I have a coming 4 year old that I have been riding in the round pen and venturing out into the arena with a few bobbles here and there but nothing stupid. There is a state park about 30 minutes from my house and I was wondering.. am I crazy for wanting to take this guy out there for a couple hour trail ride this weekend? He loads, ties, saddles, etc. all fine and he isn't spooky at the house. He will eventually be started on the pattern once I get him more broke and I'm thinking this would be a good way to get some saddle time in AND some experience hauling/ seeing new sights. 

Thoughts? Suggestions? 

I'd do it - but not by myself!

Yes, I will have a buddy with me :)

Go.  Thats mostly all we do with the 2 year olds.  But we dont limit it to trails.  Its cross country type stuff.  

I would definately do it - with a friend along.  It'll be great for him! Have fun!

If you feel like he has the mindset to handle it, then go ahead. When my filly was a 4 year old she was still pretty spooky and got worked up pretty easy so I wouldnt have considered hauling her to a new place. I trail rode her a lot at home before taking her anywhere else. Now she is great and will go anywhere. Wear a helmet if you go!

We went and he did great! Loaded, hauled and rode around really quiet without being watchy or spooky. We even crossed our first bridge, went through water and over some logs. To be honest he rode better away from home than he does at home. lol.