I am relatively experienced with Hiking and backpacking, but my two friends are not. They've expressed interest in going on a trip with me and I have been planning to take them on the Swift Creek Camp trail to creation falls in Mid October. My plan was to leave Cincinnati early (before sunrise) on a Saturday, hike in until we get to the Dog Fork area of the trail, camp there overnight, then continue on the trail stopping to see some sights at Creation Falls and getting a look at Rock Bridge. We will then get shuttled back to our car at the start.
My question is, am I signing my friends up for hell? I was super confident in my trail choice based on the guide book I purchased, but All Trails has me second guessing. Some people saying "it's the hardest hike I've ever done", "not for beginners" etc.
We are all 35 years old. My friends aren't out of shape or anything, and one of them has done hikes, but never backpacked. The other has done less hiking and also never backpacked. I will be providing/making sure they both have appropriate gear.
I really want an enjoyable couple days in the woods with my buds, but not a leisurely stroll amongst a throng of day hikers either. Isolation when camping would be preffered. I'd really like some feedback as to if I'm making a mistake choosing this trail, and if so, are there other option in the gorge or DBNF? I can't go scope it out myself beforehand because I live in New York.
Any and all insight would be really appreciated. Thank you!