Easy Kid Friendly Overnighter

**Hooch** · 07-19-2010, 15:57

I posted this over on White Blaze, but thought I'd pick the brains over here at HF, too. With our crew over here being a little more "civilized" than the folks over at WB, and more in tune to the specifine needs of hammockers, I thought this is be best place to post this. My 9 year old son, Short Stuff, is coming to visit me and I'd like to take him on his first overnight backpacking trip while he's here. Any ideas for a fairly easy overnighter in GA/NC/TN/VA alond the AT corridor for me to take kiddo on? I thought about maybe hiking up to Wise Shelter from the Grayson Highlands Campground parking area and hammocking there, but was looking for other ideas. Something with a view would be great, but not a requirement. A blue blaze trail would be good, too, but not a requirement. A water source would be nice, too, and a swimming hole would be a huge plus. Anyone have any suggestions? Any and all ideas are deeply appreciated. Thanks a mil in advance!

**Gnome77** · 07-19-2010, 17:12

Long Falls just north of Springer Gap couple of miles not too rough. Camp sites by falls or just before you get there on the Blue Blaze. Small pools good to cool off, Lots of traffic though. Might be far for you, in Charlotte.

**Salty** · 07-19-2010, 20:14

Originally Posted by Hooch

I thought about maybe hiking up to Wise Shelter from the Grayson Highlands Campground parking area and hammocking there, but was looking for other ideas. Something with a view would be great, but not a requirement. Anyone have any suggestions? Any and all ideas are deeply appreciated. Thanks a mil in advance!

Hooch, you mentioned Grayson Highlands. Did you see Ashman's trip report? (the trip report is posted in sections beyond the first page -- keep going for pony pics) Views and ponies -- hard to beat. It's a trip I am planning to make with my boys. I would think he would get a kick out of seeing the wild ponies.

On the way up, you could go through Blowing Rock and get him some ice cream and fudge at Kilwins, then head toward Boone and Shady Valley and let him climb across Backbone Rock and swim in Beaverdam Creek. Then head toward Mt. Rogers and Grayson Highlands for camping and ponies.

Salty

**Dutch** · 07-19-2010, 20:21

Around partnership shelter is really easy hiking and you can order pizza to the shelter. Mcaffee Knob is great also

**swampfox** · 07-19-2010, 20:48

Hey Hooch,
You didn't mention SC but I'll put a plug in for two of my favorite places.
Jones Gap State Park.
All sites are primitive, most are on the Saluda River.
You can walk 100 yards or 5 miles, your choice.
This one was 100 yards.

Chatooga River Corridor.
Park at Burrell's Ford and hike 30 to 90 minutes for several selections of great campsites right on the Chatooga River. Flyfish for brown and rainbow trout if you're so inclined.
My favorite is about 45 minutes in. It's all by itself so you won't have neighbors. It's right where Bad Creek runs into the Chatooga so you have running water on two sides of the campsite.

Good luck.

swampfox

**Backcountry** · 07-19-2010, 21:24

man those r some good looking campsites swampfox

**slowhike** · 07-19-2010, 22:38

Personally, I'd stick w/ the high country this time of year, even over having a swimming hole. But that's just me.

**GvilleDave** · 07-20-2010, 10:51

Jones Gap & that area north of Burrells Ford on the Chattooga are both great and I have many great trips there but it will be hot there this time of year... If you get a chance for a fall trip to either place don't miss it, Swampfox is right on - they are both great areas. For me Jones Gap is barely 40 minutes from my door, if you go stop at the F-Mart for a great hotdog. Also, JG is the site of a former fish hatchery that closed 60 years or so ago and there are still a few stone walled holding tanks that they keep a few lunker trout to please the kids.