Black Mountain via Nighthawk Trail

This is a great first peak if you have an older child looking for a challenge. The hike begins from the eastern edge of Hilltop Community Park, which has a great playground for after your hike. You’ll start on the Nighthawk Trail. There are a few trails that branch off the Nighthawk trail, but just keep heading straight to stay on the main trail. About a mile in, you’ll head up a steep section that ends at a wide fire road. From here, you’ll turn right and follow the fire road all the way up to the summit. After taking in the great views of the city and mountains, turn around and retrace your steps back to Hilltop Park. The Nighthawk Trail is very rocky and has a few steep sections. Good shoes are recommended and hiking poles can be helpful if you are baby wearing. There is no shade on this trail, so it is best done in fall/winter/spring.