OutGrown Blog

This week, families and friends across the United States are celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Also this week, the Hike it Baby family and friends are celebrating every day by giving thanks for all that we hold dear about our time spent in the outdoors. Some find relaxation, growth and more on the trail. Others enjoy the invaluable support of their Hike it Baby community. Still others come to appreciate their family even more as they spend time together outdoors. In our own ways, we all feel gratitude and inspiration through our relationship with nature. Perhaps you'll find inspiration in our personal stories for every day this week to get outside, so read on ... and Happy Thanksgiving! November 18: Summer Kraft I suffer from severe anxiety and am thankful for the medicine that Mother Nature provides to calm my nerves: fresh air, sunshine, flowing rivers, dirt beneath my feet ….           November 19: Katy Nelson Schmidt I’m so grateful for Hike it Baby for introducing me to some amazing, like-minded mamas and babies! I’ve just recently moved to Florida. While we may not log lots of miles, I’ve made lots of fun memories with awesome people.         November 20: Kyla Phillips I'm thankful to be married to a man who is willing to go on any adventure we find. He's willing to explore every trail (even when I don't always know where I'm going). More than anything, I am grateful to be able to share this love of nature with our amazing son. I can't imagine raising him with a more perfect partner! It fills my heart with joy to think back on the many hikes we've taken with Hike it Baby. I am incredibly excited to get back on the trails and with more wonderful families!   November 21: Lisa Boness Every trail, every campsite, every day is different out there. Sometimes it rains when sun was forecast. Sometimes the trail narrows where you least expect it. It doesn’t matter though, because every moment is special and rewarding in its own way. I know the importance of staying present in what is around me and to recognize these moments. This lesson learned applies to every other aspect of my life too. I am so grateful to have learned this as a child from my own family. Most of all from my grandma, who shared her own love of the outdoors with me from an early age. I cherish every memory made and look forward to every future moment I can spend in the outdoors. I am thankful to have been taught to stop, to take a deep breath, and to take it all in. This picture, taken on a hike late this past summer in Pike National Forest in Colorado, captures something about hiking and the outdoors that I am especially grateful for – the lessons it provides to be in the moment.   November 22: Shanti Hodges Hiking reminds me every day how small we are and how big the world is. When I get on trail with Mason and we look at every little stick, stone, bug and bee, I am reminded that we are all connected. I am thankful for clean air, beautiful views and the cycles of nature, and with every hike I can share that with my little guy. Just this last week I did a hike with a handful of parents and kids. We had all just met, as is the way with Hike it Baby, but it was amazing to see how connected we all felt thanks to being out together in nature.   November 23: Tamara Johnson I'm thankful for hiking for the space it has always given me to return to myself, to calm my spirit, and to listen for the answers I didn't even know I was seeking.         November 24: Natalie Jo Kendrach I am beyond thankful for hiking and my HiB community. Both have helped me become more confident in myself and my ability to raise my children. When we are hiking, I find that we are all happier and more relaxed. It helps us slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. The HiB community that we have worked hard to grow has provided us with a support system and invaluable friendships over the past three years. My children always look forward to seeing their Hike it Baby friends, and I personally enjoy the adult conversation. As an extrovert, it leaves me feeling refreshed, renewed and ready to tackle the rest of the day. There is NO way I would have survived the first three years of parenthood without my HiB family. Hiking with them has truly changed my life and the lives of my family!   If you feel inspired to get outside, why wait? Many of us will be getting out this week, even on Black Friday. Consider joining us for #OptOutside. Or if you seek more inspiration, read our previous sets of personal stories in the "30 Days of Thanks with Hike it Baby" series, week 1, week 2 and week 3. During this season of thanksgiving, please take a moment to consider donating something this Giving Tuesday. It can be $5, $10, $50, $100. Whatever works for your family. It all helps and we appreciate every dime. Any donation you make today is 100% tax-deductible. And this year, as a special thank you, donations of $30 or more receive a one-of-a-kind Hike it Baby Sunday Afternoons kid's play hat.  [button link="http://donate.hikeitbaby.com/donations/2018-givingtuesday/" type="green"][fa type="gift"] Give now [/button]

With all of the exciting changes happening in your life when your baby comes home, the attraction to those things that were an important part of your life before baby are still there too. Hiking is probably part of what makes you who you are. With “National Take a Hike Day” on November 17, it's a great time to get some advice from parents who found their own way to introduce a newborn to hiking. When you and your baby are ready, the trail is there and it will provide the same benefits you enjoyed before. What’s even better is you can now introduce and share these benefits with your baby. For Nicole Rosenberg, her hikes with a newborn started on the first day home from the hospital. “We started with a stroller and a walk around the neighborhood. Eventually I figured out that he slept better outside, so we’d bundle up and go for walks when he needed a nap. He’s 2 now, and to this day, I use a carrier and the outdoors to encourage naptime. Sure, we go on more epic adventures, but every time we get outdoors together is important. It’s a good way to encourage healthy habits, to learn and to enjoy ourselves.” Like Nicole, one of the new benefits you may also discover of hiking with a baby, is the effect it has on baby’s sleeping habits. “Start small. A walk around the block at a time your baby is generally happy and/or napping. When you feel confident with that, go on a short familiar easy hike,” suggests Vanessa Wright. Vong Hamilton found that hiking was the key to better sleep for her third baby. "I hiked while I was pregnant with my little guy up until two days before he was born. From day one, he was a terrible napper. He wouldn't sleep unless I was holding him. Frustrated, I had had enough of the sleep-deprived crying baby, so we packed up and went for a hike for some mama self-care. Not 10 minutes into our hike, he'd fallen asleep and slept the whole hour of the hike! And that's how our days went those early weeks; almost every day we hit the trails so he could nap. Don't be afraid to get out with a baby! That might be just what baby needs to get some ZZZZs and what Mom needs to stay sane." For some additional tips, complete with the step-by-step to first hikes with a newborn, check out 8 Steps To Help You Hike After Baby. Starting close to home and trying these hikes when it is the best time for you and your baby makes those first excursions easier. Finding support from other parents and communities helps too. “Start with paved trails or boardwalks! Easier footing as you get used to the big changes you've just experienced. Bonus: it's suitable for baby wearing and strollers, so if you connect with a group of newborn caregivers, all are welcome/comfortable,” advises Kati Austgen. Laura Miller found her community through HiB. "Getting out in nature is the best thing for you AND baby, hands down. Adventuring with HiB families is the best because, collectively, you can tackle anything. Whatever feels too overwhelming or intimidating alone outnumbered by babies becomes comical challenges in such good company. Plus, the other mothers are always far more prepared than me with backup items (anything you could think of, seriously) so that helps my confidence and security as well. Just do it: get out, stay out, repeat daily!" More information on the importance of community when getting back to hiking with a new baby, check out The Importance of a Mommy Community and Father Finds Inspiration And Fun With Hike It Baby. Knowing that baby is comfortable will give you peace of mind to enjoy the hike. Katie Fox offers this bit of advice: “Go somewhere familiar and take it slow. Don't push yourself and just enjoy being outside and sharing the world with your squish! Stretchy wraps are especially fantastic because they add an extra layer of warmth and can help both parents and the baby feel more confident and secure in this new adventure!”   