The Appalachian Trail is a five to seven-month, 2000-mile trek spanning Georgia to Maine. “Thru-hikers” carry their belongings and camp along the way, sometimes opting for hostels and hotels when the trail runs through a town. Given the intense terrain, which involves an elevation change of roughly 500,000 feet, only about 25% of hikers complete the journey.
In 2017, Bekah and Derrick Quirin aimed to achieve a remarkable milestone by being the first parents to complete the Appalachian Trail with their baby. However, after six months of trekking with their 1-year-old daughter, Ellie, a challenge emerged. Because of its 5269-foot altitude, children under six are not permitted to summit Maine’s Mount Katahdin. Thus, Bekah and Derrick made the tough decision to leave Ellie in the care of her grandmother while they hiked the final miles of their journey solo.
Nevertheless, they did not abandon their initial goal. This past August, upon Ellie turning six, the Quirin family returned to the trail for a single day, leaving their 1-year-old, Roan, with a babysitter to complete the finale of their adventure as a family. Here is the Quirin’s inspiring story, along with essential tips for hiking some of the world’s greatest trails with a baby.
How do I get in shape to carry my baby on a long hike?
Prior to their Appalachian Trail adventure, Bekah dedicated time to practicing with Ellie in her carrier around the house and on shorter hikes. This routine not only prepared her physically but also helped Ellie get accustomed to the backpack. While on the trail, they incorporated frequent breaks, allowing Ellie to crawl and play. Remarkably, she took her first steps on the Appalachian Trail, making for a memorable experience.
Is there any part of the trail I can’t do with a baby?
At the southern tip of Maine, the Quirins encountered an unexpected hurdle. The altitude of Mount Katahdin prohibits children under six from summiting. After being denied special permission to climb with Ellie, they chose to leave her in the care of her grandmother while they finished the final miles. Bekah reflected positively on their decision, stating, “I don’t think I would change much or give different advice from what we did.”
Having initially identified as a Type A personality, Bekah learned the importance of flexibility during their trek. “You can’t go out there with a rigid schedule,” she advised. “And if you do, there’s no point.”
Should I hike with or away from the “Bubble”?
The “Bubble” refers to a substantial group of northbound thru-hikers that start the Appalachian Trail at Georgia’s Springer Mountain in March or early April. Acknowledging that their secondary goal was to enjoy the social scene in town, the Quirins intentionally avoided the Bubble by breaking the trail into two consecutive sections. They hiked from Virginia to Georgia then traveled to Maine, where they commenced their hike back to Virginia. Bekah noted, “I’m all about age diversity among the trail, but we decided it would be better to do our own thing and not stay with the crowd.”
Should I stay in hotels for parts of the trail?
The Appalachian Trail consists of lengthy uninhabited stretches, necessitating camping, interspersed with towns that offer lodging. To maximize their town days, the Quirins typically hiked for half a day before checking into a hotel, allowing time for laundry, meals, showering, and sleeping before continuing their journey. Bekah remarked, “While we could trek through a snow blizzard if needed, I wouldn’t hesitate to find shelter in town with a little one in tow.”
Can I carry less when hiking the trail?
Before hitting the trail, numerous thru-hikers compile “mail drops,” which are small packages of nonperishable meals and supplies sent to specific points along the route. To minimize their load, the Quirins enlisted Bekah’s mother to send mail drops that included nutrient-dense meals and baby supplies. They also invested in ultralight gear, which Bekah recommends for those facing the additional challenge of carrying a child.
How can I ensure we eat healthily (and easily) on the trail?
The Quirins transitioned away from using a portable stove due to safety concerns when Ellie was crawling. They discovered that a “no-cook” diet was significantly easier. Their meals consisted of peanut butter tortillas, bagels with cream cheese, tuna packets, and protein bars. Bekah stated, “With little ones, I don’t see a reason to complicate cooking on the trail; it’s too much added work.”
They embraced a flexible approach to their diet, allowing for indulgences. “You get to a point where you think, ‘I’m working so hard every day, I can eat whatever I want on this trail,’” says Bekah, recounting her enjoyment of Snickers bars and ramen for lunch. When returning to Mount Katahdin, they maintained this relaxed diet, treating Ellie to her favorites such as Sour Patch Kids at each water break, which made the experience special for her.
How do I maintain a healthy perspective when hiking with a child?
Although the Quirins did not encounter any serious dangers, they faced extreme winds on one day in Maine while crossing an exposed area. Reflecting on the experience, Bekah realized that the perceived risk was often more daunting than the reality. “We just got our breath taken away,” she noted, explaining that if the situation required crawling, they could have managed that too. This taught them that situations frequently feel riskier than they truly are.
Will my child be able to keep up?
When Bekah and Derrick set the goal of summiting Mount Katahdin with their now-six-year-old Ellie, they candidly expressed the difficulty of the undertaking, ensuring Ellie anticipated a challenge. Surprisingly, this straightforward advice motivated Ellie—she declared, “Oh no, I’m gonna do it,” and indeed she succeeded. As the day concluded, it was the parents feeling the strain while Ellie was full of energy.
Will my child remember the experience?
Bekah cherished observing the Appalachian Trail through Ellie’s perspective, believing the journey would leave a lasting impact on her despite her young age. One particularly treasured moment was seeing Ellie’s wide-eyed wonder as she peeked out from her backpack while Derrick carried her through the awe-inspiring White Mountains. “She may not remember it, and that’s okay,” Bekah expressed. “What matters are the memories we hold dear.”
