15 year old hiking LT alone?

[lazy river road]

As stated I wish when I was fifteen I had parents like yours. I had to wait till im 30 to hike the LT. Im leaving June 23-25 havent decided exactly what date yet. Best of luck on your hike.

[Pedaling Fool]

I have no problem with a 15 year-old doing a solo long-distance hike. However, if something happens to you (very unlikely, but we all assume a certain amount of risk while hiking) and it makes national news there will be a firestorm of controversy for your parents. They will probably be exposed to incredible criticisms and personal attacks, they will be unjustified attacks, but it is a sad reality in our society.

[sasquatch2014]

I have no problem with a 15 year-old doing a solo long-distance hike. However, if something happens to you (very unlikely, but we all assume a certain amount of risk while hiking) and it makes national news there will be a firestorm of controversy for your parents. They will probably be exposed to incredible criticisms and personal attacks, they will be unjustified attacks, but it is a sad reality in our society.

Yeah it is sad too bad not enough people are will to tell all these detractors to go F themselves.

[Roland]

Yeah it is sad too bad not enough people are will to tell all these detractors to go F themselves.

You may have a future in diplomacy.

[JAK]

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?

At that size, I wouldn't try and stop you. lol

If it's ok with your parents, you must be mature enough also.
Hike within your experience and abilities and have a great hike.

[Jeff]

One point to discuss with your parents is the issue of hitchhiking. It is part of the long distance hiker culture. But to be safe you may want to assure your parents that you will do it with a trail buddy.

[Noah Genda]

Do your homework, and be safe...if you believe you're ready, you are...if you have the support of overly protective parents, then you will sleep well! Take a friend!

[sasquatch2014]

You may have a future in diplomacy.

Diplomacy is exactly what I put if I really left all the stuff that I deleted before I posted I would have moderated and Troll would have come off the trail to reprimand me.

[Roland]

Diplomacy is exactly what I put if I really left all the stuff that I deleted before I posted I would have moderated and Troll would have come off the trail to reprimand me.

Congratulations on your restraint.

[Kerosene]

My first backpacking trip was 5 days on the AT in Jersey when I was 15. As long as you have a couple of trips under your belt I would think you'd do just fine. If not, then think about starting out the hike with an experienced partner. Also, I think your parents and friends would feel a lot better if you had a wilderness first aid course under your belt.

Take a lot of pictures and spend the time to write a journal about your trip that you'll remember the rest of your life. Have a great hike!

[sasquatch2014]

Congratulations on your restraint.

Thank you. the older I get I find it's is better to delete things after I type them and before I post them and then just load a few more clips for the on coming revolution.

[Jim Adams]

You may have a future in diplomacy.

Diplomacy: The ability to tell someone to go to hell and by the time you're done they are looking forward to the trip.

geek

[The Phoenix]

I thru hiked the AT @ the age of 18... there is somewhat of a difference between 15 and 18... but people on the trail have a way of looking out for each other.

I would say I was a novice when I started out and many people were there for me... to teach me tricks of the trade and mentor me...

I remember the fear that I felt in the pit of my stomach on that greyhound down to Georgia... but the thrill of the adventure was far greater than the fear and by the time I was half way through Georgia... the fear was dead and it was pure adventure, trail love, and all the good stuff the wilderness brings to the table.

Godspeed and perhaps I will cross paths with you on the LT...

The Phoenix

[Panzer1]

I don't know why a 15 yo would want to hike solo.

I would be more fun to hike with a group.

Panzer

[Spokes]

I say go for it or wait until next year and circumnavigate the earth in a sailboat....... your choice.

[full conditions]

Like Phoenix, I did my thru at age 18 and one of the guys I hiked with for much of New England had done the LT at age 15. I applaud your parents for raising such an indepenent and self-reliant son. Have a great hike.

[Feral Bill]

I say go for it or wait until next year and circumnavigate the earth in a sailboat....... your choice.

Or do half a circumnavigation and be rescued at huge expense to others.

[ShakeyLeggs]

I say good for you, go for it.

We do have a fee for all this positive feedback. We require that you post a post trip report with many photos.

[Panzer1]

hay, did you hear about the 2 year old child that was planning to do a solo thru-hike.

everyone wants to break the record, until someone gets killed.

Panzer

[Tin Man]

I say go for it or wait until next year and circumnavigate the earth in a sailboat....... your choice.

big difference, but of course you know that.

15 year old solo on the LT? I probably wouldn't let mine go alone... mainly 'cause I would want to find a way to go with him and take my 13 year old as well.