When you think of the Seacoast, I’m assuming that mountains don’t readily come to mind. However, while the southeastern portion of New Hampshire and Maine don’t have the largest mountains in the region – there are a few Seacoast peaks that are perfect for little legs. Whether you’re looking for a manageable all day climb or a short toddler trek, there’s something for everyone. Read on for five Seacoast peaks that your kid can summit.
First: Plan Ahead and Be Prepared!
Before you even take to the trails, be sure to plan out your day. Even short hikes can result in an emergency if you don’t take precautions. Whatever your trek, download or bring a copy of the map, tell someone your plan, check the local weather, and pack the ten essentials (below). It might seem overkill, but I’ve had to learn this lesson the hard way. That one time I left the first aid kit in the car on a half mile trail was also the time my five year old punctured his neck falling on a stick, leaving me totally unprepared. My son healed, but the trauma of the experience scared me into always making sure I’m prepared for anything.
Pack the Hikers Ten Essentials
- Food: Bring some fun treats (and bribes) to keep the kids energized and happy on the trail.
- Water: Bring a liter of water per person for a half day hike.
- Emergency shelter: If you’re trapped in the elements for hours, can you stay warm? Pack everyone an emergency blanket or emergency bivvy sack.
- Extra Clothes: It seems to be Murphy’s Law – if there is mud or water on the trail – the kid will fall in. An extra set of clothes and jacket will ensure that everyone stays comfy and dry!
- Multitool/Knife: This is essential for gear repairs and first aid. I carry a lightweight Swiss Army Knife.
- Navigation: For some Seacoast hikes a digital map like All Trails, Gaia, or the Seacoast Hikes ebook can help you navigate. It’s always smart to print or download the official map in case of loss of signal or a damaged phone. I always pack my compass as well.
- Illumination: One of the biggest outdoor emergencies is people getting trapped in the dark. Don’t rely on your phone’s light. Pack a headlamp. I love these lightweight (and cheap) ones from WalMart.
- First Aid Kit: I personally put together my own hiking first aid kit to include kid-friendly medications and bandages as well as essentials for my dog, but there are also plenty of pre-made hiking first aid kits available.
- Fire: Pack matches or a lighter in your first aid kit in case you need to start a fire, whether for warmth or signaling.
- Heat/Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats will keep you and your little ones protected from UV rays.
Other: When hiking with kids, I highly recommend you attach a whistle to their clothes or pack. Teach them that if they get lost, to stay in one place and blow the whistle until a grown-up comes to find them. Many kids hiking packs actually come with whistles built into the chest strap buckle, which is great.
5 Seacoast Peaks Your Kid Can Summit
1. Mt Agamenticus – York, Maine
Mt Agamenticus (or Mt A as it’s nicknamed) is a beloved hiking system in York, Maine. While there are a diverse assortment of trails, my favorite for kids is to park at the summit parking lot and take the Fischer Trail down to the Ring Trail. This 2.3 mile loop wraps through forest, rocky trail, and has lots of peeps of good views. It also often has a storybook trail section! The trail is moderately difficult with some elevation changes, rocks, and roots – so it’s definitely not stroller friendly. For navigation, use AllTrails, Mt Agamenticus’s website, or navigate using my ebook, Seacoast Hikes and Nature Walks, on your phone.
2. Little Blue Job Mountain – Strafford, New Hampshire
Little Blue Job (pronounced Blue “Joe”) is located on First Crown Point Rd in Strafford. There’s a large, free parking lot and well signed trailhead. Families can hike the 2.1 mile loop, or simply do the 1.6 mile out and back to Little Blue Job. The view is one of the best in the Seacoast region. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to Mt Washington! My kids were able to easily summit Little Blue Job (without whining or being carried) at age 4. Now aged 5 and 7, they are faster than me climbing up it! The trail is moderately difficult due to the 400 feet of elevation gain and some roots and muddy spots on the trail (leave the stroller at home). In addition, leashed dogs are allowed. The trail map is available online or you can track your route on AllTrails app.
3. Stratham Hill- Stratham, New Hampshire
The thing I’ve enjoyed most about Stratham Hill trails is that, as my kids grow, we get to take more and more advantage of all it has to offer. But even my two year olds were able to summit “Stratham Hill” to the fire tower. From the main parking lot on Portsmouth Ave, hikers can take the Lincoln Trailhead, which is located on the left just before the concession stand. The trail climbs a wide, gravel trail through forest for 0.2 miles to the summit. Visitors can also climb the tower to get even more amazing views of the Seacoast! If you’re up for a longer hike, tackle the Perimeter Loop trail as outlined in my book, the park website, or track your route on AllTrails.
4. Pine Mountain – Alton, New Hampshire
While Alton probably isn’t technically the Seacoast, the extra bit of travel is worthwhile for this this kid-friendly mountain. Take the Avery Road trail on Avery Hill Road on the 1.8 mile loop hike to the summit of Pine Mountain. This moderate, 300 foot climb, awards its hikers with views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding Belknap mountains. Bring a summit picnic because you’ll want to spend some time soaking in the view. Track your trail on the AllTrails App to make sure you don’t get lost and can find the trailhead. This trail is managed by the Forests Society meaning parking is free and leashed dogs are allowed.
5. Bauneg Beg – North Berwick, Maine
This 1.5 mile loop hike is a secret of the Seacoast. Bauneg Beg Mountain is located on Fox Farm Road on the North Berwick/South Sanford line in Maine. The trail is mostly easy/moderate with one short, steep section. From the summit ledge, enjoy sweeping views of both the forest and hills. This trail has free parking managed by Great Works Regional Land Trust and allows dogs. A trail map is available on the GWRLT website as well as AllTrails.
Give Them a Go!
Whether you’re new to hiking or just looking for some small peaks that little legs can handle, these Seacoast peaks your kids can summit are a friendly reminder that our region has so much to offer. If a summit still sounds a little intimidating, try my ideas for toddler-friendly Seacoast trails and learn why Seacoast hikes saved my sanity!
