Mt. Kearsarge for Little Legs – Rollins State Park in Warner
Having already hiked up Mt. Kearsarge from Winslow State Park, exploring the trails from Rollins State Park has been on our list. Rollins is different from Winslow in that you drive up most of the mountain and then take a short hike up to the summit. Because the trail up is only about a 1/2 mile, we thought this would be the perfect first hike for Little Man (and our dog Brady), so we packed up a lunch and set off for Rollins State Park.
We had tried to access Rollins two previous times, however the first time was late October and the road was already closed for the season and the second time just happened to be a bike race day. So, the moral of the story is to make sure that the road is open before you head out; there is a number on the park’s website that you can call. When you get to the park, there is a Ranger hut where you pay to access the park; the ranger came out to our car which was great, and gave us some tips on the two trails you can take from the parking area.
After a windy drive with some gorgeous views, we made it to the parking area. We initially started off on the Lincoln Trail…
While this trail actually looked like a lot of fun, it was a little much for Little Man to handle. I’m sure he could have made it via this trail, but it would have taken a very long time…
I think we will go back next year and give the Lincoln trail another shot. Luckily, we weren’t too far up that trail so it was easy to cut over to the Rollins Trail.
The Rollins trail was great for Little Man and even had some “steeper” parts to navigate. About half way up, there was a beautiful vista that we all enjoyed.
Near the top, we came upon a huge boulder that the kids enjoyed exploring.
Once we made it to the summit, we took Little Man’s first summit picture!
We then found a nice spot to sit and enjoy our lunch. The summit of Kearsarge is wonderful as it is big and open; even if it’s busy at the top, you can always find a place to sit. There are even a few picnic tables set up!
After eating, we explored the summit a bit and took some pictures.
Brady even posed for his first summit picture!
We then made our way back down Rollins Trail, and made it back to the car right before the (un-forecasted) rain!
The Rollins Trail is great if you’re in need of the mountains, but don’t have a lot of time… or if you have little legs with you. It’s a fun little hike with a great reward – a wonderful way to get your kiddos and friends excited about hiking!! If you’re up for a longer hike, just start from Winslow State Park on the other side of the mountain (you can read about that hike here).
I hope that your family enjoys this adventure as much as mine did!
31 Comments
Leeanne
Lots of great rocks to climb on during this hike. The views are amazing. You’re on the right with getting the kids to carry their own packs. My husband spoiled my kids and now they don’t want to carry anything. I’m getting to the point where if they don’t carry it they don’t get to eat it. They need to learn to participate. Keep on hiking!
Melissa
It actually started so that we could have something to grab to help them climb or if they stumbled… but it has definitely worked in our favor!!
Alison
What an incredible place for a picnic! I think Little Man and Brady both did an incredible job hiking, and what a view! I’m reminded of when our youngest used to always complain, “Mommy… my legs hurt…” This would’ve been a perfect trail for her too!
Melissa
We did get a little bit of whining, but nothing too bad! I think the draw of lunch at the top always helps, too!
Missy
I like that there was a dog-friendly hike. Hikes with a bit of an incline had a little more adventure. 🙂
Melissa
Yes! We haven’t brought our dog on super steep hikes yet, but I am sure he would love it!
Lisa Manderino
We love hiking! This is such a beautiful part of the country.
Melissa
We certainly feel lucky to live here!
Sara
I love that you can drive most of the way and then take a short hike. Perfect for families! I bet my kids would love doing this hike.
Melissa
It is awesome – especially if I’m taking the kids by myself. It’s definitely a favorite in my house!
Stacey Billingsley
What a beautiful state park! The views at the summit are worth the climb. I need to add this park to my list!
Melissa
Definitely!! It’s awesome. There is another state park on the other side of the mountain that has longer hiking trails up (check out Winslow State Park on my blog!) so there are two great options!
Melissa
Definitely!! It’s awesome. There is another state park on the other side of the mountain that has longer hiking trails up (check out Winslow State Park on my blog!) so there are two great options!
Chantelle
This looks like a great trail! Your kiddos on the summit is the cutest picture ever 🙂
Melissa
Thank you!! It only took like 10 tries to get it.. .haha 🙂
kmf
I am all about hiking at state parks this summer. This one is beautiful beyond words. And that view for lunch is stunning! Would love to hike up this mountain!
Melissa
We are definitely lucky to have some awesome state parks nearby! I hope that you make out to NH and get the chance some time!
Trisha
I can’t get over that view! You must have felt like you were at the top of the world!
Melissa
It is amazing… especially because there are 360 degrees of views!!
Cas
The vistas from the top look so beautiful. And worth the effort to get there!
Melissa
Definitely! The best part is that it’s not crazy hard to get up from this trail!
Carey
Those views from top and seeing your kids celebrate is wonderful. The rocking parts looks so fun!
Melissa
They are so proud when they reach the summit!! Yes! The rocks are super fun – we just went back and did that trail, so I will be posting about it soon!
Cindy
Those summit photos are so cute!
Melissa
Thanks! The views certainly make them easier to take!
Michele
Those views are awesome! Definitely worth the hike. The kids are awesome carrying their own things.
Melissa
It is one of our favorite go-to hikes for a quick(ish) outing!
Cindy Mailhot
That looks like quite a hike but with a fabulous view for a reward. I love that the state parks are getting so much love this year!
Melissa
It is wonderful how popular the state parks are, but I am certainly grateful for NH’s reservation system!
Sokie
I love your blog!!! I love to take my kiddos for nature walks but I always wanted to take them hiking. My younger son is a bit off the wall and loves to jump and climb so my main concern is getting hurt. Seeing your family friendly hikes is definitely reassuring.
Melissa
Thank you so much!! You made my week!! I definitely know where you are coming from!! We have found the back pack to be helpful when hiking, as we can hold on to him and help him as he climbs (and jumps). Nature walks are awesome, too… my kiddos always sleep better after outside time, so I love any outdoor time!! 😄