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2 Awesome Mountains Your Toddler Can Hike!

mharding221
Oct 5, 2015
2 min read

There's something about hiking to the top of a mountain, that gives a sense of accomplishment you just don't feel when you hike flat, straight trails. So of course, I was super excited to introduce the Munchkin to mountain hiking. We've been on a few different ones now (he is 4 now after all), but these two are easy, short, and have wonderful views.

1. Hooksett Pinnacle- Hooksett, NH, elevation: 485 ft. The small parking lot for the Pinnacle mountain is clearly marked off Pinnacle Street (which is off Rt. 3A/West River Rd.) You'll find the trailhead just past the picnic tables.

Overview: The ascent is very gradual (and beautiful), with virtually no "sketchy" parts. Once you reach the top, you'll have great views of the Hooksett Library and all the bridges and water in between. Roundtrip from the parking lot is about a mile. Great for ages 3 and up (maybe even 2 if they're great walkers/climbers).

Wanderer's Tip: I highly recommend using a hiking app (like MapMyHike) for this area. Although the trails are lined with logs so you don't veer off course, there are a few forks which lead to private property (you'll see "no trespassing" signs). This app can help you keep track of where you've been and lets you know if you're retracing your steps. We followed the (only) signs that said "Switchback Trail" and "To Summit".

Wanderer's Tip: There are no bathrooms, but the hike up (if done straight, with little stopping), should only take you about 15 minutes, so plan accordingly.

2. Bald Mountain- Franconia Notch, NH, elevation: 2340 ft. Take exit 34C off Rt. 93, and head towards the Cannon Mountain Ski Area. Directly across the street from the ski area, you'll find a large, dirt parking lot and a trailhead sign for Bald Mountain.

Overview: A heavily wooded, rocky path winds up to the summit, pretty well marked with red dashes of paint on the trees and rocks. A few spots near the top require some scrambling up short rock faces, so I wouldn't recommend baby-wearing (or babies any other way here). The trees thin out at the top to give you gorgeous views of the Notch and the surrounding mountains. Don't let the elevation scare you; this hike will probably only take you an extra 5 or 10 minutes longer than the Pinnacle. Great for ages 4 and up.

Wanderer's Tip: On the way up, as I mentioned, there are a few steep, rocky parts that you might have to hoist your kiddo up (or at least give them a helping hand). On the way down, I had the Munchkin slide down those parts on his bum. Not only did it make things way easier and safer, but he thought it was loads of fun! Just make sure your kid doesn't wear thin pants. :)

Wanderer's Tip: There is more than one "Bald Mountain" in NH (one in Antrim, and I think at least one other), so when you look up directions and info, make sure you specify that it's in Franconia Notch.