how young is too young?

**nuttysquirrel** · 02-10-2014, 00:03

Originally Posted by Canoefor2

It would not be bad to have a spot along for the back up help if ever needed and would let your mom sleep better at night. Also, write a journal as you go.

I have yet to get one, but it's on the list

**Fronkey** · 02-10-2014, 00:12

I say have a blast! At 15 you are for sure old enough to get out there and have a great time and make some memories.

Fronkey

**nuttysquirrel** · 02-10-2014, 00:28

Originally Posted by Fronkey

I say have a blast! At 15 you are for sure old enough to get out there and have a great time and make some memories.

Fronkey

Fronkey, you thru'd the jmt right? Did you Run into any "unsavory characters" ? ( mom made me ask)

**Fronkey** · 02-10-2014, 11:14

Originally Posted by nuttysquirrel

Fronkey, you thru'd the jmt right? Did you Run into any "unsavory characters" ? ( mom made me ask)

I haven't thru'd the whole thing yet, but have spent time on it. You have to get a permit to thru-hike the JMT, so you're not going to find any "unsavory characters" out there who can just walk on the trail. Besides the normal smelly hiker of course.

Another thing, you very well may end up meeting some friends on the trail and end up hiking it with a group if you end up wanting to. My friend Mr. Green went to solo the PCT last year and ended up hiking with a nice group pretty much the entire way. It happens quite often out there on the trail.

Also, there are park rangers in the national parks and they do an excellent job of taking care of the area.

Fronkey

**Mountnman** · 02-10-2014, 11:25

I also say go for it!! I had parents that encouraged me to be adventurous and I had many great adventures growing up. And that was before any new technology, but if you have it use it. I would spend days in the mountains in North Carolina when I was your age and did many hiking trips with my buddy of the same age. Have a blast and just trust your knowledge, plenty of common sense goes a long way also.

**gunner76** · 02-10-2014, 11:38

Go for it. Better to try and not make it than to not try at all.

Also agree with Doctari on legal issues ect.

**nuttysquirrel** · 02-10-2014, 20:53

Thanks for the inspirational words all!

**cliffhanger** · 02-11-2014, 19:23

too young is following a parent on a thru hike.....if you want to do it solo, you are probably old enough.
If you've done a solo multi day trip and came back healthy, you should be fine.

only unsavory characters I've seen are at the start of the long trails, first 300 miles or so. ..they eventually call it quits or find something else to do. I think the trailheads that intersect major roads and highways is where to be cautious about people.--then again, this are where I would get hitches and meet cool people.- that's another thing to consider is the hitching/rides....I'd recommend buddying up with someone when hitching.

**lazy river road** · 02-11-2014, 20:44

If my sons wanted to hike solo and they had the knowledge, skill and know how I'd let them go for sure. That being said I'd hope they want me to come I love hiking. So yeah, go for it, trust your gut, and have a blast. Hope to see pics and read a blog or journal after the trip.

**nuttysquirrel** · 02-12-2014, 01:11

Originally Posted by lazy river road

If my sons wanted to hike solo and they had the knowledge, skill and know how I'd let them go for sure. That being said I'd hope they want me to come I love hiking. So yeah, go for it, trust your gut, and have a blast. Hope to see pics and read a blog or journal after the trip.

I feel up to it

will post a rolling trip report for sure!