More great ideas on what to bring to keep your baby comfortable as you introduce them to hiking can be found here. Whether it's the motivation to get out on a hike to find that bliss you enjoyed before the arrival of your baby, to introduce your new baby to the benefits of getting outside (including better sleep for you and baby!), or the desire to connect with the hiking community and the support found among other parents, taking that first hike with a newborn is possible. Vanessa Wright shared this additional bit of encouragement: “After having two kids, I've realized the easiest time to hike is when they are small babies. I regret not hiking more during that phase with my first! There will never be a time when they're lighter and more content just snuggling with you, so use this time for your advantage.” What advice do you have to help parents with young kids get out on trail? Please share in the comments below. Read more: 5 Benefits of hiking with  babies and toddlers Winter hiking with babies 10 Tips for keeping babies on trail   Lisa Boness lives in the mountains of Colorado where she indulges her love of the outdoors with as much hiking as possible. Her other interests include writing, home improvement projects and  spending time with family (including her husband, Eric, and her favorite “trail critter,” Ridley – a Maltese).          

Engaging with the natural world regularly is essential for building and maintaining a connection with it — especially for young children. One recent study showed that Americans spend 93 percent of their lives indoors. As people become more disconnected from nature, the need to get children outdoors has never been more urgent. Most importantly, getting outdoors benefits children as well as nature. Spending time in nature has many benefits, from improving concentration and short-term memory to diminishing stress and enhancing creativity. Fostering kids' knowledge and understanding of wild flora and fauna and the interconnectedness of all living things is essential to connecting them in a meaningful way with the natural world. Time on the trail is a great opportunity to teach children about local wildlife as well as the importance of protecting it. Take advantage of their natural curiosity about their surroundings to weave together a story about the plants, animals and geological features you see along the trail. Take cues from the sights, sounds and smells of nature while guiding them in this fun learning experience. Look for these opportunities on the trail: Fauna Animal signs are often found on hiking trails as animals, like humans, prefer to take the path of least resistance. Although the types of fauna vary based on where you are, deer signs are commonplace — everything from their hoof prints, which look similar to quotation marks, to their poop resembling little pellets, to chunks of hair, to tree rubs where they’ve rubbed their antlers. Use what you find to share your knowledge of wildlife with kids. Bones tell the story of an animal that fell prey to a predator. Overturned logs, possibly the work of a black bear searching for insects to eat. Egg shells, the entry of a new baby bird — or turtle — into the world. Flora Plants provide an easy opportunity to educate children, as they are all around us. Like fauna, species of flora also vary from region to region, but some plants are native to most areas of the U.S., such as many varieties of wildflowers — the Black-eyed Susan, for instance. Use these and other flowers you see along the trail to talk about how these plants help sustain bee populations by providing them with essential nutrients. Other plants allow for a more sensory experience. In the heart of summer, you can introduce kids to the sweet and sometimes tart taste of ripe, wild blackberries. You could also use this time to teach them about plants that are not OK to eat, such as the bright red berries of the Holly plant, which are poisonous. Geology The terrain, as well as the geological features of the land, reveal many things. Whether you live in the grasslands or wetlands, mountainous or hilly terrain, near rivers or lakes or the ocean, these natural features tell stories of how the land was shaped and continues to be shaped. Trails — especially those that meander diverse landscapes — pave the way for many questions and explanations about the land’s natural resources and forms. Sinkholes and springs often indicate the presence of caves. Fossils in stones show ancient fish in what was once likely a freshwater sea. Canyons tell of rock carved by gushing rivers over millions of years. Awareness If you are quiet — this may be tough for those with small children — you’ll be able to take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Beyond the chance to witness birds, deer or other animals on the trail, hushed movement allows you to take in the sounds of water trickling through a creek, down a waterfall or telling of recent rain. Feel the wind whipping through the wood indicating an approaching storm. Listen to a woodpecker on a far-off tree, working to gather food, create a nesting site or attract a mate. The smells of the natural world are no less notable, particularly that of pine or cedar trees and their needles, which make a soft carpet of the forest floor. The musty aroma of rotting logs and leaves activates the senses, revealing one of nature’s most important processes — the cycle of decomposition and re-growth. As trees break down, they are recycled back into the soil, providing vital nutrients for other plants to use. These aspects of nature offer opportunities for not only engaging children but also teaching them about the natural world and its wild flora and fauna. Together, these elements help show the interconnectedness of all living things and how they need each other to prosper. Geological formations and plants provide habitat for animals and insects. The animals prey on plants and other animals, and the water continuously offers nourishment for all. So the next time you hit the trail with your kids, seize the moment for what it is: a learning opportunity. Whether you choose storytelling, a scavenger hunt or other means, plant the seed to help them grow a lifelong connection to the natural world. What are some ways you encourage and teach your kids to explore the natural world during hikes? Share your ideas in the comments below! Read more Nature babies: why having young kids in nature is so important for their health Intro to family hiking: plants & animals 10 Outdoor activities for preschoolers Photos by Ali Chandra. Alexandra Vollman is a native Missourian and editor with a passion for the outdoors. When she isn’t wielding her red pen, she’s exploring the wilderness with her husband and 9-month-old daughter or churning out articles for her website, ModernConservationist.com.

