OutGrown Blog

Plan Ahead, They Said. We’ve all been there. After a seemingly endless winter springtime arrives, the weather warms up and you start your summer camping plans only to find out all the places you want to visit are already booked solid. “Plan ahead,” they said. Easier said than done. When I was a kid, my dad enlisted my sister and me, every aunt, uncle and cousin, neighbor and friend. We were armed with the Yosemite Valley campground reservation number, ready for the clock to strike 7am PST on the 14th of the month, five months in advance of our anticipated camping date. It was a well-oiled machine and it worked until technology kicked in. I can just imagine the laughs the recreation.gov staff would give us now if we tried calling in to make a reservation for a campground that was booked solid by 7:01am.    Insider Tactics for Booking the Perfect Family Camping Trip Here are 5 tricks of the trade to get you that perfect family campsite with lots of shade for tent naps, plenty of room for toddlers to run around, close proximity to the bathroom for late-night potty training bathroom trips, but also not too close: 1. Mark reservation dates in your calendar. Do some research to find out which camp sites to go for and when reservations open. Mark those campsite numbers and dates down in your calendar and set an alarm to remind you a day or so ahead of time.  2. Plan ahead and book early even if you aren’t positive you can make it work. Planning and children can be challenging concepts to put together.  In the event you can’t make the trip you booked you can usually cancel for a nominal fee. So, just in case that week in June will work out, book it now. 3. Get the kids involved. Depending on their age they may not be able to hit redial like my sister and I did, but you can still get them excited and involved. Ask them what kind of trees or animals they’d like to see and plan your location around that. And make sure to print off their very own packing list so they can help pack and have some extra fun at the campground.  4. Take advantage of technology. If you’re looking to book specific dates, check out websites like Campnab that use software to monitor campground reservation sites and will alert you when they have cancellations.  5. Try somewhere new. If all efforts fail and you don’t get that coveted campsite not all is lost. Take to Google to find another family-friendly campground. Maybe you’ll fall in love with it and won’t need to worry so much about trying to snag that other “perfect” spot.  Download The Kids Camping Packing List Need some help with that Kids’ Camping List? Here’s where you can pick everything up: Compass Binoculars Flashlight or headlamp Camp Pillow Camp blanket Do you have any insider tips for scoring the best camping locale for your family? Drop them in the comments (if you are willing to share ;). Happy Camping! The best way to get insider tips is from a community of inclusive parents dedicated to getting their kids outside, no matter what it takes. Become a member of Hike it Baby today and find your outdoor family community. Learn more about membership options. About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. This post is sponsored by L.L.Bean. We would never recommend a product we do not love. All opinions are our own. Photos courtesy of Michelle Pearl Gee.

Chilly mornings and shorter days are a sure sign winter is approaching. Which also means it’s time to pull out the winter gear from the back of the closet. But chances are last year’s winter boots are a little tight. We’re here to help. Picking out the right gear for your kiddo doesn’t have to be a struggle even when the “cool” boots aren’t exactly practical. So with all the options out there, how do you choose what will work best for your kids? There are two main factors to consider when choosing winter boots: the climate you live/play in and what activities you will be doing. Generally speaking, any winter boot you choose should be waterproof and warm with good traction regardless of the climate or activity. However, there are some other important features to look for when considering the following: Climate There is a huge difference between buying winter footwear for a snowy, frigid northern climate and a drizzly, mild southern climate so consider the temperature rating of the boot. This number is the lowest temperature the boot will retain its warmth. Keep in mind, temperature ratings are only a guide, and can be affected by many conditions, including weather, wearer’s activity level, metabolism, perspiration, circulation, exposure time, type of sock worn and cold sensitivity. You know your kid best. Another factor to consider is the height of the boot. If you live in a climate that sees heavy snowfall, a taller boot will be more effective at keeping feet dry vs. a shorter boot. For colder climates, one great option is the Snow Quest Lite from Merrell (Also made in a version for little kiddos) because it is not only a taller boot with a temperature rating of -35 degrees Fahrenheit but also lighter and more flexible than many of the snow boot options on the market. Activity Along with climate, you will want to consider the activities your child will wear the boots for. If you are looking for a boot that can be worn comfortably at school all day while also keeping feet warm during recess, flexibility is key. Footwear that feels like a sneaker for comfort but works like a boot for those slushy puddles on the playground is ideal, such as the Snow Crush Boot (also available in little kid sizes). If hiking and trail fun is often on your schedule, you’ll want to aim for a flexible, warm boot