Hiking for Children

Here, I've tried to capture some thoughts on hiking with pre-teen children. The capabilities of children, even under 13, vary a lot, both in terms of physical capability and emotional capability.  Some children are adventurous and will take on any hike. Others, even if they have the endurance, will get bored quick "Are we there yet?" Here are a few places where I tend to see more children than other places. For full disclosure, I do not have children of my own (though I'm told I'm child like at times).  Back to the Full List.

Jones Park - a lot of children are draw to water and rocks, and rocks in water. Jones Park offers a lot of this with various trails criss-crossing the creek. The slopes around the creek are not steep. There is also a fun bridge to cross and the remains of an old cabin (chimney) to explore. The trails in general are not steep, so less likely to be ask to be carried.

IBM Glen - the wider trails in most sections allow you to walk side by side with children, or push a stroller. There are steeper sections that migh wear out short legs, but there are routes to help avoid that. The easiest way to get to the "creek" is to take Jones Trail to Wildflower Lane to Hemlock Lane to the Switchback Trail which takes you down to a creek crossing. Please note that the creek is more difficult to cross after a heavy rain.

Wolfe Park - Again if you want to turn rocks over in the creek, you can get down to the creek if you cross the big bridge at the start and go to the right. After this sectino the creek cuts deeper and deeper and the slope down to it is more challenging. Wolfe Park has a lot of mud except when frozen or peak of summer dry spell. Some kids love mud. There are some trails that are a bit steeper. And I'd suggest you keep an eye on children if you take the Rim trail as there are some drop offs along there.

Apalachin Marsh - The highlight for some children may be over before you really start as you go through a tunnel under the eastbound lanes of Route 86. The Marsh is soggy at places and where you can get to the water the mud sucks you in, so you can't necessarily 'play in the water'. Some children will enjoy the bird blind because it's an interesting structure.

Oakley Corners State Forest - The longer trails here may tire out the youngest ones. But the elevation changes aren't that drastic, especially on the southern trails (Yellow & Red). Several trails follow small streams and have little bridges. There is aso two pond areas that can be fun.

Brick Pond - The pond has a few things going for it - flat trails, short distance, and a lot of wildlife. As in any outdoor adventure in the area, please take precautions with ticks.