Summary
Create colorful memories with the kids hiking in Vermont. With a bit of planning, smart packing, and a sense of humor, you can make magical family fun.
Hiking with kids can be a bit chaotic, a bit comedic, and a lot of fun. In Vermont’s Green Mountains it’s magical – especially in the fall. With a bit of planning, some smart packing, and a sense of humor, you can create colorful memories that will last longer than the maple leaves on the trees. Whether you’re trekking with a baby in a carrier, a fearless toddler, or a teen who thinks hiking is “just walking, but worse”, we’ve got tips to help make your family hike fun, safe and… peaceful (maybe?).
Pick the Right Trail
Have you heard of mid-trail regret syndrome? (Probably not because we just made it up). Your six-year-old may think he can sprint up Mount Everest, but odds are a three or four mile hike will do just fine.
- Check the distance and elevation gain. Resort websites and AllTrails are great for finding kid-friendly trails in Vermont. It’s not necessary to purchase an AllTrails account for basic information. Ski areas also often have multiple peaks, and a mid station hike might provide all the views you need!
- Does is make sense to add a scenic lift ride? If young kids can’t handle the base-to-summit trails, many ski areas offer scenic lift rides to the top or mid station, so you can ride to ridgeline trails. Hike or ride down.
- Look for loop trails. Nothing kills motivation faster than: “We have to go all the way back?”
- Choose trails with fun features. Waterfalls, streams, bridges, or even a big rock to climb are big attractions for tiny trekkers.
Dress for All Occasions
If you’ve ever been caught on a hike in a surprise downpour with a kid wearing a cotton t-shirt… you know how important clothing is!
- Layers, layers, layers. Vermont weather can be moody. Dress for the worst mood.
- Avoid cotton. It stays wet and cold. Go for wool or synthetics, even for socks. There are many second-hand gear stores in Vermont that sell base layers that don’t break the bank.
- Footwear matters. Kids don’t need fancy hiking boots, but sturdy shoes with a good grip will prevent wipeouts on the trail.
- Bring extras. Extra socks, extra shirts, extra everything. We often leave these in the trunk during hiking season, just in case. Kids attract mud like magnets attract… other magnets.
- Wear a hat. The sun can be intense, even in the fall.
Snacks are Key
The Real MVP – Hiking burns energy. So does whining. Combat both with strategic snackage.
- Pack a variety of food and throw in a treat the kids don’t often get to have. Sweet, salty, fruity, crunchy… basically a hiking charcuterie board.
- Don’t forget plenty of water! Even when it’s cold out, hydration is important when working up a sweat.
Pace Yourself
Go slow, and account for this in your plan for the day. You may be used to hiking for cardio or serenity. With kids, it’s more like a slow-motion scavenger hunt.
- Let the kids explore. Every bug, stick, and oddly-shaped rock is a fascinating discovery. The point of family hikes is to enjoy the time together, even if that means spending 45 minutes building a fairy house in the woods.
- Play games. Try “I Spy”, “20 Questions”, or “Don’t Step on a Crack” (spoiler, everyone steps on a crack).
- Teach along the way. Kids are natural scientists: curious, messy, and completely interested in the rocks. Point things out, ask questions and encourage kids to take photos (you can even get your kids their own cameras for this purpose!)
- Let your kids pack a few toys in a backpack. This is a great motivator for getting to a specified spot to play with the toys for a bit. Our kids love little toy boats to play with in streams.
Safety First, Then Fun
Don’t spoil a great outdoor experience by being unprepared or uneducated about how to stay safe and smart in the wilderness.
- Go over basic trail etiquette. Stay on the trail, don’t pick flowers, be friendly to other hikers, yield to uphill hikers, etc.
- Teach Leave No Trace. Pack it in, pack it out. That includes snack wrappers, lost socks, and possibly your will to continue.
- Bring a basic first aid kit, plus sunscreen and bugspray.
- Check your service. If you don’t have any at the mountain, try checking in with someone at the mountain, so they have record of your departure (and return).
- Tuck pants into socks and do a tick check when you return to your car. We keep a lint roller in our trunk for a quick sweep of our clothes after a hike (it’s a great tool for removing ticks if they’re not embedded in your skin).
No hike with kids will ever go perfectly. Someone will fall. Someone will cry. Someone will pee in the woods and talk about it for the next week. But you’ll (hopefully) also laugh, discover silly traditions, have quality family time, and create stories your family will tell for years.
Now it’s time to take a hike! Explore our itineraries and tips at Vermont resort destinations.
Bethany Vana is a freelance writer who has lived (and hiked) all over the U.S. with her kids. She shares her world travels and local adventures on Instagram @kiddosandcarryons.