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Best trails in New Forest National Park

Best trails in New Forest National Park

4.3(35,169 reviews)

·

England
#4 of 10 national parks

The New Forest is located in Southern England and is the largest remaining tract of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest. The ecology of the New Forest is enhanced by the relatively large areas of lowland habitats, which have been lost elsewhere but continue to survive here. There are several kinds of important lowland habitats including valley bogs, alder carr, wet heaths, dry heaths and deciduous woodland. The area contains a variety of wildlife including deer, birds, insects and reptiles. Rare wildlife includes the New Forest cicada Cicadetta Montana and species of heathland birds. The wet heaths are important for rare plants, such as marsh gentian and marsh clubmoss and other important species including the wild gladiolus. Visitors can enjoy endless footpaths through expansive woodland.

Top trails

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Trail reviews for New Forest National Park

46,643 trailgoers Busiest in August
Aug 2, 2024Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Great variety of terrain from open heather fields to shady forest. We saw horses, cows, and a few newts. Nice to finish up at the Royal Oak.

Difficulty: Easy
Fritham Circular
Sep 18, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedGreat views

Beautiful trail through the gorgeous New Forest. Big muddy in places but generally very easy walk. Stunning views of course and lots of wild horses to see! I did it in sneakers which probably wasn’t the best footwear as there a a couple streams to cross but managed with dry feet! Highly recommend this one!

Difficulty: Moderate
Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular
Sep 11, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendly

Had to cut the walk short due to bad weather however really enjoyed the hour that we were out. We first had lunch in the Queens Head (they now charge for parking). We then moved the car to the public carpark which you have to pay for or it’s free with a New Forest Parking Clock. Couple of steep hills however it was generally easy to walk. Lots of lovely views of the forest and space for dogs. Plenty of New Forest Ponies to see too!

Difficulty: Easy
Burley and Shappen Hill
Sep 10, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

Beautiful walk round a quiet area of the New Forest. So many different paths and loops you can do - a great place to make it up as you go along!

Longdown Circular
Aug 23, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

The New Forest is simply stunning

Difficulty: Moderate
Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst Circular
Aug 19, 2025Hiking
Not crowdedGreat conditions

Really nice mix of New Forrest scenery. Very enjoyable.

Nomansland and Bramble Hill Circular
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in New Forest National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in New Forest National Park is Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular, which has a 4.7 star rating from 3,321 reviews. This trail is 9.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 820 ft.

What is the longest trail in New Forest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in New Forest National Park is Rockford Commom, Whistlers Copse and Mark Ash Wood Circular. This trail is estimated to be 35.3 mi long.

How many trails are in New Forest National Park?

There are 318 trails in New Forest National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 35,169 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in New Forest National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, New Forest National Park has you covered. Rockford Commom, Whistlers Copse and Mark Ash Wood Circular boasts the most elevation gain with 2,650 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Brockenhurst to Cadnum Circular, which will get you 2,250 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in New Forest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 50 camping trails in New Forest National Park and the most popular is Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,321 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in New Forest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 267 running trails in New Forest National Park and the most popular is Tall Trees Trail Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,190 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in New Forest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 76 biking trails in New Forest National Park and the most popular is Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,321 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in New Forest National Park?

Yes, there are 142 trails with scenic mountain peak views in New Forest National Park, including Brockenhurst and the Tall Trees Trail Circular, Tall Trees Trail Circular, Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular, Fritham Circular, and Emery Down Circular.

Are there any trails with historical monuments in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in New Forest National Park?

Yes, there are 11 trails with springs in New Forest National Park, including Lyndhurst Parish Walk, Frogham to Fritham, Abotts Well Circular Walk, Fritham and Eyeworth Woods Circular, and Bramshaw Telegraph to Frogham.

Are there any trails with rivers in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with beaches in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in New Forest National Park?

Yes, there are 18 trails with archaeological sites in New Forest National Park, including Fritham, Dockens Water and Pitts Wood, Broomy and Linwood, Broomy Walk, Roundhill Campsite Loop, and Cadman's Pool to Pinnick Wood to Broomy Circular.

Are there any trails with castles in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with forts in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in New Forest National Park?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in New Forest National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with picnic areas in New Forest National Park, including Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard via Solent Way, Bucklers Hard and Longmead Copse Circular, and England Coast Path - South East: Calshot to Gosport.

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