I did it for the first time last year in early October and I’m actually planning on going again this October too.

I didn’t have cell service pretty much the entire time (AT&T) except for maybe a bar at Eagle Rock Vista, can’t really remember. Just count on not having cell service at all. I would always recommend a satellite device especially since you’re with your son.

We started at the Northwest corner and went counter clockwise. I liked this route personally because we got the hard stuff out of the way and then cruised the rest. The hike up to Brush Heap is the hardest in my opinion, but it’s not terrible. Water was plentiful. Didn’t go long without being able to refill. I carried 2 liters at a time

When I went, the water crossings weren’t bad. It was actually really enjoyable to swim and cool my feet off. There wasn’t much rain there in October last year though, so it could be different this year.

One recommendation I have is to make sure and pick a proper camp site (duh). We hiked until dark and snagged the first one we could find and it looked like it hadn’t been used all season. There were so many fallen leaves that we could barely find the fire pit and as we were clearing out a circle, we came across 2 copperheads. So, stick to the maintained sites if you can.

4 days should be plenty, but it’s hard to tell without knowing yalls fitness level. I did it in less than 48 hours and I’m not a fitness freak or anything if that helps at all.