5 Scenic Family Hikes Around Lincoln New Hampshire

Bringing our kids away from television and computers and getting outside is good for your family in many ways. I have had some insightful conversations with my kids while we have been wandering along a trail. I have seen their eyes light up with wonder at the animals, rocks, and bugs. But best of all is the climbing, running and exploring they are doing! The White Mountains have many great options for adventures. Here are my top suggestions for family hikes around Lincoln, New Hampshire.

Please consider your family when planning your hike. I would only attempt the easy hikes with littles. To most people, moderate hikes are pretty challenging, and I have included a few here. My kids are not toddlers and can handle any of these hikes with ease. The adults had a harder time than they did, for sure!

Hikes off the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire

hikes off the Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The view from the summit of Kancamagus Highway.

If you are in New Hampshire to see the foliage, the Kancamagus Highway is a perfect road for foliage viewing. Heck, it’s beautiful in any season.  The Kancamagus connects Lincoln, NH, and Conway, NH traveling through the White Mountains. It has multiple vantage points with parking lots where you can pull over and see the views.

Lower Falls

easy hikes NH near the Kancamagus
Although we missed the foliage by a couple of weeks, early fall was the perfect time for these NH hikes to waterfalls- cooler weather and fewer people.

The Lower Falls of the Swift River are right off of the Kancamagus. There are restrooms and a paved walk along the river. Kids will love to scramble over the rocks in the river. There is a harder 1.8-mile moderate loop trail from here, but I am just recommending this as an effortless, enjoyable place to climb rocks for the kids.

Sabbaday Falls

easy NH hikes, Waterfalls in NH
Sabbaday Falls, NH

This is one of New Hampshire’s most popular falls, so you can expect crowds.

Trailhead:

You can find the well-marked parking lot for the falls on Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) in Albany, NH.

Hike Level:

An easy, short crushed gravel hike (.03 miles) to spectacular 45-foot falls.

Hike Highlights:

  • Picnic area
  • Placards along the trail educate about how the falls were formed.
  • Gorgeous Slot Falls that zigs and zags.
  • Crystal Green Water.

Champney Falls

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Champney Falls by NEbirdsplus on Flickr Creative Commons.

Trailhead:

Located on the Kacamagus Highway.

Hike Level:

Moderate 3.8-mile one-way hike with a loop. There is a shorter (1.4 miles round trip) trail if you just want to go to the falls, but still not an easy hike.

Hike Highlights:

    • A gorge
    • Great place for birding
    • It ends at the summit of Mt. Chocorua, 2500 feet climb.

Easy NH Hike near Lincoln, NH

Georgiana and Harvard Falls

Hiking trails in NH
The colorful rocks of Harvard Falls in Lincoln, New Hampshire, during the autumn.

Trailhead:

The parking lot for Georgiana Falls is at the end of Hanson Road in Lincoln, NH. Walk up the dirt trail at the end of the road. There will be a sign when you need to veer right to get to the falls. If you continue straight, you will find a scenic wooden bridge over the river.

Family hikes in Lincoln New Hampshire www.thedailyadventuresofme.com
Bridge over the Harvard River

Hike Level:

This is an easy-to-moderate hike that travels along the cascades of the Harvard River. Red trail markers on the trees indicate the route, and the reward is two waterfalls!

Georgiana Falls:

Georgiana Falls is a 30-foot fall that is perfect even for families with small children. Most of the .07 mile trail is an old snowmobile road and quite flat.

The Hike to Harvard Falls:

The hike to Harvard Falls is much more difficult than Georgiana Falls. It is accessible for the family because it is only an additional .06 miles, but it is circuitous and will require climbing over boulders. My kids are older, and bouldering is a goal of any good hike with them.

Hike Highlights:

  • The lower falls is a very easy and short hike, great for young children.
  • You can view two waterfalls in a 2 hour round trip hike.
  • Most of the trail meanders along the cascades of the Harvard River.

Family Hikes in Franconia Notch State Park, NH

The Basin Cascade Trail

Trailhead:

Parking is available on either side of Highway 93 around Franconia Notch State Park. They are well-marked with large signs.

Hike Level:

An easy trail to the Basin (.01 miles) and (.06 miles) Kinsman Falls. A moderate 1.1-mile hike to Rocky Glen Falls.

Hike Highlights:

  • Your pooch is welcome to join you on this hike!
  • The trail travels along Cascade Brook and visits three waterfalls.

Lonesome Lake

Family Friendly hikes around Lincoln New Hampshire www.thedailyadventuresofme.com
Fall at Lonesome Lake in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire.

Trailhead:

Located at the parking lot of LaFayette Campground in Franconia Notch State Park.

Hike Level:

Moderate 3.6=mile round trip up and back, zigzagging, uphill, rocky trail ending with a loop trail around the lake at the trails’ terminus. We took the wooden planked path all the way around the lake but appreciated the trail to the right as the most gorgeous. It has a great view of the mountain and meanders through marshes. Most of the rest of the trail is through the forest.

5 Scenic Family Hikes Around Lincoln, NH www.thedailyadventuresofme.com
Marshes along the Lonesome Lake loop path.

Hike Highlights:

  • The trail ends in an AT (Appalachian Trail) Hut. A welcome reward at the end of this strenuous hike and a great way to introduce kids to the trail. Bring cash to grab a bite to eat while taking in the sights among the hikers and support the trail’s upkeep.
  • You can swim in the lake in the summer.

Have fun enjoying and learning in nature with your kids! It never disappoints! For more fun to have with them in the area, check out 48 Hours of Fall Family Fun in Lincoln, New Hampshire, and 19 of New England’s Best Fall Family Activities. If you plan to visit the area in winter, be sure to read Family Skiing in New Hampshire.

5 Scenic, Fall Family Hikes Around Lincoln, New Hampshire www.thedailyadventuresofme.com

Where is your favorite place to get outside with your family? I would love to hear about it in the comments!

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

11 thoughts on “5 Scenic Family Hikes Around Lincoln New Hampshire”

  1. Incredible photography! I loved all the places. I have heard about the place, but never knew its really that much wonderful. I will definitely plan to visit with my hubby :). Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Hiking is a great opportunity to commune with nature. A great opportunity appreciate and enjoy the gifts of nature nestowed upon the world. These hikes are really spectacular with amazing landscapes. A great place to get lost in.

    Reply
  3. The Lonesome Lake Trail nearly killed me and my husband had to ice his knees and take advil for the rest of the day. This fails to mention that the “trail” is ALL boulders to climb over up and down. As for the planked trail around the lake marshes, this was the best part and redeemed the entire hike. Cant see how it is any flatter on one side or the other, and it is a loop, so you go counterclockwise as the state park map suggests or you’ll awkwardly run into other hikers.

    Reply
    • It does amaze me how hard moderate hikes are. They often involve hiking over rocks, although are less than 4 miles. Definitely decide in the future if you may be more suited for easy hikes. There are some lovely ones. This was tough on me too, but worth it. I had to put mole skins on my ankles after the hike, but still loved it. Glad that you enjoyed the marshes.The day I went people were travelling both ways on the boards, but it is great to know that the trail map recommended going clockwise. Thank you for the information. Happy hiking.

      Reply
  4. I mostly dream about going for a hike, it’s generally a good sign, one that indicates that we are consistently moving towards a goal at a healthy pace and not rushing or lagging behind. Thanks for sharing this information.

    Reply
  5. It’s possible to go cross-country following the creek, after the Basin-Cascades, coming across the old path, all the way up to Lonesome Lake. Not for the faint of heart or for those who insist on keeping their feet completely dry…

    Reply

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