Guest Blog: Group Hiking

Planning Your Group Hiking Trip

By Rob Wipfler

Hiking is a fun and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed as a family, with a group of friends, or even solo. Getting cozy with Mother Nature requires some serious planning however, as the last thing you need on your trip is for someone to arrive without their essentials or for the hike to go wrong. Below, we will discuss some of the important questions you’ll want to ask yourself to make sure that your first trip will be as safe as it is fun.

Who are you going with?

If you are leading experienced hikers, they will likely know what to do. But make sure you run through all of the basics with them and that everything is in order before departing. However, if you are planning a trip for other first-time hikers or with young children, there is a lot to consider when planning. For example, everyone should be on the same page about the scope of the trip. Is everyone in good physical shape and wanting to try something strenuous? If so, a more challenging hike may be appropriate. Are there children in the group who will likely need to be carried for part of the trip? If this is the case, a shorter trip would probably be best. Gauge the capabilities of the group before your departure. Also, be sure you know first aid. Carry a group cell phone to use in case of emergency.

It is also a good idea to establish group ground rules such as sticking together or stopping to take a break at certain time intervals. Knowing basic hiking etiquette, such as staying to the right of the trail and passing fellow hikers on the left, is also important.

Where are you going?

There are a number of beautiful trails, mountains and canyons that are favorite hiking spots of many seasoned hikers. You first need to determine what your capabilities are when determining a specific route. Since it is your first time hiking, a 2-day extravaganza may not be the best choice. For your first hike, test your stamina and abilities with a shorter trail that can be completed within 1 day. Some things to consider when choosing a hike include:

• Parking opportunities for the group
• Bathroom facilities ahead of time and also LNT (Leave No Trace) practices during the hike including carrying out trash and waste disposal
• Length of trip
• Expertise level
• Scenic Views

Be sure that everyone is clear on the path and operate with a leader and sweeper. The leader is the first one in a group and stops at each and every cross trail until the sweeper brings up the back. This will ensure that no one will stray from the group and as a whole you will be able to stay on track.

What are you bringing?

Proper Attire

Every member of a hiking group should come prepared with the proper attire. Hiking boots or shoes should be worn to provide grip so you can navigate your way across slippery rocks and uneven trails. Be prepared for weather changes. The peaks of mountains are significantly colder than the valleys, so bring an extra layer to stay warm while you enjoy the view. A hat is a good idea. Mother Nature is unpredictable, so if you don’t want to spend your hiking trip soaked from head to toe, bring raingear.

Food & Essentials

Food and water are the most important items on your packing list. Bring at least twice as much water as you normally drink, as you may be sweating or just get held up somewhere you didn’t intend to. Unfortunately dehydration is a common and costly mistake that many novice hikers make. In addition to an adequate water supply, you will want nutritious food that will provide sustained energy. Healthy snacks such as natural granola, trail mix and fruits are always great ideas. For lunch try peanut butter, bagels, jerky, and pepperoni.

Other necessities for a safe and enjoyable hiking trip are insect repellent, a first aid kit, and a map and compass when traveling through an unmarked trail.

Hiking is a beloved hobby all around the world, but it is a potentially dangerous one too. It’s incredibly important to make sure the group you are traveling with is on the same page as you so no one is overexerted. By planning out the trail location, setting ground rules, and triple checking the items you pack, everyone will be able to enjoy the group hiking trip!

Rob Wipfler is one of the co-owners of Kingswood Summer Camp for Boys located in New Hampshire. When he is not busy running the camp, Rob often writes articles which are aimed at encouraging an active and healthy outdoor lifestyle for children in New Hampshire

Hiking with Munchkins - Taking Kids on the Trails

"Keep Movin' Nana"takes her granddaughter to Dark Hollow Falls, Shenandoah National Park

Trails and kids go together. There is something special about taking them on the trail that adds a whole different perspective to the adventure. For me as a hiker who is goal-oriented, I really needed a munchkin (as my hubby used to call the little ones) to help me see the bigger picture of the great outdoors. A butterfly on a bush and caterpillar crawling along the ground. That youthful joy when they race ahead to see the next great sight around the bend while you are still struggling to get there. Ah, to be young and full of curiosity! To be a child at heart. And it's good for the kids too, especially with the distraction of games on a tablet, cell phones, TV, etc. One needs to take their children outdoors to catch the big vision of the adventure and excitement the woods can provide.

