Hiking with a 3-year-old on the Blue Ridge - what am I thinking

Dec 261 min read

Taking my 3yo on our first real hike this Saturday at Blue Ridge Parkway and honestly I'm second-guessing everything. She's done short walks but nothing longer than 30 mins. Should I do a 2-mile trail or is that ambitious? Also debating whether to get one of those hiking backpacks or if a regular stroller would work. Weather looks perfect so at least I don't have to worry about rain. Anyone have experience getting a toddler to actually want to hike or is it just bribing with snacks the whole way?

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Comments(9)

MMatt W.RegularDec 26

lol i did this exact thing and my 3yo made it like 15 mins before demanding to be carried. bring a backpack carrier just in case, and pack like 3x the snacks you think you'll need

OOscar D.New DadDec 29

The thing that saved us was making it a game - we'd count steps or look for animals instead of focusing on distance. Don't do a "real" hike yet, just let her explore and move at her pace

BBen D.RegularDec 27

2 miles is pretty ambitious for a first hike with a 3yo honestly. Start with the 1-mile stuff on the parkway - there's plenty of easy trails with good payoff views. You can always come back when she's older and actually remembers it

HHector R.RegularDec 27

Honestly the problem isn't the distance, it's the boredom factor. 30 mins to a 3yo is forever if there's nothing interesting. What's on this Blue Ridge trail? If it's just forest for 2 miles, yeah she'll hate it. If there's scenic payoff at points, you've got a shot.

NNick J.RegularDec 27

2 miles is ambitious for a first real hike with a 3yo. We did Blue Ridge with our 3yo last summer and honestly anything over 45 mins and she's complaining. Start with the shorter loops near the overlooks, let her think she's conquering a "mountain" even if it's 0.5-1 mile. You can always come back when she's older.

NNate C.New DadDec 28

lol I think you're overthinking it honestly. Just go, bring snacks, and quit when she's done. It's not like you're summiting Everest. The fact you're considering it means you'll figure it out.

RRob P.RegularDec 28

Do the 2 mile but pick one that's mostly flat with water features. Kids that age are way more motivated if there's a creek or lake at the end. We did Craggy Gardens trail (modified route) and our 3yo was obsessed with the rocks and stream. Bring a backpack carrier just in case though - saved us on the way back.

JJoel F.RegularDec 28

The real question is what's your exit strategy if she melts down halfway through? Parking situation? Can you carry her if needed? Blue Ridge is gorgeous but also remote in spots.

DDave K.RegularDec 28

Honestly just go to one of the overlooks on the parkway, walk around for 20 mins, call it a win. The Blue Ridge isn't going anywhere and she'll actually want to go back if her first experience isn't brutal