The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Cilley State Forest
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Family friendly hiking trails in Cilley State Forest, located in Concord, New Hampshire, offer accessible routes through varied landscapes. The region is characterized by gently rolling terrain, with paths winding through both forested areas and open parkland. Hikers will find a mix of wooded paths and open fields, with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for a range of activity levels.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Cilley State Forest
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is White Farm…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
3
hikers
4.26km
01:05
20m
20m
Hike the easy 2.7-mile White Farm loop in Concord, New Hampshire, through woodlands and open fields, past historic structures.
5.89km
01:29
10m
10m
Explore the easy 3.7-mile Rollins Park and Martin Park loop in Concord, New Hampshire, featuring paved paths and natural singletrack trails.
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989m
00:15
10m
10m
An easy 0.6-mile hike through White Park in Concord, New Hampshire, featuring a baseball field and a picnic area near a pond.
2
hikers
8.86km
02:30
190m
190m
Hike the moderate 5.5-mile Marjory Swope Park and Carter Hill Loop, featuring lake views, panoramic summits, and diverse terrain.
11
hikers
2.40km
00:42
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
White Park, a 25-acre public park, is home to a small pond, a picnic area, a playground, restrooms, and a few trails. There is a trolley stop right at the southeast corner of the park, and the park sits right next to the picturesque University of the New Hampshire School of Law.
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Once the backyard of the Swope family, this beautiful tract of land was donated by John Swope in honor of his wife, Marjory (although in the park's official name, this seems to be spelled Marjorie). This park has some nice, wooded trails for walking, running and, in winter, skiing. It's also a great starting place to link your adventure into the trails of other nearby parks.
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Once the backyard of the Swope family, this beautiful tract of land was donated by John Swope in honor of his wife, Marjory (although in the park's official name, this seems to be spelled Marjorie). This park has some nice, wooded trails for running, walking and, in winter, skiing. It's also a great starting place to link your adventure into the trails of other nearby parks.
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This park is for the most part a giant field, with some of it privately leased out for softball. The rest is open for multi-use, though, and there's a nice trail you can use to cut through to a nearby neighborhood if you like.
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During summer this park is a wonderful green space, with plenty of trees, a pretty little stone bridge, a gazebo, and paved trails you can use to extend your run if you like. During the winter, the city maintains an ice rink on the north side of the park. Rollins Park also contains playground equipment, the largest public pool in Concord, and fields for baseball, softball and field hockey. The pool is open only in the summer.
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This road takes you through cornfields on either side, and to the west you may catch glimpses of the historic buildings of White Farm. Altogether, this is one of the largest open spaces in Concord. If you want to veer off the road, there are hiking-only trails that go into the fields on both sides of the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Cilley State Forest?
Cilley State Forest offers a great selection of routes for families, with over 15 easy and 4 moderate hiking trails. In total, there are 19 routes suitable for various activity levels, ensuring everyone can find a path to enjoy.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Cilley State Forest?
The trails in Cilley State Forest are characterized by gently rolling terrain with minimal elevation changes, making them ideal for families. You'll find a mix of wooded paths and open fields, providing varied scenery. Routes like the White Farm loop offer pleasant walks through both open and forested areas.
Are there any easy loop trails particularly good for families with young children?
Absolutely! For families with young children, the White Park Loop is an excellent choice. It's an easy 1 km path with very little elevation gain, perfect for a short stroll. Another great option is the White Farm loop, which is a 4.3 km easy loop through open and wooded areas.
What are some longer, but still family-friendly, options for a moderate hike?
For families looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Jerry Hill loop from Saint Pauls School is a moderate 7.5 km trail that leads through diverse woodlands and includes an ascent of Jerry Hill. Another moderate option is the Marjory Swope Park and Carter Hill Loop, which is nearly 9 km long and offers more varied terrain.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly trails in Cilley State Forest?
Yes, many trails in Cilley State Forest are dog-friendly, making it a great place to bring your furry family members. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit Cilley State Forest for family hikes?
Cilley State Forest is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions for family hikes with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is also great, especially on shaded trails, but be mindful of warmer weather. Winter can be lovely for snowshoeing or winter walks, but some trails might be icy.
Are there any trails that pass by interesting landmarks or features?
Yes, some routes offer more than just natural beauty. The White Farm loop, for instance, passes by historic structures, adding a cultural element to your walk. Rollins Park, part of the Rollins Park and Martin Park loop, features a stone bridge and a gazebo.
Is there parking available at the trailheads for these family hikes?
Parking is generally available near the popular trailheads in and around Cilley State Forest. For example, Rollins Park, which is part of the Rollins Park and Martin Park loop, offers convenient parking options.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Cilley State Forest?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Cilley State Forest, with an average score of 4.86 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the diverse yet manageable terrain, and the peaceful natural setting that makes it perfect for outdoor activities with family.
Are there any trails with panoramic views suitable for families?
While most trails feature woodlands and open fields, Winant Park, located nearby, offers a 1.0-mile trail with a 240-foot elevation gain that provides panoramic views of Concord and distant mountains. This could be a rewarding option for families looking for scenic vistas.
Are the trails in Cilley State Forest suitable for strollers?
Many of the trails in Cilley State Forest feature natural surfaces, which may not be ideal for all types of strollers. However, routes that incorporate paved sections or very well-maintained, flat paths, such as parts of the Rollins Park and Martin Park loop, might be more suitable for sturdy, all-terrain strollers. It's always best to check recent reviews or trail conditions if you plan to bring a stroller.
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