The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Rowley
4.4
(1326)
9,430
hikers
447
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Rowley, Massachusetts, traverse a diverse landscape of dense woodlands, rolling hills, and expansive salt marshes. The region features protected areas like Georgetown-Rowley State Forest and Willowdale State Forest, offering extensive trail networks. Glacial drumlins, such as Prospect Hill, and numerous conservation areas provide varied terrain with woodlands, meadows, and wetlands.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Rowley
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Stone Bench, Swin Dale – Swin Dale loop from North Plantation, a 9.2 miles (14.9 km) trail that takes about 4 hours to complete. This moderate route winds through varied woodland scenery.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Beverley Town Centre – Beverley Minster loop from Bentley Lane End, a moderate 6.0 miles (9.6 km) path. This trail offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes, often completed in around 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Local hikers also love the All Hallows Church loop from Humberside, a 5.4 miles (8.8 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Rowley is defined by dense woodlands, rolling hills, and unique salt marsh ecosystems. The network offers options for different ability levels, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes.
- The routes in Rowley are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,200 reviews. More than 9,400 hikers have used komoot to explore Rowley's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
5.0
(1)
20
hikers
14.9km
04:04
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
5
hikers
24.8km
06:55
460m
460m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
8.87km
02:19
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A song that—originally from the American gospel tradition—has traveled the world, fitting perfectly for this church, which the parish has entrusted to the patron saint of "All Saints." "Oh when the Saints go marching in, oh when the Saints go marching in, oh Lord, I want to be in that number, oh when the Saints go marching in." Over the decades, new versions of the lyrics have repeatedly emerged; the original text cannot be verified due to the early oral tradition. Many artists have taken up the gospel song and released their own interpretations, such as Bruce Springsteen with his session band at a concert in Dublin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6eKkirEcgE
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Stone slab bench, ideal place for a quick break in the middle of peaceful Swin Dale.
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Public footpaths are quite limited around here, but this highlight is on a very pleasant footpath on the eastern side of Whin Hill, which runs to the west through Swin Dale towards North Newbald. Easy walking, no boggy patches, overgrown vegetation or other obstacles.
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Fantastic and good quality track along Weedley Dale, running up through East Dale and Hunsley Dale (west to east).
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Part of the High Hunsley Circuit, there are a couple of paths running through East Dale and Hunsley Dale and this one is a very pleasant path through the woods, even in the back end of winter, presumably even nicer in summer.
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See https://www.newbaldparishcouncil.gov.uk/church/ or https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1346990 Built on a ridge and situated centrally, St Nicholas Church appears to dominate the skyline of the village. Described by Nikolaus Pevsner, one of our greatest historians of ancient buildings as, ‘the most complete Norman Church in the East Riding’ and often called ‘the Cathedral of the Wolds’, the church derives its name from the Greek, Saint Nikolaus of Myra (270-340 AD). He was also known as Nikolaus the Wonder-worker, famed for secret gift-giving, and became the model for Santa Claus, itself a corruption of Saint Nicholas. He became the Patron Saint of a rich array of professions and lost causes, including: Archers, Brewers, Pawnbrokers, the Clergy, Thieves, Prostitutes and Murderers.
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Archetypal English village with its large village green surrounded by pretty stone houses and two pubs. The open beck runs in front of the houses in Eastgate, each with their own private bridge. The banks of the stream are planted with flowers. A large flat circular stone on the green known as the whipping stone is probably the base of the old market cross but rumour has it that a man was whipped to death here in 1624. https://www.newbaldparishcouncil.gov.uk/about-newbald/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Rowley?
Rowley offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities suitable for families. You'll find hundreds of routes, with over 200 easy and 200 moderate trails, ensuring there's something for every family's comfort level.
What kind of landscapes can we expect on family hikes in Rowley?
Rowley's family-friendly trails traverse diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands in areas like Georgetown-Rowley State Forest and Willowdale State Forest to unique salt marsh ecosystems found in coastal sanctuaries. You might also encounter rolling hills, glacial drumlins, and peaceful wetlands.
Are there any easy, short loops suitable for families with young children or strollers?
Yes, for families with young children or strollers, the Hellcat Interpretive (Boardwalk) Trail in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent choice. It's a 1.5-mile loop with boardwalks through salt marsh and coastal woodland, making it very accessible. Many conservation areas like Hunsley Hills also offer well-maintained, shorter paths.
What are some popular circular routes for families in Rowley?
Many trails in Rowley are designed as loops, perfect for family outings. For example, within Willowdale State Forest, you can find an easy 3.9-mile loop with minimal elevation gain. The Stone Bench, Swin Dale – Swin Dale loop is another moderate option, offering a longer circular experience through varied terrain.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly trails in Rowley?
The family-friendly trails in Rowley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1200 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the tranquility of the woodlands, and the diverse natural scenery, from forests to salt marshes, making for enjoyable outings with children.
Are there any interesting natural monuments or landmarks to see along the trails?
Absolutely! Rowley and its surroundings offer several interesting natural features. You could explore the Kiplingcotes Chalk Pit Nature Reserve, or visit St. Helen's Well. These spots provide unique points of interest to discover during your family hike.
Can we find trails near water or lakes in Rowley?
Yes, several areas in Rowley feature ponds and wetlands. Hood Pond, within the Willowdale/Cleaveland Farm State Forests, is surrounded by trails and popular for water activities. You can also find trails with wetland views in conservation areas like Dodge Reservation and Pingree Farm. For larger bodies of water, consider visiting Brantingham Village Pond or the North Cave Wetlands Nature Reserve nearby.
What are some good places for wildlife spotting on family hikes?
The salt marshes within the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary are excellent for birdwatching. Additionally, the extensive woodlands of Georgetown-Rowley State Forest and Willowdale State Forest provide habitats for various local wildlife, offering opportunities for observation during your hike.
Are there any trails that offer a mix of woodlands and open spaces?
Yes, the Hunsley Hills Conservation Area is a great example, featuring diverse terrain with woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Similarly, the Forest Loop and Bay Circuit Trail sections within Willowdale State Forest and Georgetown-Rowley State Forest offer a pleasant mix of wooded paths and more open areas.
What is a good moderate family hike in the area?
For a moderate family hike, consider the Beverley Town Centre – Beverley Minster loop. It's about 9.6 km and offers a pleasant journey through the local landscape. Another option is the Turtle Hill loop in Willowdale State Forest, a 6.4-mile path winding through mixed woods and wetlands.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest near the family trails?
While hiking, you might encounter historical elements. For instance, the nearby Ipswich River Pedestrian Crossing offers views of the historic Choate Bridge. You can also find historical sites like St Helen’s Church, Welton and Welton Mill Ponds, which add a cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure.
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