That also means as a parent, getting ready to take their child exploring. One must prepare so it's a good experience for both you and them. We began our adventure when our son was very little, carrying him in a child carrier. Tough Travelers Kid carriers made the perfect carrier to keep him happy and us comfortable while we went on our trail adventures (there are other types out there too). We liked it as it had a place to put diapers and feeding supplies and also came with a sun shade and even foot stirrups when he was a toddler to rest his feet. 

Our son backpacks (literally) on Dad's back

As he got older, we began to take him on short day hikes carrying his little school backpack filled with some small supplies, mainly his plastic canteen with  water and some snacks (like Cheerios or raisins in a little plastic container). Of course those jaunts were very short trips filled with exploration, finding bugs, looking at a strange tree, or taking a trip to see a raging waterfall, which kids just love.

Eventually at age 10 we took him on his first weekend backpacking trip. We discovered a nice hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on a trail to Franconia Falls. It was perfect, a little over two miles via fairly level terrain and great for the introductory hike. He had his little backpack this time, an external frame job that, I think, cost 50 cents at a yard sale.Not the best, but it served us for this jaunt. We went along the Lincoln Woods trail, found a campsite, then spent the afternoon sliding down the falls. On these kinds of trips we made sure we had kid friendly foods to eat, as food at the campsite is great fun. And had a fire to keep little ones interested (if campfires are permitted), along with the proverbial treat of s'mores (roasted marshmallows between graham crackers on a slab of Hershey's chocolate). As far as sleeping, our son did pretty good in tents, but occasionally would wake up in the middle of the night terrified, as he didn't know where he was. These little nightmares were eased with just some reassuring words. But usually he slept like a log, especially after a day of full activities.

Eventually this young boy we began in a baby carrier and did small backpacking trips with became a teen. He eventually went on the trip of all trips, completing a full hike of the Appalachian Trail at age 16 (turning 17 while in Maine). This he completed with me, his mother, on a trip that marked the highlight for both parent and child in the world of backpacking adventure.

Blissful and son Paul Bunyan completed a northbound of the Appalachian Trail n 2007

Looking back on it all, it did take planning for a little one in the woods. But the reward and patience in the  end will net an experience of a lifetime - for both them and for you.

Some resources for children and hiking are:  Hikes with Tykes - a Practical Guide to Hiking with Kids by Rob Bignell and Get Your Kids Hiking by Jeff Alt.

Also , check out young Buddy Backpacker who is now on his way to his second long distance hike on the PCT!

Last year he completed the entire Appalachian Trail at age 5! Pretty impressive.

Book Release Party Day 2 - Hiking the Appalachian Trail as a Teenager

Day 2 of the Book Release Party features an interview with the companion on a trip of 2,000 plus miles, Joshua Bliss, who hiked the trail with his mom the author. Don't forget to enter the great contest afterward as part of the all week celebration!

Mom and son reunite on the Appalachian Trail this past summer

Tell us a bit about yourself.

"Well, I'm 23, I'm the lead assistant manager of a local gas station. I play games online and I read in my spare time."

How was it hiking the Appalachian Trail as a teenager? Thinking back on it, what were the highlights for you? 

“It was hard, but fun. Anyone who has spent more than a week or two on the trail can tell you, it ain't easy. The people I met were the biggest highlights. As you go along, you find groups of people that are going on the same adventure as you, and you can't help but feel a camaraderie with these strangers. It's like a second family.”

Taking it easy

How about the one thing that didn’t go so well on the hike?

“I know that there are several difficult moments mentioned in the book, Overmountain Shelter for example, but the one moment that stands out the most was having a tough night in Connecticut outside a close-to-trail town, and waking up to slugs in my boots and all over my tent. Talk about gross.”

