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One of my all time favorite things to do is hike and unfortunately I have not done any hiking since moving to Ohio. 
I used to hike every day in Arizona because the mountain was literally just outside my door. Check out this pic taken just 6 feet from my bedroom patio. My best friend and I used to go hiking on South Mountain in Northern Phoenix about once a week as well. A couple days ago I was going through some books to see if I could donate any and I came across my large collection of hiking and camping books and it really gave me the itch to get hiking again. There is just no greater adventure in my mind. A mountain or trail reveals itself to you with every step and tells a story you can’t see from a car window. It awakens something earthy and primal in you and makes you acutely aware of how special every moment is.
Some of my all time best memories of my 20+ years in Arizona are on the trail. I remember sliding down the mountain at slide rock, trekking across all the springs at Seven Springs, jumping off a bridge into the cool water below, traveling down into the Grand Canyon, fishing at Bartlet, and my boyfriend (now husband) taking a 30 fall off of Squaw Peak. Okay maybe that memory wasn’t so nice at the time but now it is pretty funny since everything turned out okay…save a few scars. In the mountains surrounding my home I remember the exhilaration of finding two abandoned homes and exploring them, a couple abandoned mines, seeing mountain lion tracks and spotting a few rattlers and stray cattle. Oh yes, it is time to dig out the backpacking equipment and go out to see what adventures Ohio has to offer.
My only problem is that there is nowhere to hike or backpack where I live for at least 35 miles so daily hikes are out until we move into the city which has several awesome parks with hiking and camping. I am already plotting out several day hikes and some overnight backpacking trips. We have to start getting the kids used to this sort of adventuring because I have recently revived my dream to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine…it takes six months to do. What could be better than spending six months camping and hiking with your favorite people on the planet?
For anyone interested in hiking and camping with their kids I suggest you read Trailside Guide: Hiking and Backpacking by Karen Berger. It is an awesome book with info on what you need to hike, what to wear, what to eat, what to do about blisters, injuries, and bad weather. Basically everything you need to know. My guide is waterproof even so I can take it with me. Also check out Camping and Backpacking With Children. And another good book that will inspire you is A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson who hiked the The Appalachian Trail I mentioned above.
I just picked up 50 Hikes in Ohio. Let the adventures begin! Any other hiking and backpacking enthusiasts out there? Comment and share your stories or your fears about hiking and camping with kids if that is the case.
Janelle said,
October 28, 2008 at 5:01 pm:
“Walk in the Woods” is a really good read. Pretty sure I don’t have what it takes to walk the trail, though.
Lia Mack said,
October 28, 2008 at 8:46 pm:
Excellent!!! I love hiking and we get out once in a while, but I really am not comfortable hiking alone with my two kids. I just don’t feel comfortable. Do you hike alone (aka, you’re the only adult).
Lia Mack
Linda M said,
October 28, 2008 at 9:20 pm:
I feel for Lia. We have hiking around us but my worries get the best of me with hiking alone with small children. (And even hiking alone without my kids!) It’s sad we live in a world that fear keeps us away from doing such fun natural activities. But I’m so guilty of it
Lia Mack said,
October 29, 2008 at 8:18 am:
I don’t think there is anything guilty about it. As one of the cardinal rules of hiking, you are NEVER supposed to hike alone. It’s a safety thing. Now, do most people follow this rule? Probably not. However, when you have small children who not only fall half the time, but go at a snails pace (or slower), it’s SMART to have more than one adult. And a cell phone. And plenty of water and trail mix
I find it’s hard to locate other moms who want to go at the same pace as my herd does. We cover about a 1/4th mile in 30 minutes. Ugh! for me. But the kids, it’s the best time of their lives. My son, almost 5, loves to take the lead. And my 2yo is a trail runner! Amazing balance.
As for the fear, I’m more afraid of the human animals than of the wild ones. You KNOW what a bear or a deer is capable of doing. But a human…you don’t know their nature. It is too bad we live in a world of so many “What if’s” that we can’t even just enjoy the great outdoors with our children…but hasn’t it always been that way, in one way or another?
jdp said,
October 29, 2008 at 8:45 am:
I don’t know where in OH you are but might I suggest some overnight trips to Allegheny National Forest, Cooks Forest, Clear Creek State Park or my most local favorite for hiking:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/oilcreek.aspx
If you like Rails to Trails Bike trails we have great ones.
