Well the weather has been too cold for us to get out too much so I am posting a hike we did this past summer in June of 2009. We happen to love the George Washington National Forest in Virginia since it is only 160-180 miles from the RDU area. This is a great first primitive camping and hiking trip for young children since you do not have to haul your gear very far.
Horse Camp Gap
There is a large field called Horse Camp Gap next to the parking area where we camped. Although it is close to the road there is very little traffic on this gravel road and the road is not visible due to the vegetation. If you are energetic, you can camp on the far side of the gap putting you about ½ mile from the road. The Appalachian trail passes through here and most of the other campers that weekend were through hikers. The camping is primitive meaning no facilities at all. A fresh water spring is available about a 3/4 mile down a path through Horse Camp Gap. However, you will have to either filter or boil the water. There are plenty of woods for privacy when looking for restroom facilities as well. If primitive is not your style, this still makes a great picnic area and day hike.
There are two nice loop trails from here, Cold Mountain and Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant is the easier of the two, but both are possible if your kids are in shape and you give yourself enough time. We did the Mount Pleasant Loop. It was a 5.5 mile loop with mostly gradual ascents and descents. For details on the hike and directions, check out the following website http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/MountPleasant.
Kid’s View
Mom: “What did you think about the hiking and camping at Mount Pleasant?”
Wyatt (6): "I liked when we ate smores and put our sticks in the fire."
Garrett (4): "I liked to stick the sticks in the fire."
Mom: “Was the hike hard?”
Wyatt: "Yes"
Garrett: "No"
Mom: “What was your favorite part?”
Wyatt: "When we climbed out on the big rock."
Garrett: "When we reached the top and found a dead fish."
Mom: “Would you want to go again?”
Wyatt: "Yes!!!"
Garrett: "Yes!!!"
