Any hikers?

[Mr Pickles]

I was hoping to get a small group together during the season and spend about five days hiking the Appalachian Trail. I don't think anyone in my group would be thru-hiker material, but it would be nice to get some section under our belt. I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with the trail. Goods and bads, all information is welcome. I hear the Carolinas and Virginias are the easiest part, which might be the best and least strenuous for this group.

Let me know your experiences. Again, just using a different medium to gather information.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ticky]

whiteblaze.net

Edit: I do have experience with the trail, if you have a more specific question.

 

[Mr Pickles]

Originally posted by: Ticky
whiteblaze.net

Exactly what I needed. Thanks!

 

[dr150]

Wasn't "Last of the Mohicans" filmed there?

If so, that's damn beautiful country up there!

 

[LS8]

Which part of the trail are you considering? The trail is 2,175 miles long and spans 14 States. I prefer the portion that travels through Tennessee.

 

[buck]

That trail has to be awesome, my dad hikes for about a week at a time 3-4 times a year. He is almost 60 and goes by himself, and does the drive up from Florida to do it. If you see a tall skinny lawyer hiking by himself, tell him I said hi.

 

[funkymatt]

I've hiked a considerable amount throughout of the trail throughout the virginias. First started in middle school with a class trip, so it's not _that_ difficult.

 

[Demo24]

Originally posted by: dr150
Wasn't "Last of the Mohicans" filmed there?

If so, that's damn beautiful country up there!

It was filmed in parts of North Carolina. So yes.


While I don't have any experience outside of the NC and GA area, I would not say that's the easiest. The trail runs right through the mountains here and your going to be doing a lot of climbing and descending. Depending on where, Virigina might be somewhat flatter.

 

[FlashG]

Listen to this guy

Bill Bryson

 

[ja1484]

It's a trail. What do you need to know?

Get a map, some food, water filtration, a tent, the proper clothing, and start walking until you need to set up camp. Repeat until you want to go home.

There, you're all set.

 

[KillerCharlie]

I can't imagine the hardest parts of the Appalachian trail being worse than the average trail in the Cascades or Olympics, so it can't be that bad. From those I've talked to that did the Appalachian trail, it's relatively gentle so you should be able to cover a lot of ground.

Still though, I would never go on a multi-day trip with someone who has no hiking or backpacking experience. Do an overnighter before trying anything more ambitious.

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: Mr Pickles
I was hoping to get a small group together during the season and spend about five days hiking the Appalachian Trail. I don't think anyone in my group would be thru-hiker material, but it would be nice to get some section under our belt. I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with the trail. Goods and bads, all information is welcome. I hear the Carolinas and Virginias are the easiest part, which might be the best and least strenuous for this group.

Let me know your experiences. Again, just using a different medium to gather information.

Thanks in advance!

1) whiteblaze.net
2) PM dream2hike (avid avid appalachian trail hiker, knows everything about it)
3) I'll join in on the fun! Let me know when!

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: funkymatt
I've hiked a considerable amount throughout of the trail throughout the virginias. First started in middle school with a class trip, so it's not _that_ difficult.

Try katahdin

 

[bobsmith1492]

I hiked back some 2-3 miles, camped, and hiked back out while I was riding my bike through the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a pretty nice trail and not hard to walk considering I was carrying my stuff in a garbage bag over my shoulder...

There are lots of hiking forums with people with more experience... just google 'em up.