We’ve Been Hiking
Before becoming parents, traveling meant walking for miles and miles and miles. Hiking up rolling hills or through a tropical forest was challenging, yet very doable. While walking has been a bit limited with a stroller and toddler, we’ve been finding family-friendly and accessible nature hikes and walking paths. What a lesson it has been learning to slow down and allow our kid to navigate when and where we go. How nourishing to soak in nature with Black children. They open up the world in such fresh and exciting ways.
Things to note:
Wheelchair accessible trails are also stroller accessible
Bring lots of snacks AND water
Be prepared for many stops and breaks
Sing songs, bring paper, things to draw with, or a camera (of course)
Homochitto National Forest | Meadville, Mississippi
Our very first attempted hike was in Homochitto National Forest. Our child absolutely hated carriers at the time so we had to take turns holding him a few steps then just allowing him to stop to play with sticks. Homochitto National Forest is spread out around the Meadville, MS area, but we chose a trail close to the Getaway Cabins where we were staying. There are a few spots over water that you’ll need to be cautious crossing. You have to pay a park fee of $5. There were no envelopes to pay properly in cash, but we managed to pay online via the Recreation app. We joked at the idea of paying with an app at a nature park, but honestly it makes taking the trip more accessible. Having a car provides the most access as Meadville is a pretty rural area.
A **HUGE** safety note, there is hunting in the Forest so be sure to read all signage well before entering. Here’s a page about hunting in the Forest for more information. We did feel safe on our trail and encountered very friendly hikers.
Sweetwater Creek State Park | Lithia Springs, Georgia
Just about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park ($10 fee) is a popular recreational area with a lake and camping. Somehow we hiked 2.5 miles by going the wrong way, up and down and then around. BUT we made it and took fierce naps afterwards. The loop we chose took us down by the Old Mill (if you watch Atlanta Season 4, Episode 7 you might recognize it). It’s a popular park so lots of passersby with restrooms, an indoor museum and gift shop. Here’s more information about ADA accessibility. This site has more park information and FAQs as well.
Muir Woods | Mill Valley, CA
We probably chose the busiest day to go (lol) - December 26. It is important to get a timed reservation ($15) AND buy parking tickets ($9) to be guaranteed a spot especially during peak times. There is no Wifi up there so either print or save to a device. You’ll need a car or reserve transportation up the windy roads to Muir Woods. We took the one-mile paved trail with our Junior Park ranger workbook in tow. Since our kid was a bit older and beginning the curiousity stage we strolled and talked about what we saw. We stopped in the gift shop and got a snack before heading back to our family’s house.
Bridal Veil Falls | Bridal Veil, OR
On our first trip to Portland, OR seeing a waterfall was on the must-do list. Our sweet friend and her kids met us and we took a 10-minute hike down to Bridal Veil Falls. The overlook had some missing railings so hold on to your little ones and yourself tight. It was a beautiful experience to have with friends. There is a short paved trail loop, unfortunately it doesn’t lead to the waterfall. The drive is about 30 minutes outside Portland. Having a car gives you the most flexibility, but there’s an Inn near the parking lot that may make getting a ride easier. The park is free to enter.
