Hitting the Trail … With Baby

By Lee Darcy

    After I had my first child last year, I thought my hiking days were over, at least for her first summer. During those first few blurry-eyed newborn weeks, and while I was pacing the house trying to get my new daughter to sleep, I dreamed about the following year, and she would be able to go on outings outside.
    Somewhere about the thousandth trip around the house, the idea hit me that while my daughter might not be old enough for the backpack-style carrier I had in mind, but I had a front-pack carrier which was only gathering dust. The beautiful late spring weather was another enticement – there was no reason I couldn’t take her outside instead of pacing around the house. I strapped on the baby, and we were off on our first outdoor adventure.
    I discovered that hiking is especially good for a new mother – it isn’t competitive, so you can set your own pace; it gets you out of the house, so you can’t see the chores piling up; and the exercise helps you shed baby weight and helps to prevent postpartum depression. As a bonus, you are also introducing your little bundle of joy to nature as your steady rhythm lulls them to sleep. Just check with your doctor – and the baby’s doctor – before heading out, and of course no matter what your situation, always consider safety.
    Here in southeast Vermont and southwest New Hampshire, we are lucky to have many safe, family-friendly hiking areas. Now that the weather is getting warmer again, consider taking your little ones (or not so little ones) on outdoor adventures of your own. There are trails appropriate for every level, so that the entire family can participate, no matter what their age or ability may be.
    Wondering where to venture out? These are some local hikes which baby and I have both enjoyed. Check out the facility’s website for contact information, directions, and the most current information about prices and trail conditions.

Fort Dummer State Park
Level: Easy
Cost: Memorial Day – Labor Day $3 for ages 14 and up, $2 for ages 4-13, free for ages three and younger. Free for all between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Web Site: www.vtstateparks.com/htm/fortdummer.cfm

Sweets Pond State Park
Level: Easy
Cost: Undeveloped state park, free for all ages, all year.
Contact: (802) 241-3655

Retreat Trails Network
Level: Easy to moderate, depending on the trail
Cost: None.
Web Site: www.theretreatfarm.com/foundation/retreatfarm/events.html

Chesterfield Gorge
Level: Easy to moderate (coming back to the parking lot is all uphill)
Cost: None
Web Site: www.nhstateparks.org/state-parks/alphabetical-order/chesterfield-gorge-natural-area

Putney Mountain
Level: Easy to Moderate
Cost: None
Web Site: www.putneymountain.org/Home.html

Mt. Wantastiquet (Rattlesnake Mountain)
Level: Moderate
Cost: None
Web Site: www.chesterfieldoutdoors.com/plands/wantas.html

Molly Stark State Park
Level: Moderate, one difficult part near the fire tower.
Cost: Memorial Day – Labor Day $3 for ages 14 and up, $2 for ages 4-13, free for ages three and younger. Free for all between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Web Site: www.vtstateparks.com/htm/mollystark.cfm

Townshend State Park
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Cost: Memorial Day – Labor Day $3 for ages 14 and up, $2 for ages 4-13, free for ages three and younger. Free for all between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Web Site: www.vtstateparks.com/htm/townshend.cfm

Black Mountain
Level: Difficult
Cost: None.
Web Site: www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/vermont/preserves/art7276.html

Mt. Monadnock
Level: Difficult
Cost: $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-11, free for children ages five and younger, free for NH residents age 65 and over.
Web Site: www.nhstateparks.org/state-parks/alphabetical-order/monadnock-state-park