfall views ideal for a family outing.
5. Elmore Lake at Elmore State Park, Vermont
Though more of a lakeside day trip than a formal hike, Elmore Lake offers a sandy, clean beach area with gradual water entry for kids to splash and swim. Nearby trails from the campground include a moderately difficult 4.5-mile loop to the Fire Tower.
Other recommended hikes include:
- Burton Island, St. Albans, Vermont, offers the North Shore Self-Guided Nature Trail, a hike that starts at the campground and follows the island's shoreline.
- Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C., features ponds filled with water lilies and lotuses in summer, with the best time to visit being June, July, and August. The most amazing flower is the Victoria amazonica, a tropical lily whose platter-like leaves can grow up to 7 feet wide.
- The Bubbles in Acadia National Park, Maine, is a family-friendly hike described as a great starter "mountain climb" for kids. The hike goes up two rounded granite hills at the northern end of Jordan Pond.
- Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York, features an enchanting network of lakes, streams, and waterfalls designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
These hikes provide both adventure and opportunities to cool off during the walk, making them perfect for families with children. Happy exploring!
Note: Always remember to follow safety guidelines and check trail conditions before heading out.
After a day of Family-Friendly Day Hikes in the AMC Region, families looking to add a touch of luxury to their lifestyle can unwind at a fashionable lakeside resort. Sip on refreshing cocktails made from the region's best food-and-drink offerings while enjoying stunning views of the water.
To complete the idyllic setting, retire to your home-and-garden style accommodation, where you can bask in the serene ambiance before embarking on your next travel adventure.
