At what age should hiking begin?

[ppine]

As soon as they can walk.

I have mentioned my field biologist friend before. By the age of 4 his daughter could name all of the common birds and plants in No AZ because of hikes with Dad.

[Gerry]

Train a child in the way you want him to grow, and you will be giving him a gift that will serve him for a lifetime. Your son is so fortunate to have someone like you, Penelope, to help him develop a healthy respect for living close to Nature.

[Penelope]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions! I would never have thought about putting little ones in a carrier. I imagine that taking them as early as possible would give them a love of nature. Thanks again!

[Grandpa]

We are planning a 4 generation backpack for next summer. 4 days and 3 nights in the Sawtooth wilderness. Oldest will be me down to youngest at 8 months and one at 10 months. We would go earlier but we have to wait for the snow to get off the trails in late July.

[ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Grandpa

We are planning a 4 generation backpack for next summer. 4 days and 3 nights in the Sawtooth wilderness. Oldest will be me down to youngest at 8 months and one at 10 months. We would go earlier but we have to wait for the snow to get off the trails in late July.

My older brother got to hike with our great grandfather (in the Sawtooths actually). I was a few years too young to get that experience. My little girls won't get to backpack with their great grandmother, but they've been on lots of dayhikes with her. Good stuff.

[swebob]

Originally Posted by IndianaHiker

Depends on the kid. I know of an 8 year old I wouldn't take. Has the attention span of a gnat. Would be a horrible day for both of us.

I could be in the same situation soon since my friend wants to bring her daughter, boyfriend and 2 year old girl.. i'm not hiking but camping and they have never been camping and the 2 year old is always out of control when i'm at there house. She told her daughter they could stay in my 10 x 14 Kodiak with us but i told them they would have to get their own tent. I'm not saying all kids are like this but i camp to have peace and quiet not screaming kids..

[Pathfinder1]

Originally Posted by IndianaHiker

Depends on the kid. I know of an 8 year old I wouldn't take. Has the attention span of a gnat. Would be a horrible day for both of us.

Hi...


I feel badly for that eight year old kid. He may have some kind of disability.

He actually reminds me of myself when I was his age. It took me decades before I found out that I had ADD all of my life.

That explained a lot of the unpleasant happenings of a time gone by.

[woodsman]

There's no rule or law to determine the age. I've seen pictures of my folks taking me hiking even before I could walk.

I think the main idea is that you always have to keep your eye on him, something you probably already do.