Just starting to plan a first trip on the AT for next Spring with my two boys, (16 and 13 yrs.). We have bought the guide book for NC and are looking at a 39.2 mile section from Newfoundland Gap, to Fontana Dam. Anyone have any imput on how much time we should plan on spending to complete this? Also, I am having some problems finding information on shuttles to our starting point from Fontana Dam. Thanks greg
Greg
i would plan 10-12 miles a day, this should be enough hiking during the day & still enjoyable for your 13 yr old. check the Hike Inn in Fontana, they could hook you w/ a shuttle, i think…haven’t stayed there in a while, but the couple that runs it are awesome.
the goat
My son (8 years old) and I hiked the section from Fontana Dam to NOC In September 2004. We stayed in the shelters (Cable Gap, Brown Fork, and Sassafras) and it took us 3 1/2 days to do the 30 miles. If you are willing to tent you can do 10-12 per day. Depending on the time in Spring the shelters may be full with thru hikers, so bring a tent. Otherwise the shelters are about 7-9 miles apart in this section.
Rookie’s Dad
The time that you need to comfortably and enjoyably do this really depends on how much weight you’re carrying. For a 13 year old, if you have a normal heavy pack- say more than 40 pounds, 10-12 miles a day might feel like a lot to him. With a heavy pack I’d reccomend more like 6-8 miles a day for him. It also depends on how easily you can get the kids going in the morning and other things like that. There’s lots of variables so I’d say keep the weight down and be flexible. It is really great that you’re taking your sons on a trip like this. I’m comepletely indebted to my father for introducing the wilds to me. 
zach attack