Family Excursions with Children: Top Backpacking Spots in New England and the Mid-Atlantic Regions
According to Matt Heid, author of AMC's Best Backpacking in New England, several destinations make for an ideal backpacking adventure for young hikers. Here are some recommendations:
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Known for its scenic views, varied terrain, and well-maintained trails, the White Mountains offer a perfect backpacking experience for less experienced hikers.
Green Mountains, Vermont
The Green Mountains provide numerous day-hikes and backpacking options with moderate difficulty, making them suitable for youth.
Maine’s Western Woods and the 100-Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail
This classic backpacking area, with its natural beauty and a range of trail difficulties, is another popular choice.
Mid-Atlantic trails such as sections of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania and the Delaware Water Gap
These trails offer accessible, well-marked trails with opportunities for overnight camping and shorter trips.
In addition to these general recommendations, AMC's Best Backpacking books often highlight destinations that are manageable and engaging for young hikers, featuring loop hikes or point-to-point trails with nearby facilities to support safe and enjoyable experiences.
Specific Destinations
Arcadia Management Area, Exeter, Rhode Island
With over 30 miles of hiking trails, Arcadia Management Area offers backpacking opportunities. Reservations are required for camping and can be made by calling 401-539-2356. The designated camping area is accessible to families with young hikers and has a giant red barn-like backpacker shelter.
Lincoln Woods trailhead, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
This trailhead offers an out-and-back overnight journey to the 13 Falls AMC backcountry tentsite, approximately 8 miles from the trailhead. The tent sites are built out of the hillside, creating a unique camping experience. The 13 Falls AMC backcountry tentsite is also a popular swimming hole.
Assateague, Maryland/Virginia
Backcountry camping at Assateague requires permits for campers and vehicles, which can be picked up on the day of camping for a modest fee. Assateague offers backcountry camping sites 2.3 miles and 4 miles away from the Barrier Island Visitor Center.
Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown, Connecticut
The Pachaug State Forest has a Dry Reservoir Backpack Area that is less than half a mile from the trailhead. The trail to the 13 Falls AMC backcountry tentsite largely follows an old railroad bed, making it relatively wide and easy to hike.
Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountain Club manages the fees and reservations for overnight stays in the Adirondack Mountains. The Johns Brook Lodge in Keene Valley, New York offers overnight stays for backpackers in the Adirondack Mountains.
For more information about specific destinations, it's recommended to contact the respective authorities. For Arcadia Management Area, contact the Division of Forest Environment at 401-539-2356. For Pachaug State Forest, contact Pachaug State Forest at 860-376-4075 or make reservations at 860-295-9523.
AMC's Best Backpacking in New England, 2nd edition, describes 37 trips from Maine to Connecticut. For the most accurate and detailed information, consulting the latest editions of AMC’s Best Backpacking books would be necessary.
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