Finding a hard-frame carrier that fits mama (or daddy!) and her little one can be confusing and overwhelming to both those new to wearing and even those who are experienced wearers. Just like other types of baby carriers, hard-frame carriers vary between brand and model, making it hard to recommend the “perfect” or “best” carrier outright. Your best bet is to try on several and see which one fits you and your child best. However, there are some key features and guidelines that you should keep in mind when shopping for a frame carrier that might make finding the best fit for you easier. Here are some basic recommendations for hard-frame carrier safety and fit. Keep in mind these fit and feel differently than soft-structured baby carriers (which come with belts and buckles and sits baby close to your body). Fit for the wearer While it's important to keep baby close and tight to your body at all times (as with a soft-structured carrier), frame carriers are designed to carry baby slightly away from your body to keep you cool while hiking and allow more space to carry supplies. As long as your baby is secured in the harness properly, they are safe — even if they are not directly in contact with your body. This will feel strange if you are used to soft-structured carriers where you feel baby’s every move. Torso length fit is the single most important aspect of hard-frame carrier fit. I cannot stress this enough. The proper length pack will place the waist and shoulders in the proper places, allowing even distribution of the pack’s weight and will be the most comfortable for you. If it's too long, it will result in improper waistband placement or shoulder gaping. Too short will result in waistband digging into your stomach or pinching on your shoulders. Either way, who wants to hike with leg or shoulder pain? These carriers are designed for the waist belt to sit directly on your hips at the joint. This may feel strange if you are used to a buckle carrier that sits on your natural waist (although some buckle carriers are designed to sit on your hips as well). Direct pressure from the carrier being too low on your hip joint can add stress and drag to your legs, making it harder to hike. If you are not used to the fit and design of hiking with a pack, this could become painful after a while.  Wearing a hard-frame carrier at your natural waist will place the carrier too high on your back, making it too top-heavy. This will place all the weight on your upper back and can become painful very quickly. The shoulder straps should sit firmly on your shoulders. Any gap can add strain to your upper back, quickly becoming uncomfortable. A gap in the strap is not necessarily unsafe, but comfort on a long hike is the goal. These carriers are not cheap, so there is no point in settling for a carrier that sort of fits. It may also be important to point out that hard-frame carriers may not be as easily interchanged between caregivers. It will help to determine who will do the majority of the babywearing while hiking before making the purchase. Take the time to find a carrier that fits properly and you will be very happy. Fit for the wearee There is some concern over baby being in a seated position in the harness, rather than a spread-squat with knees higher than their bum. This issue is similar to the narrow base carrier debate. A seated position will not cause your baby to have hip dysplasia or other musculoskeletal issues. If your baby has no known issues, they will be just fine. If your child does have a known hip or other issues, then you should consult with their physician before using a hard-frame carrier. Hard-frame carriers are for babies who sit upright unassisted. The harness will not provide enough support on its own. The leg passes in most cockpits are too wide to be comfortable for smaller babies and newborns. And there are no infant inserts or hacks to make the carrier safe before this milestone. Make sure the harness fits against baby at all times. If by chance you fell, this keeps your baby from being thrown from the carrier. Think of them like a car seat harness built into your carrier. You want the strap snug with very little gaping (but not so tight it is hurting them). Make sure every buckle or clip is securely clicked into place. If the seat height adjusts, make sure it is the proper setting for your child. You want baby’s head to clear the front of the cockpit and shoulders below the back of the cockpit. For toddlers or preschooler, shoulders below the back is not a major safety concern, but ideal. Just make sure they are not so high up they can lean back and tip you over or fall out. Legs should be able to move freely and bend easily at the knees. Baby should be able to move a bit for comfort, but in general not be able to wobble over or jump side to side. If this is the case, you will need to adjust the width of the cockpit if possible (most have straps that tighten the harness widthwise). Please keep the weight limit of the carrier in mind. It varies between carriers, so please check the manual. The weight minimum guideline for when baby might be able to fit properly in the harness does not replace the guideline that baby needs to be sitting unassisted. For example, the minimum might be 16 lbs., which my son hit at about 4 months old but he was nowhere near ready to sit up unassisted yet. It would not have been safe to place him in the carrier just because he reached the weight minimum. Likewise, if your child is over the weight limit for the carrier, it is not safe for them to be worn in it. They may be  secure in terms of fit, but you run the risk of over stressing the carrier and causing the frame to break. Your child could then fall out or be injured from the broken carrier. There are carriers with higher limits suitable for heavier toddlers or preschoolers though, so you can always upgrade as your child grows. General Safety Tips The general rules of babywearing apply, even though hard-frame carriers fit differently. Please do not do anything on the trail you would not do holding your baby. Wading across a shallow, slow-moving creek is just fine. A large, deep river with swift current is not the best idea. Taking off the carrier with baby secured in it and handing it to a fellow hiker on the other side of a fallen tree is fine too. Tossing the carrier with baby in it up a cliff to your partner, however, is not a good idea. Just use common sense and keep baby safe at all times. Hard-frame carriers are only suitable for back carries. They simply will not work for front or hip carries. The torso of the pack will not fit comfortably over your front and the cockpit will block your line of sight entirely. As for hip carries, there is no real logical way to get the carrier to sit securely on your hips. Unlike soft-structured carriers, like a wrap or mei tei, they will not mold to your body shape. The straps cannot be crossed over to secure the carrier to your torso. Baby can only face forward in the cockpit as well. Mainly because the harness is not designed to work any other way. Facing forward also allows you to see your baby easily. You can check that they are safe, breathing and generally happy. Please keep in mind that the weight limits for the carrier include the weight of your child PLUS any gear you're taking. For example, the weight maximum might be 45 lbs. If you have a 30-lb toddler, 5 lbs of water and 20 lbs of camping supplies, that’s 55 lbs of total weight and you are over the limit and run the risk of the carrier failing. In general, if you are used to soft-structured baby carriers, hard-frame carriers might take some adjusting to get used to. Keep in mind they are designed by companies that specialize in hiking and camping equipment, not baby carriers. They are perfectly safe and compliant with the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Associate regulations. If you're considering taking your baby out into nature, hard-frame carriers are a great option. Please take your time and try on as many as you can before you buy. Don’t just settle for an “okay” fit- find one that is truly comfortable. Your hips and shoulders will thank you! Also, keep in mind that they may not be the best option for you. But don’t let that discourage you from babywearing while hiking. Soft-structured carriers that can mold and adjust to your body hike just as well. Just find the carrier that fits you best and get out on the trails! What frame carrier do you use to get your little out on trail? Please share in the comments below! Read more Hard-framed carrier: improve the quality of your hike Why you might need a new carrier Graduating to frame carriers Photos by Ashley Schneider and Laura Castro.

