Friday, June 24, 2011

Want to Hike NH with your kids?

Four Great Kid-friendly Hikes in New Hampshire: 

Justin hiking Mt Major last spring

1.  Mt Major:  Locate a short hike to a beautiful view on one of the main tourist arteries in the Lakes Region and you’re sure to generate plenty of interest. Within easy driving distance of Meredith, Weirs Beach, and Laconia, this well-trod path to the summit of Mount Major is a convenient family outing with sufficient challenge to give those who climb it the feeling they’ve completed a “real ” hike. From the summit, a unique summertime vista also encompasses two Mount Washingtons, the White Mountain peak on the northern horizon, and the historic steamship that plies the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. Special attractions: Wide-angle views of Lake Winnipesaukee spread before a backdrop of White Mountain peaks.
Our favorite hike between Gilford and Laconia, NH!

2.  The hike to Blue Job’s (near Strafford, NH)  fire tower is a popular one with local families. An easy, appealing climb leads to an open summit with views that stretch to Boston, the Atlantic, and the White Mountains. What more can you ask of a mountain? Because the views make the hike, save Blue Job for a cloudless, sunny day. From the northeastern side of the parking lot, head southeast (right) on a wide, well-worn path, following the orange blazes. At first glance, the world of field and forest seems limited to greens and browns. But ask the kids to look for reds, yellows, pinks, and blues, and you’ll all be surprised at how colorful nature is.  Great 1.4 mile hike.
3.  Odiorne Point State Park’s(near Portsmouth NH) 135 acres include 2 miles of seashore, the largest undeveloped coastal tract in New Hampshire. Extending from Odiorne Point to the Witch Creek salt marsh, the park is an ironic blend of serene, natural beach, once called Pannaway by Native Americans, and concrete casements from the long abandoned World War II coastal defense installation of Fort Dearborn. Easy and educational 2.2 mile loop hike.
Marely loved hiking Mt Major!
4.  Boulder Loop:(near Conway NH)  As you hike the Boulder Loop, you’ll feel as if you have your very own naturalist along. Equipped with a White Mountain National Forest interpretive leaflet (available at the trailhead or at the White Mountain National Forest Information Centers) that is keyed to numbered stops along the route, you will gain a better understanding of such common trailside phenomena as lichens, felled trees, and fallen boulders. Looking for the various stations will keep kids moving and will mark their progress in a way they can understand.  This 3.1 mile moderate hike is a bit more of a challenge for some children.


Have you hiked any great trails lately
Coming next: tips for hiking with kids and dogs!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful.
Aday

Mom Does Reviews said...

We love it up here. We had plans to hike Mt Major again today, but it was raining and 55 degrees, so I wrote about it instead!
Happy Blogging!

BarbaraB said...

Your hiking pictures are lovely. Reminds me of North Carolina. Used to hike some with the Girl Scouts.

Mom Does Reviews said...

Thanks for visiting, Barb. It does remind me of the Smokey Mountains from when we lived in Tennessee. When we finally make it to the top, it will not look at all like North Carolina or TN. Those pictures will be coming soon, as soon as we get to the top:)

Unknown said...

I love hiking! Here in Florida we don't do much hiking but we love it. Not too long ago we went white water rafting in SC and we also went hiking. We had a blast. When you get a chance, check out the pictures on my fan page. Wish I could go to NH, looks beautiful!

Mom Does Reviews said...

Diana, I will certainly check our your pics! NH is beautiful, especially when the weather cooperates!

Lisbeth Tanz said...

Pam, I wish I lived in NH! The images are beautiful and I be the weather is cooler than St. Louis!

Mom Does Reviews said...

Yes, Lizbeth, I bet it is cooler here. Today it is 77 and beautiful!
Thanks for visiting!

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