Is it ok for an 18 year old to hike?

[Starburst]

I am planning on thru-hiking in 2016 and my good friend would like to be my hiking partner. I will be 21 when I walk the trail but she will be only 18 (she will turn 19 towards the end of the trail). Do you think that it would be safe/normal for someone so young to hike the trail? I know that it's recommended that we hike alone and just meet people along the trail, but I think that I would feel a bit better with someone I know and trust hiking with me.

[Tuckahoe]

Yeah I guess this is the smart assed response but last time I checked an 18 year old is an adult and no longer a child.

[HooKooDooKu]

Yeah I guess this is the smart assed response but last time I checked an 18 year old is an adult and no longer a child.

They didn't ask "would it be legal", just would it be safe and would it be normal.

On the issue of safety, I don't see an issue. Children much younger than that hike with a parent/guardian along.
On the issue of normal... collage age "kids" are normal on hiking trials, and I would define 18 as collage age. So she wouldn't stand out.

The only thing that would stand out would be if you were a 20 something male and she appeared to be underage. Then it would look inappropriate for you two to be travelling together.

[Lone Wolf]

if it's ok to go to war at 18, it's certainly ok to walk a trail at 18

[Mags]

Yes. Have fun.

I thru-hiked with a 17 yr old (graduated early from high school) when I did the AT...nearly 20 yrs later, he is now an executive at a hospital FWIW.

[Starburst]

yes, thank you. We are both females and she is one of my best friends, she'll be in her first year of college so it should be fine. I appreciate you understanding my concern

[earlyriser26]

I started some long distance section hikes at the age of 13 with another 13 year old back in the 60's. Try renting a motel room when you are 13. LOL. You should have no problems at all.

[TomN]

I did a couple solo hikes at 17-18, not a thru, never had any problems.

[sympathetic joy]

I'm thinking it may more safe for a 18 yr old to be on the trail than on a college campus.

[Malto]

if it's ok to go to war at 18, it's certainly ok to walk a trail at 18

Lone Wolf beat me to it. I was in basic training at 17 so in my book that is OK also.

[Tuckahoe]

They didn't ask "would it be legal", just would it be safe and would it be normal.

And not answered with thought or regard to legality, but rather the thought that an 18 year old is not "so young" and now an adult.

she will be only 18...Do you think that it would be safe/normal for someone so young to hike the trail?...

[AO2134]

I'm thinking it may more safe for a 18 yr old to be on the trail than on a college campus.

Bingo. While no place is completely safe (there are bad people everywhere), i'd say for most people they are safer in the trail then in their everyday life.

I see partners hike all the time. It is completely normal. Also I read somewhere of the youngest person and/or girl to complete the AT. I believe she was 15. Of course, he family was also close by and accompanied here in an RV.

Furthermore, I do think there is safety in numbers. IF someone with ill intentions were around, I think it is harder to approach 2 or more people versus a solitary hiker.

I wouldn't be to worried my friend. 99.9% of the people on the trail are some of the best, kindest people you will ever meet. It is a community. We try to take care of our own and everyone else for that matter.

Enjoy the hike.

[CarlZ993]

Lone Wolf beat me to it. I was in basic training at 17 so in my book that is OK also.

Ditto. I graduated Army Boot Camp on my 18th birthday. I was a happy camper.

I wish the two hikers the best of luck.

[fredmugs]

I am planning on thru-hiking in 2016 and my good friend would like to be my hiking partner. I will be 21 when I walk the trail but she will be only 18 (she will turn 19 towards the end of the trail). Do you think that it would be safe/normal for someone so young to hike the trail? I know that it's recommended that we hike alone and just meet people along the trail, but I think that I would feel a bit better with someone I know and trust hiking with me.

Sounds more like you're asking it it's OK for YOU to hike.

[Rolls Kanardly]

if it's ok to go to war at 18, it's certainly ok to walk a trail at 18

Plus 1

You beat me to it Lone Wolf

Rolls

[ATAdam]

18 is like the new 15? Yeah adults can do whatever they want. Except drink.. or buy cigarettes in some parts of Mass, now 21.

[peakbagger]

I know some 15 year olds that are far more mature than 25 year olds so its all down to how she was brought up. She does have to figure out her response on offers or booze and other substances. There will be plenty of folks who want to party and they will not care what the number is on her license. The smart approach is steer clear and let them burn out around Damascus.

[Pajj]

I'm 18 and I'll be thru hiking this year

[gunner76]

Go for it and have fun

[One Half]

Ditto. I graduated Army Boot Camp on my 18th birthday. I was a happy camper.

I wish the two hikers the best of luck.

HA! I was a full month + shy of my 18th!