Elevation: 1,646 ft (overall) 1,790 ft (total)
Time: 4:58 (Summit) 8:48 (Total) -- With a 5 year old setting the pace
Trails: Old Halfway House Trail, Thoreau Trail, Cliff Walk Trail, Smith Connecting Trail, Amphitheatre Trail, White Arrow Trail, Old Toll Road
Today's hike of Mt. Monadnock would be a bit different than normal for me. Today would be my oldest (5 yrs) daughter's first attempt to hike it all under her own power. After a couple other test hikes earlier this year, I think she is ready to try hiking her first "big" peak. I choose a route that would let her do things she likes. Multiple views on the way up, some of my favorite spots, and plenty of rocks to scramble up and over.
Ready to start the hike
We started off on the Old Halfway House Trail as I'd much rather hike the trail next to the road than walk up the road, plus I figured we would be coming down the road at the end when she was more tired. After our first view at the Old Halfway House site, we went up the Thoreau Trail which at it's end brought us to another view. From there we continued up the Cliff Walk Trail which has scattered views and some scrambly bits before a great view at Bald Rock.
Happily hiking up the trail
View from the Cliff Walk Trail
Climbing a rocky section
From Bald Rock we went up the Smith Connecting Trail and then across part of the Amphitheatre Trail. Both of these trails have some interesting things to look at along them if you are paying attention. Whether it be interesting rocks or trees in odd shapes from dealing with the weather and continuing to grow. Once to the White Arrow Trail we took that up to the summit since it had more climbing up and over child sized rocks. My daughter seemed to always want to go over those rocks rather than around.
Made it to Bald Rock and still happy
A small downpour just missing the mountain
At the summit it was pretty breezy, so my daughter didn't get very far from my side since it was a bit hard for her to walk without getting blown around. After pointing out some of the things you can see from the summit (unfortunately she couldn't make out Boston when I tried to show her that) we found a place for some snacks and drinks away from the most crowded spots. It was busy at the summit, but not as busy as I expected.
Made it to the summit
Trying to stay out of the wind
Summit views
Summit views
For the descent we went down the White Arrow Trail and then the Old Toll Road. I thought being the most direct route this would help with my daughter's tired legs. In hind sight I should have thought about her needing to climb down over all the rocks on this route. Next time I think I would come down the Sidefoot Trail as it has better footing and wouldn't really add much if any distance. Near the bottom of the Old Toll Road I could tell my daughter was getting pretty tired. I offered to carry her backpack at this point and it was the first time I had to help her carry her stuff. I was super impressed with how well she did for the entire hike and how much fun she was having the entire time. She was thrilled to tell everyone about the hike, even while we were still on our way down.
Interesting clouds on the descent
Google Earth representation of the hike
For all the pictures from the hike, just go to my gallery on SmugMug
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