I'm planning on starting the Appalachian Trail with my son (who is 10) next spring. I think we'd like to start at the south end in Georgia and break it up into manageable day hikes at first. If he's stoked about the whole deal then we'll do sections every year as a father/son ritual. I'm looking for any info, wisdom that can be offered from those who have laid foot on the AT. I think for our first trek in the spring maybe it would be better to day hike from trail head to towns where we could spend the night in a motel or something ? This thought is solely based on my thinking our first trip should be a light pack hike- so no tents or sleeping bags or cooking utes. Thoughts ?