15 year old hiking LT alone?

[ct_to_vt]

Hello,

I'm new here, as you can see.

I've wanted to hike the LT in its entirety for a long time. My parents are ok with me doing it alone this summer. I feel that this is fine as well, as I am 6 foot 1 and almost 200 pounds, so it's not like I'm little or anything. Also, as my family is from Vermont, my family would be meeting me every weekend or so. However, I am only 15.

Does this seem okay to all of you guys?

[Roland]

Relish the opportunity and be grateful for your parents' support. Obviously you've proven yourself to them and they acknowledge this will be a good experience for you.

Have a great hike.

[Yukon]

Wish I was thinking about that sort of thing when I was 15, would have been more fun than working lol. Hope you have a great hike...

[Rabbott]

I would give anything to have parents like yours... good luck and have fun!

[YoungMoose]

It seems ok to me. Im doing it to and this summer im going to be 16.

[Ender]

My parents are ok with me doing it alone

If your parents are OK with it, then it's a great thing. The trail itself is safe enough, just gear yourself up properly and you'll do fine. This site is a great resource for equipping yourself.

[Cookerhiker]

It's wonderful that your parents are so supportive. I encourage you to go ahead and plan on it.

Do you have hiking experience? Backpacking experience? You'll find a lot of useful info. on this site. The Long Trail is pretty rugged, especially in the north, so please do some conditioning beforehand to enjoy your trip. Happy Trails!

[Jim Adams]

Good for you! I also began my adventuring at age 15 and have never looked back. My adult life has been a much different outlook than alot of others my age all because of the adventuring that I did at young ages. My mind tends to be more open and thinking out of the box. I have never regretted those learnings and my parents always stood behind the directions that I took back then. I applaud your parents and can only say that your ride will only be what you make of it. Have a blast!

geek

[Manwich]

A properly outfitted 12 year old could do it by his one'sies.

[ct_to_vt]

wow thanks for all of the positive feedback! awesome!

[YoungMoose]

so when are you planning on doing it.

[jdb]

Go for it!

I have my little guy out there with me and I know for sure it will pay off in the long run. When he gets a little older and he wants to go out alone or with friends I won't worry because I'll know he has the experience to handle any situation that may come up. His friends could never do what we do and most of the fathers.......well lets just say?

[moon_whisperer]

Sorry if I missed it, when are you planning this trek?

[ct_to_vt]

I'm not quite 100% sure yet, but planning for the month of august.

does that sound reasonable?

[Roland]

I'm not quite 100% sure yet, but planning for the month of august.

does that sound reasonable?

August is good. The worst of the mud and the bugs will be gone. By late August, humidity tapers off, the visibility improves and it gets cooler.

Have fun.

[YoungMoose]

I'm not quite 100% sure yet, but planning for the month of august.

does that sound reasonable?

Cool. i bet we would see eachother on the trail. i am planning either july or august.

[Cookerhiker]

I'm not quite 100% sure yet, but planning for the month of august.

does that sound reasonable?

I did the whole LT starting in mid-August - best part was lack of bugs. You probably have to start by Aug. 1 to return for school but it should be OK.

[Tinker]

As long as you carry your 6'1" frame with confidence I doubt anyone will mess with you (don't worry about the wild animals, it's the ones with two feet you have to watch). You will probably make friends on your hike, so, unless you're a real loner, you won't really be alone unless you want to be (also a good experience).
Enjoy your hike and treasure your parents. Make them proud.

[peakbagger]

Go for it, as long as you have the skills down it will be a great experience that sadly is somehwhat a thing of the past the past these days. There are plenty of folks on the LT all summer into the fall. I would suggest carrying a bivy shelter, if you get to a shelter and you dont like the looks of the other occupants, its always and option to cook supper and then head off in the woods a bit or up the trail for 20 minutes to set up the bivy (or a hammock if you are used to it).

[Shiraz-mataz]

People often dismiss the abilities of the younger generation, labeling them as video game playing couch potatoes... I'm glad to see you're challenging that notion! There are actually lots of examples of very young people taking on very ambitious endeavours. Heck, right now I'm tracking the progress of 16 year old Abby Sunderland who is sailing around the world all alone! http://www.abbysunderland.com/ Have fun!