with a little added traction to handle whatever the trail has in store, from dirt and mud to slush and ice. The Snow Bank 2.0 Boot does the trick with M Select® GRIP technology in a sneaker-like boot with a temperature rating of -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Other Tips Try on the boots with the socks your child is most likely to wear with the boots. Have them wear the boots for a bit at the store or in your home to make sure they are comfortable, secure to the foot. If you’re purchasing online make sure to print out a sizing guide like this one from Merrell to make sure you order the correct size. Toggle closures make getting the boots on and off a breeze while also ensuring a snug fit—something any parent can appreciate! Lastly, if water or snow does get inside the boot, avoid drying boots directly in front of an open heat source, like a vent or fire. This could cause damage to the boot materials. Instead, dry them upside down on a boot drying rack or simply in a warm, dry location. Packing boots with newspaper can also help them to dry out quickly if you’re on a time crunch. By selecting a boot that meets the needs of your climate and activity level you’ll set yourself up for less stressful winter outings, from hiking and playing outside to running to the grocery store. Exclusive partner discounts, educational resources, and community support are just a few of the benefits of a Hike it Baby membership. Learn more about membership options and join or donate today! About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. This post is sponsored by Merrell. We would never recommend a product we do not love. All opinions are our own. Photo by Michelle Craig

From haunted houses to haunted objects, there is no shortage of scary things you can explore, especially at this time of year. Haunted hiking trails are no exception.  However, not every source agrees on which trails are in fact, the spookiest. So, we did the research for you. All of the spooky and haunted trail lists were reviewed, the data was compiled, and here is the ultimate top 5 list of the spookiest trails in the United States, based on popularity.   #1 Bloody Lane Trail, Maryland As if the name isn’t enough to frighten you, this 1.5-mile trail loop takes visitors through the open fields of the Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg MD, the site of one of the deadliest battles in the U.S. Civil War. The three primary battles fought between Confederate and Union soldiers on September 17, 1862, resulted in more than 23,000 casualties.  Gunfire and the smell of gunpowder have been reported when no one is on the road or even nearby. One visitor to the battlefield saw several men in Confederate uniforms walking Bloody Lane. He thought they were reenactors until they vanished. The most convincing of the reports is one of some Baltimore schoolboys who walked Bloody Lane and heard singing out in the fields. They said it sounded like a chant or the Christmas song Deck the Halls. The area was near the observation tower where the Irish Brigade charged the Confederates with a battle cry in Gaelic, which sounded like the Christmas carol.  Chilnualna Falls, California. Image by Bmdavll. #2 Chilnualna Falls Trail, California This strenuous 8.2-mile loop takes you along cascading Chilnualna Creek to a series of falls, comprised of five large cascades sliding through and over rock formations about the Wawona Basin.  As you pass Grouse Lake listen for the cries of a young boy, who according to Ahwahnechee tribal legend, drowned in the lake. And, if you jump into the lake to save the boy, you’ll drown too. A Miwok tribal legend warns visitors to stay away from the 240-foot edge at the highest waterfall. Those that get too close will get pushed over by the evil spirit “Po-ho-no”. Transept Trail, Arizona. Image by Daniel Schwen. #3 Transept Trail, Arizona With multiple views of the Grand Canyon, the fairly-easy, 3-mile Transept Trail follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground. There are also many rocks along the path with fossils in them, including crinoids, shells, sponges, and many other sea creatures. You might happen upon a creature of the ghostly sort as well. According to trail visitors and park rangers, the ghost of a bereaved wife and mother mourns the loss of her husband and son, supposedly in a hiking incident no less, at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. The affectionately named Wailing Woman appears dressed in a white dress with blue flowers and floats along the trail crying.   Mason Hutchinson’s Grave, Ghost House Trail, Tennessee. Image by Brian Stansberry #4 Ghost House Trail, Tennessee Zero points were given for originality in the name of the trail, but this 1.2-mile easy loop makes up for it in the number of scares it provides hikers. Homesteader Matson Hutchinson lost his daughter Mary to tuberculosis in the late 1800s and visitors to where the home once stood claim to hear sounds of a young girl suffering. The trail winds past the Hutchinson family cemetery, where visitors have reported spirits’ shapes appearing behind the gravestones in photos. Lastly, look twice if you come across a fellow hiker dressed in a red flannel and gray pants. It could be the apparition of Mason Hutchinson, who’s rumored to appear throughout the woods. Iron Goat Trail, Washington. Image by David Severance/US Department of Transportation. #5 Iron Goat Trail, Washington This 6-mile trail loop runs along the old railroad grade that used to take trains up into the cascades. The remarkably beautiful hike is complete with amazing mountain views on one side, and the bones of old railroad