how young is too young?

**nuttysquirrel** · 02-09-2014, 19:45

So I'm planning either a nobo jmt or nobo Oregon section of the pct hike in 2015,( when I'll be 15) my question is how young is to young for a solo thru? I know a 15 year old girl has thru'd the at solo without issue, do you think the same could be applied to the jmt or Oregon's pct? Any other sub 18 thru hikers gone solo? Thanks

**mudsocks** · 02-09-2014, 19:56

I think it really depends on the individual's knowledge, skill and experience. That being said if I had a 15 year old son and daughter I'd be more comfortable with the idea of my son hiking alone.

**Doctari** · 02-09-2014, 20:52

A 6 year old Thrued the AT with his parents (He turned 7 on the trail I believe, he's now over 21).
I met a 8 year old with her dad on the AT, were doing a 19 mile day on a extended Section hike.

I'm NOT a lawyer, however:
MY concern is legal stuff: at 15 you are (legally) too young to do a bunch of things (signing a legal document comes to mind) that may jam you up in towns at least.
You MAY be able to have a document signed by your Parents / guardians, with the more you have being the better, that says, in effect: Nuttysquirrel has our permission to do what Nuttysquirrel does.

You say a 15 year old girl did what you plan, see if you can contact her for tips. Also, contact a lawyer, [I am thinking if you can, get one in each state you plan on being solo in] that can help you draft such a document AND is willing to sign along with the rents! GET IT NOTARIZED! Have several ORIGINALS, with the notarizing stamp on each (many in authority insist on feeling the impression of the notarization seal!) Carry it ON YOU, AT ALL TIMES!

As a safety thing, at least to strangers: YOU ARE NOT HIKING ALONE!!! "MY (Dad, Mom, Uncle Bill, etc) is right behind me, he/she had to stop for a pee break at that last bend in the trail!" If in doubt about the stranger, possibly add: "Yea, mom is chief guard at a max security prison (Lawyers said I'm not allowed to say which one). She really messed up this one guy a few weeks ago, needed to get out & reduce her stress before,,,,,,,,,,, " let your voice trail off & look back up the trail,, a bit scared. "She is MUCH better now,,,, I think."

Have fun! Remember: It's only hiking!

**nuttysquirrel** · 02-09-2014, 20:59

Originally Posted by Doctari

As a safety thing, at least to strangers: YOU ARE NOT HIKING ALONE!!! "MY (Dad, Mom, Uncle Bill, etc) is right behind me, he/she had to stop for a pee break at that last bend in the trail!" If in doubt about the stranger, possibly add: "Yea, mom is chief guard at a max security prison (Lawyers said I'm not allowed to say which one). She really messed up this one guy a few weeks ago, needed to get out & reduce her stress before,,,,,,,,,,, " let your voice trail off & look back up the trail,, a bit scared. "She is MUCH better now,,,, I think."

Have fun! Remember: It's only hiking!

just what i was thinking

**Roche** · 02-09-2014, 21:05

Ask your parents.

**nuttysquirrel** · 02-09-2014, 21:21

Originally Posted by Roche

Ask your parents.

done!

**Shug** · 02-09-2014, 23:39

I think it is cool that you want to. Be vigilant whilst out there and have the time of your life.
If you feel confident about it then I say YES)))))
Shug

**nuttysquirrel** · 02-09-2014, 23:42

Originally Posted by Shug

I think it is cool that you want to. Be vigilant whilst out there and have the time of your life.
If you feel confident about it then I say YES)))))
Shug

Thanks shug, I blame your videos for hooking me on hammocking

**Shug** · 02-09-2014, 23:43

Originally Posted by nuttysquirrel

Thanks shug, I blame your videos for hooking me on hammocking

I'll take the blame gladly…...

**Canoefor2** · 02-09-2014, 23:55

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.