A Good Plan: A Family Hike Up Mt. Monadnock

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9

It sounded like a good plan.

“Let’s hike Mt. Monadnock with the kids while I’m there,” my sister said. She would be visiting for a couple of weeks. We could handle the five kids together, no problem. Fresh air. Exercise. Incredible mountain views. I nodded enthusiastically, even though she couldn’t see me through the phone.

“We could stay for a few nights in the campground. There’s a lake. After the hike, we can just swim and relax,” I said. I could picture the whole thing. The kids would love it. My youngest still rode in a backpack, and I knew my other two could easily make it up the rugged New Hampshire terrain. Their cousins were close in age. “I’ll make the arrangements. See you in a month.”

The morning of the trip dawned a clear azure blue. The children played with enthusiasm while we organized and loaded tents, coolers, and bikes into the car. The bikes would keep our energetic bunch busy while we set up and cooked dinner.

We pulled into the campground in the late afternoon. After unloading, we got a fire going and set up the tents. The five children kept busy, excited to explore new territory. Later that evening, we cooked marshmallows over the open fire and made s’mores. Everything was going according to plan.

The Climb

I don’t remember who started crying first during the night. My sister shuffled to the truck for bug bite cream, and we slathered it on itchy arms and legs. The mosquitoes were fat and happy, but the kids were miserable. In time, we all returned to peaceful slumber, but it took a bit to get breakfast going in the morning, load fanny packs and water, and make our way to the trailhead.

One of the most frequently hiked mountains in the world, Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH, ranked as one of my all-time favorite hikes. The White Dot Trail made a beeline straight up for almost two miles, and the summit offered 360-degree views plus a bald top perfect for picnicking. We watched our “little goats” run and hop from stone to stone. I anticipated a three-hour hike, and then a restful afternoon by the lake. Perfect.

Our steps got slower. The three-year-old wanted to be carried. My sister eventually carried him much of the way, losing a toenail in the process. My daughter fell asleep in the backpack, instantly doubling her weight. The older children became convinced that carrying a half sandwich and a granola bar in a tiny fanny pack constituted cruel and unusual punishment. Two fanny packs were now secured around my waist; one hung from my sister’s. We trudged on, distracting them by pointing out every happy gurgle of a nearby stream, the wind waving hello in the trees, and using an even more effective strategy—distributing snacks to keep us going.

Our kids were on the mountaintop and so were we. We spread out our picnic sandwiches, admired the breathtaking views, and exchanged the satisfied glance mothers understand. Every missing toenail, complaint, and aching muscle seemed worthwhile.

We pointed out distant mountains and lakes. The children climbed over rocks, chased each other around the summit, and consumed every crumb of food we’d lugged to the top. For a few moments, life was perfect.

The children found a second wind when we made our way down the mountain. My sister and I wondered if our legs would ever forgive us. Back at the campground, we traded hiking boots for swimsuits and headed straight for the lake.

The Storm

The water felt wonderful. I floated for approximately one minute before a clap of thunder echoed across the water.

Sharp whistles shot me to my feet. The lifeguard stood in his chair to wave everyone out of the lake. The ongoing screech of his whistle sparked panic, and families rushed from the water, trying to figure out what was wrong.

Wind whipped up whitecaps as clouds gathered in the sky. Parents grabbed towels and children. My sister and I exchanged a look. This wasn’t good.

Once back to the campsite, we left five crying kids in the truck for safety while we scavenged for our possessions. Tree limbs bent and swayed overhead. We yanked tent stakes out of the ground, collapsed stadium chairs, stuffed sleeping bags, and tossed coolers into any remaining space we could find. Cries from inside the cab hurried our movements. We worked faster and faster—crazed mothers protecting their young.

By the time we got onto the highway, golf-ball-sized hail bounced off the pavement. We finally pulled under an overpass and joined a line of other travelers waiting for the storm to pass. The children watched wide-eyed through the windows while hail pounded the road around us.

Our three-day camping trip lasted exactly twenty-four hours.

Best Laid Plans

Today those little hikers are grown. Some are raising children of their own. And every one of them still loves an adventure.

All of them willingly leave behind comfortable couches and air conditioning in search of good, clean fun. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

As parents, we spend a lot of time planning. We plan vacations, camping weekends, and family outings. We picture smiling children making precious memories while we bask in the glow of successful parenting.

Oftentimes our trips do not turn out the way we envision them. It’s okay for children to see that life can be messy—in fact, it’s pivotal. When they learn that scraped knees heal and muddy shoes come clean, they build resilience. When trails seem a little too long, but they persevere, they learn discomfort doesn’t last forever, and the effort is worth it.

Hikes don’t have to be miles long to be wonderful. What matters is finding opportunities where young minds can absorb the glory of God. Visit places where it can seep into their souls by way of rushing streams, towering trees, and sunset views painted by the most marvelous artist of all.

Years from now, they’ll reminisce about the time spent together. The inconveniences will become funny stories. They’ll laugh at bug bites and missing toenails.

And I’m willing to bet they’ll take their own children outside and do it all over again.

Family Adventures: From Easy Walks to Serious Climbs

Ocean Path — Acadia National Park, Maine — Easy. Walk the 0.7-mile stretch from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole for a manageable family outing with spectacular Atlantic views. The full Ocean Path is 2.2 miles one way; beyond Thunder Hole, the terrain becomes more uneven.

Pitcher Mountain — New Hampshire — Easy, under 1 mile round trip. This is a terrific “first mountain.” New Hampshire specifically recommends it for families: a short climb with a real summit and surprisingly big views.

Polar Caves — Rumney, New Hampshire – Family Adventure. A natural obstacle-course adventure. The route climbs the side of Hawk’s Cliff on trails, stairs, and boardwalks, taking families through their choice of nine granite Ice Age boulder caves. This adventure is not stroller-friendly.

Stony Man — Shenandoah National Park, Virginia — Easy. A 1.6-mile round trip favorite for children because they get a genuine summit experience without a long climb. The rocky overlook makes the 340 feet of elevation feel worthwhile.

Hickory Nut Falls — Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina — Moderate, roughly 1.4 miles round trip. A great North Carolina trail that leads to a towering waterfall.

Notch Trail — Badlands National Park, South Dakota — Moderate/adventurous, 1.5 miles round trip. Older children and teens not afraid of heights will enjoy this canyon hike with unusual rock and ledge formations and a log ladder.

Sunday Gulch Trail — Custer State Park, South Dakota — Strenuous. 3.2 mile loop. Boulders, streams, scrambling, and handrails make it feel like an expedition rather than a hike. This is the sort of trail experienced kids talk about afterward.

Mt. Monadnock, Monadnock State Park – New Hampshire – Strenuous. About 2 miles. White Dot up/White Cross down gives children a legitimate mountain-climbing accomplishment: steep rock, scrambling, and the spectacular exposed 3,165-foot summit. NH State Parks describes the summit as bare, rocky, and offering expansive views; the White Dot/White Cross routes leave directly from park headquarters.

Old Rag — Shenandoah National Park, Virginia — Very Strenuous, roughly 9.4 miles. This is for older kids/teens who are already strong hikers. It’s a serious day involving rock scrambling and considerable elevation gain. An advanced challenge for families who are hardened to long days.