tunnels and snowsheds on the other. The trail is also the site of one of the Wellington Avalanche Disasters where, in 1910, nearly 100 lives were lost when a vast section of snow on Windy Mountain broke loose and crashed down, sweeping two stopped trains off the tracks. There have been reports of disembodied voices echoing through the avalanche tunnel when no one else is there or no one else accompanying them has spoken. Visitors say they have felt invisible hands touch them, with their hair standing on end for no reason. Some have claimed to have even seen full-on apparitions. This trail combines beauty, history, and possibly a haunt or two. Honorable Mentions Lastly, our list of honorable mentions. These trails appeared in at least two of the spookiest or haunted hike lists. Long Path, NY Norton Creek Trail, North Carolina Batona Trail, New Jersey Warm Springs Canyon Road, California Violet City Lantern Tour and Heritage Walk, Kentucky The Black Diamond Mines, California The Gold Mine Trail, Washington Spruce Railroad Trail, Washington Bluff Mountain and Punchbowl Shelter, Virginia White Sands National Monument, New Mexico Elfin Forest, California Bash Bish Falls, Massachusetts Mammoth Cave, KY Appalachian Trail, New Hampshire Do you have an allegedly haunted trail or natural area in your town? Share your local legend in the comments! What’s the best way to hike a haunted trail? With a group, of course! Find your outdoor community with Hike it Baby. Learn more about our mission and membership levels today! About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.   Sources: US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Date accessed 10/28/2019, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/back1105.cfm National Park Service, Accessed 10/28/2019, https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wawonahikes.htm Only in Your State, Accessed 10/28/2019, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/northern-california/haunted-hike-waterfall-norcal/ Outside Magazine, Accessed 10/28/2019, https://www.outsideonline.com/2393687/most-haunted-hikes-us Sierra, Accessed 10/28/2019, https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2013-5-september-october/green-life/6-haunted-hiking-trails That Oregon Life, Accessed 10/29/2019, https://thatoregonlife.com/2016/11/iron-goat-trail/ Images sourced from The Wikimedia Commons Image Library with use granted under the Creative Commons CC0 License.

Thank You to Our Challenge Sponsors! We just wrapped up another successful Hike it Baby 30 Challenge – the last one of 2019! We’d like to thank our Hike it Baby Sponsors for the great prizes they provided for September's Hike it Baby 30 (HiB30) Challenge. The winning participants were entered into the prize drawings by signing up to hike 30 miles in 30 days OR spend 30 minutes outside 3 times per week with their families. Hike it Baby hosts the HiB30 Challenge twice every year. Families from all over the globe come together to challenge themselves and encourage each other to get outside more, forming a supportive and inspiring community. Thank you to these sponsors for helping motivate families to get outside! 2019 Challenge Sponsors: Deuter  L.L.Bean Merrell Sunday Afternoons  2019 Prize Donors:  Sawyer, Yakima, Klean Kanteen, Luv Bug, Sun Bum, LifeStraw, Ella's Wool, and Cnoc Outdoors. The September 2019 Prize Winners Share Their Favorite Moments We asked our prize winners to share some of their favorite memories from September's Hike it Baby 30 Challenge. Here is what they said made this challenge special. Margaret Cunningham: My favorite memory from the HiB30 Challenge is the excitement on my 2 years old's face when we reached the top of Windham Mountain and he saw the view. Michelle Koch: I went on an amazing hike that was perfect for my 5 year old to do without assistance. It ended with a stunning waterfall, and even had a mini rock scramble that was a big hit! It was great to have a goal and to try to make that conscious effort to get outside and enjoy nature with my kids. Looking forward to the next challenge and becoming more active in my local HIB group. Jennifer Grenter: Watching my boys run around the backyard with reckless abandon after one of many crazy early mornings in the house! I love that the HiB30 reminds us how important outdoor time is - for both the kids and mamas! Kathryn Maciula: Fully enjoying the change from Summer to Fall on our beautiful mountain. Brittany Sharkasi: Our very first hike as a family of four. Catharina Didelet: My husband was home and got to go with us on most of our outings! The Hike it Baby 30 Challenge Hike it Baby 30 is Hike it Baby’s biannual fundraiser and membership-based virtual challenge to encourage families across the globe to get their babies and children outside more for 30 days – 30 miles or 30 minutes 3 times a week. You don’t need to live in a Hike it Baby city to participate! The biannual Hike it Baby 30 challenge is how we raise funds to improve tools, fund the scholarship fund to get more families out on the trail and make the nonprofit even better. Contributions are tax-deductible. Every donation makes a difference and allows us to support more families. Thank you to all who joined us for the HiB30 Challenge this September! Registration for the April 2020 Hike it Baby 30 Challenge will open in March of 2020. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming challenges or consider making a donation to Hike it Baby today and help us with our mission to get more families on trail.  About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. Photos courtesy of Deanna Curry, Krystal Weir, and Michelle Craig.

