SNP in Sept.

[sasquatch2014]

I am trying to get a read on Avg temps up in the park for middle to end part of Sept. I keep getting temps and stuff for towns that are down in the valley and not up on the ridge I know that the ridge runs between 2,000' to 3,000' on avg. trying to recall the variance for elevation. I swear I'll write it down this time and put it someplace safe. Maybe that's what I did last time and why I can't find it? :-?who knows. Any help would be great.

[Cookerhiker]

Days can be in the 80s, more likely in the 70s when the sun shines. Cloudy/rainy days in 60s, perhaps even high 50s. Nights: if I was hiking then, I'd get by with my 45 degree down bag but also bring 2 layers plus a rain shell and a hat. If necessary, wear an additional layer in bed rather than bring a cold-weather bag.

It's a lovely time but too early for Fall colors. Purple asters should be blooming.

[sasquatch2014]

Thanks. I always have a tough time judging temps as I head down south the elevation tweeks everything.

Didn't you used to live up in NY area?

[Richard Snider]

I live in Waynesboro VA which boarders the south entrance of SNP & I spend a fair amount of time in the park especiall Sept - April. Temps in SNP usually run 5 - 10 degrees cooler than those in the valley. If you research temps for Waynesboro, Grottoes, Luray, Harrisonburg, and north along the SNP and figure the temps will be 5 - 10 degrees cooler on the ridges of SNP that will give you a good idea of what to expect. I can be a little windy on the ridges also so that is something you'll want to take into account.

[sasquatch2014]

Thanks that will help. I am excited to get back down that way. Went north out of Front Royal in April up to I-70 in MD. I understand from some people that 20 mile days are not thast big of a deal to do in the park. Would you say that's accurate?

[Richard Snider]

20 mile days are very doable if you stay on the AT. That is if the weather stays good and you stay injury free. There's not a great deal of elevation change on the AT in the SNP and the AT is in very good shape through the park. The side trails off the AT are usually more rugged in the SNP & 10 - 15 miles per day is more reasonable for those.

[Cookerhiker]

Days can be in the 80s, more likely in the 70s when the sun shines. Cloudy/rainy days in 60s, perhaps even high 50s. Nights: if I was hiking then, I'd get by with my 45 degree down bag but also bring 2 layers plus a rain shell and a hat. If necessary, wear an additional layer in bed rather than bring a cold-weather bag.

It's a lovely time but too early for Fall colors. Purple asters should be blooming.


Thanks. I always have a tough time judging temps as I head down south the elevation tweeks everything.

Didn't you used to live up in NY area?

Wow, how did you know - it's been 36 years since I left Northern NJ. I guess I've mentioned it on WB in some context. With my mother's passing in '04 and my brother relocating to PA on '06, I've little reason to return there.

I grew up in Ridgewood from whence WB's Johnny Thunder also hails.

[Blissful]

I understand from some people that 20 mile days are not thast big of a deal to do in the park. Would you say that's accurate?

For those that began in GA and are hiking north so they already have their trail legs, 20 miles days are average in SNP. If you are doing a section though, I wouldn't do it that quickly, but it's up to you and your conditoning (which can vary). It's still not a walk in the park for a section hike, but it is an easier section than other areas.

[buff_jeff]

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/weather.htm

[Skyline]

When you get closer to hike time, there are links to 10-day forecasts on the Mountain & Valley Shuttle website, for all three sections of the Park:

www.mvshuttle.com (http://www.mvshuttle.com)