Recommendations for simple trails in the Northeastern region from AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club)
In the latest edition of "Ask AMC," our advice column dedicated to all things outdoors, we received two questions from hikers seeking gentle trails in the White Mountains. Grandma from Rhode Island was looking for easy hikes with a distance of 6-8 miles and minimal gain, while Sandy from Warwick, R.I. was in search of trails suitable for her 3-mile limit, expressing a concern that guides are often geared towards younger and strenuous hikes.
Fear not, intrepid hikers! We have compiled a list of low-key hikes that cater to your needs. One such trail is the Square Ledge hike near Pinkham Notch, a 0.8-mile one-way hike with about 154 feet of elevation gain, offering a great view with very little effort. Another easy option is Sabbaday Falls in the White Mountain National Forest, with accessible paths, minimal elevation gain (around 30 meters over 1.13 km).
For those seeking a bit more adventure but still manageable, the Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the shelter is a scenic hike, though it can have some rocky sections. These trails are ideal for those seeking lower elevation hikes with minimal climbing yet rewarding natural scenery.
In the broader Northeast region, while no specific low-elevation easy hikes were found, such gentle trail characteristics are common in many state parks and forest preserves, often featuring short loops or walks around waterfalls or lakes.
For those venturing beyond the White Mountains, William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington, MA offers a 3-mile round trip trail with an elevation gain of 470 ft, leading through groves of giant trees, a meadow with pastoral views, and a sugar maple forest used by maple syrup producers for centuries.
In Rhode Island, Napatree Point in Watch Hill offers a 3.2-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 25 ft, providing birdwatching, sea breezes, and shell-strewn shores on a natural barrier island. Stony Brook Reservation in Boston, MA offers an urban oasis with glacial drumlins, rock outcrops, and forested wetlands in Boston's biggest patch of preserved green space.
For hikers in New Hampshire, Ammonoosuc Lake in Carroll offers a 1.2 or 1.8-mile loop with an elevation gain of 250 ft, and Lincoln Woods Trail in Lincoln, a wide, flat trail that follows the Pemigewasset River for up to 6.4 miles with minimal elevation gain.
In the picturesque state of New Hampshire, Lonesome Lake Hut, though a short but steep climb, offers stunning views and the full AMC hut experience. For those seeking a more leisurely stroll, Diana's Baths in Conway, NH is a short, level, accessible walk with minimal elevation gain.
In Maine, Morse Mountain Trail winds through salt marshes, spruce forest, and over a gentle summit before delivering to Seawall Beach, while Little Lyford Ponds offers easy access to two tranquil ponds with high chances of spotting moose or loons.
For Sandy, we recommend reaching out to the Narragansett Chapter Chair to see if there are other folks looking for a similarly-paced trip. Lastly, for those seeking a coastal adventure, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown, R.I. offers sweeping Atlantic views and seasonal bird migrations.
Tim Mudie, AMC's Senior Books Editor, was contacted for trail information. He edits AMC's hiking guides organized by region, which cover various routes in great detail. So, grab your hiking boots, and let's explore the great outdoors!
- For Grandma from Rhode Island and hikers like her, the home-and-garden setting of Stony Brook Reservation in Boston, MA might be an ideal choice, providing an urban oasis with minimal elevation gain, suitable for leisurely walks.
- If you're an avid outdoor-living enthusiast seeking a tranquil lifestyle amidst nature, consider visiting the Lonesome Lake Hut in New Hampshire, offering stunning views, a AMC hut experience, and less demanding trails compared to its surrounding mountains.
){kind=link}