So later this year the wife and I will be hiking the Smokies. And I am sitting here trying to figure out what we can do next year. But I want to bring my son. I was reading in the other recent thread about carrying a son and I noticed that this section was mentioned (among others).
I started looking into it, and I think it would be a fun hike. Just a little over 100 miles but on fairly gentle terrain, and many opt out points if needed. Also, we could enjoy a good meal everyday, so our packs wouldn't be heavy. This will be good for all of us. It would give me a chance to try out some lighter weight gear I am trying to accrue, as well as keep my wife and my son's packs light.
This will be my son's biggest hike by far if we do this. Up to this point he has been on some over night trips with me to state parks, and a 3 day trip to Sipsey Wilderness back last Thanksgiving (we had Thanksgiving dinner there!) It was pretty cold on this trip, but he did great. He loved it, and has been asking to go back. Here is a trip report from that trip:
http://stick13.wordpress.com/whats-t...er-26-29-2009/
So, anyway. He will be 9 years old next year. A little small maybe, about 4' 3" and ~ 60 lbs. He will be carrying his sleeping bag and pad, some water and clothes, and a few other little things. His pack will be about 9 lbs, give or take a pound.
So, what do you think? How many days should I plan on taking for hiking the 100+ miles of the Shenandoah with a kid this size and age? Is this too much for him? I was thinking that since this was a lively area it may be a little easier or more fun for him? I think right now I am trying to consider how many days for this trip, and then I will take it from there.
So.......