Need help planning trip with 6 year old kid

[hikingslut]

Hey everyone,

I'm planning on taking my six year old nephew hiking in a few weeks. Mostly, I want him to have fun and enjoy being in the woods, but selfishly also want to cross of another 4000 footer. I was hoping to hike something that had waterfalls/streams along the way and isn't too strenuous/too long. I was thinking about Tecumseh (Tecumseh Trail), but wanted some feedback from others that may hiked it.
If you don't think any of the 4000 footers are a good idea, the other option I had in mind was Chocorua.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mike P.]

IMO Chocura is as hard or harder than some 4,000, like Tecumseh.

Does your nephew ski? If yes, a brook with some small cascades, views from the ski slope & a short hike up a 4K peak is all there on Tecumseh from Waterville Valley. That said, I prefer the longer trip from Tripoli road better.

Osceola is not too hard & the views from the summit are some of the best. Taking him to East Osceola should really not be considered.

If you opt for a shorter hike, Middle Sugarloaf is very nice, great views & the start (& end) is near a large brook he could splash around in later. Just going to Lonesome Lake would be fun too.

I have found kids like water, just being out in the woods & some great views. A little ledgy area on the trail you may think is just an obstacle on the way to the top can be really fun all by itself.

 

[hikingslut]

Thanks for the information. As always, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[billski]

uh-oh

Having raised 3 kids, and really, really wanting them to be out in the woods, I think a 4000-footer with a 6YO is ill-advised, unless s/he is exceptionally focused with great stamina and athletic ability -or- if you plan to carry him/her. Even a 2000-footer would be too much. Honestly, any hike more than an hour to two is too much. And, as others have suggested, you'd better plan on being the entertainment committee, in addition to the regular duties.

If this is his first time out, you don't want to get two hours into a hike to find out he's not "with the program."

I first started my little ones in a frame backpack (on my back), then we worked it up slowly. I mean, like one hour at a start. We would also have a lot of whining about bugs, water and "how much longer?" regardless of how much "fun" I would try to pack in. They're in their teens and college-age now, wanting to do most things without dad,so I'm back to solo hiking again. I hope and trust that some of the appreciation of the outdoors will sink into their subconscious and stay with them.

 

[Mike P.]

We've taken our kids now 8 & 5 to Baxter in NY & Black Cap in NH. Neither trip had over 1000 of vertical. When 6 & 3 on Black Cap the 3 year old was carried most of the way on easy on tougher terrain & in one spot I carried them both (not at the same time). Last year on Baxter, I helped the 4 year old only on one spot. This year we will try Norwottuck in MA.

I have seen young kids 8 or so winter hiking up Lafayette though too.