It's the middle of November, and leaves are largely on the ground instead of the trees. (Of course, that may depend on your locale and latitude!) We still find beauty outdoors, though, and we still remember what we love most about nature in all its seasons. This week we give thanks for the warm welcome we received as new members of Hike it Baby, the way this community supports us, the critters and other novelties we discover with the kids, and more. Continue reading for something to be grateful for each and every day this week.   November 11: Kendra Reeder I’m so thankful for the community I’ve found with Hike it Baby. My son and I both have made so many friends and relationships that carry over after the hikes to play dates, parties and other get-togethers with our HiB “family.” This [photo was taken in] knee-deep snow, 3 miles UP a mountain – hardest hike I’ve ever done, but it’s my absolute favorite trail photo.   November 12: Alexandra Tebow Wong Because of the amazing women I met through Hike it Baby, I finally have a village. Not only do we hike together, but we also help each other out with babysitting, meals after surgery and illness, advice and support through tough times. We go camping together and actually enjoy ourselves because our kids play together and we get to relax (what a thought!!). Before I had the courage to show up for my first Hike it Baby hike, I didn't have this kind of support, and living so far from any family was scary at times. We all have vastly different backgrounds, and we are different ages spanning a full decade, but hiking and a love of the outdoors brought us together and is instilling that same love in our kids. Nothing makes me prouder than when my kids pester me, asking when we're going hiking or camping with our Hike it Baby family again.   November 13: Colette Clarke I am thankful for how much I have grown because of Hike it Baby. My social anxiety used to be so bad that I had butterflies from having to introduce myself at the welcome circle. I've overcome that in many ways and have learned to chat fairly easily with all kinds of different people. Hike it Baby has connected me to a close community of friends for myself, daughter and husband. We have deep friendships that go beyond Hike it Baby now and are blessed with the support it provides us. This is my daughter, Elise, 3, and me hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park in September. We LOVED it!       November 14: Frank Tucker What I look forward to most about the outdoors is the unexpected encounters with wildlife. Whether mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or even insect, you never know what you're going to find. I generally try to get a photo and then consult reference books and websites to determine the species and learn more once I get home. I've seen and learned about species that I otherwise would not have known existed.     November 15: Shannon Rinelli I am thankful for a community that encourages my children to try new things, to embark on new adventures and explore the world around them with a sense of wonder and positivity. I am thankful for a community that accepts us for who we are and whatever our best is that day, even if it means hiking in pajamas with a cup of coffee and a handful of veggie straws at noon. On the days when it feels like our best isn’t that great, our HiB community is there to lift us up.   November 16: Angela Williams I'm so thankful for this season of my life that includes a lot of nature time. We were designed for nature and vice versa. It's so good to be going with the design instead of against it.     November 17: Patricia Avila I'm grateful for the serenity that comes from being in a quiet place with just you (maybe your kids too) and nature. I take a deep breath and feel at peace. "30 Days of Thanks with Hike it Baby" will return next week with more personal stories from members. If you've missed our previous stories, go back and read week 1 and week 2.   During this season of thanksgiving, please take a moment to consider donating something this Giving Tuesday. It can be $5, $10, $50, $100. Whatever works for your family. It all helps and we appreciate every dime. Any donation you make today is 100% tax-deductible. And this year, as a special thank you, donations of $30 or more receive a one-of-a-kind Hike it Baby Sunday Afternoons kid's play hat.  [button link="http://donate.hikeitbaby.com/donations/2018-givingtuesday/" type="green"][fa type="gift"] Give now [/button]

Looking for the perfect hike in North Carolina for young children? Whether you're new to hiking with your baby or toddler, or you're looking for a new trail to explore, the Hike it Baby community is a valuable resource for finding family hiking trails around the country. In this article, we share three scenic North Carolina trails to explore with babies and young children. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (Flat Rock, N.C.) The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site offers over five miles of trails, which vary in length and difficulty. The park is located on 264 acres in western North Carolina. The trail from the parking area to the farm is easy for ages 2+ to walk. From the farm area, there are several trails with various difficulty levels you can choose to hike. It provides the perfect historical hiking experience for families with children. Tips: There is a shuttle you can request if needed. Level of difficulty includes an easy 1-mile stroll around the lake to a 4-mile climb to the top of a granite bald. Pick up a map at the park bookstore when planning your hike. Also, there's a limited selection of snacks and water to purchase from the bookstore. During the summer, National Park Service rangers give 30-minute programs about a myriad of Sandburg-related topics from bird walks to cultural landscape walks. This is a great place to hike with kids because there are a variety of trails for all difficulty levels. The littlest walkers enjoy trekking up to the farm or around the lake, while bigger kids and babies in carriers can hike all the way to the top of Glassy Mountain. Whichever trail you choose, the highlight of this park is the goat farm. It is great to let the (human) kids loose in the pasture to interact with the friendly goats. —Stephanie Francis Photo courtesy of Danni Suplicki. Morse Park and Lake Lure Flowering Bridge (Lake Lure, N.C.) Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is located in Morse Park. It is a perfect place for a beautiful hike with little ones. The trail is flat and easy enough for younger children. From the bridge, visitors can look upstream to view the famous Chimney Rock. Downstream, the river flows into Lake Lure, which is surrounded by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake Lure Flowering Bridge provides a scenic escape with flower gardens nestled within the pathways. It is one of the most scenic walks in western North Carolina. Tips: The park is open year-round. The bridge is part of the 3/4-mile Town Center Walkway that continues past Morse Park to Lake Lure Beach. There is a small parking area on the Chimney Rock side. You can also park at the nearby Lake Lure Welcome Center and walk to the bridge. This is a great park for kids because it is completely flat and stroller-friendly. Kids love seeing all the different views of the lake, and spotting ducks and boats. The flowering bridge is always decorated for whichever season we're currently in, with lots of little things to explore amongst the gardens. The playground at the picnic area is the icing on the cake! —Stephanie Francis Photo courtesy of Hilary Bean. Max Patch, Pisgah National Forest (Spring Creek, N.C.) About an hour away from Asheville is Pisgah National Forest, a 500,000-acre hardwood forest that sits along the Tennessee state line. Max Patch is just one of its many shorter trails that meets