Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is home to breathtaking views and sights. The cascading waterfalls, natural foliage, and the smell of alpine air make this quaint town a hiker’s dream and warrant a visit from you. If you’re a nature enthusiast and enjoy climbing mountains while absorbing the sights and scents around you, you’ll have a great time here. This gorgeous location is also a great way to introduce your children to the environment around them while getting them used to participating in hiking.
Hitting the trails with your children is fun; it makes for excellent bonding time and encourages your kids to be more adventurous. But since your little ones are new to the game, you must keep an eye on them and practice certain precautions to ensure they’re safe. So to make sure you and your children have a blast on your trip to Pigeon Forge, here’s what you need to do:
Book Comfortable Lodging
Before hiking various trails, you need to unwind and rest to build strength. When you arrive at Pigeon Forge, give yourself and your family time to recoup. Immediately looking into different hiking trails is not a wise move; if your children are already tired, they may struggle to keep up with you. Hiking requires copious energy, so unless you feel fresh and active, don’t start a trail you can’t finish.
Likewise, you also need time to map out Pigeon Forge hiking areas and the routes you want to take. Hence, make sure you always start your expedition by booking comfortable accommodations, encouraging your children to nap, and mapping out a hiking trail using local guidelines. Once you finish the planned hole for the day, your family can return to the same lodgings to unwind, clean up and prepare for the next scenic climb.
Make Sure Your Children Have The Right Equipment
Your children need their hiking tools and gear. These include their backpack of snacks, flashlight, first aid kit, a copy of the map with the trail highlighted, and a whistle in case they get lost. Your kids will also need the right hiking boots, clothing, and protective gear to prevent them from getting hurt as they climb around.
Hiking boots can be slightly uncomfortable on their feet, especially when your children aren’t used to wearing them. So it’s best to practice walking around with these shoes at home, making it easier for your children to get used to the gripping sole. In this manner, you should also pick out suitable hiking clothing that is form-fitting yet flexible enough. These are all vital for their hiking trip.
Lay Down Ground Rules
Children tend to run off and act out of curiosity, which can be dangerous during hiking. Therefore, you must ensure your kids understand that they cannot stray from you on the trail. Let them know you need them close by; they cannot cross marshes, slow-flowing rivers, or even walk into a forest without your supervision. Pigeon Forge has much wildlife that resides on these hiking trails. So the last thing you would want is for your child to come across a potential predator, fall and hurt themselves, or accidentally get stuck between trees.
Hence don’t shy away from having a serious talk with your kids and inform them that your rules are non-negotiable. For added protection, you can also purchase air tags, small tracking devices your children can wear on their wrists to keep tabs on their location at all times.
Stay Hydrated
Hiking is physically exerting. Not only do you strain your muscles, but you may also sweat as you walk on a trail. Pigeon forge generally has pleasant weather, but it can get scorching in the summers, so never go hiking without your water bottle. According to the National Park Service, you need at least 32 ounces of water every one to two hours. Anytime you take a quick break for a drink, make sure your children have their water too.
The best way to ensure maximum hydration is to plan multiple pit stops in your hiking route and advise your children to speak up when they feel tired or thirsty from the long walk. It is because they are much more prone to dehydration than adults.
Pack A First Aid Kit
Despite the number of cautions you take, your child may still get hurt on the hike. These include getting a splinter, falling, scraping their knees, or getting a blister from their shoe. Consequently, it helps to have a first aid kit to stop minor injuries from escalating. Your toolbox should have bandages, anti-inflammatory ointment, pain relievers, alcohol swabs, cotton pads, tweezers, and mosquito repellent. When you return to your lodgings, check in with a local clinic to ensure your child is safe.
Stop At Intersections
Hiking trails often split into multiple routes and paths. It can confuse your child as an intervention can mislead them onto another track which can cause them to get lost. So, if you come across an intersection or diverging route, ask your child to wait and grab hold of your hand before moving forward. At the same time, Pigeon forge also offers horse riding along these same routes. Therefore tell your children to stay on the sidelines and stop if there is more than one horse.
Safe Destinations to Check Out With Your Family
There are many famous hiking trails that you can go on with your family. But if you’re looking for inspiration, here are the top picks for the most suitable hiking routes:
- Alum Cave Trail. It has a 4.4-mile hiking trail that will take you through the Alum Cave Bluff. Since much climbing and walking are involved, you should visit this path once your children get better at navigating steep routes. The Alum Cave is about 80 feet tall and 500 feet long, making it a long passage to explore. The walls are also dripping with water, making the ground below soft. However, this is still a safe location to go on with your family and a great way to train your kids to develop a love for hiking.
- Laurel Falls. The Laurel falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Tennessee rises to an impressive height of 80 feet. If you’re looking for an easy path, try Laurel falls. It is a 2.6 miles journey that leads you through an accessible pathway through the waterfall.
- Gatlinburg Trail. Pigeon forge and Gatlinburg are two small cozy towns found at the bottom of the smoky mountains National park. However, many hiking trails, such as the Gatlinburg pathway, often intersect between these two towns going all the way to the park. The trial is 3.8 miles long and takes you alongside the little pigeon river. You can also bring your pet with you and encourage your kids to bike as you make your way through this scenic route.
Final Thoughts
Going on a hike with your children can be an exciting endeavor. It is a great way to instill a love of nature in your offspring. However, before transforming your children into hiking enthusiasts, you must practice certain precautions when you take them along for the first time. Therefore, make sure you book comfortable lodging, create an outline for your children to follow, and ensure they have the right hiking gear. At the same time, when you’re on the hike, have an idea of the route you want to take, don’t allow your children out of your sight, and keep them hydrated on the walk.
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p.s. Related posts:
Family Challenge: 8 Mile (Death Defying) Hike
Hiking and Camping Books for Kids
Picture Books Featuring Outdoor Activities
How To: Keep Kids Active in the Winter
How To: Keep Kids Active During Winter (part 2)
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