I climb Mt. Major with my 7-year-old daughter each fall. I have been doing this with her since she was four and she has never had any problems although she is very athletic. Keep in mind we are avid hikers and hike about a dozen peaks a year (most considerably harder then Major).
It usually takes us 2-3 hours round trip, with about a 30 minute lunch stop at the top for lunch and a couple of 15 minute breaks.
There are plenty of restrooms, one behind each tree
, there are no conventional ones however.
There are a few views on the way up but most are 2/3 or more up.
There are two trails to the top, the one most everyone uses, stay to the left when you come to the fork, is shorter but steeper. It is fairly rocky but reasonable as long as it's not too wet or snowy (there was snow on the ground when we hiked up in '02). We usually go up that way and come down the back. Most people don't seem to know about the other way down so it is usually much quieter.
Don't go on a weekend or holiday or you'll enjoy the views with a few hundred other hikers.
It is one of the nicest views for the effort that you can make so enjoy.
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Originally Posted by Jan
I'd like to take the kids for a hike up Mt. Major this year but first I'd like to get some some idea what I may be in for. I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has been there and done that. - Is it too hard a hike for kids from 8-10?
- How long will it take for the whole round trip and a little time at the top?
- Are there any restrooms at the bottom, top or along the way?
- Are there views along the way in case we don't make it to the top?
- What is the climb like? Rocky, sandy, steep?
Thanks, J |