We love this image the National Park Service shared on their Facebook page about hiking etiquette. Although our National Park Service has a sense of humor about it (read the hiking etiquette tips info on the image very carefully), hiking etiquette is no joking matter. Whether you are in a national park or at a local hiking trail, a bit of courtesy goes a long way to protect natural spaces and your fellow hikers. And besides, it's the right thing to do. It's especially important to teach children trail etiquette and leave no trace practices from a young age so we can raise the next generation to preserve and care for our natural spaces and outdoor community in the same way (and hopefully better) than we do today. Below are some of the main points of hiking etiquette. You can read more about hiking etiquette from the National Park Service here. Know your right of way Make yourself known Stay on the trail Do not disturb wildlife Be mindful of trail conditions Take time to listen Be aware of your surroundings Leave no trace Read the signs About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram. Images courtesy of the National Park Service and Deanna Curry.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUIttomc6to[/embed] Celebrating Success by Giving Back To commemorate their sixth anniversary as a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to getting families outdoors, Hike it Baby launched a month-long campaign to give back to our trails. The community responded by hosting 96 trail cleanup hikes across the US and Canada. Hikers removed a total of 940 gallons of trash.  Several partners supported Hike it Baby’s efforts, including Deuter, who provided 1,000 reusable Deuter “Junior Dirtbags” to collect trash.   “It was really amazing to see the Hike it Baby communities coming together to celebrate and clean up the trails,” said Jessica Carrillo Alatorre, Hike it Baby’s Executive Director. “And our co-branded kids dirtbag with Deuter and Leave No Trace™ were the perfect complements to the celebration. Our community couldn't wait to get the reusable bags. Families loved using them to clean up. Sometimes we forget that even with babies and toddlers we can still get outside, give back and make friends. This campaign helped prove it's possible. Even more importantly, we’re helping shape our children’s good habits to love and care for the Earth. Together, we're raising a generation to love the outdoors.” The Mission Hike it Baby’s mission focuses on supporting families with children from birth to five years old, helping them to get outdoors and celebrate nature. During this campaign, babies as young as eight weeks old participated in cleaning up our trails. “Children under five are learning the habits and behaviors that will last a lifetime,” Carrillo Alatorre said. “They love learning how to take care of their things and it’s important to teach them this planet is one of the things they need to help take care of if they want it to last. Once they know what to look for, it’s so fun to see little ones pointing out the trash, sharing Leave No Trace ethics with their friends and working hard to make good choices. Little steps of pointing out and picking up trash turn into bigger impacts like collectively removing 940 gallons of trash. Everyone can make an impact and it’s our job to teach our children how to make it positive.” Additional partner support came from Leave No Trace through educational resources, Clifbar, who donated 50,000 kids’ Zbars and Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Initiative Program Grant, which covered all shipping costs for the campaign.  About Hike it Baby Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. Since its grassroots inception in 2013 in Portland, Oregon, Hike it Baby is now a growing community of 270,000 families and 500 volunteer branch ambassadors hosting more than 1,600 hikes per month. More information, as well as daily hike schedules, can be found at HikeitBaby.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram. Image credit: Deanna Curry

Take the Guesswork Out of Packing for Your Camping Trip Summer may be coming to an end, but your camping adventures don’t have to. With lower temperatures, less traffic at campsites and the gorgeous colors of changing foliage, fall is arguably the perfect time to set out on a camping adventure with your family. However, between school and work schedules along with extracurriculars, it can be hard to scrounge up the motivation to gather up the necessary gear and get your family out the door for a campout. That’s where gear rentals come in handy. Camping gear rental companies,  such as Xscape Pods, can take the guesswork out of packing for a camping trip. They provide custom car camping and backpacking pods for up to eight people. Pods include everything from sleeping bags and tents to cook sets and roasting skewers, all of which are high-quality, name-brand gear. You simply order online and they will ship the pod to your door (if you're local to Portland, Oregon you can pick up at their store), enjoy the gear on your campout and then return it. Check out these six benefits to renting vs. buying your camping gear, and start planning your next fall family camping adventure. 1. Great for Beginners If you are new to camping the sheer amount of equipment needed can be overwhelming. Renting allows you to “try before you buy” to see if you like it enough to spend the money to buy your own gear. If you find you can't live without some of the equipment in your pod, you can keep it. Xscape pods list the price for each item on the pod lid and will simply charge your credit card for any equipment you decide to keep. 2. Save Money Speaking of spending money, if you know you will likely be an occasional camper, it can be more cost-effective to simply rent the gear when you need it rather than buying the gear that may sit around gathering dust and cobwebs in your garage. 3. Great for Travel Instead of trying to pack your camping gear into your car or paying an airline to stow it, why not either pick it up at your destination or get it shipped? You can get an Xscape Pod sent to a friend or family member or even an AirBnB or hotel. 