fathers and sons 2-3 day nc experience?

[miyanc]

I am thinking about putting a trip together with some of us scouting dads and our sons. My first thoughts were grandfather mountain. I want this to be a memorable experience. We camp and we hike with the scouts. What we dont always do is enjoy it. I wan this to be a distance hike of some caliber. I am not talking 15 miles a day, but a good distance. I thought about a section hike and we stage a car at the begining and the end so we can drive back. Scenery, location and whatever else makes it fun. Maybe a good restaurant at the end to chow down at. I am thinking the fall. It should also be within a few hours of charlotte.

[jdk]

I would be interested in this as well, but had to put up with major complaining from my son on our 6-7 mile day hike at Stone Mountain last year due to my lack of consideration for what he wanted to do on the hike (mainly take it slower and do a lot of crayfishing). I could have made it a lot more fun for him.

Would an out and back or loop be ok? What about Crowders Mountain? I heard about it recently in a thread on here - could probably park at the Boulders access area and take the ridgeline trail (6.2 miles, moderate - http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/c...cs/parkmap.pdf) to the Sparrow springs access and the family/group backpacking site (another mile).

While looking for more information on Crowders Mountain, I found this http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/expert/ridgeline/ - a bit longer potentially, but two states!

There's also Uwharrie...

[TallPaul]

South Mountains State Park also has a number of options.
Some ridges, some waterfalls, some creeks.

[_jstevens2010_]

Uwaharie national park is cool. 3 trail heads in the northern section called Berkheads. It's easy and the scouts go there a lot. Look it up. I'll be there in March with my group.

[Dead Man]

I'd be interested in this. We aren't in scouting, but would hope that wasn't a prerequisite. Tagged for interest.

[miyanc]

I would be interested in this as well, but had to put up with major complaining from my son on our 6-7 mile day hike at Stone Mountain last year due to my lack of consideration for what he wanted to do on the hike (mainly take it slower and do a lot of crayfishing). I could have made it a lot more fun for him.

Would an out and back or loop be ok? What about Crowders Mountain? I heard about it recently in a thread on here - could probably park at the Boulders access area and take the ridgeline trail (6.2 miles, moderate - http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/c...cs/parkmap.pdf) to the Sparrow springs access and the family/group backpacking site (another mile).

While looking for more information on Crowders Mountain, I found this http://greatoutdoorprovision.com/expert/ridgeline/ - a bit longer potentially, but two states!

There's also Uwharrie...

I want this to be a slow and steady, take our time kind of thing. If we can chugging along and nobody complains then more time spend in camp.
Its been years since I have been to crowders and it may be fine but I am looking for a total experience. Our troop has gone to crowders, maybe only a day hike.

I love the Uwharries, but I also go all the time. It also lacks big things. like mountains or waterfalls.

[miyanc]

South Mountains State Park also has a number of options.
Some ridges, some waterfalls, some creeks.

I will check this out. Have you hiked in the gorge or grandfather mountain?

[miyanc]

Uwaharie national park is cool. 3 trail heads in the northern section called Berkheads. It's easy and the scouts go there a lot. Look it up. I'll be there in March with my group.

I am the one who runs the hang, and thats part of the problem me and my son go there 2 times a year. I was thinking bigger, newer experience.

[miyanc]

I'd be interested in this. We aren't in scouting, but would hope that wasn't a prerequisite. Tagged for interest.

Not at all. The more the merrier. The conversation started with me and some scout dads, but when we pick a date and place I fully intend on posting it here to throw out the invite. The scout guys are almost all tent campers. I need more hangers to help show them the way.

[TallPaul]

I will check this out. Have you hiked in the gorge or grandfather mountain?

I've done a bit of backpacking at Linville Gorge. The folks over at LinvilleGorge.Net would be better suited to recommend a multi-day route.
I previously did an overnighter on the east rim to Shortoff Mountain- there were scouts where we camped.

I haven't backpacked at Grandfather but it is on the list.
I have hiked there.
Every time I think about going the weather never co-operates - high winds, rain, etc. It's an exposed route, and from what I gather pretty strenuous.

Further away, you could consider Grayson Highlands, great views & who doesn't like ponies.

Or over by the Smoky's - the Big Creek / Mt. Sterling loop. The hike into campsite 37 could be done in the dark if necessary.