up with the Appalachian Trail. It’s a 3/4-mile trail that takes hikers up to a bald mountaintop and provides an amazing 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail is actually a loop, but it’s best done as an out and back, as one of the ways is very steep, narrow and full of thorny blackberry bushes; or consider carrying your little one when you hit that point. Summer and fall are the best seasons to hike Max Patch. Summer provides wildflower viewing and blackberries bushes that will keep many a toddler happy and smiling. And fall is also spectacular for the foliage stretched out as far as the eye can see across the rolling hills below. Read more about the trail in our Family Trail Guide. Tips: Bring a blanket and picnic basket to enjoy at the top. However, there’s no protection from the sun, so if you don’t mind the extra weight, bringing a tent would be a great option for protection from the sun. Lightning is also a big factor, so be aware of summer storms creeping up. Hike ten minutes down to the AT, and you’ll be covered by a forest canopy and more shielded from the elements. Make sure you have a good map in hand. GPS most likely won’t work as you head out the long drive to the trail. Due to the tall grass along the trail, beware of ticks and small bugs. From the summit, you have a 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge mountains, with one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises we've seen. There's a second trail that loops around the mountain, and you can also hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, so there are many other adventures you can go on with your kids. There are blackberry bushes all over the mountain, which kept my kids happily hiking. We saw lots of wildflowers and butterflies as well. —Diego dos Santos Photo courtesy of Diego dos Santos. MORE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN North Carolina offers an abundance of trails for families with young children. For more family hike ideas, see: Hike it Baby calendar (or connect with the local branch) Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide North Carolina State Parks Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers – New Book by Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges Read More: 3 Stunning South Carolina Trails for Families with Young Children 3 Unforgettable Hikes in Georgia for Young Children 3 Amazing Tennessee Trails for Families with Young Children Trail information by Stephanie Francis and Diego dos Santos. 

Now that midterm elections have come and gone, there is one thing we can all agree on regardless what our beliefs: in order to make change, we must each play our part to be that change. Often in the Hike it Baby community, the question is asked what “adventurous” means, and the answer is different for all of us. For many in the Hike it Baby community, our adventures are defined by the little people we take on trail with us. But one Hike it Baby mom took it a step further and made protecting the outdoors her personal adventure. Annie Fortunato, Pittsfield Township Park Commissioner in Pittsfield Township, MI, shares her story of how she got involved with her local community in an effort to help preserve the local lands for all families to enjoy now and in the future. Nature has always played an important part in my life. I grew up in a rural part of Southeast Michigan and have always had a strong connection with the outdoors. I treasure the memories of climbing trees, running through cornfields and catching crayfish in the creek. This foundation motivated me to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and political science. My initial plan was to go to law school to become an environmental lawyer and while I was making those plans, the universe laughed. After I graduated, I traveled a little and then found myself in a job that had absolutely nothing to do with my degree. Sound familiar? Shortly after, I got married and had my first son, Neko, but had no other direction in my life. I went to work, came home and took care of him. I didn’t really have any friends and felt out of place in my own life. Sure, I was a mom, but that’s all I felt like I was. In October 2014, when Neko was 3, my cousin, who was living in Anchorage, Alaska, told me about Hike it Baby. I looked it up and found out there wasn’t a branch in Ann Arbor where I lived. The “mom groups” that I had tried in the past had just not been our speed. Neko was a wild child with a mind of his own and library groups were always a disaster, but this sounded exactly like what he needed. The rest is history. I started volunteering with the National Team in December 2014 and my social network exploded with Hike it Baby moms and dads, both locally and around the United States. My little guy made friends and I finally found my place in the world. For once, since becoming a mother, I felt like I had found my calling. Spreading my love for the outdoors with families around the world and in my own community made me feel fulfilled as an individual. I finally felt like more than “just a mom.” Earlier this year, Neko and I were driving a different route home from school, which happened to pass the trailhead of Pittsfield Preserve, the spot of one of our very first recurring hikes back in 2014. The preserve was where I saw babies take their first steps and watched friendships grow. Neko and I were horrified at the amount of trees that littered the side of the road as the county made room to pave the road that ran through the preserve. The trailhead was gone and, instead there were port-a-potties and construction vehicles. Neko, who was 6 at the time, had a million questions. “Why are they cutting down the all the trees, mom? Why would they do that? Why would they kill the animals' homes like that?” His love and concern was clear and I knew I had to do something. I reached out to the community that I had a hand in building. Hike it Baby families were just as shocked as I was. I attended a township park commission meeting and voiced the concerns that we had. Turns out, even more plans for development of the preserve were in the works. Hike it Baby Ann Arbor had grown to over 2,000 families at that point and, as one of the leaders of the group, I felt like it was important for me to represent them and their interests. Not to mention, being a role model for my own child. I always told Neko to stand up for what he believed in. This was my chance to practice what I preach. As many things in life, the things you are meant to do start falling into place. I reached out to the township clerk and she planted the seed for me to run for one of the open seats as a Park Commissioner. Hike it Baby families began to catch wind and the support poured in. Families offered to collect signatures for me to get on the ballot, a Hike it Baby mama donated photography services for headshots, families who couldn’t vote in my district posted on the their social media, and Hike it Baby members even donated to my campaign! The support left me speechless. I was so grateful to have a community of people who believed in me. Had I not found Hike it Baby, I may have never found my voice, my son may not have created the attachment to the parks and green spaces in our area, and I likely would not have honed my skills as a community organizer. I will be forever indebted to how Hike it Baby has changed my life and has shaped how I see my role in my community. Hike it Baby is not just about me and my children, but it gives thousands of people a voice for the next generation. As a Branch Ambassador, I have learned how to be a positive and influential leader and showed me how I truly am changing the world, one hike at a time. Read more: Seeing adventure through the eyes of my toddler Nature babies: why having young kids in nature is os important for their health Photos by Amy Diebold.

