Adventure with Alex

The last couple weeks I’ve enjoyed a few quick trails with Alex as I re-discover how much fun hiking for the sake of hiking (vrs. to get to a technical climb) can be. Below is a quick recap of some easy short hikes that are perfect for infant and new dad alike!

Pudding Pond Loop

Pudding Pond Loop

This is a great 2 mile loop within walking distance of North Conway Village. Just off the North South Road and Artist Falls Rd it provides a little quiet relief from the busy Rt 16 less than a mile away. The flat 2 mile loop took us just under an hour. An unusually wet Spring must have raised the pond’s levels a bit as sections along the pond itself were temporarily re-routed a bit further back from the wetland area.

Alex seems to do only one of two things while riding in the pack. Coo and sing “ahhhh ahhhh ahhhh” constantly or sleep… his vocalizing is one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard…

Echo Lake State Park

Echo Lake State Park

This state park has a lot of trails packed into a small area, but most people stay right at the beach area on Echo Lake so you don’t need to walk far to find a little solitude. Simply walking around the lake will probably take 20 minutes but there are dozens of side trails to explore with interesting things in the woods, from old foundations to a 1940’s car body… seems like NH woods are always filled with history!

http://www.nhstateparks.com/echo.html

Somewhat outdated website, but this is a very friendly area to wander around in. As long as you don’t hike up hill more than 200+ feet you shouldn’t even need a map *GASP* (I can’t believe I just said that being the map & compass kinda guy I am).

Rocky Gorge, Falls Pond Trail

Falls Pond Trail

I’d stopped at Rocky Gorge before but hadn’t taken the loop trail around this beautiful mountain pond. This little area gets 5 stars as a quickie type destination as it has great geology, ecology, and informational signs depicting some of the natural processes happening here. A total gem!

Rocky Gorge. Be sure to read the informational sign nearby by explaining the historic reason why swimming is not allowed there. It should give you goosebumps…

Falls Pond. Apparently this pond is making the slow transition to wetlands -> forest. I think you’re OK if you hike around it in the next decade or two though…

Black Cap Trail

Black Cap Trail

While I feel like I am cheating a little bit slipping this one in here as Alex was not with me, it definitely qualifies as a “Shortie but goodie” perfect for infants and toddlers. In fact while on the trail I came across some good friends descending from the small peak with their 2 month old swaddled and asleep in mommy’s wrap. Pure awesome!

Will pinpoints his location on the map using “re-section”

I was teaching a Land Navigation Workshop for the Mount Washington Observatory’s educational series. I’m teaching it for them one more time on August 4th, details here.

Diana’s Baths

Diana’s Baths

Located off of River Rd only 10 minutes from North Conway Village this is probably the most popular “shortie” in the area. Expect to share the trail with many hikers/swimmers/picknick’ers’. A very well graded trail .7 miles long leads to some beautiful small falls and water holes with a few picnic tables scattered along the trail. Until you reach the actual “baths” the trail is flat enough to be considered wheel-chair accessible.

The bridge just before reaching the “bath’s”

Staying cool in the mist of the falls

So there you go, 5 quick escapes, all under 2 hours in length to some beautiful spots around Mount Washington Valley. Each has a unique natural feel to it and is well worth the effort. You could easily fit 2,3, or even all 5 of these spots into an adventurous day. But why cram them all into one day? I see kids enjoying the woods when not rushed or held to a schedule. They see things we often over look, and hiking these trails with Alex is definitely opening my eyes to the natural world again.

Coming soon, Osprey Poco Premium Backpack Review, a few book suggestions, and much more. If you enjoyed browsing this post please subscribe at the top right of the website, it’s free, and it motivates me to keep writing.

And finally, I welcome comments. So any kid friendly hikes in the Whites you love? Or in your hometown? Please share them by leaving a comment below.

Happy Trails,