Planning a Family Hike

Download our Family Hike Planning Guide for a comprehensive resource.
For a list of Appalachian Trail day hikes, click the link below.

Family Hike Planning Guide Explore Day Hikes by State

Choosing a Hike

Choosing a hike depends upon the age and experience of the children in your family.

  • Consider a maximum of 3 or 4 miles for an all-ages hike.
  • When very young children are participating, aim for loop hikes or out-and-back hikes. It’s difficult to to rely on shuttle transportation when you’re juggling a car seat.

Adapting Your Hike

When hiking with children or inexperienced hikers, don’t be afraid to change your plans. Try to build options into your hike that will allow you to adapt if needed.

  • Don’t wear new hikers out. Empower them to make them realize they can do it!
  • Remember it’s about the journey, not the destination. Be willing to modify the hike if needed based on the comfort and enjoyment of all participants.
  • Be flexible enough to stop and explore the natural world along the way.

Preparing For Your Hike

Hiking with children requires additional preparation and careful attention to hikers during the hike.

  • Set ground rules that identify the hike leader and sweep (the person in the back of the group).
  • Adapt your first aid kit for youth and first-time hikers. Add children’s sunscreen, children’s Tylenol, liquid antihistamine, Band-Aids, tweezers, hand sanitizer, blister treatment (moleskin, etc.).
  • Children are especially susceptible to sun exposure and exhaustion; this makes frequent snack and water breaks all the more important. Plan ahead to allow for enough time for these breaks.

Hiking Games & Activities

Hiking with your family is an adventure! There is plenty to see and do while out on the A.T., but having a brief, fun activity can enhance the experience for all.

Whether your hike leads you to a stream, wetland, field, or forest, you will find a whole new world to explore with your senses, even if you think you already know the place well! Slow down, open your eyes and ears, and discover some new ways to “know” a place near you.

Games & Activities