4. Stress-Free Packing There is enough to plan and think about when traveling anywhere with kids. Ease your mind and ensure all your gear is accounted for by grabbing a pre-packed pod. This also saves a ton of time since it requires no equipment packing beforehand and no camping gear clean out (no need to air your tent out in the front yard) afterward. That means all the sand/dirt that ends up EVERYWHERE is not your problem (sorry, they can't do your laundry for you!). 5. Make it Work for You Kids change quickly and so do their needs, therefore, you can rent the perfect equipment for your season of life. As kids get older they may want their “own” space, or you may find that one cook stove isn’t enough for what you have planned. Xscape Pods also rents out equipment a la carte such as extra tents, stoves, coolers, headlamps, etc. so that you can get what you need when you need it instead of buying gear you may outgrow quickly. 6. The “Cool” Factor If your kids are like mine, anything new to them adds a “cool” factor to the experience. Have them help unpack the “mystery camping box” and make set-up an adventure for the whole family. This helps to keep moods high and adds some fun to the camping journey. And the best part is that the gear is returned before the novelty wears off. Have you tried renting camping gear? How was your experience with it? Let us know in the comments below! Connect with a community of like-minded families by making a membership level donation to Hike it Baby. Learn more about membership levels and join today! Hike it Baby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to getting families outdoors and on trails across the U.S. and internationally, supporting, educating and inspiring families through their more than 300 communities across North America. More information on memberships, making a donation, and daily hike schedules can be found at HikeitBaby.com. Photos by Michelle Pearl Gee

Fall Hiking Trails Across North America That Are Perfect for Families Fall is for Family Adventures Fall’s no better time to hit the trails with your family. The air is crisp, the colors are vibrant, and the summer crowds have disappeared. Whether you’re exploring the West Coast, the Midwest, or anywhere in between, we’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly fall hikes across North America to make your adventure unforgettable. West Coast Favorites Banks-Vernonia State Trail - Banks, Oregon A former railroad turned 21-mile paved trail, this hike offers stunning views of colorful ash and maple trees. A perfect stroll for families! Blue Lake Trail - Stehekin, Washington A moderate out-and-back hike with golden Larch trees leading to the stunning Blue Lake, perfect for kids and parents alike. Spencer Glacier - Seward, Alaska Ride the Alaska Railroad and hike to this remote location, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of a massive glacier surrounded by fall colors. Blue Lake Trail in Stehikin, WA - Photo Credit: Christine Buchanan Mountain West Must-See Hikes Garden City River Walk - Garden City, Idaho Walk along the Boise River Greenbelt with dazzling fall colors. Extend the adventure by crossing the river for a longer family hike. Aspen Trail - Mueller State Park, Colorado Take an easy loop in Mueller State Park, surrounded by the shimmering golden aspens that are a hallmark of Colorado’s fall beauty. Aspen Trail in Mueller State Park, CO - Photo Credit: Monica Heathcoat Southwest Highlights Norski Cross Country Ski Trail - Santa Fe, New Mexico This loop trail at 10,000 feet through aspen groves is the perfect fall family adventure in the Santa Fe National Forest. Lost Maples State Park - Vanderpool, Texas A Texas fall gem! Meander along the Sabinal River in a park known for its striking maple trees. Arrive early, as the park fills up fast! Norski Cross Country Trail in Santa Fe, NM - Photo Credit: Jamie Lynn Southeast Gems Opelika Sportsplex - Opelika, Alabama This wooded walk offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy fall colors along a peaceful disc golf course, perfect for little adventurers. Catawba Falls - Old Fort, North Carolina This easy hike in the Pisgah National Forest is surrounded by some of the brightest fall colors the Blue Ridge Mountains offer. Catawba Falls in Old Fort, NC - Photo Credit: Shelly Russell Sineath Midwest Marvels Emmenegger Nature Park - St. Louis, Missouri Take the Bluff Creek Trail through a sea of colorful leaves, exploring bluffs, bridges, and creeks. Cherry Hill Nature Preserve - Ypsilanti, Michigan It is a muddy hike perfect for kids who love to explore. Noticing all the hickory nuts along the trail is also fun. Emmenegger Nature Park in St. Louis, Missouri - Photo Credit: Ashley Newport Northeast Adventures Chickies Rock Overlook - Columbia, Pennsylvania This flat loop trail offers stunning views of the Susquehanna River with vibrant fall foliage. Rock Creek Park - Rapids Bridge Hike - Washington, DC A 2-mile loop along whitewater sections of Rock Creek, perfect for a short and scenic fall adventure in the city. Reed Brook Trail - Kingfield, Maine Explore this magical out-and-back trail featuring a waterfall and an old bridge in a fairytale-like setting of fall colors. Rock Creek Park, Rapids Bridge Hike in Washington DC - Photo Credit: Genevieve Spanjer Wright Canada's Colorful Trails Ginter’s Mansion - Prince George, British Columbia Hike among the ruins of a historic mansion surrounded by beautiful birch and aspen trees, all ablaze in fall colors. Lime Kiln Trail - Ottawa, Ontario A flat, family-friendly hike with a 19th-century kiln, wooded paths, and chickadees that will eat right from your hand. Ginter’s Mansion in Prince George, BC - Photo Credit: Meagan Dale About OutGrown OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bridging the Baby Nature Gap by helping families with children ages 0-5 build meaningful relationships with nature. Our community-led programs support physical and mental health, foster environmental awareness, and prevent adverse childhood experiences. Since 2013, OutGrown has grown into a community of over 280,000 families and 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. Editor’s Note This article was initially written in 2019 and has been updated to reflect current information as of October 2024. We hope it continues to inspire your family's outdoor adventures!

