This Independence Day Scott and I, my Brother and his girlfriend, my Sister and brother-in-law, one of the nephews and 2 nieces were able to get together for a hike! We opted for an easier hike but one that still would provide great views and a good work out. We had hiked Hedgehog the year before after seeing it on "Windows to the Wild" and thought this would be a great hike with the family.
I was rather surprised to arrive at the parking lot at 10:30am for the UNH trail to find just 4 cars at what is typically a very popular hike. We began the loop clock-wise. The trail is pretty gradual for most of the way until the last few hundred feet below the first and most prominent ledge. Here at the "granite bench" we enjoyed our lunch looking out to the North side of Chocorua and Passaconaway. The weather couldn't be more perfect. Mostly sunny sky's, warm with low humidity.
After lunch we continued the loop around an open granite area that looks up to the summit of hedgehog. Then the trail gets somewhat steep for a couple hundred feet to the summit ledges on either side of the summit area. The hike down from here is a petty direct route back down to the parking lot with a short, limited but beautiful view North towards Mt. Carrigain and it's deep notch.
Mosquito's were only slightly troublesome along the first sections of trail and overall the trail conditions were very good. My 6 year old niece (who does hike and bike often with her parents) made the entire loop on her own :)