We took a road trip to Grafton Notch State Park yesterday. We had never been to the park, mostly because it's a 2-hour drive from our house and finding a day completely free of other activities is rare for us.

There were a lot of clouds and it seemed likely it was going to rain so we packed our wet weather gear (i.e., pull-overs) before heading to the park. It turned out we didn't need to because it never did get around to raining while we were there.

After reading the state park brochure (see pdf of it here) with the trail descriptions, we decided to hike to Table Rock.

We chose the white blazed trail (there are two trail options to get to Table Rock) which was a steeper climb and a challenge for the kids but with a few breaks along the way, we managed the 1.5 miles to the top (with approximately a 900' elevation gain I think - correct me if you know for sure!) with a sense of accomplishment.

View of Table Rock from Route 26

We ate lunch on the actual rock but I wouldn't let the kids step past the crack in it because it made me too nervous for them to be any closer to the edge.

It's a straight 900' drop.

The kids decided to make some goofy poses after eating their lunch. Apparently my kids aren't happy unless I let them do funny face pictures after the obligatory smiling one.

And L. wanted me to share with everyone that she hasn't forgotten her first bunny friend even though she brings her Webkinz everywhere these days.

Hiking back down the mountain was just as demanding on the legs as climbing up. L. said they felt "funny and wobbly" by the time we made it back to the car. And actually we met several different couples with dogs that did not make it to Table Rock because the dogs couldn't manage the rocks and steep climb (see video for details).

Personally, I would not suggest this hike for young children either unless they had a good endurance level. It is listed as "easy" in various guides but I believe that rating relates to adults. Yes, kids could do this hike but only if they really like to hike and don't have a tendency to complain about walking uphill.

G. had brought along her "Forest Trees of Maine" guide book so she could do some more work on her deciduous tree 4-H project.

I love the fall but really wasn't prepared for the colorful leaves just yet ...

After our hike, which took several hours, we decided to stop at Mother Walker Falls, Screw Auger Falls (where did they come up with those names!?) and Moose Cave. We dipped our tired feet in the icy cold water of Screw Auger and it felt great.

And I had a chuckle over this site. I love the ruffles even if they aren't the socks I asked her to wear on the hiking trip (she does have socks that absorb sweat and cushion her feet better). But it does go to show that a girl can love the outdoors without sacrificing her feminine side.

Oh and I had to include this pic because the girls liked this bit of trail humor...

See more photos from the park

Hiking (and 360 view) of Table Rock

A 5-second video we took with my cell phone and uploaded it directly to YouTube (here's how to do it if you're interested). We thought we were pretty slick ;-).