I had a really hard time taking care of my needs after the birth of my first child. So, when our second kiddo joined our family, taking time for myself to get out and do things that I loved was really important to me. I have been a better parent to both my children the second time around because I have done things like take a few weekends away in the wilderness or even just day hikes without the kiddos. But, like other breastfeeding or pumping mamas, I had to figure out how to pump on trail. Here's my journey and four tips I've learned for pumping on trail. Pumping at 10,363 feet When my second child was nine months old, I set out on an intense day hike to climb South Sister Mountain in Oregon with two good mamma friends of mine – and we made it. Because I was still breastfeeding exclusively, the journey required me to pump a few times at camp and twice during my climb. During the 10-hour hike, I had to take two 15-minute breaks to pump. I decided to pump at the peak of the mountain because it was gorgeous and I wanted to enjoy the view. Also, after about 6-ish hours of toiling up the mountainside, our group needed a well-deserved break. There was no place to hide but I tried to be fairly discreet and put my shirt over my pumping set-up. However, I'm of the mindset that pumping is breastfeeding and I don't believe that any woman anywhere needs to be ashamed of feeding their child. Unfortunately, the reality of living in the United States is that breasts are sexualized to the point that I am sure it is not always safe for women to pump or breastfeed in public. I advocate people pumping or feeding in places where they personally feel safe. I probably would not have felt comfortable pumping on that peak if I had not had my friends with me. As it was, as I looked out across the stunning 360-degree view of Oregon, I felt proud of my mountain climbing accomplishment. But I was also proud that I was taking care of my mental and emotional needs in such a way that I could be the parent I want to be for my kiddos. 4 Tips for pumping on trail It’s all about the right equipment! I use a hands-free pumping bra when I pump, so I can be efficient and make my pumping breaks a chance to eat, drink and maybe snap a few pictures. 1. Electric pump My Medela Freestyle pump is such a lifesaver for little getaways. It doesn’t need to be plugged in and holds a charge for quite a long time (close to 36 hours or so depending on how often you use it). It also helped me feed my first baby for 13 months because I never could get him to latch. It’s a tough little pump and worked well for me, but nothing gets milk out quite like a baby though. But even if you have a great pump, you'll likely need to do some breast compressions if you're pumping away from baby for any period longer than two pump sessions or you may get a bit engorged. 2. Manual pump For longer backwoods trips away from baby, a manual pump might be necessary. There are a lot of very simple ones available and these are great. I've spoken with friends who have them and can pump on trail, in a bathroom stall or wherever they need to pump anytime, so consider looking into one of these. 3. Storage I bought a little thermal soft lunch bag that had an ice pack. On the day of my hike, I kept my pump bottles and the milk I pumped in the lunch cooler so I didn't have to pump and dump. I am a working mom and every drop of milk is liquid gold for me! I had a big cooler with lots of ice waiting in the parking lot to transport the milk home. 4. Sanitation There are wipes that you can buy if you need to clean your pump parts on the go. Because I kept my pump parts cold, I was able to use them twice without needing to do a cleaning in between. But while attending a wedding with my first child, I didn't always have access to a sink or cooler for my pump parts, so I really utilized the wipes. From what I've read and learned, it's probably safe to reuse parts for about 24 hours as long as they're kept refrigerated in between pumps. Like Leslie, do you also pump on trail? Add your own tips - or ask a question - in the comments below. Photos courtesy of Leslie Talarico. Read more: HiB Hacks: How to nurse or bottle feed on the trail Hiking with a Newborn

