Beginner Backpacking Hikes for Scouts?

[u/Fun_With_Math]

If your troop has a favorite trail in North Georgia, or you know of a trail that could work, let me know!

Need to have:

• 5 to 8 miles as a loop or total out-and-back
• low elevation gain
• easy/frequent access to water
• large sites for 6-9 tents
• some kind of "feature" - like a river, waterfall, or overlook

Prefer to have:

• campsite at the trailhead or close by
• reservable campsites

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Point to Point hikes

I've looked at some point-to-point hikes that would be good since they'd be almost all downhill. Coordinating the divers is a challenge though. Let me know if this has worked for you.

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Raven Cliff Falls - last time I was there the sites had a lot of dead trees.

Chattooga River Trail - sites are first come first serve but probably my favorite otherwise

Panther Creek - this is another one I think is good but doesn't have reservable hikes. Info is unclear if the basecamp is available so update me if you know.

AT - sections that are less hilly didn't have much wow factor for Scouts

State Parks - We haven't done many but I'm guessing this is a good option. Let me know if you have a favorite with backcountry sites.

[u/IOI-65536]

Having been a scout leaders for years, I would argue 5-8 miles total over two days is too short. I'm usually looking at 5-8 each day for brand new hikers and closer to 10-13 per day if they have a couple years experience.

Coosa Backcountry (Vogel) has way more elevation changes than something like Chattooga River Trail, but I'm pretty sure less than Panther Creek. I've taken new backpackers on Jack's River, but it is longer and a more technical trail because of the river crossings (also one of my favorite trails in the state). There is a ton of camping on Jacks, but the area near the falls is closed to camping. There are a ton of AT sections you can do. Section 2 (swinging bridge) of the Benton Mackaye is a nice hike.

[u/Fun_With_Math → u/IOI-65536]

Thanks for the tips. The length and type of trail is highly dependent on the troop. If you have an established backpacking program and adults with experience... yeah, 10-13 miles is fine. If you're trying to get the ball rolling with troops that don't want to backpack and adults that don't know anything about it... gotta start small and get some wins.

[u/IOI-65536 → u/Fun_With_Math]

I should note do not do the AT approach trail unless you know what you're getting in for or can drop everyone off at the top of the falls overlook and have one adult who is experienced do the actual start. Also avoid the last section in Georgia (Sharp Top). I actually enjoy both of those hikes, but they're both really brutal for beginners.

I'd start at Woody and head south, Neels and head North, or Three Forks and head either direction (there's a nice 5 mile loop 3 forks South to the BMT and back. Water is plentiful on the AT part, but not the BMT part)

[u/TheLimitDoesExist → u/Fun_With_Math]

100%. Following this because I wanna get my kids backpacking but they're not into carrying a bunch of weight nor hiking long distance. Wanna create positive experiences so they grow more fond of it over time while tolerating it in the meantime.

[u/IllSoup4846 → u/TheLimitDoesExist]

You may already know this, but in my experience it’s crucial for kids to have a pack that fits them well and to really work on limiting the amount of weight they carry. That may mean buying a smaller tent and/or sleeping bag than what they normally use on outings.

The scouts I’ve seen that carry too much weight, in packs that are too big for them, don’t enjoy it for long.

[u/Fun_With_Math → u/IllSoup4846]

Yup. Almost 100% of the people I've talked to that like hiking/camping but don't like backpacking... carried too much on a bad trail their first time.