Looking for the best family hikes in Bermuda? The island may be best known for its beaches, but it’s also full of short, scenic hiking trails that are perfect for families. From boardwalk strolls over wetlands to jungle paths and coastal cliff walks, Bermuda offers outdoor adventures that are both manageable and memorable for little legs.
Bermuda might not be known as a hiking destination, but it’s full of pleasant surprises for families who love the outdoors. This 24-mile island is home to coastal cliffs, mangrove forests, quiet jungle paths, and nature reserves—all offering scenic, walkable adventures that are perfect for exploring on foot. You’ll find a mix of trails here, from the cross-island Railway Trail, which gives older kids and active families a moderate challenge, to shorter, easier paths through reserves that lead to hidden caves, tide pools, and peaceful coves. For younger kids or beginner hikers, there are plenty of easy routes along soft, sandy beaches or gentle walks to historic forts and lighthouses with sweeping ocean views.
Here are the top family-friendly hikes in Bermuda, with detailed descriptions and what makes each one a hit with parents and kids.
1. Bermuda Railway Trail
Best for: Long walks, scenic views, and flexible family adventures
Distance: Up to 29km (18 miles), broken into sections
Time: 30 minutes to several hours, depending on section
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Once the route of Bermuda’s old railway line, the Bermuda Railway Trail stretches across the island in a series of car-free, scenic paths that are perfect for walking, biking, and exploring with kids. The full trail runs about 18 miles, but most families tackle it in short sections — and that’s part of the appeal.
One of the most family-friendly stretches runs along the North Shore from Gibbet Bay in Hamilton Parish to Whale Bone Bay in St. George’s. This route offers ocean views, tidal pools, bridges, and even glimpses of Bermuda’s history, including the eerie Gibbet Island, once the site of colonial gallows, and the historic forts inside Ferry Point National Park.
Other popular sections for families include paths through Southampton and Somerset, where the trail winds past beaches, cliffs, palm groves, and open countryside. Most of the trail is flat, wide, and stroller-accessible, though some coastal stretches may be rocky or have detours around private land or roads.
Kids will enjoy crossing wooden footbridges, watching for crabs and birds near mangroves, and peeking into small coves along the trail. Parents will appreciate the flexibility — you can hop on or off at multiple access points, combine a short walk with a visit to a beach or playground, and there’s no vehicle traffic.
Tip: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats. If you’re walking with younger kids, start with a short stretch and pair it with a stop at a beach or a nearby café.
2. Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
Best for: Wildlife spotting and coastal nature walks
Distance: Varies (loop options within 1–2km range)
Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (not stroller-friendly)
Spittal Pond is Bermuda’s largest nature reserve and one of the best places for families to enjoy a peaceful walk through varied coastal ecosystems. Located in Smith’s Parish, this protected area features a mix of shaded forest trails, open wetlands, rocky shoreline, and grassy fields — making it feel like several mini-adventures in one.
Along the way, kids can explore tide pools, spot crabs and wading birds, and pause at historical points of interest like Portuguese Rock, believed to mark one of the earliest European carvings in Bermuda. The limestone cliffs offer dramatic ocean views, and the large brackish pond is an important stopover for migratory birds.
The paths can be uneven and rocky in places, so this hike is better suited for school-aged children or younger kids in a carrier. It’s not stroller-friendly, but it’s a manageable and rewarding walk for families who enjoy nature and light exploration.
Tip: Bring binoculars if your kids enjoy birdwatching, and wear sturdy shoes. Early morning or late afternoon are best for spotting wildlife and avoiding the midday sun.
3. Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve
Best for: Turtle and crab spotting
Distance: 400m–2km (0.2–1.2 miles) one way
Time: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Located on Bermuda’s southeastern tip, Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve is a peaceful, family-friendly spot where you can combine a short nature walk with time on the beach. Once a U.S. military base and later a NASA tracking station, this 12-acre reserve is now open to the public with trails that wind through native and non-native forest, salt marsh, and along the coast.
The network of easy walking trails leads you through shady areas filled with Bermuda cedar, olivewood, and Brazilian pepper trees, and opens up to seven quiet beaches, including Clearwater Beach, Turtle Bay, and Long Bay. Some beaches, like Well Bay and the hidden coves at the tip of the peninsula, are often nearly empty — perfect for a peaceful swim or beach picnic.
