How to Plan a Hike with Your Family

The times we are living in are changing due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and many of us are living under the guidelines of social distancing, working from home, and our children are being schooled from home. While it is important to make sure you follow your local and state guidelines for combating the virus, it’s also important to keep a check on you and your family's mental health and follow a schedule as much as possible. NJ State Parks are still open, although they are limiting capacity and waiving entrance fees so you can get outdoors and enjoy fresh air, while practicing social distancing. Hiking is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the great outdoors, and it also allows them to burn off some of that pent-up energy. It gives you a chance to teach them about the plants and animals in the environment, explore and have fun together, and provides exercise. Find out what you will need and where to go in the area with the basic guide we’ve put together below.

• Decide on a Trail: When starting out, choose a trail that is shorter than the distance you can typically walk on a paved surface. It is better to start out small, than to overexert yourself or your kids. Once you have been on several hikes, you will get a good feel for the distance and elevation changes that work best for you and your family. Having trouble picking a trail? Here’s a list of our Top 5 family friendly trails.

1. Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area: Tucked in Morris County, this Natural Historic Area runs through Kinnelon, Montville and Boonton. It has some really unusual features like glacial erratics, dramatic rock outcrops, views of the Manhattan skyline, wetlands, and waterfalls. Kids of all ages will wonder in amazement at Tripod Rock – a giant boulder resting atop three smaller boulders.

2. Celery Farm: Small in size, yet big in beauty, Celery Farm located in Bergen County is a great place to take the family for a day of hiking. A 107-acre freshwater wetland with streams and meadows makes for the perfect place to play I-Spy with over 240 species of birds and an abundance of butterflies.

3. South Mountain Reservation: There are a lot of reasons to visit the South Mountain Reservation in Essex County such as hiking trails, and the amazing views. Dare to venture far enough into the woods and you’ll find Hemlock Falls, a 25-foot waterfall.

4. Green Trail in High Rock Park/Greenbelt: Staten Island’s Greenbelt includes 2,800 acres of green space and recreation. On a clear day, you can see New Jersey from the top of Moses’ Mountain.

5. Valley Forge National Historical Park: Valley Forge Park contains 19.5 miles of hiking trails, plus 21 miles of authorized biking trails. If you are interested in the historical features of the park, check out the 6.6-mile Joseph Plumb Martin Trail for historic sites from the Revolutionary War.

• Check the Weather: A few days before and a couple hours leading up to your hike, check the weather. It will let you know about unexpected conditions in the area, if you need to reschedule your hike, and it will also give you the information needed to help you decide how to dress.
• Dress Comfortably: Make sure you’re dressed properly for the terrain and weather, but make sure that you are comfortable. Go for clothing made with synthetic materials instead of cotton. When cotton gets damp, it stays that way and can lead to chaffing. To adjust easily to temperature fluctuation throughout the day dress in layers that can be taken on or off easily. It isn’t unusual to get dirty on a hike, especially with kids. Bring a spare pair of clothes and shoes to change into after your trek is over for a clean and comfortable ride home.
• Treat Your Feet Right: Take the time and money to invest in quality socks and shoes, you will be thankful you did! Heavy hiking boots are a thing of the past. With advances in technology, hiking shoes and boots weigh much less and can even be custom molded to your foot like the Tecnica Forge GTX.
• Pack the 10 Essentials: This is a must-have list of items that you may need to stay safe in the outdoors, even if you are forced to stay overnight due to an emergency. You can expand or minimize the list based on the length or remoteness of your hike. For example, if you are taking a short hike in the Summer and are close to Forest Services, packing a compact solar blanket is fine. However, when going on a remote Winter hike, something more substantial would be necessary.

1. Navigation

2. Sunglasses, Hats & Sunscreen

3. Insulation & Extra Clothing

4. Headlamp or Flashlight

5. First-Aid Kit

6. Waterproof Matches

7. Repair Kit & Tools

8. Nutrition

9. Hydration

10. Emergency Shelter (Tent)

• Pack it Up: Now that you know what you will need to bring with you, here’s where you pack and the lighter the better. Always go for the pack or carrier that is most comfortable for you and your child. Tip: when packing food for your day hike, go for snacks like trail mix or dried fruit.
• Leave No Trace: It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep our parks and our trails clean. Whatever you take in with you, take it out! The Leave No Trace 7 Principles are the rules to live by. If you aren’t familiar with them, give them a read before your first hike.

Now that you know the basics, stop by one of our locations and our knowledgeable staff will help you and your family get the hiking gear you need to start making memories that will last for years to come. Because of the Coronavirus, we have shortened our hours. Our Ramsey location will be open on Monday - Friday from 10am - 7pm and Sunday from 9am - 6pm. Our Succasunna location will be open on Monday - Friday from 10am - 7pm and Sunday from 10am - 6pm. Don't want to come into the store right now, don't worry! We've got you covered with Free Shipping on standard orders (some exclusions do apply).

Gear up for adventure with Ramsey Outdoor!