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Top 5 Kid Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern Maine

Maine is a great place to go hiking for many reasons. It has a variety of terrain, from mountains to forests to coastline, so there is something for everyone. There are many kid friendly hiking trails in Maine.

Maine is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, deer, and birds. Hiking in Maine is a great way to see some of the state’s wildlife.

Southern Maine is a beautiful place! People flock to this area to vacation every year, and for good reason. There are several mountains in southern Maine, and even more trails to hike. Maine is rich in diverse kid friendly hiking trails!

Living on the NH Seacoast we are very close to southern Maine. Maine has some fun kid friendly hikes that we love to explore every year. Hiking in southern Maine is beautiful! People flock to this area to vacation every year, and for good reason.

They don’t call Maine “Vacationland” for nothing! This area is rich in beautiful hiking trails that are rich with history and culture. Have fun exploring these kid friendly hikes in Maine with your kids.

kid friendly hiking maine

Vaughan Woods

South Berwick, ME

Vaughan Woods State Park is located on the Salmon Falls River on the Maine/NH border. It is also the home of a restored mansion built in the late 1700s called The Hamilton House.

Beautiful spot for photos! The trail is a 2 mile loop starting and ending from The Hamilton House or from the lot near the playground. Parking at The Hamilton House is free.

Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Wells, ME

There are several hiking trails here. My favorite trail is the one that leads to the ocean. We love to pack our kids swimsuits and spend a few hours at the beach before turning around and hiking back to the car.

This is a 2 mile out and back hike that could support a jogging stroller. The reserve kindly asks to pay a fee for parking. Worth it for this beautiful hiking trail in southern Maine.

Highland Farm Preserve

York, ME

This is a hidden gem located in York, ME. There are several trails that you can take, the shortest one being a 1 mile loop.

This is perfect for little explorers. There is a small elevation climb of 118 ft that is great for conditioning little hikers for some bigger climbs later.

Wiggly Bridge – Steedman Woods

York, ME

This is a fun quick hike for the kids! My kids love the “wiggly bridge” that is right at the beginning of the hike.

This hike is a loop that is a little over 1 mile. Parking is on Lilac Ln which is always free.

After hiking around Steedman Woods, head over to the other side of the bridge and wander down the “Fisherman’s Walk” which takes you to the ocean near Stage Neck Inn.

Mount Agamenticus Big A Trail

York, ME

This trail starts on top of Mount Agamenticus! This is one of the well known mountains in southern Maine. You drive up the mountain and park at the summit, so it begins with spectacular views.

The “Big A” Trail is the 0.8 mile loop at the very top of the mountain. The fine gravel path is stroller friendly and there is a Mountain Lodge that has fun activities for kids to do.

There are also many other trails that start from the “Big A”. You can travel as far down and back up the mountain as you wish. Great for all ability levels.


The state also has a number of state parks and forests that offer well-maintained trails. In addition, Maine’s natural beauty is simply stunning, making hiking there a truly enjoyable experience.

Southern Maine is a beautiful part of the country, there are so many reasons to visit! You will see all types of wildlife, a variety of trees, and maybe some wild blueberries!

All of these hikes are easy enough to take little kids. They will have so much fun exploring and getting a little dirty along the way.

Whether you live in the area or not make sure to check out these trails. There is a great hiking spot waiting for you right here in southern Maine.

More Resources:

5 Tips For Hiking With Kids

5 Beginner Kid Friendly Mountain Hikes in NH

NH Kid Friendly Hiking Trails

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