I'm taking my 7 and 6 y/o daughters on their first overnighter. We'll stay between shelters. Any suggestions for a short out & back? We live outside of D.C.
_Stewie_First Overnighter w/Kids
system
#1
system
#3
Manassas Gap heading south. Right off of I-66. Easy to moderate terrain and as a plus the A.T runs along a U.S. Zoological facility where the young ones may be able to see animals like camels and gazelles. When I lived in Fairfax I'd hike that area very often. Heading North is less impressive for a overnighter. There is a primitive campsite just north of the Denton shelter that has a decent spring and nice areas to pitch a tent. I cant recall but from the trailhead to the site may only be 5 or 6 miles if that.
_Brian_
system
#4
Keep it short.
Keep it fun.
Plan for a rest/“energy” (i.e. snack) stop every 15-20 minutes.
Keep their packs light, no more than 5-7 lbs. Make sure the packs fit and transfer most of the weight to the hip belt. I still remember how my shoulders hurt at age 6 carrying a 5 lb. pack with no hip belt.
Let them explore. So what if you have to stop every 5 minutes to check out a beetle or an interesting pebble. It’s more important for the kids to learn to enjoy their surroundings and learn to appreciate the outdoors. Hiking on a fixed schedule is a sure way to make them hate hiking!
_grannyhiker_
system
#5
C and O path, annapolis rocks, dahlgren campground, washington monument. I have an 8 yr old girl. 3-6 miles a day is easier to manage. Bring some popcorn and fun food prep stuff. marshmallow gun is cool. one sleep/snuggle toy each. they ain't scared to go swimming or get rained on... peace
_liit_
system
#6
Before going out on the trail let them read about Flat Stanley on the Appalachian Trail: childrensatpage.rohland.org . They'll be especially excited if they are hiking an area where Stanley has hiked.
_schmuttis_