The best family-friendly hikes and walks in York County

An anchor to Windward. Walker's Point Estate (also known as the Bush Estate) is a private family estate and former summer White House of the Bush family in Kennebunkport, Maine. The estate has served as the summer residence of the Bush family for over a century, beginning with George Herbert Walker in the early 1900s. Walker's Point is not open to the public. You can drive by or stop briefly at the overlook. Vehicles are only allowed to park in the designated parking area; stopping on the road is not permitted. Alternatively, coming from Kennebunkport, park on the shoulder of Ocean Avenue and walk about a kilometer to the overlook. This is a beautiful coastal path that also includes a detour to St. Ann's Episcopal Church.

Strong legs and low gears needed to climb. Good views of the ocean, mountains of NH and the Maine forests from the top.

Mount Agamenticus is a 692-foot peak. There are no other peaks around this one, so you get great views over the surrounding area. The ride up to the peak is challenging, but it is worth the effort for the wonderful vistas at the top.

Nestled in the coastal beauty of Kennebunkport, Colony Beach beckons with its inviting shores. Situated opposite the Colony Hotel on Ocean Avenue, this public gem offers a serene escape. Meanwhile, nearby Goose Rocks Beach spans three miles, treating visitors to panoramic ocean vistas, island scenes, and the enchanting presence of marine and shorebird wildlife.

Vaughan Woods State Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails for both leisurely strolls and more strenuous workouts. The trails are well-marked through a mixed-growth forest with plenty of wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, coyotes, and more. The two primary trails are: the River Run Trail (0.8 miles) follows the Salmon Falls River, and the Bridle Path Trail (0.7 miles) descends steeply to the river, surrounded by old-growth pine and hemlock trees. Other paths run to and from these trails including the Shady Stroll, which has some steeper sections. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, be cautious of slippery conditions, and take precautions against ticks. Vaughan Woods State Park is also a prime location for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

The Hollis Road passes over the Saco River at Salmon Falls. There are great views along the river in both directions as you pass over the water.

Vaughan Woods State Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails for both leisurely strolls and more strenuous workouts. The trails are well-marked through a mixed-growth forest with plenty of wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, coyotes, and more. The two primary trails are: the River Run Trail (0.8 miles) follows the Salmon Falls River, and the Bridle Path Trail (0.7 miles) descends steeply to the river, surrounded by old-growth pine and hemlock trees. Other paths run to and from these trails including the Shady Stroll, which has some steeper sections. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, be cautious of slippery conditions, and take precautions against ticks. Vaughan Woods State Park is also a prime location for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

The Fuller Forest connects to the Norton Preserve, making for an expansive area of protected woodlands and wetlands in York and Kittery. The Fuller Forest is accessed via a trailhead with a large parking area off of Bartlett Road. There are well-maintained, general flat hiking trails through sustainably-managed, working forests, past ponds, streams, forested wetlands, and stone walls. The Fuller Forest and Norton Preserve are both open in the winter for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.