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Update: Why I now pick empty trails for trips with my kids

Lots of folks say families should only do short, busy routes with lots of facilities. We just finished the two-night Bear Creek loop with my young daughter and nephew. It had no cell service and few other hikers, which forced us to work together and actually talk. I think skipping the crowded spots leads to better family time, even if it's more effort.
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3 Comments
margaret_white48
Filtering that stream water is exactly what thomas.tyler means.
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thomas.tyler
Last summer we tried a remote lake trail with no picnic areas. My boys had to help filter water from a stream, which was a mess at first. In my experience, those messy moments are where the real stories come from, not the planned stops. Your mileage may vary, but getting away from the crowd changed how we talk about that trip now. Like when we figured out how to set up the tent in the rain without arguing. It's more work, but it sticks with you.
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evac40
evac401mo ago
Totally get that, real trips have dirt on them.
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