View Full Version : Work-for-stay in the Whites on a section hike
I'm hiking north from Franconia Notch to Caratunk starting next week. Does anyone know if section hikers can do work-for-stay at the AMC huts in the Whites? The companion says that work for stay is for thru-hikers, but doesn't say anything one way or another about section hikers. I can probably get by without using the huts if I have to, but it's a nice option if it's available.
Lone Wolf
08-21-2007, 11:34
you're hiking through the Whites so of course you can do work-for-stay. just say you're a thru-hiker
I'm hiking north from Franconia Notch to Caratunk starting next week. Does anyone know if section hikers can do work-for-stay at the AMC huts in the Whites? The companion says that work for stay is for thru-hikers, but doesn't say anything one way or another about section hikers. I can probably get by without using the huts if I have to, but it's a nice option if it's available.
I don't see why you couldn't. I think in fairness, work for stay probably is and should be for long distance hikers (out for several weeks or months) and not for those out for just a few days.
Remember..getting work for stay is especially about timing..the later in the day you arrive the better your chances...within reason of course. Also, Lakes and Madison huts are the most likely places for work for stay. Otherwise.. you can stay at the relatively inexpensive campsites with caretakers for 8 a night.
David
john gault
08-21-2007, 11:38
I've only been through there once, but I saw non-thru-hikers do work-for-say. Probably not suppose to happen, but if there are not too many thru-hikers then they'll probably let you. However, this time of year there are probably a lot of thrus in there now.
You can always say you're a thru, just have some stories ready, because some will ask those typical questions thrus get.
Thanks for the responses--I sort of figured it wouldn't be a big deal if I did it, given that I'm doing 200+ miles and 3 weeks on my section.
7Sisters
08-21-2007, 20:43
I would say you're long distance section hiking and want to do a work for stay. The reason is that sometime they have thru hikers do talks to folks about there hikes.
You don't want to get caught in a lie nor do you want to make up stories and tell people about fake experiences on the trail.
I have seen long distance section hikers do work for stay there. As someone else said though - it's thru hiker season though so expect crowds.
Officially, work for stay is offered for thru-hikers only. But, it gets abused.
Appalachian Tater
08-22-2007, 19:06
I would say you're long distance section hiking and want to do a work for stay. The reason is that sometime they have thru hikers do talks to folks about there hikes.
You don't want to get caught in a lie nor do you want to make up stories and tell people about fake experiences on the trail.
I have seen long distance section hikers do work for stay there. As someone else said though - it's thru hiker season though so expect crowds.
That sounds like good advice. It also seems to me that any long-distance hiker will really contrast with the majority of the guests in the huts. You probably will not be asked if you are actually a thru-hiker if you look dirty and unkempt. Just ask if work-for-stay is available.
Don't miss the food at Joe Dodge Lodge!
I'm hiking north from Franconia Notch to Caratunk starting next week. Does anyone know if section hikers can do work-for-stay at the AMC huts in the Whites? The companion says that work for stay is for thru-hikers, but doesn't say anything one way or another about section hikers. I can probably get by without using the huts if I have to, but it's a nice option if it's available.
i section hiked thru the whites last mid september,and i did work for stay at 4 huts
madision,lake of clouds,zealand and galehead,it was end of season and they let me work for stay,i carried 3 days of food on my 8 day hike and still had one day food when i left the whites,i spent 16 bucks total.:cool: neo