SCENIC STROLLS

Families who go on walks together find themselves growing closer with each step and each breath of fresh air. They are discovering nature’s astonishing variety together: the sounds and movement of wildlife, the mysteries of the plant world, the beauty of sweeping landscape views. And when the terrain is gentle, and the pace is one that all ages can handle, you notice smaller things you might miss on a more vigorous hike. In New England, many of the most popular scenic strolls are walks with a history; they are paths that have been trod by generations.

sometimes-slippery rocks. Explore even a short segment of the Cliff Walk, though, and you’ll marvel at the same splendid ocean views that were enjoyed by some of America’s wealthiest families back at the turn of the 20th century.

RHODE ISLAND:

One of New England’s most famous ocean strolls, Newport’s Cliff Walk delivers maximum scenery for minimal effort.

Take RHODE ISLAND’s Cliff Walk, a 3.5mile (5.6km) coastal pathway that traverses the backyards of Newport’s famed Gilded Age mansions. The first two miles (3.2km) of the Cliff Walk, which begins near First Beach, are easy for walkers of all abilities; the southern stretch may be more appealing to adventurous types, as it calls for some scrambling over

Up in MAINE , sprawling Acadia National Park is criss-crossed with historic carriage roads that are perfect for relaxed walking— along with biking and even horse-drawn carriage rides. For those who’d like to venture into the woods, the Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop offer two mostly level trails through lovely stands of white birch and hemlock, with views of Dorr Mountain interspersed throughout. The wooden boardwalk and wide, gravel portions are great for families and are wheelchair-accessible.

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