The goal: thirty miles in thirty days or thirty minutes outside three times a week. Twice a year, the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge encourages families to make outdoor time a priority. But, did you know that the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge is one of Hike it Baby’s largest fundraisers? As a growing non-profit, Hike it Baby relies on donation-based participation to fund programs that include getting new families on trail with scholarships, maintaining website tools, creating programs that reach families both online and offline, and helping Hike it Baby pursue long-term strategic goals. Where Did “30” Come From? In October of 2014, Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges received a text from her friend Beth. Beth’s Hike it Baby branch hike had been canceled and she was feeling bummed because she was looking forward to the motivation of having others on the trail with her. Beth texted Shanti, “Hey, I am on the Wildwood trail hiking alone. I would love to hike this whole trail. It’s 30 miles. Want to do it with me next month throughout the whole month?” Always up for a challenge, Shanti said, “YEAH!!!!”  They talked it out and set-up the “rules.” The idea wasn’t that they had to do it together, but that they were both doing it in the same month. That would inspire them to get out even if they couldn’t hike together.  Thus, Hike it Baby 30 was born. A Lasting Impact for Hike it Baby At the same time that Shanti and Beth decided to challenge themselves, Hike it Baby was a new organization, staggering under its sudden growth (about 30 cities total). Funds were scarce and with each new branch, Hike it Baby needed more money to maintain the infrastructure and keep the lights on. Beth and Shanti discussed making the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge a fundraiser. They posed it as a Challenge to the community to see if anyone would sign up. Within a few weeks, 200 families donated $10 each  and committed to the Challenge. The $2,000 raised kept Hike it Baby going for a few more months and the Challenge was a rousing success.  “What I found with the Challenge was how exciting and inspiring it was to see families in Alaska in November get out with headlamps in the dark and families in Texas hiking in shorts, while we slogged along in rain [in Oregon],” says Shanti. “And I loved seeing how people propped each other up on down days. If a family even got one mile in the month, everyone cheered for them. I looked at it like this: Every mile we each got was one more mile we wouldn’t have done if the Challenge wasn’t there.” Make the Challenge Fit Your Life Although the Challenge has established goals, each family makes the Challenge their own. Some go for a total number of minutes or miles in the month, some opt for no zero-days, and still, others may tackle a specific list of trails. Whatever your season of life, you can make the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge work for you while encouraging more outdoor time for your family. Remember, the Challenge isn’t a contest. The goal is to challenge yourself and your family to spend more time outside, not to compete for the most miles or minutes. Those that have participated multiple times hit their goals some Challenge months and fall short during others. Regardless of how they measure up against their goals, most families find they get outside more often and that is a win. “At the end of the day, the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge isn’t about the miles; it’s about finding a way to create a healthy habit and receiving motivation from people around you.” Shanti Hodges, Hike it Baby Founder Donate and Join the Challenge The Hike it Baby 30 Challenge is open to all; you don’t have to be a current Hike it Baby member to join. For families with children who have aged out, the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge is a great way to stay involved and donate to an organization you love. On the flip side, new Hike it Baby members receive one free entry into the Challenge, making it the perfect way to kick-off your new membership!  There are multiple participation levels, with a minimum donation of $10 to join the Challenge. All Challenge participants receive a unique Hike it Baby 30 Challenge sticker, entry into prize drawings from Challenge sponsors, access to a dedicated Facebook group, and exclusive discounts. Registration is open through September 15, 2019, and miles and minutes earned anytime in September count. Challenge your family to get outside more in September. Click here to join the Challenge today! Or, consider a donation to Hike it Baby to help more families experience the benefits of nature. This story includes excerpts from Why Join the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge, written by Shanti Hodges, and posted on September 1, 2017. Read the full story here. Photos by Michelle Craig.

