Section Hike: Springer to Davenport

[rockytop]

Am planning on leaving Springer on April 15 for a section hike to Davenport Gap. Would it make sense to leave later to avoid possible winter condition, see more wildflowers, etc., but stll beat the bugs? What would be the "ideal" time to start?

Thanks,
RockyTop:sun

[Slo-go'en]

Mid April is a good time to start. The woods are perking up by then and the worst weahter is past - usually.

[Frick Frack]

Mid April is a good time to start. The woods are perking up by then and the worst weahter is past - usually.

Exactally....but you can expect just about anything weather wise then.

You don't know "bugs" until you have been to ME in June :eek:

Have a great time on one of the most beautiful sections of the AT!

[McKeever]

It can look like spring time in town but just a few thousand feet in elevation change puts you right back into dormant vegatation except for the early bloomers. Waiting might no make too much difference up high, but the valleys could much greener. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

[rockytop]

When would you consider springtime in the GSMNP to start?

[Just Plain Jim]

You might consider going a little later in the month or in May. It will be cold, it will be wet and chances are you won't see many wildflowers.

[bigcranky]

In mid-April you will see wildflowers down low, along the creeks. The weather can get cold, but you'll see high temps all over the place for the 3-4 weeks you'll be out. If you leave May 1, that would moderate the weather a little and you'll still get wildflowers.