Hiking with Kids

[Steve M]

The distance from Mount Clinton Road parking area (which I believe is slightly farther that from the Highland center) to Mount Washington is about 8.4 miles.
Elevation gain is about 4700 feet. It's something like 2.9 miles to Mizpah hut then, including the summits about 5.5 miles.
By the way, I read the earlier posts in this thread and wanted to share with you that my 6 yr. old son and 8 yr. old daughter hiked with me up Tuck's trail, up the headwall crossed over through the Alpine Garden and down Lion's Head Trail which is somewhere around 7 miles and they did great. Sore legs and needing some encouragement...yes, but they loved every minute of it and can't wait to do it again!

[Anthonyplt]

Thank you for the advise & encouragement! We will be hiking to the top hut to hut this weekend.

[Steve M]

Thank you for the advise & encouragement! We will be hiking to the top hut to hut this weekend.

Sounds great, have a good trip and don't forget the trip report and pics.

[sno_gabe]

Last summer me and my son Gabriel, who was six at the time, Hiked up Edmonds path, summited Eisenhower, Monroe, then to Lakes of the Clouds hut. The next morning after breakfast, we hiked around Washington (too cloudy and windy, plus we did that peak the summer before) and summited Jefferson and spent the next night at Madison Springs hut. It took us about seven hours to do seven or so miles. We went at a nice slow pace and he loved it.
http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/Diaryvi...40351&action=L
This link should take you to a page with lots of photos from that trip.

[Steve M]

Last summer me and my son Gabriel, who was six at the time, Hiked up Edmonds path, summited Eisenhower, Monroe, then to Lakes of the Clouds hut. The next morning after breakfast, we hiked around Washington (too cloudy and windy, plus we did that peak the summer before) and summited Jefferson and spent the next night at Madison Springs hut. It took us about seven hours to do seven or so miles. We went at a nice slow pace and he loved it.
http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/Diaryvi...40351&action=L
This link should take you to a page with lots of photos from that trip.

I bet you were so proud of him. I know I was of my two. From those pics it looks like you guys had an awesome time. Kids are great! Thanks for sharing and check out my trip photos at the link below.

[Brad]

Last summer me and my son Gabriel, who was six at the time, Hiked up Edmonds path, summited Eisenhower, Monroe, then to Lakes of the Clouds hut. The next morning after breakfast, we hiked around Washington (too cloudy and windy, plus we did that peak the summer before) and summited Jefferson and spent the next night at Madison Springs hut. It took us about seven hours to do seven or so miles. We went at a nice slow pace and he loved it.
http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/Diaryvi...40351&action=L
This link should take you to a page with lots of photos from that trip.

A wonderful set of pictures. What a great time with your son.

[Steve M]

I bet you were so proud of him. I know I was of my two. From those pics it looks like you guys had an awesome time. Kids are great! Thanks for sharing and check out my trip photos at the link below.

If you want to see our hike up Tuck's here's the specific link:

http://public.fotki.com/wsr88d/new-h...007/day-eight/

[Anthonyplt]

Great trip report
thanks

[mtruman]

Another thing you can consider is skipping Monroe summit on the way to Lakes and then going up later (including after dinner) if you feel up to it. It is a very short hike up from the hut and quite a few people do this. You can also leave your packs at the hut this way. We did that after breakfast before starting out our day in the opposite direction from Lakes to Mizpah and it was really nice. You probably don't need to skip Eisenhower since it is a pretty easy up and down and beautiful from the summit. Our photos from this trip are here.

One thing to note is that you aren't allowed to park at Highland Center overnight unless you are staying there (which we didn't know until we tried it the first time). Some people do it but it is very crowded in August and it's not worth the risk. You can buy a parking pass at Highland Center or at other AMC locations, WMNF visitor centers and many stores for $5 per week and park in the lot across the street at the Crawford Connector trailhead.

Good luck and have fun! Hope you and your son have a great trip.