Post by 92hatchattack on Jun 25, 2017 16:33:45 GMT -8
Hey all,
Just recently I was able to get approved to start a backpacking program in my local Boy Scout Troop. I am currently in the process of securing the gear we need (tents,stoves,ect.) and am feeling pretty excited. I've already got a one night over nighter planned this fall at the Delaware Water Gap to get the kids feet wet and test out our gear and stuff. But after that I need to find some new and exciting trips to take these boys on. Allthough I've only backpacked a few times I've done my research and I feel I understand the ins and out pretty well. What I don't have is an extensive knowledge of good trips to take the kids on, and that's where I need your help.
I'm looking to string together a few premier trips for these kids at the rate of 2-3 per year. I'd be looking to keep these to around a 2 night trip for most of them, with the possible exception for a great 3 night trip here or there. Most of our trips would likely be something like head out on the drive on Friday morning and get on a trail by noon. Then back off the trail by noon on Sunday. Id likely want to keep the walking miles low to make the trip enjoyable for the scouts. Say 10-12 miles on a full Saturday. I dont want to hike the kids to the point of them not enjoying the trips anymore.
What I'm looking for is some key locations to really WOW the kids. Something more than just a hike in the woods. I'm looking for those breathtaking views and hidden spots that only backpacking can get you to! Now I know this is a lot rarer in the north east than it is out west. We are in central Jersey and would probably be willing to drive about 5 hours or so in any direction. Though a longer drive is not out of the question if its really worth it. There's also the possibility of getting on a plane once every 3 years to see something truly spectacular. A once in a lifetime type deal! (Though hopefully not, as the point is to try and hook them on a long life of enjoying the outdoors!) Though a trip like that would need us to find some very reasonable airfare!
So now I turn to the pros! What hikes are out there within a 5 hour radius of us that will WOW my kids and have them coming back for more again and again? Please share with me!
Thank you all!
---Joe
Just recently I was able to get approved to start a backpacking program in my local Boy Scout Troop. I am currently in the process of securing the gear we need (tents,stoves,ect.) and am feeling pretty excited. I've already got a one night over nighter planned this fall at the Delaware Water Gap to get the kids feet wet and test out our gear and stuff. But after that I need to find some new and exciting trips to take these boys on. Allthough I've only backpacked a few times I've done my research and I feel I understand the ins and out pretty well. What I don't have is an extensive knowledge of good trips to take the kids on, and that's where I need your help.
I'm looking to string together a few premier trips for these kids at the rate of 2-3 per year. I'd be looking to keep these to around a 2 night trip for most of them, with the possible exception for a great 3 night trip here or there. Most of our trips would likely be something like head out on the drive on Friday morning and get on a trail by noon. Then back off the trail by noon on Sunday. Id likely want to keep the walking miles low to make the trip enjoyable for the scouts. Say 10-12 miles on a full Saturday. I dont want to hike the kids to the point of them not enjoying the trips anymore.
What I'm looking for is some key locations to really WOW the kids. Something more than just a hike in the woods. I'm looking for those breathtaking views and hidden spots that only backpacking can get you to! Now I know this is a lot rarer in the north east than it is out west. We are in central Jersey and would probably be willing to drive about 5 hours or so in any direction. Though a longer drive is not out of the question if its really worth it. There's also the possibility of getting on a plane once every 3 years to see something truly spectacular. A once in a lifetime type deal! (Though hopefully not, as the point is to try and hook them on a long life of enjoying the outdoors!) Though a trip like that would need us to find some very reasonable airfare!
So now I turn to the pros! What hikes are out there within a 5 hour radius of us that will WOW my kids and have them coming back for more again and again? Please share with me!
Thank you all!
---Joe