November, a time of change and of giving thanks, continues. Communities traditionally gave thanks for the bounty of nature as the season turned and the results of the year's hard work were finally harvested and enjoyed. We here at Hike it Baby are fortunate to find not work, but inspiration, joy and healing outdoors. Whether new parents or older parents, whether hiking with new HiB friends or alone with the kiddos making new discoveries, we recognize the many blessings nature brings to us. Read on as we offer up our thanks. November 4: Nicole Dominick I'm thankful that hiking gave me more confidence as a mother to get out and do things with my infant, not just in a group, but on our own. Hiking with my daughter also gave me more confidence as a solo hiker since many HiB hikes that I host are my first time on that particular trail, while leading others (meaning that I always do lots of research and preparation before each hike).   November 5: Becca Hosley I am thankful that being out in nature has helped me find my balance. Anytime I need to work through something, whether it be recovering emotionally from a miscarriage or working through a toddler meltdown, I know that once I step outside, things will get at least a little better. I am thankful that I found HiB as a new mother, which, for the past three years, has provided the community I so badly needed to make it through these tough first years of motherhood. They showed me the true beauty of raising kids to love the outdoors and how nature can heal both tiny and big wounds.   November 6: Jen Taylor I am thankful for getting out and meeting new people and making friends on the trails. I am also thankful for my older kids who are willing to get outside and explore and being able to see nature through their eyes as well as my little ones.     November 7: Dustin Thorley I'm thankful for the time it gives me with my kids. Sadly, more often than not, hikes I host are no-shows, so it's just us. I love when we have hiking friends, but I really love exploring nature with the boys and getting away from "real life" for a while and really living. Here are my youngest, Logan, and I finishing a local challenge to hike all of the conservation areas around us. :)   November 8: Sarah DiPasquale I am thankful for the variety hiking provides – short or long distances, technical or easy, and with scenery variations. In this photo, one of the ladies is carrying my second child. Her son is in preschool and 50 lbs., so she can’t do carrier hikes, and I can’t do carrier hikes with two kids. So we came together to coordinate so we both can do a carrier hike! We love the challenge and HiB, so we made it work! I’m definitely thankful for the friends I’ve made through HiB.   November 9: Bailey Ludlam We've never regretted an outing, even when it was snowing or raining. We can always count on it for adventure or a new memory. Even if we're all grumbling about the sticky humidity or chilly rain, we're doing it together, discovering nature in new ways, and getting muddy in puddles, and we know it'll end with a story they'll tell all week and likely hot cocoa! Best of all are the smiles – running through the leaves, seeing how many colors they can name, spotting butterflies, or listening closely to see if they hear any critters. I just love and am so thankful that they are growing up with an outlook on life that appreciates snowy or rainy days as much as sunny days and only hope that translates to other parts of their lives as they grow older.   November 10: Vanessa Wright Hiking with my 3-year-old has taught me to (very painfully at times) stop and see the world with fresh, new eyes. Every sound, every bird, every bug, every leaf, every rock is new and exciting and inspires 50 questions from my child. It forces me to slow down both mentally and physically and just be there, very present in the moment. Check back next week as we continue our series, "30 Days of Thanks with Hike it Baby," and if you missed last week's stories, read them here.     During this season of thanksgiving, please take a moment to consider donating something this Giving Tuesday. It can be $5, $10, $50, $100. Whatever works for your family. It all helps and we appreciate every dime. Any donation you make today is 100% tax-deductible. And this year, as a special thank you, donations of $30 or more receive a one-of-a-kind Hike it Baby Sunday Afternoons kid's play hat.   [button link="http://donate.hikeitbaby.com/donations/2018-givingtuesday/" type="green"][fa type="gift"] Give now [/button]

Hike it Baby is many things to many people. It helps us get out the door on drizzly days; gives us friends and companionship; and offers us a support group as we try to navigate work, family life, post-baby bodies (moms and dads!), sleepless nights and life. In addition, it also helps us all stay active and engaged in our communities. A few times a year we offer a challenge, and the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge months inspire us all in different ways. Some of us like a reason to keep track of our miles, some like to set a mileage goal for the month, and others use it as motivation to reinvigorate our love of hiking and nature. HiB 30 Challenge months offer us extra inspiration, support and motivation. If you’re considering joining the Hike it Baby 30 Challenge – whether it’s your first time or 10th– we hope you’ll join us and get outside and enjoy these autumn days before the colder temps set in. For inspiration, here are just a few stories from the last HiB30 Challenge that really capture what Hike it Baby is all about. Hike it Baby 30 stories to inspire Katy S. I'm so grateful for Hike it Baby for introducing me to some amazing, like-minded mommas & babies! I’ve just recently moved to Florida. While we may not log lots of miles, I’ve made lots of fun memories with awesome people. Kristin K. Looking through the month, I realized my daughter has spent more minutes outside than me. My husband stepped it up this month with taking her outside to practice riding her bike and to the playground alot more. I got in a few kid-free hikes as well. My goal was to figure out how can I fit in some adult-paced walks mixed in with what my child can do. Walking to a playground or going for a walk after gymnastics works out rather well. To find the balance of toddler/preschool wanders and adult-pace started off strong, but didn't end as strong and that's OK. We explored some awesome places and enjoyed the adventures as we welcomed in fall. Tiff Any R We finished up our month with another round of apple picking since [my son] loved it so much (and I had requests for more apple butter)! Our goal was no zero days, and we did end up with about four true zero days, but we had so many great toddler-led adventures. He's really so confident getting around outside and is always so excited when we "go hike." I love having this community to give us great ideas and gently push us to make the time, even on rough days. Thanks, everyone! Gretchen B. To be honest, I didn’t think we were going to make the 30 miles. Between moving, a case of roseola and dreaded morning/all day sickness, it just didn’t seem like we got outside that much. But I guess our little evening strolls, afternoons at the park & a couple good hikes really added up. We squeaked in at 30.5 miles. Deanna C. It was a busy month finishing up work, getting ready for baby (any day now!!) and my 5-year-old started kindergarten. I just added up our mileage and wanted to share our highlights from the month! First was ... Family