View Full Version : a quick question
hikindad
01-07-2009, 00:29
Hi, i have just signed up to so far what is a great and very informative website about the AT. I have two girls 11 and 9 and we are getting ready to do a one day and one night hike on the AT. We live about an hour and a half from either springer mountain or Neals Gap and Blood mountain depending on which way I want to drive. I was wanting to know what would be the easiest place to start with 2 young girls. Just a side note, my girls have been camping all over the north georgia mountains ever since they were 5 months old, but this will be the first that is not car camping. Any information would be great. Thanks.
Tennessee Viking
01-07-2009, 02:55
I would recommend Springer Mountain (except for the Approach Trail). It is only .9 miles to the terminus with grand views of Georgia. To the north of the parking lot, its mostly down to Three Forks area. You can even loop with the Benton MacKaye Trail. Then you can use FS 42 to access the AT & BMT in a number of places.
Blood Mountain is about a 1800 foot climb on very rocky 2 mile hike. Blood Mtn Shelter is not one of the friendliest shelters. Mainly that it has no nearby water source. But it offers great views.
hootyhoo
01-07-2009, 10:27
Getting the kids involved. Why not go over to Cohutta or into the Chattoga area to start with. The elevation is easier and you can do loops instead of an out and back?
Nothing wrong with your plan, just a thought.
We live about an hour and a half from either springer mountain or Neals Gap...... Don't you mean Neel Gap? :banana
I love Tray Mountain. Its an easy hike up and you get a nice view on the top. Shelter is present, but a good area for camping is there and a nice spring too.
Blissful
01-07-2009, 15:27
I don't have a suggestion per say but just want to wish you the absolute best for your overnight trip and a wonderful time. Kudos to you!
DRRouner
01-08-2009, 14:16
I wouldn't park my car at Springer Mountain parking area-- I had my windows broken out and everything stolen. Parking at Dick's gap and hiking up to Plumorchard Gap shelter would be my choice. It is relatively flat and has some nice scenery.
Berserker
01-08-2009, 14:35
I love Tray Mountain. Its an easy hike up and you get a nice view on the top. Shelter is present, but a good area for camping is there and a nice spring too.
I did the GA section last year, and Tray Mtn. was one of the highlights of the whole trip. I don't know what the parking is like (i.e. if it's safe or not), but you can park at the base of the mountain and hike up the AT NOBO to the top. It's not a bad cimb as it is nicely graded all the way up (unlike the climb out of Tesantee Gap for example). Can't remeber the mileage either, but it's probably like 1.5 miles to the top from the road. Up at the top there are a couple of nice camp sites near the shelter, and a decent water source a little ways down behind the shelter. Oh yeah, and there is a privy there too.
Getting the kids involved. Why not go over to Cohutta or into the Chattoga area to start with. The elevation is easier and you can do loops instead of an out and back?
Nothing wrong with your plan, just a thought.
I second this emotion. For beginning youngsters, the Chatooga River in The Ellicott Rock Wilderness is hard to beat. Its flat. Lots of good campsites. Always near the river. Even has a waterfall. It can be a bit crowded.
I have never seen the Cohutta crowded. My favorite place there is the top of Panther Creek Falls.
Hi, i have just signed up to so far what is a great and very informative website about the AT. I have two girls 11 and 9 and we are getting ready to do a one day and one night hike on the AT. We live about an hour and a half from either springer mountain or Neals Gap and Blood mountain depending on which way I want to drive. I was wanting to know what would be the easiest place to start with 2 young girls. Just a side note, my girls have been camping all over the north georgia mountains ever since they were 5 months old, but this will be the first that is not car camping. Any information would be great. Thanks.I can't answer because I haven't been down there, but also have to say kudos. My girl is 9. She is a great hiker and camper also.
Here are some things that worked for me. You've probably already picked some of this up.
1. Brainwash early and brainwash often. This doesn't work, but keep trying.
2. If you really hate hiking sticks, and they give you a rotten stick to carry, carry it.
3. Give them a bag to carry what they want, but make sure yours is big enough for everything they have.
4. For estimating travel speed, use your speed x their height / your height.
5. When you get a chance, make some hiking sticks with them out of some wood that aren't rotten.
6. When you really do have to get someplace, let them know it, and they will often rise to the occassion.
7. If you are only hiking to get to somewhere fun, and they stop to play, then you're there already.
I've found that kids are particularly good at climbing hills, as long as they aren't encumbered, and you are.
Perhaps its just my girl, but kids can be rather sadistic, so it helps move them along if you suffer a little. :)
Woody Gap north to Bird Gap(Wood's Hole Shelter) 14 mile in and out hike, 7 miles one way. Mostly ridge walking.
Hello hikkindad-
Lot of good recommendations on where to hike. My wife and I have 3 boys which are now past 30 years of age. When they were your kids age we had lots of fun camping and hiking. Now 2 of them have blessed us with grand sons. Brandt will be 1 year old Feb 1st., and Cameron was just born on Jan 6th. I am already planning hiking equipment for them. Think it's a little early? Do they make hiking "booties"?
Have fun and stay safe.:sun