My son (5), his friends, my niece and nephew all love these places. My nephew calls it visiting Aunt D in the mountain jungle rock place.
Tiffany said,
October 29, 2008 at 10:08 am:
Thx for the info jdp! As for the other question…NO I never hike with kids alone and almost never hike by myself alone unless it is a well traveled day hike trail. It is one of the most important rules of serious hiking….don’t go alone. Hubby and I go together and often with groups.
Monica said,
October 29, 2008 at 11:55 am:
Thanks for reminding me I also love hiking. I’m in Ecuador so we have lots of mountains around and my son keeps asking when are we going to the Cotopaxi again.
Hiking alone? Never done that, even when I wasn’t a mom (now I’m a more needed person). That’s why I keep procastinating our trips, since I’m single I need to ask a friend or my brother to come along with us.
Anita said,
October 29, 2008 at 12:57 pm:
I so love hiking. When I lived in Hamilton we had the Bruce Trail right outside our door and as soon as my girl was born - we were out on that trail even thought it was January. Since then we’ve been out with the Kelty as well but she is getting to the point now - at close to 35 lbs that it’s tough to do any serious hiking. She winds up on our shoulders for some of it and then a wee bit of actual walking as well.
Valerie Otto said,
October 29, 2008 at 2:21 pm:
I stumbled it
Valerie Otto said,
October 29, 2008 at 2:21 pm:
Ah, lol. that was meant to go on the sinupret blog. Sorry!
Donna E said,
October 30, 2008 at 2:44 am:
we LOVE hiking as well,being in the north east,we have many wonderful places to go. I got a geat book for my area,best hikes with children Me,Vt,& NH. It rates how easy or difficlt it will be,and the terrain,height,time round trip (roughly),there are also over night back packing trips in it.The info is wonderful,and you know most all you need to before heading out.We also have a 50 Hikes book for our area,but it is geared more towards adults,so keep that in mind when they say a hike is easy.We have 2 sets of twins,so 4yr olds hike on their own we carry the 16montholds in our Sherpanni packs. Found 2 books that looked good for Ohio,but not sure if they’ll be helpful as not sure they’re your area but here they are,Cleveland on Foot:50 Walks & Hikes in Greater Cleveland by Patience Cameron Hoskins,and this one sounds good for possibly all around,not sure. Kids Love Ohio:A Parents guide to exploring fun places in Ohio with children all year round! by George A Zavatsky.Hope these are helpful.
Donna E said,
October 30, 2008 at 2:53 am:
OH yeah,I loved A Walk in The Woods,it was very entertaining,and I also entertain the notion of thru hiking the AT with my little posse,my dh thinks I’m daft,but who knows we may make it one day. I know other families have!
carrie said,
October 30, 2008 at 10:42 pm:
Hiking the Appalachian would be great with the family. I think it is very important to get the kids out and enjoy the world around them. No better way to do that than a good old fashion hike! I hope that you do get around to the 6 month hike!
Robin said,
November 1, 2008 at 10:39 pm:
Have done a lot of hiking w/ our young children…even on vacations to AZ, CO, NM & UT at all the national parks. The girls love it!
Enjoyed A Walk in the Woods, but did not find it an inspiring book as far as hiking the AT.
Mon @Holistic Mama said,
November 3, 2008 at 4:15 am:
I’m also a hiker, or rambler. I’m licky to be soon moving to our homestead that is up a mountain. We have various trails there. I’ll be taking a look at the Camping & Backpacking with kids book.
Good luck working out your own hiking routine.
suzannah said,
November 3, 2008 at 8:47 pm:
i live at a summer camp and am blessed to have acres of private trails for hiking. i took my baby girl out in a back pack today–they make hiking with a pre-walker very comfortable!
i’m intrigued about your idea to hike the AT with your little ones–what wonderful memories to create together:)