good idea?

[EZ4300]

Three part question,

I was was thinking about hiking from Harpers Ferry to Vernon, NJ at the start of September (when my job ends). Is this a good idea? What should I expect? Your guess of how long it would take?

Thanks for your help!!

[Touch of Grey]

At the risk of sounding well...

First of all, seeing as how you live in Harpers Ferry or very near there, it only makes sense especially with gas costs and vandalism issues.

If it fits your calendar and you know what the weather is typically like and pack accordingly it should be a great time to do what you want to do.

What you should expect, well the easy answer again at the risk of sounding as if I am a 'smart-aleck'...Ups followed by downs, darkness followed by light every 24 hours, pain and happiness, Joy and peace.

How long should it take...well that all depends on you my friend. You can rush thru it and be done in record time and also possible injure yourself. Or you could do it slowly and enjoy the scenery, peace and quiet and most likely not ever see a blister or injury.

In otherwords. short answer is that only you can decide what will make you happy and if it works for you. HYOH!!!

TOG

[fiddlehead]

September is the best month for hiking almost anywhere in the northern hemisphere.
I take it you've heard about the PA rocks. Not so bad really but they scare some away.
Depending on the weather beforehand (and during) you may have to go down the mtn further to find some water sources. If it's been raining lately or in the last few days/weeks, disregard that advice.
Have fun!
Personally, i'd go do the long trail or something like that.

[Deerleg]

"I was was thinking about hiking from Harpers Ferry to Vernon, NJ at the start of September (when my job ends). Is this a good idea? " YES!

"What should I expect?"
Long ridges with rocks...but no more than on lots of the AT and less elevation change.
I sectioned PA south of Boiling Springs early last October and Maryland last July (too hot ). Most of my AT hikes have been in late September and early October and as stated above a great time to hike. A few frosty nights, and lots of bright sunny days, and depending on how late into October you hike, more views open up.
Walking thru one of the many state parks in PA the wind kicked up on a brilliantly clear afternoon and I found myself in the middle of the most beautiful kaleidoscope of red and yellow leaves as the sun and wind did their magic.

"Your guess of how long it would take?"
Its about 270 miles to the Delaware water gap and another 60-70 to Vernon, (about 340 total miles) my guess on time between 4-6 weeks depending on your level of fitness and weather you want to push or meander.

[ScottP]

Why not hike Maine and New Hamshire, or the long trail or something? WV-NJ's views cant stack up against Maine/New Hamshire

[EZ4300]

I know it is a weird choice of trail and people are wondering why, but
I picked this part because I want to (will) do the whole AT. Also, because it will be very easy to have a drop off/pick up since I have family in both places. So with the time that I have, I figured it would be the best for me. now I just have to figure out if I am walking north or south

[spittinpigeon]

I know it is a weird choice of trail and people are wondering why, but
I picked this part because I want to (will) do the whole AT. Also, because it will be very easy to have a drop off/pick up since I have family in both places. So with the time that I have, I figured it would be the best for me. now I just have to figure out if I am walking north or south

I was going to say, why not hike home? Myself, I'd rather travel in the beginning than the end.

[Appalachian Tater]

Yup, why not walk south and keep ahead of the cold weather? The big disadvantage would be the sun in your eyes.

[STEVEM]

Why not hike Maine and New Hamshire, or the long trail or something? WV-NJ's views cant stack up against Maine/New Hamshire

I have to agree, all the fall colors in the WV-NJ section peak in the first half of October, It can also remain hot and buggy throughout most of September. Why not go to New England for some cooler weather and an earlier fall?