Four state challenge?

[liberty lover]

I have recently heard about the,"Four State Challenge",and was wondering if someone could answer some general questions?Is there a fixed date for this challenge?What are the start/stop areas?What is the total mileage?Does anyone have any experience that would be helpful for this challenge?I know what the four states are,but that is about it.If there is a link to former post that would be nice also.Thank you for your time.

[Pedaling Fool]

There's no fixed date, it's not an official event, just a quasi tradition in the thru-hiking world; there is also a few other "traditions" similar to this on the AT.

[Pedaling Fool]

Here's a little info on it http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1903734

[joshuasdad]

Start at PA-MA border, hike until you get to VA (or a portion of the AT which borders VA), or vice versa, any day you wish. This is not a formal or organized challenge. Your prize is usually blisters and one (or more) zero days for hiking about 44 miles in a 24 hour period.

Google "four state challenge" and you will find plenty of descriptions.

[RETCW4]

Start at PA-MA border, hike until you get to VA (or a portion of the AT which borders VA), or vice versa, any day you wish. This is not a formal or organized challenge. Your prize is usually blisters and one (or more) zero days for hiking about 44 miles in a 24 hour period.

Google "four state challenge" and you will find plenty of descriptions.

Should be the PA-MD border. MA woulput you in Massachusetts.

[HikerMom58]

Right... the 4 State Challenge is hiking in VA,WV,MD and PA or the other way around. 42.9 miles in 24 hours or less. Another "tradition" like John mentioned is eating a "half gallon" of ice cream, in one sitting, at Pine Grove Furnace, PA the "half way" point on the trail. Many of them try and cannot do it or they do it & immediatly get.... "sick". LOL. Some of them do it- it doesn't seem to phase them. It's silly kind of fun, if u see it that way.

[Lone Wolf]

it's not a tough challenge. pretty easy to do actually

[HikerMom58]

it's not a tough challenge. pretty easy to do actually

How many times have u done it?

It would be tough for me.... just sayin. So that makes me a weenie? I'm out there moving & doing my best tho. I might be up for trying it, one day.

[Lone Wolf]

How many times have u done it?

It would be tough for me.... just sayin. So that makes me a weenie? I'm out there moving & doing my best tho. I might be up for trying it, one day.

i walked 40 miles into damascus in under 12 hours. 43 miles in 24 hours ain't nothin'

[Lone Wolf]

How many times have u done it?

It would be tough for me.... just sayin. So that makes me a weenie? I'm out there moving & doing my best tho. I might be up for trying it, one day.

i walked 40 miles into damascus in under 12 hours. 43 miles in 24 hours ain't nothin'

[HikerMom58]

i walked 40 miles into damascus in under 12 hours. 43 miles in 24 hours ain't nothin'

That's very impressive!! But, do u consider that the norm? If not, then "The Challenge" might be a challenge to the mere common folks. like myself.... #somethingtoconsidermaybe luv ya.. Do you still have that beard?

[Lone Wolf]

for a thru-hiker it's no big deal

[HikerMom58]

for a thru-hiker it's no big deal

Ahh... I see. I still don't agree with ya cause all thru-hikers aren't created equal. Nada, Nada...

You didn't tell me if you still have that beard... I'm thinking NOT!

[Lone Wolf]

uh, i still have a beard. w t f does that have to do with anything?

[HikerMom58]

uh, i still have a beard. w t f does that have to do with anything?

Nothing- except you posted a pic of ur friend & yourself with a serious beard going on... JW..... You have to practice being nice to me so when I meet u at Trail Days in May- I can give u a big hug!

[Lone Wolf]

hopefully i won't be here during trail days

[WingedMonkey]

There are no records on the Appalachian Trail.

[Don H]

No "official" records.

Another "Challenge" is the Connecticut Challenge, hike through the entire state in less than 24 hours.

[pyroman9]

The suitcase challenge is also interesting - although i would not try it...

many variations but it basically is
Go to a thrift store and buy a suit and briefcase
get a 24 pack of beer
hike 24 miles with the beer in the briefcase and drink it all by the time you finish the 24 miles... in one day of course.

The 4 state is a fun challenge although it takes some coordination because if you just do it when you get there - you will often miss out on harpers ferry. I did not bother to do it, but i know a few who did. Its just all part of the fun. I like to see how far i could push myself and what my limits were.

Bomber

[Odd Man Out]

Since the four state challenge has been described as "no big deal" and "pretty easy", I thought I would check out some other possible challenges. I used the mileage data at www.atdist.com and the interactive map at the ATC web site for my info.

Then next three longest four state challenges would be:
NY-CT-MA-VT at 135 mi (had to estimate exactly where you leave NY N of Bulls Bridge Rd
NJ-NY-CT-MA at 141.3 mi
PA-NJ-NY-CT at 161.9 mi

The longest is of course:
TN-VA-WV-MD at 555.8 mi

The shortest three state challenge would be of course:
VA-WV-MD at a couple miles?

The shortest five state challenge would be:
NJ-NY-CT-MA-VT at 231.7

Of course doing these in a day would be more of a big deal.
Pick your own time frame and make your own challenge.
How about 5 states in a week, or all of CT and MA in three days?