All About Mt. Major

chocophile · 04-10-2004, 01:39 PM

Two additional thoughts (beyond those mentioned):
1. I think some of the times quoted are a little ambitious if you're not an avid hiker. Our son (age 10) was fine, but an adult in our party needed some rest along the way. Bring water!

2. There really are a lot of people on that trail, and parking at the trail head is difficult. Do try to go at "off" times.

nj2nh · 05-18-2004, 04:16 PM

My husband has been taking my boys, now 8 and 10, up Mt. Major for several years. I think my youngest was probably 3 when he first went up. I have done it and use that time to go shopping now.

Anyway, it is really an easy hike - probably easier for kids than some adults. However, there is a rocky area with a steep climb near the top. Just wanted to warn you.

Jersey Girl

lakegirl · 05-19-2004, 09:52 AM

I agree with Jersey Girl. It is a pretty easy hike. My husband and I took my daughter up last summer when she was 1 ( in a baby hiking carrier ). In the past we have taken our dog up and our looking forward to bringing our new puppy as well. The views are awesome on a clear day.

abay · 05-19-2004, 11:28 AM

As was mentioned already, there are two trails available from the Rte. 11 trailhead. The left at the fork (about 2/3 of the way up) is the more difficult, yet more scenic and popular. The difficulty is primarily due to a somewhat steep rock scramble near the summit. Taking a right at the fork results in a much more gradual climb.

My kids would hike with me from about age 4 and up. We went so often that they knew the route better than most. Would always beat me to the top.

I like to make it into a circular hike, returning on the easier route, even though it is slightly longer. (Downhill is always the more difficult on the knees).

Regardless, make sure you have appropriate footwear. Ankle support is needed, and the rocks at the top can be very slippery.

BroadHopper · 10-12-2004, 08:46 AM

There is a cool website that has a list of trails for kids. www.geocaching.com It will turn a trail into a treasure hunt. If you have a GPS you can download the quadrients. The site teaches the kids how to use a GPS as well as get them interested in hiking.

View Poll Results: Have you ever climbed Mt. Major?
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No	215	41.35%
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04-10-2004, 01:39 PM	#1
chocophile Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 19-Mile Bay Posts: 112 Thanks: 15 Thanked 30 Times in 13 Posts	Mt. Major Hike Two additional thoughts (beyond those mentioned): 1. I think some of the times quoted are a little ambitious if you're not an avid hiker. Our son (age 10) was fine, but an adult in our party needed some rest along the way. Bring water! 2. There really are a lot of people on that trail, and parking at the trail head is difficult. Do try to go at "off" times.

05-18-2004, 04:16 PM	#2
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 529 Thanks: 80 Thanked 47 Times in 27 Posts	Mt. Major for kids My husband has been taking my boys, now 8 and 10, up Mt. Major for several years. I think my youngest was probably 3 when he first went up. I have done it and use that time to go shopping now. Anyway, it is really an easy hike - probably easier for kids than some adults. However, there is a rocky area with a steep climb near the top. Just wanted to warn you. Jersey Girl

05-19-2004, 09:52 AM	#3
lakegirl Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gilford-Northern MA Posts: 38 Thanks: 3 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	I agree with Jersey Girl. It is a pretty easy hike. My husband and I took my daughter up last summer when she was 1 ( in a baby hiking carrier ). In the past we have taken our dog up and our looking forward to bringing our new puppy as well. The views are awesome on a clear day. __________________ Lakegirl Never leave home without your camera

10-12-2004, 08:46 AM	#5
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,594 Thanks: 3,236 Thanked 1,111 Times in 798 Posts	Got Kids? There is a cool website that has a list of trails for kids. www.geocaching.com It will turn a trail into a treasure hunt. If you have a GPS you can download the quadrients. The site teaches the kids how to use a GPS as well as get them interested in hiking.

05-19-2004, 11:28 AM	#4
abay Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	As was mentioned already, there are two trails available from the Rte. 11 trailhead. The left at the fork (about 2/3 of the way up) is the more difficult, yet more scenic and popular. The difficulty is primarily due to a somewhat steep rock scramble near the summit. Taking a right at the fork results in a much more gradual climb. My kids would hike with me from about age 4 and up. We went so often that they knew the route better than most. Would always beat me to the top. I like to make it into a circular hike, returning on the easier route, even though it is slightly longer. (Downhill is always the more difficult on the knees). Regardless, make sure you have appropriate footwear. Ankle support is needed, and the rocks at the top can be very slippery.