Forest Fest where we started the challenge off. We got a lot of miles and time outside walking around the festival. Then before the first day of school, we hiked around sunrise and hiked to Fremont Lookout Tower with friends. I'm so proud of my daughter and her friends for hiking the whole way!! We did almost eight miles and a little over 1,000 feet gain. We spent the whole day at the mountain. It was perfect! I was 35 weeks when we did this hike so I'm glad I didn't have to put Charlie in the carrier! The last family hike we did was at Naches Peak Loop with all the pretty fall colors. I was 37 weeks and my husband didn't want me going far from civilization after that hike. He's afraid I'll go into labor on the trail! For being such a crazy month, I'm so proud of our total mileage! Vanessa W. We did it! One hundred miles in 30 days. This was our 9th challenge. I've always been in awe of the families who accomplish 100 miles and I regret not doing it when my 3-year-old was a baby and I only had one kid to keep alive. I figured if I was ever going to get 100 miles, it would be during my 4-month-old's first challenge where she is still mostly a potato. What I forgot to realize was her first challenge fell in September, which is arguably the hottest month out of the year in a city that already boasts year-round summer. But by then, I was determined and I can be painfully stubborn. Now, I will fully admit this challenge goal was 100% selfish. The baby didn't know she completed a 5-peak challenge; she would have been perfectly happy if I wore her around the house. I wanted 100 miles to prove to myself that I could do it and get the bragging rights. I also have some baby weight to lose, and I was secretly hoping it would melt off this month hiking at least 3 miles every day. San Diego is an incredibly hilly city; there is no such thing as easy miles around here. But I finished up the challenge feeling a little sorry for myself when the scale read the same it had at the beginning of the month. The second to last day, I hosted a hike that climbed up a fairly steep hill. I decided to tandem carry the girls, half questioning my sanity. See, I had just climbed that same hill a few months earlier only carrying the baby (at half her current weight) and I just about died. Once it came time to climb the dreaded hill carrying about 45 extra wiggly pounds, not only was I not breathing hard, but I was passing other hikers! It was at that moment I realized that even though the scale hadn't budged (I know weight is "just a number"), I had gotten massively stronger over those past 30 days. That is pretty awesome. Some other fun accomplishments this month: Daddy hiked more than he ever has any other challenge. In fact, he completed the 30-mile goal! The girls and I averaged about 2.5 hours outside every day! We ended up getting more dirt miles than urban miles, which I was surprised to see! We hosted 15 HiB hikes and attended 5 more. That's 20 HiB hikes in 30 days, including a HiB camping trip! Megan F. We finished off our September HiB30 Challenge at Mallard Lake FP. The husband joined us for our closeout hike. It was misty outside but gorgeous. The lake was like a mirror and when the rain picked up, each of the 1 billion little drops could be seen rippling outward. This challenge was a lot different than our first challenge. The biggest difference was that I switched from a SAHM with a bit of PPD to a full-time grad student and TA with stress like none other. Unlike April's challenge where we focused on exploring new locations, this challenge became about being mindful of what time my daughter and I had to spend together each day. This challenge came at an incredibly challenging time for my daughter and I both, but we did it. I am so proud to say we had #NOZERODAYS! We totalled 35.48 miles and 1075 minutes hiking together. I carried my 23-lb. daughter for all but six hikes and loved every second. My body is sore and I need a massage but I'm looking forward to November's challenge! I know it will be even more different than our first two. I love that HiB30 has given my daughter a basis in being at peace in nature, given me peace at volatile times in my life, and given my dog much-deserved daily walks. Read more: 30 Ways to spend time outdoors this spring: HiB30 Challenge Inspiration April HiB30 Challenge: Winners' stories HiB30 Challenge inspiring stories Photos by Deanna Curry.

November brings with it the beginning of the season for giving thanks. For some families, such as the Hike it Baby community, nature plays an important role in nurturing family, children and personal development. It offers physical and emotional healing to those who need it; it helps grow relationships and bridge people from all walks of life; and it promotes self-care in those who didn't realize they had stepped so far away from their own needs. In the month of November, as the landscape changes over from fall to winter and the buds close up for the long, cold hibernation, we reflect on what we're grateful for in nature. November 1: Annie Maxine One day recently, it was the first time I've been able to breathe in over a week. When you are going through a tough time emotionally, it definitely affects you physically. I didn't even realize it until I was out on a hike today with some old and new friends and I suddenly felt lighter and "clearer." I recognized that a lot was being held inside of me. The emotional grief flooded back soon after that, but I really felt comforted and free for about an hour and a half of my day. Hiking is putting one foot in front of the other … just like in life. It's not always easy, but when you keep moving forward, the view is always worth it. Or if it’s foggy and there's no view, but even that's a life lesson. Work hard and things aren't always beautiful. So many life lessons with hiking! Every hike is special to me, but this one was a lot of fun because it was just my husband, my little guy, and me. This was a section of the Appalachian Trail in Smoky Mountain National Park. It was SO HARD with not much reward thanks to the pea-soup fog, but it was the perfect temperature to hike. We got to talk to some thru-hikers, and it was the first time I (and Levi) had ever hiked on the AT! November 2: Katie Fox I appreciate how much my kiddos enjoy it. When we stop to look at all the colorful flowers (and maybe even the bugs and bees on them), when we see a snake slither across our path, or when we throw rocks in the creek, they absolutely love it. A lot of it is so new to them. I also very much appreciate how worn out they are after a good walk in nature. I am very thankful that I live so close to some great trails and that I discovered HIB this summer so I can share my love of nature with other families and encourage others to spend more time tiring their kiddos out while outside! ;) November 3: Vong Hamilton My kids and I did a spontaneous trip to visit the Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska. They didn't want to go at all but after four hours of fun and still not ready to leave, they couldn't stop thanking me. I thought, "They're completely different kids on the trail than they are at home." But then I realized … no, I'm the one who is different on the trail. I'm always in a rush and have about 20 things on my mind at once. At home, I'm constantly yelling at them to hurry and do this and that. But on the trail, I'm more patient, even though things slow waaaay down because they often stop to play in the mud or decide to grab branches and pretend to fence. I don't yell; I don't rush; and I don't stress out. Spending time in the outdoors has redefined me as a parent. I'm a better mom for it and I know my kids appreciate that. I'm thankful for the lessons of humility and remembering to stop and enjoy the moment with my kiddos because time stops for no one. Come back next week for more stories in this series of "30 Days of Thanks with Hike it Baby."   During this season of thanksgiving, please take a moment to consider donating something this Giving Tuesday. It can be $5, $10, $50, $100. Whatever works for your family. It all helps and we appreciate every dime. Any donation you make today is 100% tax-deductible. And this year, as a special thank you, donations of $30 or more receive a one-of-a-kind Hike it Baby Sunday Afternoons kid's play hat.  [button link="http://donate.hikeitbaby.com/donations/2018-givingtuesday/" type="green"][fa type="gift"] Give now [/button]

