AboutSuzan Jackson Expertise My specialty is enjoying the outdoors with children. I can answer your questions about camping, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities with kids. I have 2 boys, ages 5 and 8, who have been enjoying the outdoors with us since they were infants. My website (www.outdoorfamily.net) provides a variety of articles about enjoying the outdoors with children.
Experience I have been camping and hiking since my own childhood. My husband and I have included our sons in our outdoor activities - including camping, hiking, backpacking, and canoeing - since they were infants. See my website (www.outdoorfamily.net) for articles about enjoying the outdoors with children.
Question We are planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park with our 4 year old and 8 month old daughters. Can you recommend some hikes that we can do with them? Do you have any tips for doing this?
Thanks in advance.
Answer Dear Michelle -
We had a wonderful trip to the Smokies two years ago! It's a great park - I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The last time we had been there, our boys were about your daughters' ages (they're now 11 and 14). Both times, we entered the park on the TN side, so that's where my experience is.
While we were there this last time, we enjoyed two nice hikes - one to the highest point in the Smokies (Clingman's Dome, with a 1-mile paved (though uphill) hike)and one to a series of waterfalls. You can probably manage both with your kids. Problem is I don't remember the name of the waterfall hike - I'll try to figure that out, while I give you some more resources.
First stop by the National Park Service's website:
We may have done part of the Indian Creek/Tom's Branch hike.
Generally, with a 4-year old, I would stick with hikes of about 2-3 miles or less at a time when she has plenty of energy (like just after breakfast).
One thing we did during our first visit that I'd highly recommend is the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. It's especially good with kids or anyone who can't manage long hikes, and it gives you a great overview of the park. It's a loop you drive in the car, with stops posted along the way. Some are short hikes to really cool places (like Grotto Falls); others are overlooks right at the parking area or an old Appalachian cabin you can walk through. See the directions at the description for Grotto Falls on the waterfall page listed above.
As for your younger daughter, I'd recommend either a backpack-style carrier or a soft front carrier that allows her to face outward. We used both with our kids, but my younger son really loved the front carrier when he was 8 months old!
You might also want to pick up a hiking guide and look for hikes that are short. The NPS website lists some books you can order or try these:
