Lakes Region Hiking: Climbing with kids – hiking adventures for the young and old

“Hurry up Pepe, the ladder is just ahead.” We heard about the ladder from a hiker who was just coming down the Sugarloaf Trail. I wondered whether Maggie, my granddaughter, would be able to climb this imposing barrier leading to North Sugarloaf Mountain (2,310 feet). She scooted up the trail, running as fast as she could, on her little four year old legs. This was Maggie’s first climb of a mountain and she couldn’t wait to get to the top. When she reached the base of the ladder, with her mom Meghan carrying her son Gabe in a pack, she began her scramble up the steps that would take her to the summit of North Sugarloaf.

I was inspired to hike a mountain with my young granddaughter after reading Up, A Mother-Daughter Peakbagging Adventure, Patricia Herr’s chronicle of hiking the 48 highest peaks in New Hampshire with her six year old daughter Trish. The book provided me with many insights into parenting, especially in letting children follow their passion and interests. Since Meghan and I both love hiking and have hiked many miles together, it was fitting that we partner with Maggie to support her in her first climb.

When we made it to the top of the ladder it was only a short distance to the open summit with spectacular views of the Zealand Valley and the mountains beyond. Our reward was watching Maggie stand in wonder at the views before her. The awe didn’t last long as she and Gabe began exploring the open rock face of the mountain, running to and fro through the puddles of rain water that had collected in the pot holes of the rock ledge. On our return down the mountain we were greeted by the cooling waters of the Zealand River, as Maggie and I rock-hopped over the fast running water. When we returned to the car and were getting ready to head home, Maggie said, “Pepe, when is our next hike?"

It was only two weeks later when we began our second mountain adventure, climbing Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain (2,180 feet) in the Adirondack Mountains. The odd name is derived from the Algonquin language: "pohqi," meaning broken and "moosie," meaning smooth, (broken-smooth mountain). The mountain is distinctive due to its sheer cliffs and massive rock slides. The 1.8-mile hike to the summit gains 1,280 feet in elevation, giving hikers a steep and challenging climb. However, trekkers are rewarded by impressive views of the Adirondack High Peaks, the Green Mountains in Vermont, and Lake Champlain. In addition a fire tower, erected in 1917, sits on the summit offering a 360 degree view from the cab.

The climb of Poke-O-Moonshine was part of our annual family reunion. A mountain climb was the featured event in this year’s celebration. My brother Hal led the hike with Maggie following close behind, along with Meghan, Rob (with Gabe on his back) and myself following. The newly constructed trail took us up the side of the mountain through immense boulders, climbing steeply to the site of the abandoned fire ranger’s cabin. From here it was a short jaunt to the summit, where we were rewarded with a cooling breeze and magnificent views from the fire tower. Maggie beamed with excitement as she climbed the fire tower and explored the summit. She hiked the entire trail, scrambling over 400 rock steps and taking side trips to climb boulders. She even found a boulder cave to explore. Returning on the same trails, the hike took much less time and we were looking forward to celebrating Nancy’s birthday dinner back at the cabin.

After returning home I considered other mountain climbs fitting for Maggie and other children her age and older. I asked several friends in my hiking community for their suggestions. I received several recommendations from Susan, Beth, Fran, Karen and Sandy. Below are their recommendations and suggestions for hiking with kids.

Beth suggested Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness, overlooking Squam Lake. This is a popular family hike of 0.9 miles following an old cart path to the summit cliffs, offering one of the finest views in the Lakes Region. This is a great hike for young children and as an added bonus the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is just a few miles away. After getting a few hikes under their belt, children would enjoy the challenge of hiking to the fire tower on Belknap Mountain. The views are limited, but the rock scrambles can be fun and adventurous for children. Take the Carriage Road off of Belknap Mountain Road in Gilford. Follow the road through the gate (open only during daylight hours) to the parking lot. From the parking lot it’s a 1.5-mile climb to the summit fire tower. Beth’s grandsons loved the scramble up to Mount Kearsarge (2,100 feet), short, but steep. Kearsarge is located in Wilmot and Warner, and has several trails that lead to the bare rock summit, with spectacular views of the White and Green Mountains, Mount Sunapee and Mount Monadnock. The most popular trails are the Wilmot, Barlow and Warner, which vary in difficulty and mileage, but all can be climbed by children.

Susan recommended Welch and Dickey Mountains in the Waterville Valley area. The trailhead can be found off Route 175 and the trail can be done as an out-and-back to Welch Mountain, 2.8 miles, or Mount Dickey, 4.2 miles, or in a loop over both mountains, 4.4 miles. When the trail reaches the ledges at 1.3 miles, views open to the north and east. Children will enjoy the rock scrambles and having a snack at several view points along the way

Fran suggested Hamlin Woods Conservation area off Chemung Road in Meredith. This conservation area is always a great place for small kids. It offers the possibility for short or long hikes with little climbing. There are also ponds located along the trails where wildlife can be viewed.

Sandy, who has been hiking with her grandchildren for several years, including overnight backpack forays, likes hiking Red Hill on the Red Hill Trail with her younger grandchildren. This hike has outstanding views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Belknap and Ossipee Mountain Ranges and includes a fire tower at the summit. When Sandy hikes with her grandkids she likes them to have a basket or bag to collect interesting objects while they hike. From age six and over she has found that having a camera can provide extra interest in the trail by taking photos of flowers, bugs, rocks, even their mom and dad.

Karen offed, “We started Dylan, our grandson, out on the Waukewan Highlands (off Parade Road in Meredith) White Trail, hiking .4 miles from the parking area to the pond. We later did the full loop that goes up to the high point and then comes by the pond back to the parking lot. We also have followed the entire interpretive trail there, from the parking lot through the old apple orchard and around the pond. Dylan also loved the Lockes Hill loop, which we did clockwise, as it also has a numbered interpretive loop”.

Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest in Center Harbor is a great beginning hike for young kids. Karen feels that it’s a big take-away. “It can be short and easy, and engage children in the experience via teaching them to follow the blazes. Dylan (her grandson) is really into learning to read a map, so we always start and end at the kiosk, showing him where we are going and where we have been. He likes trails that have interesting features along the way that he can follow via the map. Up north he has done Mount Willard, which he quite enjoyed because it was his first time getting the perspective of how high he was, since he could see the very small cars and trucks on Route 301."

Karen adds that proper footwear is essential and the child should have their own backpack. Dylan has an Osprey Jet 12, with a hydration pack so he can stay well hydrated. He carries his water, snacks, rain gear, and a long sleep shirt, plus a copy of the trail map where we are going. Kids need to eat a lot more often, as they are burning so much energy – they have to take way more steps than we do, and sometimes step really high for their short legs. They also need to stop and explore, like when they see a salamander, or a big rock to climb, or a downed tree to walk on like a balance beam.

For more information on climbing with kids check out books like, Hikes with Tykes: A Practical Guide to Day Hiking with Kids, by Rob Bignell or Hiking with Kids: Advice on Gear, Tip and Tricks for Parents. These are just two of many books available to help you get started in hiking with your children or grandchildren. Check in with your local library or bookstore. Also the AMC White Mountain Guide and the Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide are essential for some hikes described above.