hiking in september

[tagalong hiker]

getting together with some section hikers we met in Pa this spring to do the smokies in September. Probably the 2nd or 3rd week in September. My husband figured sence we were already down this way we would do Georiga also. My question is what type of weather should we expect and which way of travel is the best (terrain, and trail conditions) Weve already compleated from Port Clinton to the New Hampshire border. What should i expect this fall.
Thanks Tagalong

[T-Dubs]

From the looks of this map (link), it looks like it could be a dry late season. This information was on an early morning news program and I thought of the conditions those SOBO hikers might face in the Fall.

Tom

http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html

[ATTurtle]

Tagalong,

I've done a number of sections in Sept and it is usually great - fewer crowds and lower temps. I almost had a problem one year though: a hurricane went thru southern VA a week before I was there and another went thru the week after I was there. Hiking in hurricanes is best avoided, so keep an eye on weather forecasts.

Also, I section-hiked the Smokies two weeks ago, and springs were already flowing slowly at a couple of shelters (Siler's Bald and Cosby Knob). Something to keep an eye on.

ATTurtle

[fredmugs]

I am interested in hiking thru the Smokies from Fontana Dam northbound during that timeframe as well and can provide an additional vehicle for shuttling purposes if anyone is interested.

[Alligator]

I hiked through the Smokies during the week of 9/11. Started before the 11th. There was only one group on our itinerary, and we didn't see many hikers. I suggest finding a foliage map and try to time your visit to peak color. It's never guarenteed, but I would at least try.

[papa john]

I hiked the smokies last Sep and we had a very hard time with water. What we were able to find was so bad that everyone's filter pumps clogged up. Good thing I had a water bottle filter.