Families can climb the small observation tower for panoramic views of the coastline, a fun and rewarding stop for kids. You might spot green turtles or hawksbill turtles in the shallows, especially around Turtle Bay. Don’t forget your binoculars — the salt marsh is home to egrets, herons, kingfishers, and even giant land crabs, which kids love spotting scuttling through the underbrush.
This is an ideal outing for families who want a mix of walking, wildlife spotting, and beach time without big crowds. The paths are wide and mostly flat, making them great for kids of all ages.
Tip: Bring snacks, water, and snorkeling gear — and keep an eye out for interpretive signs that help kids learn about the plants and animals they see along the way.
4. Tom Moore’s Jungle
Best for: Caves, swimming holes, and jungle adventures
Distance: 350m–2.6km (0.2–1.6 miles) round trip
Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
If your family is up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Tom Moore’s Jungle in Hamilton Parish is a must. This shady 12-acre reserve is packed with hidden caves, mangrove forests, and jungle-like trails. Named after the Irish poet who once wandered here, the area feels more like a scene from a nature documentary than a traditional hiking trail.
The paths wind through coastal forest, over rocky ground, and around a central pond where birds and fish are easy to spot. Some trails may be muddy or uneven, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. Bring a flashlight if you plan to explore the caves—Walsingham Cave and Causeway Cave are popular highlights. There’s also the Blue Hole, a deep natural pool surrounded by mangroves, where local kids often take cliff-jumps into the clear water.
There are multiple trailheads, including one near the Causeway and another behind Tom Moore’s Tavern. The walk from the tavern to the Blue Hole takes about 10 minutes and is mostly shaded—great for hot summer days.
This is one of the best family-friendly hikes for active kids who love exploring nature. The caves, birds, and swimming spots make it feel like a real-life treasure hunt. Parents appreciate the cooler temps in the shade and the variety of things to see and do in one place.
Tip: Some paths may flood at high tide or after heavy rain, so check conditions before heading out.
5. South Shore Park Trail
Best for: Beach hopping and ocean views
Distance: 2.5km (1.5 miles) one way
Time: About 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
The South Shore Park Trail is one of the most scenic walks in Bermuda, linking together a string of beautiful beaches along the coast of Warwick Parish. This is more than just a hike — it’s a beach day in motion, with opportunities to stop, swim, explore, and soak up stunning views the entire way.
Starting near Horseshoe Bay Beach, the trail winds through dunes and along sandy footpaths with dramatic ocean views. Stop at the cliffs at the northern end of Horseshoe Bay for one of the best panoramic beach views on the island. Then continue east along the trail, where you’ll pass sheltered swimming spots like Stonehole Bay, Chaplin Bay, and the picture-perfect Jobson’s Cove, a calm, protected pool surrounded by cliffs that’s great for a dip.
The trail ends at Warwick Long Bay, a long stretch of pink sand with shallow waters that are ideal for kids. Families can do the full trail or break it into shorter sections depending on the age of their children. Most of the path is exposed to the sun, so bring water, hats, and sunscreen — and don’t forget your swimsuits.
Kids will love scrambling over rocks, spotting fish in the shallows, or building sandcastles at each stop. Parents love that this hike blends coastal scenery with the flexibility of beach access all along the route.
Tip: Start early in the morning to beat the heat and the cruise ship crowds at Horseshoe Bay.
6. Blue Hole Park
Description:
Not to be confused with the Blue Hole inside Tom Moore’s Jungle (though nearby), Blue Hole Park is part of Walsingham Nature Reserve and has an easy, short trail through shaded woodland to mangroves, tidal pools, and a limestone cave called “Causeway Cave.” The walking is light and perfect for younger children.
Why Families Love It:
The trails are peaceful, and the Blue Hole is a fun swimming spot. The mix of forest, water, and caves makes it feel like a full adventure without going far. Great for a short outing before or after lunch.
7. Paget Marsh Nature Reserve Boardwalk
Best for: Birdwatching and an easy nature stroll
Distance: 300m (984 ft), round-trip
Time: About 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
For families looking for a super short, stroller-friendly nature walk, Paget Marsh Nature Reserve is an easy win. Just off South Road and reachable by bus, this 25-acre reserve offers a peek into Bermuda’s untouched past—what the island might have looked like centuries ago.
