Hiking suggestions

[hikingslut]

Hi,

I've been hiking for about 4 years, but my fiance is new to this (and pregnant). She's looking for an easy hike - something not too strenuous. I was thinking about Lafayette (haven't hiked it before), just seeing if anyone could give me feedback or suggest other hikes that may be more appropriate for my fiance.

Thanks.

 

[thetrailboss]

Welcome to the boards, hikingslut! Lafayette is a bit strenuous and a long day. Though the loop (Falling Waters and Bridle Path) is only about 8 miles, it is 3500-4000 vert or so Rough terrain as well. An easy one may be Jackson or Eisenhower if you're braver. If you want a big mountain, take Caps Ridge Trail from the high Jefferson Road...2.5 miles up to a 5000 foot peak.

 

[ChileMass]

A couple of really mellow hikes for a pregnant woman might include Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch (great view - really easy hike), or perhaps the Sugarloaves in Twin Mt which are a bit more strenuous.

How pregnant is she?

 

[Greg]

I would never consider Franconia Ridge for a pregnant women....especially a hiking newbie.

 

[Angus]

mt.willard is 2nd

 

[YardSaleDad]

I've been hiking for about 4 years, but my fiance is new to this (and pregnant).

Hike just about any trail you like, just don't get more than 15 minutes away from the trailhead. Most of the time a pregnant woman can do the activities she could before she was pregnant without a problem up to about the 7 month mark*. Just keep in mind that complications can come up with no warning. Time is vital in those situations. There will be plenty of time later on to hike with a papoose.






* Anyone taking a woman 8 months pregnant hiking, needs professional help.

 

[MARI]

suggestions

Hi there-
I have also hiked pregnant and I would not recommend the Lafayette loop for a pregnant person - Nooo way.It also depends on how far along she is, and what ammount of strenuous hiking she'll be comfortable with. I would even suggest something like Welch and Dickey in Waterville . I went up Flume last weekend up the Osseo trail off Lincoln Woods. That's a good one: then once your up you can decide if you want to bop over and snag Liberty. You will want a "moderate" hike with not too much struggle or strain. The last thing you want is for her to get injured or over-heated and exhausted. Having been pregnant before while hiking is a different kind of experience. There is a greater degree of caution she may want to exercise. If you can get up something like a 3K in the "moderate zone", and all goes well, then you might crank it up a notch. But I say, slow and easy wins the race!

 

[Mike P.]

How pregnant, how new to hiking & other activity. My concern would be an accidental fall, while possible on Willard, the footing there is very good so it's less likely. (That said, I've also twisted my ankle stepping off curbs in the city)

It would be one thing if she was a real hard core hiker already

Lafayette, No way unless she is an extreme athlete

If you had to do a 4K I'd look at either Osceola from Tripoli or Pierce, good footing on these.

If she is not in real good shape, at most I'm thinking, Sugarloaf (NH not ME), Willard, Martha, up to Lonesone Lake, to Zealand Hut

How much stress & potential risk to you want to place on her & the baby??????

 

[David Metsky]

How pregnant is the right question? Lafayette is a significant hike, 4000' of climbing, lots of scrambling, and a long section above treeline. If she's looking for an easy hike, this ain't it.

There are many smaller hikes, not necessarily to summits that may fit the bill. The hike to Lonesome Lake Hut is a nice hike, or Mt Pemigewasset with some great views off the summit ledges. A trip to Zealand Falls Hut, and then through Zealand Notch to Thoreau Falls would be a good day, or from the hut go up to ZeaCliffs.

-dave-

 

[ga2ski]

My wife (at one month) and her best friend (at 3 months pregnant) hiked Moosilauke ascending via the Gorge brook Trail and descending on the carriage road. They enjoyed, but were very glad that is all they hiked that day.

Good luck with the hiking and the baby.