seeking suggestions for a good 100 mile hike

[ms332105]

Hello all,

I am new to this forum but not a backpacker. I will be graduating from Ohio University in June and am in the early stages of planning a 100 mile - 14 day trek in August on the AT in either New England or SNP. I have done a lot of 3 - 7 day hikes in and around the Hocking Hills Region and down into Kentucky but this will be my first trip onto the AT.

I am looking for some advice for a good route to hike that is around 100 miles. A buddy of mine will be making this trip with me and we would greatly appreciate any advice, stories, and wisdom that the AT community has to offer.

Basically I am looking for suggestions/tips for routes, special gear, food, insider knowledge... the works.

Thanks all and happy trekking!!

[m_gude]

I'm planning on hiking Shenandoah over the first week of march since it's about a 45 minute (tops) drive from charlottesville. I've heard good things about SNP that I'm sure others here can elaborate on in terms of the AT portion. From driving through, it has some great views. In August, all the waysides will be open (while none will be open in march...) so you shouldn't have any problem with finding food/restocking.

[Bearpaw]

Start at Hampton, TN, and hike north. After 48 or so miles you'll reach Damascus, a grat resupply and possibly layover point.

From there head north through the 360 views in the many balds and wild pony herds of Grayson Highlands State Park and finish at Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area Headquarters. Another 66 miles for a total of 114 miles.

[KG4FAM]

Go to New England. From Mossilauke to Katahdin everything is awsome.

[ms332105]

Oooops!

meant to say that I am not a NEW backpacker...haha, not that I'm not a backpacker.

[Cookerhiker]

With August as your timeframe, I'd definitely hike in New Hampshire or Maine. If you're in good shape, hike the Whites. Glencliff to Gorham is about 100 miles. tough hiking but gorgeous.

If you'd rather not tax yourself as much, hike Maine: either the 100 mile wilderness or Monson to Rangely. Doing the latter southbound means you start out with relatively easy terrain (by Maine standards) working your way up to some longer steeper climbs like the Bigalows, Crockers, and Saddleback.

[Slo-go'en]

Stay away from SNP in August, too many people and too hot. The middle streach of the Long Trail in Vermont would be nice. Say RT 4 to Smuggles notch. Reasonably easy in the beginning, climaxing in Camals Hump and Mt Mansfield. Maine would be nice too, but much harder, so don't count on going as far in 2 weeks.

[sasquatch2014]

If you can put it off until middle of Sept you will be surprised how empty SNP is at that time of year just before the leaves change. I went in Mid Sept this past year and had the park practically to myself.

[ScottP]

If I were you I'd do the part of the Long Trail that is not on the AT. The AT is crowded that time of year.

[warraghiyagey]

100 mile wilderness in Maine. Katahdin to Monson.:sun:sun:sun:sun

[Cookerhiker]

As other posters and I alluded to, hiking in New England will be very rewarding in August but considerably more difficult than your previous backpacking experience. Since you're new to the AT and since a 14 day 100 mile hike will entail resupplying, you may want to consult the Companion (http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm). Unless you hike the 100 mile wilderness, you can resupply often to cut down on your food weight. Also check out resources from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.1423119/k.BEA0/Home.htm)including transportation options.

[Plodderman]

To a fellow OU grad I would recommend either the Smokies from Fontana to Davenport Gap or a hike from Atkins to Damascus VA. They are both around 80 miles and seeing the Grayson Highlands is great. Plus you get to visit Damascus.

Hiked many of the areas you talked about and now spend most of my time in Wayne National Forrest which is around Athens.