Elevation: 1,230 ft (overall) 1,669 ft (total)
Time: (with a 5 and 10 year old setting the pace) 2:23 (Ledges) 3:19 (Summit) 5:02 (Total)
Trails: UNH Trail
For a family hike with my wife and both daughters, we picked Hedgehog Mountain accessed from the Kancamagus Highway. This would be a new peak for all of us and with that, some new trails for me to add for redlining. This hike uses just one trail, the UNH Trail, which splits and forms a loop. My plan was to do this loop clockwise so that we could hit the ledges before we got to the summit.
This hike starts off from the Downes Brook Trailhead with the UNH Trail going off to the left almost immediately. It follows what appears to be on old railroad grade which makes for easy walking to start getting yourself warmed up. After about 0.2 miles, the hiking trail breaks off to the right. It starts to gain more elevation now, but it is still pretty easy hiking. After about 0.5 miles of this, you get to the split in the trail and can choose which direction you will go.
The split in the trail with signs giving directions
As planned, we took a left at the split. The trail losses a little bit of elevation in this direction before starting to gain elevation again. This side of the loop starts with good footing on the trail which then goes away some for parts of it as it gets more rocky or has more roots in the trail. All in all though, it stays pretty good for a trail in the White Mountains though.
Gaining elevation while surrounded by green
A short root filled section of trail
While on our way up the trail getting closer to the ledges, there was a small viewpoint on the left of the trail that made for a nice shaded area to have a rest and a snack to keep everyone's energy up. After our break, we got moving again and were soon at the start of the exposed ledges that this hike is known for. We took another much longer break here after finding some nice rocks to sit on in the shade. Everyone, especially the kids, thought the view here was great. The open ledges do provide a nice view, and it is nice after the close up view of Mt. Passaconaway from a side other than the south that most hikers see if from.
Mt. Passaconaway from the ledges
View east from the ledges
After this longer break, we got moving again and followed the trail along the sections of open ledges. As noted in the guide book, care should be taken through here to make sure you are staying on the trail. While in the open, the trail makes a left turn without much for markings on the ground. If you aren't looking for the markings that start going to your left, you are likely to go straight like my wife and daughters did in this area. The open area through the small trees does make it appear that the trail goes straight, but very quickly you come to a spot where the trail just seems to have stopped. We went back just a bit, and after looking for more yellow blazes, were able to see where the trail actually turns left and heads back into the trees.
In the area where the trail makes a left without much indication
Leaving the ledges, the trail drops down in elevation a little before maintaining a consist elevation for a while. As the trail loops around to the right more after going mostly straight, it starts to gain elevation quickly. This is probably the steepest section of trail for the day. This steeper climb leads you up to the summit though and once it levels out some, you are near the high point for the hike. As we went up the trail and crossed over small ups and downs, we tried to determine which spot was the highest. Based on the description from the trail guide, we decided a small opening to the left of the trail was the high point. We took a nice long break here to have lunch and rest our bodies some.
An interesting rock face next to the trail
View from the summit
View from the summit
Family photo
The hike down was a pleasant one with my daughters playing a game of seeing how many trees they could find that had a painted blaze on both sides of them. There weren't any overly difficult sections of trail to slow us down. There were some partial views through and over the trees after leaving the summit, and the short side trip up the path to Allen's Ledge was worth the effort. This was the best view of the descent and it wasn't too hard to climb up to.
A bit of a view shortly after leaving the summit
After Allen's Ledge, the remainder of the hike out went very smoothly with everyone's mood staying good while we had a easily walk back to the car. After the trail joins back up to itself, we knew exactly what to expect and were able to keep moving at a good speed until we got back to the car where a big jug of ice water was waiting for all of us.
For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE
View from Allen's Ledge
After Allen's Ledge, the remainder of the hike out went very smoothly with everyone's mood staying good while we had a easily walk back to the car. After the trail joins back up to itself, we knew exactly what to expect and were able to keep moving at a good speed until we got back to the car where a big jug of ice water was waiting for all of us.
Google Earth representation of the hike
For all the pictures from the hike, just go HERE
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