National Teddy Bear Day is September 9 and a great way to celebrate is to host a Teddy Bear hike! Check out some of these tips from our members on how to host a successful hike. Host a Teddy Bear Hike Molly Colglazier, branch ambassador for the Fort Wayne branch, has hosted two past Teddy Bear hikes. "Before the hike, I mark a path with bright ribbons to lead us to the 'bear den.' We read Going on a Bear Hunt, and during that time I have a helper (either a parent or an older kid volunteer) hide the bears in the woods at the end of the path I previously marked. All the bears are in the same spot. After our story, we hike to find our bears. The kids like to keep a lookout for the ribbons. After all the kids find their bears, we hike with our bears for a little bit." Nicholl Summers, of the Portland area, suggests knowing your maximum capacity of attendees in advance. "It was such a fun event that everyone wanted to attend and it grew and grew and grew. The first one [at the Newton, Kansas branch] I had about 30 families show up in a very small, brand new branch of fewer than 200 people. So the second time I hosted one in a much bigger branch (Charleston/Lowcountry) of almost 3,000 people at the time. I reached out to some parks and one state park/historical site, in particular, was very accommodating and helpful. They gave us maximum parking capacity, gave us a free permit for a large gathering, and helped direct traffic on the day of the event. We had approximately 250 people [RSVP] and show up. The families that attended had a lot of fun, the historical site was excited about the publicity and revenue from parking fees, and it was a win-win for everyone. If I hadn't gone into it with the expectation of so many people being interested, it likely wouldn't have gone so smoothly. I was glad we were able to work with the park so we were able to accommodate everyone and not have to turn anyone away." Another way for a fun-filled Teddy Bear hike is to incorporate a story. "I did [a Teddy Bear hike] with the Dayton, Ohio group and we had a parent read Going on a Bear Hunt after we had a picnic with our bears. We then went on a hike and the kids all brought their bears with them on it," said Jen Taylor, currently of the Conway-Myrtle Beach, SC of the branch. Member Laura Haugen, of the Capital Region, has also hosted a Teddy Bear hike. Despite dealing with some cold weather, Haugen's hike was still fun for those who attended. "We read a story while a co-host hid the teddy bears in a maze that is at a local park. It was fun for [the kids] to find them hidden in the maze!" History of the Teddy Bear While the teddy bear may be a classic children's toy, did you know how the teddy bear got its start? The Teddy Bear was created in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1902, Roosevelt was on a bear hunting trip with the governor of Mississippi. While all of the other hunters in the group had located a bear, Roosevelt had not. When members of the hunting party arranged for a bear for Roosevelt to shoot, he refused. Despite being a big game hunter, Roosevelt viewed this incident as unsportsmanlike. When word spread of the hunting trip, including in a political cartoon, a candy store owner and his wife, who also made stuffed animals, decided to create a stuffed bear and dedicate it to the president. With Roosevelt's permission to use his name, a toy found in most households today was born. Roosevelt's Legacy Not only has Theodore Roosevelt left his impact with the creation of the Teddy Bear, but he can also be credited with helping to create our National Park system. Roosevelt used his authority as president to protect wildlife and public lands by creating the United States Forest Service. This service established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game reserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments. Roosevelt was not alone in his conservation efforts. In perhaps one of the most famous camping trips in history, President Roosevelt spent three nights camping with John Muir. During the 1903 camping trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Muir persuaded Roosevelt to return the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to federal protection as part of Yosemite National Park. In addition to his work in conservation, Roosevelt also helped increase the government regulations and safety standards of food and medicine with the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act. He also led the way to ensure the Panama Canal was built, which created a shortcut between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you host a family Teddy Bear hike or a large event, remember the history of the Teddy Bear and enjoy nature the way Theodore Roosevelt intended us to. Ready to host a Teddy Bear Hike for your branch? Submit your hike today or learn more about joining the Hike it Baby community!   Image by Kyla Phillips.

August kicked off with World Breastfeeding Week and ended with kids heading back to school. Wherever your child falls on this feeding to schooling spectrum, we've got you covered with some books! Mr. Bear's New Baby by Debi Gliori Mr. and Mrs. Bear have a new baby! While everyone else in the forest is asleep, Mr. and Mrs. Bear are trying to calm the new baby. The new parents try to decide what the new baby needs, and Mr. Bear suggests some milk from her mommy. This can help lead in to a conversation with your children about how other animals also feed their babies. They may also have some other questions about breastfeeding too. As the night goes on, other forest animals help the new parents try and get baby bear to sleep. In the end, it is the advice of Small Bear that helps the family get some much-needed rest. If you have a new baby at home, your children may enjoy hearing what life is like from the animal perspective. We Have A Baby by Cathryn Falwell This simple text book will help young children understand everything to expect with a new baby in their home. Large images dominate the page, including an illustration of the mother breastfeeding the new baby. This book would be helpful to those children awaiting the arrival of a new baby so they can see what a new baby will need and talk with their parents about how they can help. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn If your child is a little nervous about starting school this year, this book may help to ease some anxieties. Mrs. Racoon helps ease the fears of Chester as school is starting in the forest. Mrs. Racoon shares a special tradition with Chester that will help him as he transitions from days at home with mom, toys, and books to starting the new school year. Meet some other forest animals along the way as Chester's feelings change from anxious to excited. Timothy Goes to School by Rosemary Wells Timothy is about to start school! Join him and the other animals as they navigate their way around the start of the new year. When things don't go the way Timothy expects, he's ready to quit school. Discover the true meaning of friendship with Timothy and how to deal with tough situations at school. Hike it Baby has a Goodreads Group! Join today and add books to our bookshelf! Looking for more member reviews? Search our blog for other Book Review posts.  Submit your review here for a chance to be included in an upcoming blog post!