Hiking the AT with kids

imported
#1

I live near Cincinnati and plan to begin section hiking the AT this summer with a 10 year old and possibly a 7 & 5 year old. What the heck, let’s throw the wife in the mix. You’re correct to think this guy is probably nuts. I want to have the kids enjoy really pretty surroundings without traveling too far. From everything I’ve read, Tennessee and Georgia are probably too tough for them with the long climbs. I would like to avoid areas with lots of tourists as well. You’re correct to think I’m picky too. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Trailmix

#2

The Dolly Sods wilderness in West Virginia is, in my opinion, some of the most beautiful and fascinating country on the face of the earth. Lost of it is open country with wonderful views and beaver ponds. You could do some backpacking there or stay in a campground or rental house and do day hikes. Email me if you have any questions.

My son and I have backpacked there several times. Other times my wife and daughter came along, so we rented a house and did some great day hikes. I tell you, Trailmix, coming back to a hot tub after a long hike is not the worst experience in the world.

Bob J

#3

Not a bad idea. We’ve done this, now three years, with our nieces and nephew going to the Grayson Highlands to check out the ponies.
The plan with the fam is low mile days, lots of breaks, good food and fun. This is one trip where the junk food is okay. See what they want to do, keeping in mind that you and your wife will have to carry everything if you plan to pack it in. car camping is easier but not as intimate.

I’d try a trip like that before you blast out on a week with everyone. Its six hours to the park from your house. Make a long weekend and see how it goes.

When we hit the Highlands we park on the easy side and walk into Wise Shelter which is about 2-3 miles. Do a loop around the scales and camp around Thomas Knob, back to the car. All just a few miles for kids. Lots to see.

Bushwhack

#4

I second what Bushwhack said about Grayson Highlands area. I went there last summer and I think it’s the coolest area in VA! Ponies, alpine like terrian, the highest peak in VA - it’s all good! :slight_smile:

Also Damascus is nearby and any of the bike shops there will shuttle you and your bike (either your own or a rental) to Whitetop Station which is the top of the VA Creeper trail and you ride 20 miles down the MT back to Damascus. The AT joins the VA Creeper trail for part of the time. The trail is an old railroad bed with packed cinders - it is graded and very easy riding. It literally is all downhill - all you have to do is brake and steer. Oh an the scenery is spectacular! :slight_smile:

Melissa Amory

#5

I agree also - the Grayson Highlands is one of my favorites!! Great area for hiking, or whatever!

scuba

#6

The pine mountain trail is one of the side trails off the AT that allows you to do a loop. You can get to the AT by parking at Massie gap and taking the AT Spur trail 1mi. to the AT, then hike north, side trail,etc. Be careful if you stay at Thos Knob Shelter, it is very windy usually and the windchill will make it very cold. Ive hiked with my 3 sons every year the past 4 years. The oldest hiked first when 12, the middle started at 9 (is now 12, and has done 2 90 mile and one 50 mile AT hike), and my youngest went last summer for his first hike at age 8 and went 32 carefully selected miles. I would not hike more than 6 to 8 mi per day at first(with fairly level ground) until you see how strong your kids are. You can never tell, my middle child is a better hiker than my oldest by a long shot, but then, his first hike was 2mi uphill to the top of Standing Indian, and when he got there, he yelled to me, “Dad you GOTTA SEE THIS, This makes walking up that hill ALL worthwhile.” I knew then, he was hooked, and we’ve enjoyed hiking together a week every summer since.

Cutman

#7

My boss and his family (2 kids) and my 2 sons (teenagers) have hiked both Dolly Sods and the Grayson Highlands.

Both are close to Ohio and offer outstanding hiking and vistas. I’m not sure about the parking at Sods (my boss went there) but at Grayson Highlands they have a ranger parking site that only charges you a few bucks per night and is lighted and vandal free as far as I know. We loaded our truck up with extras (food-water-clothing-tents-etc.)and used that parking lot for a resupply site for a 4 day August meteor shower adventure.

Doc Holiday

#8

We used to park at Bear Rocks, but our car was vandalized there in 1990. Since then, we have parked at the Red Creek campground and have had no problems.

You know, when the car was vandalized, I wasn’t even that upset. My son (age 12) and I had just finished a great 4-day backpacking trip and nether of us had goten hurt or bitten by a snake, and I was very thankful for that.

Bob J

#9

I really appreciate the information and advice from everyone. I’ll plan on checking the above areas out. Now all I need is a nanny with hiking experience. Thanks again to everyone.

Trailmix