View Full Version : Windsor Furnace to Harper's Ferry in August
rubyvermonter
07-02-2008, 13:17
Over the past several years, I've section hiked from Central Maine to Windsor Furnace (just north of Port Clinton, PA). I plan to resume hiking southbound from Windsor Furnace around August 3rd for three or more weeks. I'll either end at Harper's Ferry or south of SNP. Is anyone planning on being out on that section of the trail in August?
Rubyvermonter
You may run into the very fastest of the SOBO's (and earliest) and the very last of the NOBO crowd then. I'd imagine that section in August would attract a fair amount of section hikers and weekends should be well populated near the state parks.
Enjoy!
naturewanderer
07-02-2008, 23:10
I 'm hoping to be doing some weekend hiking from PA 944 to MD17 during August/Sept. When will you be starting?
_terrapin_
07-02-2008, 23:22
You may run into the very fastest of the SOBO's (and earliest) and the very last of the NOBO crowd then. I'd imagine that section in August would attract a fair amount of section hikers and weekends should be well populated near the state parks.
Enjoy!
FWIW, I started at Lehigh Gap, sobo, on Aug. 11 last year; met two or three nobo thrus in the first few days, then no more. The trail was amazingly un-crowded, particularly on weekdays. I spent nine nights in PA at or near shelters; I was alone on six of those nights. Ironmasters and The Doyle were similarly un-crowded.
rubyvermonter
07-03-2008, 16:23
Naturewanderer,
I plan to start around Sunday, August 3rd. I don't know without looking at a trail guide where PA 944 to MD 17 are. I can check my itinerary and see when I think I might be there.
Terrapin,
I hiked SOBO last year from outside Great Barrington, MA to the DWG. I saw a few more hikers than you (the last of the NOBO's, many SOBO's with whom I leap frogged, etc.) but I also spent several nights alone at shelters or designated campsites.
Rubyvermonter
Although PA 944 near the north end of the Cumberland Valley happens to be a break between official sections, it's not a fit place to park or even be dropped off. See this map http://www.satc-hike.org/cvatmap.pdf for nearby alternatives.
EarlyBird2007
07-03-2008, 17:34
Although PA 944 near the north end of the Cumberland Valley happens to be a break between official sections, it's not a fit place to park or even be dropped off. See this map http://www.satc-hike.org/cvatmap.pdf for nearby alternatives.
That is correct. Best places to park nearby are Sherwood Drive (1 mi. south) and Bernheisel Bridge Rd. a/k/a Scott Farm (2 mi. south) You will also have the privilege of hiking the best maintained mile of the AT - mine!! ;)