The Top 3 New Hampshire Day Hikes for First Timers (sports.yahoo.com)

I also dont recomend Oscela from Tripoli road as a first time hike as the long section of potentially wet tilted rock steps can be unnerving to some first time hikers. It also doesnt have a lot of great intermediate viewpoints.

Mohamed Ellozy said:

Or, on the other side of the lake, Mount Roberts. Views of the lake from many open ledges, plus views of the Whites from the summit. An optional extra is starting at Rt. 171 and going up (or down) the Brook Walk.

Click to expand...

I agree with Mohamed, our 4-year old loved Mt Roberts, and the blueberries were a bonus.

bikehikeskifish said:

Does anyone but me find Osceola a bit too rocky on the descent for their tastes? It was my second White Mountain Hike and I did not enjoy it all that much. My kids didn't seem to mind it too much, maybe it is just me.

Tim

Click to expand...

I find the rocks down below to be the most bothersome but the top 2/3's of the trip I love. Kids love stepping on the rocks. (On the Cub Scout Hikes I lead, the kids love stepping on each rock, even if it slows them down but then again, they don't care one iota about book time or taking too long on a relatively flat section of trail...)

I think most kids - under 12 - would love it. Bringing a novice girlfriend or spouse who doesn't do a lot of outdoor activities, might find it too rocky.

Mike P. said:

I think most kids - under 12 - would love it. Bringing a novice girlfriend or spouse who doesn't do a lot of outdoor activities, might find it too rocky.

Click to expand...

Well then I guess that explains why this is one of my favorites in all of the Whites .... growing up was never an aspiration of mine .

This trail in its entirety isnt very long, Last time I took a group of moderately fit first timers up it it only took us 1hr 11min to the top, and 3 hours total round trip including East peak. How tedious does a trail that short have the potential of getting? I'd think if someone is worried about walking on potentially slippery rocks, that leaves 98 % of the trails in NH out and maybe a paved path to a place like Dianas Bath is better recomendation for them.