{Travel Log} Hiking the Appalachian Trail | Great Smokies Family Outdoor Travel

After spending a week in the mountains of North Carolina, I was not ready to go home! - North Carolina is green, hilly and so beautiful. I was eager to get in one more hike before heading back to the grind of work and day to day routine.

The area in and around the Great Smoky mountains has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor activities (more to come on that in another post). On our last day there, we visited some of the more touristy sites within the national park. After rubbing elbows with a few hundred people, I was itching for some fresh air and solitude. Recognizing the uneasiness in me, my husband suggested I hike the Appalachian trail. I looked at him like he was drunk! Sure I can hike the 2000 mile journey in my dreams in the blink of an eye! – Don’t we have to go back in a few hours :)

But he had something else up his sleeve. He told me of a section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the national park that was a perfect starter hike. It was only about 2 miles in length with a moderate elevation gain. I nodded yes, but then almost had to do a double take. Had I heard him clearly? He wanted me to hike ALONE with the kids! Me alone is one thing, me alone with the kids is another. My 6 year old is an experienced hiker having hiked several strenuous hikes in Glacier National Park when she was 4 and is game for anything. But my 2 year old – how is he going to handle the trail? What if he falls, What if he wants to be carried, What if we get lost, What if we see a bear! – The list of What If's was slowly becoming as long as the stretch of the Appalachian Trail that he wanted me to hike.

But then something magical happened. My sense of adventure and love for nature got the better of me! (Not to mention the chicken noises that was coming from my husband!!) Why am I being such a baby when my kids are not even complaining. So armed with a bottle of water and my camera, the three of us set off to hike the Appalachian Trail – well, a section of it at least.

As they say, hindsight is better that foresight. I am so proud that a 2 year old & a 6 year old hiked the Appalachian Trail. The experience was amazing.
We skipped over puddles and crossed fields and fields of wildflowers. We had to stop to observe and smell them up close.

We saw huge uprooted tree stumps and made up stories on how fallen trees could be bear dens. Good thing we did not find out that it is indeed a possible fact in the Smokies after our hike! Thanks Ranger Mike!

Can you almost see mama bear and her three little cubs peeking out of this tree stump?? :)

We saw a few other hikers on the trail and talked about what it means to go backcountry camping and hiking. I was so proud when both my kids in unison said ‘Let’s go do that tomorrow’.

The trail was not easy. It was uneven - gaining elevation gradually and in some areas it was very narrow. Yet, the ease with which the kids walked and hiked it, was truly inspirational. The 2 year old walked the entire 2 mile journey! And the 6 year old watched out for him, helping him climb rocks and huge stones on the path!

We took a few breaks but in general kept good pace since we knew dad was waiting at the other end. All in all, I have to admit that the experience was well worth the effort. I survived my first solo hike and am eager for more!

Some interesting facts about the Appalachian Trail, should you be so inclined to try it yourself

1) The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpath in the world
2) It measures roughly 2,180 miles in length
3) Over 2-3 million people visit the Trail every year exploring its magnificent landscapes and experiencing its stunning views
4) It crosses 13 states in the US
5) It is the most multi generational trail every – every year you will find hardcore trail enthusiasts as well as grandmas and kids hiking the trail
6) You can either section hike or complete the entire 2000+ miles in one shot (a long one at that!)

Feel free to contact us if these pictures motivate you to try a solo hike. We will be happy to put together a custom travel package for an unforgettable adventure!