26 Jul Hitting The Trail with Grandchildren

What could be better than introducing your grandkids to hiking and the great outdoors! The Mountain Fare Inn can help make that happen. Come on up to the White Mountains and enjoy some of the most family friendly hiking trails around.
Here are some tips that we have gathered from around the web just for grandparents:

• Slow and easy. Don’t push kids too long and too far and make sure to take sufficient rest stops and snack breaks.
• Grandchildren like to feel they are part of the team by carrying some of the gear. They love headlamps and flashlights.
• A sturdy branch can make the perfect junior-size walking stick.
• Add some challenge, please. Kids like climbing boulders, running up and down hills, splashing in creeks.
• You can turn a hike into a treasure hunt using pictures of flowers, insects, or wildlife.

Nearby Kid friendly hikes from the AMC
Glen Ellis Falls. The roundtrip hike to this 64-foot waterfall near Pinkham Notch is under a mile — 0.6 mile, to be precise. This hike is a good choice for toddlers and first-time hikers.

Shorter and easier
Old Bridle Path to West Rattlesnake. This hike to a low-but-spectacular summit at the southern edge of the White Mountains is a classic first hike for children. You’ll get a 360-degree view of New Hampshire’s lakes region, with the deep blue of Squam Lake below you.

Steeper but not too long
Arethusa Falls Trail and Bemis Brook Trail. The Arethusa Falls Trail in Crawford Notch rises steeply but quickly to the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire: Hikers gain 750 feet in elevation over 1.3 miles. An option for very young hikers is the Bemis Brook Trail, which departs from the Arethusa Falls trail at 0.1 mile and passes by two smaller waterfalls over the next 0.4 mile.

Family-friendly longer hike
Lincoln Woods to Franconia Falls. If you want a walk in the woods without a lot of uphill or rocks, this is the hike for you. The trail follows an old railroad grade (used by logging companies from the late 1880s until 1946) along the west bank of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River for 2.9 miles. A short (0.4 mile) spur trail and a level walk takes you to flat rocks at the base of Franconia Falls. Total roundtrip is 6.6 miles and 500 feet elevation gain — with plenty of cold water to soothe tired feet.

Let us be your basecamp. In addition to the Main Inn, the adjacent Carriage House has three large guest rooms plus a Swedish sauna and a game room with a pool table. If you are thinking of a get away with your grandchildren, the Carriage House is a warm, wonderful environment. What could be more fun than remembering your day of adventure together over one of our yummy full breakfasts?  Inquire about our Exclusive Rentals!