Building Memories One Hike at a Time--on the Apple Hatchin' Trail (LOL) and Beyond

It's finally time to raise up a new hiking buddy, or two, in some of my favorite high country places. Complete with her Leki hiking stick (one of mine on which the tip was worn down enough to be safe) and her little Keen boots, my granddaughter and I took her first steps on the Appalachian Trail. She thought I said it was the Apple Hatchin' Trail, so that is what it will forever be now in my mind. 

I know this section of trail very well, so I had a particular destination in mind for her first trip on the AT, one that was not very far away, but which I felt would be exciting for her. About one half mile north of Newfound Gap, there is a rock scramble that for her, would mean putting down the hiking stick and literally climbing up with her hands and feet. This was our goal today and it was the perfect destination!

Kids absolutely bloom when you get them out in nature and give them a chance to be responsible, and she was no exception. It is pure joy to watch them experience a world that you love through new eyes, fresh with excitement over literally the smallest things. 

I did think it was important to let her take the lead on activities and what she wanted to do along the way. I eagerly allowed her to bring her little binoculars with her, even though they are just toy binoculars and don't do a whole lot of magnification. She still used them and found them fun. Eventually, she used her own eyes and ears to explore the world around her though, and was enamored by tiny bugs, beautiful flowers, leaves already beginning to turn in June, and birds like the affable Junco that are found along the trail. 

Come along with us as I share more hiking and travel adventures in the coming installments of Hiking to the Heights. You will get ideas you can use with your little ones to make memories of your own!