After spending a week in the mountains of North Carolina, I was not ready to go home! – North Carolina is green, hilly and so beautiful. I was eager to get in one more hike before heading back to the grind of work and day to day routine.
But he had something else up his sleeve. He told me of a section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the national park that was a perfect starter hike. It was only about 2 miles in length with a moderate elevation gain. I nodded yes, but then almost had to do a double take. Had I heard him clearly? He wanted me to hike ALONE with the kids! Me alone is one thing, me alone with the kids is another. My 6 year old is an experienced hiker having hiked several strenuous hikes in Glacier National Park when she was 4 and is game for anything. But my 2 year old – how is he going to handle the trail? What if he falls, What if he wants to be carried, What if we get lost, What if we see a bear! – The list of What If’s was slowly becoming as long as the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that he wanted me to hike.
As they say, hindsight is better that foresight. I am so proud that a 2 year old & a 6 year old hiked the Appalachian Trail. The experience was amazing.
We skipped over puddles and crossed fields and fields of wildflowers. We had to stop to observe and smell them up close.
We saw huge uprooted tree stumps and made up stories on how fallen trees could be bear dens. Good thing we did not find out that it is indeed a possible fact in the Smokies after our hike! Thanks Ranger Mike!
Can you almost see mama bear and her three little cubs peeking out of this tree stump?? 🙂
We saw a few other hikers on the trail and talked about what it means to go backcountry camping and hiking. I was so proud when both my kids in unison said ‘Let’s go do that tomorrow’.
We took a few breaks but in general kept good pace since we knew dad was waiting at the other end. All in all, I have to admit that the experience was well worth the effort. I survived my first solo hike and am eager for more!
1) The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpath in the world
2) It measures roughly 2,180 miles in length
3) Over 2-3 million people visit the Trail every year exploring its magnificent landscapes and experiencing its stunning views
4) It crosses 13 states in the US
5) It is the most multi generational trail every – every year you will find hardcore trail enthusiasts as well as grandmas and kids hiking the trail
6) You can either section hike or complete the entire 2000+ miles in one shot (a long one at that!)
Feel free to contact us if these pictures motivate you to try a solo hike. We will be happy to put together a custom travel package for an unforgettable adventure!