It’s been a couple of months since we’ve written a blog post, but we are back with a little newborn in tow!  Alden was born just a few weeks ago and after short walks up and down the street, we were all ready to get out in the woods.  After reading about a short waterfall trail at the “Bowls and Pitchers” in Shelburne, New Hampshire by fellow blogger: 1happyhiker, we thought this would be a good first hike for Alden (thanks for the tip, John!).  The trail can be found on Mill Brook Road in Shelburne, but it isn’t signed (although it is blazed well).  We followed directions from 1happyhiker and found the trail easily.  We drove past the south end of the trail (approximately 1/2 mile from the Scudder Trail parking) and parked in the log landing where the north end of the trail can be found (approximately 0.9 mile from Scudder Trail).

The trail sign is unreadable, but the entire trail is well marked with yellow blazes.

We walked back down the road to the south end of the trail to start our adventure, with Andrew carrying Alden in the Baby Bjorn pack.  The trail immediately brings you into a hemlock forest with a rushing brook beside it.  It may have been the high we are still on from having a baby or from essentially being cooped up for the past few weeks, but the forest and waterfalls were particularly beautiful.

Andrew gives Alden his hat to shield his eyes as we walked along the road to the trail head.

The hemlock forest and the rushing brook.

The trail is short, about 0.3 mile, but we took our time and stopped for a little while to sit on the rocks in the middle of the river. Alden was due for a nap, but the sights, sounds, and smells were just too exciting for him and he was wide-eyed for most of the hike.

Alden takes in his surroundings.

Lindsay and Alden pose for a picture.

Andrew rock hops out to the middle of the stream.

There looks to be some great swimming pools in this brook.  This might be a great spot to cool off in the heat of the summer.

Interesting waterfalls and a chute can be found on this short trail.

Lindsay hiking along the trail.

Andrew gives Alden a closer look at the cascades.

The northern end of the trail has recently been thinned, leaving hardwoods and prickers (beware of your bare legs).

Andrew poses with Alden at the northern end of the trail.

Hopefully we will get back into the swing of hiking every weekend.  We are very excited to show Alden all the wonders of nature!

First family hike!