The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Litchfield State Forest
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62
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Family friendly hiking trails in Litchfield State Forest are characterized by dense woodlands, vibrant wildflowers, and lush greenery, providing a natural setting for outdoor activities. The region features a network of well-maintained paths and rolling hills, with the highest point being Rocky Hill at 357 feet (109 meters). This landscape offers diverse terrain, including rock walls and meandering rivers, suitable for various skill levels.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Litchfield State Forest
- The most popular family friendly hiking route…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
9
hikers
3.72km
00:58
20m
20m
Hike the easy 2.3-mile Falls Loop Trail in Wildcat Falls Conservation Area, featuring Wildcat Falls and minimal elevation gain.
4.0
(1)
6
hikers
2.47km
00:38
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
hikers
19.4km
04:56
60m
60m
Hike the Londonderry Rail Trail, a 12.0-mile (19.4 km) moderate route through forests and wetlands, with 211 feet (64 metres) of elevation g
3.57km
00:57
30m
30m
Enjoy an easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) hike around Lake Naticook from Wasserman Park, offering scenic lake views and wooded paths.
5.0
(1)
17
hikers
6.81km
01:49
70m
70m
Hike the easy 4.2-mile Loop Trail in Horse Hill Nature Preserve, gaining 238 feet over varied terrain in under two hours.
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Tips from the Community
Wildcat Falls Conservation Area is a great place for mountain biking and hiking. There are many spots along the river where you can relax and picnic. If you want to learn more about the park, the following website provides lots of useful information: merrimackoutdoors.org/our-properties/wildcat-falls-conservation-area
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This lake and the surrounding watershed play a crucial role in drinking water for the town of Merrimack, which maintains a couple of city-owned wells downstream. It's also a great backdrop for recreation in Wasserman Park (which includes 900 feet of shoreline along the lake) and the nearby trails, which also ramble alongside the brook that flows out of the lake.
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This loop trail — which wanders all through Horse Hill Nature Preserve before delivering you back to the parking area — is a nice, easy walk. Overall, it's a great place for a rainy day outing or relaxed ramble through the web of trails.
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Once known as Atherton Falls, the boiling whitewater of Wildcat Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Wildcat Falls Conservation Area. As such, there can be limited parking available, especially during the summer. If the parking lot is full it's worth coming back another time to not only see the falls, but also explore the walking/running/biking trails in this 87-acre patch of pine and hardwood forest.
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The Londonderry Rail Trail is a 4.5-mile multiuse trail. It is fully paved and well graded, so it is not a difficult path. It is popular with cyclists, walkers and runners.
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Naticook Lake is a beautiful small lake that lies within the Wasserman Conservation Area. From this spot you look directly at an island known as Blueberry Island in the middle of the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Litchfield State Forest?
Litchfield State Forest offers 8 dedicated family-friendly hiking trails, with 7 of them rated as easy and one as moderate. These routes are designed to be enjoyable for all ages, featuring manageable distances and gentle paths.
Are there any trails with waterfalls suitable for families?
Yes, families can enjoy trails that feature waterfalls. The Falls Loop Trail is an easy 3.7 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a family outing to see natural cascades. Another great option is the Wildcat Falls (Atherton Falls) loop from Merrimack, which is even shorter at 2.4 km and also easy.
What is the easiest family-friendly hike in Litchfield State Forest?
For the easiest family-friendly experience, consider the Wildcat Falls (Atherton Falls) loop from Merrimack. This route is only 2.4 km long with a minimal elevation gain of about 10 meters, making it ideal for young children or those looking for a very gentle stroll.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly trails in Litchfield State Forest are circular, offering a convenient loop back to your starting point. Examples include the Falls Loop Trail, the Wildcat Falls (Atherton Falls) loop from Merrimack, and the Lake Naticook loop from Wasserman Park.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Litchfield State Forest?
The family-friendly trails in Litchfield State Forest generally feature well-maintained paths through dense woodlands. While mostly gentle, some areas might include rolling hills. After rain, some sections could be muddy or watery, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Are there any longer family-friendly trails for older children or more active families?
Yes, for families seeking a longer adventure, the Loop Trail offers a 6.8 km easy hike with about 72 meters of elevation gain. If you're up for a moderate challenge, the Londonderry Rail Trail is a substantial 19.3 km route, perfect for a full day out or cycling with older kids.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Litchfield State Forest?
The komoot community rates the trails in Litchfield State Forest highly, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the serene atmosphere, diverse landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make it an enjoyable experience for families.
Are there any trails that go near lakes or water bodies?
Yes, the Lake Naticook loop from Wasserman Park is an excellent choice for families looking to hike near water. This 3.5 km easy loop offers pleasant views of Lake Naticook and is a great spot for a leisurely walk.
What are the typical durations for family-friendly hikes in the area?
The family-friendly hikes in Litchfield State Forest vary in duration. Shorter, easy trails like the Wildcat Falls loop can be completed in under an hour, while routes like the Falls Loop Trail or Lake Naticook loop typically take 1-2 hours. Longer options, such as the Loop Trail, might take around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and breaks.
Is Litchfield State Forest connected to other conservation areas for extended family adventures?
Yes, Litchfield State Forest's trail system seamlessly connects to the Musquash Conservation Area. This connection significantly broadens the scope for outdoor adventures, offering additional scenic routes and diverse views for families looking to explore further.
What are some unique natural features families might encounter on the trails?
Beyond the dense woodlands and wildflowers, families might discover interesting rock walls and experience the varied landscapes that characterize the forest. The highest point in Litchfield, Rocky Hill (357 feet), is also within the forest, offering a sense of achievement for older children.
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