If you’re like me, sometimes you’re looking for low-commitment activities that don’t break the bank. Family activities that you can decide to do the day of.  Well, if you’re in or near Vermont, taking a hike at one of our mountain resorts is one of the most accessible family activities you can find. And if you are in northern Vermont, you’d be crazy to bypass a hike at Bolton Valley.

I have a four-year-old, and while we take plenty of walks in the woods, I wasn’t sure how he’d handle a mountain hike. As we packed up supplies for the afternoon, I had my fingers crossed that the hike would be without whining and we’d at least get to a place with a view. I studied the map Bolton provides online, and knowing the mountain a bit, I decided we’d try a lower angle hike from the base area to the Timberline Peak or Mid-Station. Having options seemed wise.