It’s embarrassing to admit this, but up until a few weeks ago, I worked for Hike it Baby and had never been hiking with my four-month-old daughter. When I found Hike it Baby, I was nine months pregnant and it hurt to lay in bed, let alone go for a hike. Then I had an unplanned C-section, confining me to my house for longer than I wanted and I had to put off hiking a few weeks longer. Once I ran out of excuses, I packed up my daughter, carrier, diaper bag, water, hiking shoes, shoes to change into after hiking, the list goes on and on … and headed to Torrey Pines in San Diego to join a Hike it Baby hike. I was equally excited and nervous. Did I have the right carrier? Was she wearing the right clothes? Was I too early? Trust me. Just because I work for Hike it Baby doesn’t mean I don’t have all the same worries as every other parent embarking on their first postpartum hike. But as soon as I met our host hike, Vanessa, all my worries became excitement. I was doing this! As the leader of the caboose, I had at least five people stop to ask me what we were doing. “Is this some sort of baby race?” one hiker asked. I laughed because I guess it’s not every day you see 10 babies on their parent's fronts and backs hiking together. And that’s because it is tough. It’s not easy to get out of the house with a baby. It’s not easy to get out of the house with a baby and go hiking. But I can attest, once you do it, the feeling of accomplishment takes over every feeling of worry or doubt, and you’ll be planning your next hike before you even finish your first.   Five benefits of hiking with babies and toddler 1. Get out of the house. Being a new parent can be incredibly isolating. Many of us transition from cruising the Target aisles and buying candles when we went in for toothpaste on our lunch break to barely brushing our teeth or talking to an adult on a daily basis. The HiB community is full of other parents who need another adult to talk to. 2. Knock out a ton of steps. We all know exercising is good for our bodies and our minds, but that doesn’t always mean we have the motivation to do it. Having a HiB hike on the calendar might be the motivation you need to get your heart rate up and hit your daily step goal. 3. Make some new friends for you and your kids. HiB consists of parents, grandparents and caregivers going through many of the same experiences as a new parent. Chatting with someone who can relate on spit-up, diaper rash and developmental milestones creates an incredible bond and maybe even turn into a friendship. Plus, your kids can meet new friends who also share a love for the outdoors. 4. Step up your confidence. Getting out of the house to go hiking isn't always easy. But the feeling of accomplishment for not only getting outside with your baby, but also climbing a mountain (or walking down the block — it all counts once you step out the front door) with your baby strapped to you will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. 5. Get some fresh air and maybe also a fresh perspective. Whenever I’m stressed, anxious or depressed, the solution is almost always to get outside for some fresh air. Viewing the world away from traffic, street lights and pollution reminds me of how beautiful it is and how our stressors are so incredibly small compared to the breathtaking expanse of nature. Stand at the top of the Grand Canyon or on the valley floor of Yosemite and it’s almost impossible to worry about the things that worry or stress us at home.    What were some of the challenges you faced as a new parent? Please share in the comments below! Read more: 10 Tips for getting babies on trail First time hiking with kids? Helpful tips to get out on trail 9 Tips for soothing a cranky baby on the trail Photos courtesy of Vanessa Wright.

Trick-or-Treat time is upon us, but when your little ones are out of their costumes and tucked in for the night, try one of these stories. Once they're sound asleep, there's even a book suggestion for you! This month, our members are treating you to some books they've discovered. Lifeby Cynthia Rylant Life is a picture book that celebrates the wonder of life and the beauty of the natural world. Brendan Wenzel’s gorgeous illustrations grab the reader's attention, while Cynthia Rylant’s words beautifully capture the many wonderful things about life. The wise animals in this book remind us to look for beauty every day, even when faced with adversity. The book’s message and the breath-taking illustrations, make it perfect for readers of all ages. It is one that will definitely be added to our bookshelf. -Reviewed by Natalie Kendrach, Capital Region NY and Southern Adirondacks Old Turtle and the Broken Truth by Douglas Wood This is a powerful story about love, acceptance and truth. It begins with a “truth” that falls onto earth and splits in two. When the people discover one piece of the truth, it brings them happiness and strength. They soon become arrogant and greedy, unwilling to share the truth with others. When this happens, war begins and the earth starts to suffer. A Little Girl searches for the wise Old Turtle whose knowledge helps the people mend their broken truth. Douglas Wood’s beautiful tale is masterfully illustrated in watercolors by Jon J Muth. The healing words and stunning pictures of “Old Turtle and the Broken Truth” make it a must-read for every child. Having taught for ten years, it is one that I read to all of my students. So impressed with the book's message and illustrations, I have purchased a copy for each of my children and will read to them, time and time again, as they grow older. -Reviewed by Natalie Kendrach, Capital Region NY and Southern Adirondacks Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Centers This book is about a woman who enrolls in a survival wilderness hike after a rough year. Her hopes are to find herself and grow strong. She has no skills, is not an outdoors person, and quickly finds her trip full of distractions she had no desire for. I loved this book because it is so well written and such a wonderful read. I couldn't put it down. I have never identified so strongly with a character. Now I really want to do a wilderness hike. -Reviewed by Stefanie Buxel, Kitsap Pennisula Have you read any good books lately? We like to share reviews on books that our members have read that are hiking – or outdoors- related. From infant board books to adult page-turners, we love to hear about what you are reading! I’ll include a review of my own in each blog post, but Hike it Baby would love to hear from you! Share a book review with us on this form and we may feature it in an upcoming blog post!