shenandoah national park with a 1-year old (cabins, move)

[dandoe123]

Are there any trails with a view that we could do with a 1-year old in tow? We are planning on using a traditional baby carrier.

The wife and I are true novices when it comes to hiking. But the mother-in-law really enjoys hiking. She's not from VA and therefore, thought she'd enjoy a trip to Shenandoah National Park.

Also, I know it's all dependent on the weather, but is early November too late to enjoy the fall colors?

Thanks in advance.

[CSD610]

Skyline Drive Resort, Cabins, and Lodging | Shenandoah National Park

[Ffxdata]

A short hike should be fine with a standard baby carrier. There is really no need for a backpack style carrier. Something like an Ergo would be fine. I would suggest something that you can wear on your back so that you aren't concerned about falling forward, and it's easier to see where you are stepping. That's hard in a Baby Bjorn.

I don't know of those specific trails, but we took a one year old on miles of steep and tame hikes in the Smokies. I'm no seasoned hiker, and we all had a good time.

Some snacks that you can hand back to the little one while you are on the move just in case he or she gets cranky could be of use.

[slim04]

Stoney Man MM 39.1 and Hawksbill MM 45.6 are both easy and short hikes to a vista near the top of hills. They are both near Skyland Ranch. There is a huge meadow with lots of trails (and often lots of deer) at Big Meadow MM 51. There is a park service visitor center, viewing area, and mini museum across the street. They sell $2 or $3 guides with easy or short hikes.

Near Skyland is also my favorite hike in the park, Whiteoak Canyon at MM 42.6, but it is like 4.5 miles and moderately strenuous, so probably too much for a novice with a baby carrier.