The main highlight is a 150-meter-long raised boardwalk that cuts through marshland filled with tall grasses, cedar trees, red mangroves, and other native plants. Along the way, signs explain the unique ecosystem, giving kids a chance to learn as they walk.
You might spot warblers, kingfishers, herons, and other birds here, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Keep an eye out for the giant toads, which are descendants of ones brought to Bermuda from Guyana long ago.
This trail is flat, shaded, and fully accessible—ideal for toddlers or younger kids just getting used to nature walks. Parents appreciate the safety of the boardwalk and the chance to slow down, watch wildlife, and soak in one of the island’s few remaining peat marsh habitats.
8. Little Head Park & Great Head Park (St. George’s)
Best for: Forts, wide-open views, and seabird spotting
Distance: 700m–1.5km (0.4–0.9 miles) one way
Difficulty: Easy
If your family enjoys history mixed with coastal adventure, this easy hike through Little Head Park and Great Head Park near St. David’s Head is a great option. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, Little Head Park feels remote and peaceful—perfect for a low-key walk with older kids or curious explorers.
The trail begins at the end of Cashew Road and follows the coastline with stunning views over Gunner Bay, Paget Island, and the ruins of Fort Popple, a 1700s-era fort slowly being reclaimed by nature and the sea. Along the way, you may spot Bermuda’s graceful longtail birds swooping overhead, especially in spring when they return to nest.
The route includes views of small offshore islands and a dramatic coastline dotted with limestone formations. There’s even a small cove along the trail where families can pause for a break or a photo stop.
Families interested in history can continue into Great Head Park, where kids can explore the cannons and bunkers of St. David’s Battery, a World War I–era coastal defense site. From here, the views across Bermuda’s eastern tip and the Atlantic are spectacular.
This hike is best for families with kids who enjoy open space, ocean views, and the thrill of discovering something off the main tourist trail. While not stroller-friendly, it’s manageable for most kids and offers lots of room to roam, imagine, and explore.
9. Bermuda Botanical Gardens
Best for: Fragrant flowers and a peaceful walk
Distance: 300m–2km (0.1–1.2 miles)
Time: 15 minutes to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Just a short walk from downtown Hamilton, the Bermuda Botanical Gardens is a great low-key hiking option for families with kids of all ages. The gently sloping lawns and wide walking paths make it easy for strollers and younger children to navigate. This isn’t a typical hike through rugged terrain—think of it more as a leisurely nature walk through 36 acres of well-kept gardens with room to explore, wander, and stop for breaks.
Kids will enjoy the sensory garden on the west side, filled with fragrant plants designed to be touched and smelled. Parents might appreciate spotting the island’s iconic Bermuda cedar trees, especially near Camden House and the South Shore Road gate.
Another highlight is the Double Fantasy freesia, said to have inspired John Lennon’s album of the same name. It blooms across the top lawns, offering a splash of color and a bit of musical trivia for Beatles fans. Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll or a longer meander, the Botanical Gardens offer a flexible and peaceful way to enjoy Bermuda’s natural beauty as a family.
Tips for Hiking in Bermuda with Kids:
- Go early: Shade is limited on many trails, and the midday sun can be intense.
- Pack water, hats, and sunscreen.
- Many trails are not stroller-friendly, but baby carriers work well.
- Pair hikes with nearby beaches or snack stops to keep kids motivated.
Final Thoughts
Bermuda may be compact, but it’s full of rewarding nature walks that suit every age and energy level. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or letting your tweens roam a bit ahead, these trails offer a beautiful way to explore the island beyond the beach. Lace up your shoes, grab your camera, and let the island’s natural side wow your whole crew.
Planning your family trip to Bermuda? These guides can help you make the most of your time on the island:
- Bermuda with Kids: Family Travel Guide
- Best Family Hikes in Bermuda
- Top Rated Family Restaurants in Bermuda
- Best Family Snorkeling in Bermuda
For additional information and context for your trip, it might also help to check out our ranked family travel lists for St. Croix:
- Best Things to Do in Bermuda with Kids (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in Bermuda (Ranked)
- Best Family Stays in Bermuda (Ranked)
For more general travel info, visit the Wikivoyage page on Bermuda.