What was your favorite state to hike in and why?

Sunset in Glastenbury fire tower, Vermont

Vermont, no questions asked. The woods were beautiful, the people extremely friendly, and some of the best weather the entire trip.

How about your favorite food on the trail?

“We had this strange concoction of mashed potato mix and dressing mix. It was very filling, and very good. Looked kind of like plaster, though.”

(Side note: Stayed tuned for the recipe on Wednesday’s Refreshment Day! Thanksgiving Dinner on the trail)

Ok, we know you spent six months hiking with your mom. How was it, really? And would you recommend it for a teen and parent?

“Honestly, it was fun. Not many kids that age get to have experiences like that, and the bonding time we had, I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Would I recommend it? If you have the chance, definitely. It's a life-changing journey, something you can share for years to come.”

What is some future dream you’d like to see fulfilled in your life?

“I would love to hike the trail again, but solo. I loved doing it with my mother, but i know doing it on my own, at my own pace, would be an adventure all its own.”

  

Describe yourself in one word

“Stubborn. Sad but true.”

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Why Read This Appalachian Trail Book?

I’ve been on some amazing journeys in my life. Journeys of living as a wife and mom as well as a writer and hiker. Journeys of the heart. Journeys of a physical kind, like hiking the Appalachian Trail both north and south, one of the few women to have done it (and maybe the only one in my age group).

But the journey of having one’s adventure retold in a book for others to enjoy is one that goes beyond description. For me it is the new release of my book Mountains, Madness, & Miracles – 4000 Miles along the Appalachian Trail.

Yes, there are many, many books on the AT out there. But this one is different. 

And here are the differences-  

First off, it’s a double journey. North and South. You will see the Appalachian Trail from both viewpoints as I trek it. No other single book gives this perspective.     

Second, I did it northbound with my teenage son. Besides my viewpoint, you also get HIS viewpoint in the book as a couch potato and a young man who hiked little, and when he did so, begrudgingly. On day one he believed we'd just turn around and go home. Yet he accomplished the entire trail and with his mother, no less. Find out how he did it from his perspective. (Great for teens)

Third, this book is not a retelling of journal entries. We take the challenges we faced, the people we met, the events that transpired and through them, discover lessons about life, love, and the spiritual connection. For us the journey was a spiritual awakening. Now you may not be one into spiritual things, but there is so much more the book offers that we believe it can help make your hiking dreams come true.

Fourth, I have published over twenty fiction books, but this is my first nonfiction work. And I believe it is the most powerful book I have ever written. Why? It is not a fictional account. All this really did happen. And the madness and miracles happened, too.

Fifth, I pay tribute to humanity. I had people in my family as well as complete strangers do things that goes beyond the mere written word. I wanted to pay tribute to human kindness, which we need in this day in age where selfishness seems to reign supreme sometimes.

Lastly, I talk about God in it. God is important to me. Just as other things of a spiritual nature may be important to others, this book points to a Creator who cares about the small things. Who is not just looking at wars, tragedies, illnesses, the big stuff. But who also cared about a journey a mother and son undertook to hike some 2,000 miles. This book tells of those events. No matter what we are doing, what we face, what we endure, what we suffer, what makes us happy, the big or the small, He cares.

But don't take my word for it. After all, I like telling about my adventures. What others are saying:

Jennifer Pharr Davis who holds the record for the fastest supported AT hike and author of Called Again:  "Mountains, Madness, and Miracles proves that every journey is filled with providence and grace if we know where to look for it."

Bill Irwin, the first blind hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail with his guide dog and author of Blind Courage: "You must read this great and inspiring book. It will literally change your life!"

Paul Stutzman, thru hiker and author of Hiking Through: "This book explains in vivid detail what it takes to accomplish such a life-changing adventure. The pain, the emotions, and the spiritual applications will keep you turning the pages."



I hope you enjoy Madness, Mountains, and Miracles – 4000 Miles along the Appalachian Trail. And feel free to drop me a line about it.

Available now on Paperback and Amazon Kindle.  

From WhiteFire Publishing