hikes,  outdoors,  travel

Tips for Hiking With Kids: Spruce Flat Falls

April 27, 2022 /

You would think that with all of the hiking we do on vacations and on the weekends  that we would be experts about hiking with our kids. We have hiked with them since they were babies, first in carriers and then a combination of carrier and walking until around age 4 when they walk all of the way. On this hike at Spruce Flat Falls, we encountered some difficulties with extreme crankiness that could have been easily solved with my number one tip!

Tip #1

Bring snacks and water! This is the only hike where we left both in the car and it was not a happy mistake: the complaining and carrying on nearly took all of the enjoyment of this trail which actually was really pretty and fun. Snacks and water distract children and helps them stay happy.

Tip #2

Know your kids: how long can they hike and enjoy it? What kind of terrain is too difficult for them and what is their pace? Spruce Flat Falls was not the longest trail of the week but was the one with the harder terrain: rocks to climb, slippery mud (since it had rained some and still was sprinkling) and even a small waterfall area to cross which usually would be a dry crossing.

Tip #3

Dress appropriately! While we had the right layers for the light rain and chilly temperatures, 2 of the boys really need some new hiking shoes that fit them well. Wearing their sneakers that have no tread makes for shoes coming off and some slipping.

Tip #4

Do a little bit of research: if this is a hiking vacation where you will hike multiple trails in a week, plan other activities and decide which trails will be the most fun and appropriate for your family! On this vacation, we hiked 3 trails, went disc golfing and did one activity in Pigeon Forge. We also had some outings near the river where we didn’t really hiked and visited Cade’s Cove which was mostly a car ride with minimal walking.

Our favorite hikes are the ones that include a water feature like a waterfall or a river. They are so beautiful and give us a goal to walk/work to. This waterfall was really pretty!

I was pretty stressed during this hike as my van started making some really crazy squealy noises after driving on a gravel road: it sounded like the car was going to fall apart. Thankfully it stopped after the hiked but we still had a mobile mechanic check it out. Of course that was more $$ later and my car still makes the occasionally squealing it was making before this trip. This mommy is ready for a newer van!

 

A bientôt!

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