Spinger to Damascus (how much time is needed)

[BrianOH72]

I would like to get some input on the section hike I plan to do this coming June. I'll be starting at Springer and would like to get to Damascus. Looking at trail guides and maps it appears to be around 463 miles. I'll be hiking alone and can set my own pace. While I'm not looking for a bunch of zero days or short days to hike I'm also not looking to set any records. I'm just trying to get some feedback from others about the difficulty of the terrain and any other information that might be helpful. I would classify myself as in pretty good shape and feel that I could move along at a good pace with my long legs. Thanks!

[July]

Honestly, if your in decent starting shape A month is a resonable amount of time. This translates to approx 15.5 miles a day. Maybe you do some 7-10 and then later you do some 20 plus. You can even chillax 3 or 4 days if you like...

[Slo-go'en]

I've done that stretch a few times. I guess I average about 5 1/2 weeks, but I'm in no rush and have 3-4 zeros and a couple of nero's thrown in. The average hiker who leaves Springer about April 1st will arrive at Damascus the week of Trail Days, which is the 2nd week of May. YMMV.

[CrumbSnatcher]

5-6 weeks
have a great hike!

[July]

Slo and crumb must be share food and hope the Sun rises .....together...:)

[Deacon]

I just did this section in May-June this year. Slo's estimate is most correct. I averaged 15 miles per day, 3 zeros, and was out a total of 36 days.

[RED-DOG]

Give your self at least 35 hiking days from Springer MT to Damascus that's NOT including your Zero days.

[map man]

Average completing NOBOs keeping a journal at trailjournals.com take about 40 days to get to Damascus, though that bunch has colder weather and shorter daylight hours to deal with than you will -- YMMV.

[FLoridaGirl]

Planning the same section starting on or about June 1st...see you out there!

[Blissful]

Agree - 5-6 weeks. I mean if you are in uber shape, maybe 4.

[QiWiz]

If I were doing this, I would budget five weeks (35 days). You can likely shave a few days off of this, depending on how few zeros and neros you might want to take.

[takethisbread]

Honestly, if your in decent starting shape A month is a resonable amount of time. This translates to approx 15.5 miles a day. Maybe you do some 7-10 and then later you do some 20 plus. You can even chillax 3 or 4 days if you like...

It took me a month, but I was hustling big time. I don't think averaging 15.5 mpd is anything most people should plan on. Plan on at least 5 weeks, at the least. Feel great if make it in less!



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[Ox97GaMe]

depends on what time of year. Most thru hikers are doing this in 5 weeks, but they are hampered by the short daylight hours in March and April. Thru hikers are averaging about 15 miles/day in the southern 500 miles. If you are hiking in June/July, then you might be able to hike more miles/day and cut the duration.

[Slow n' Steady]

I started on April 1 and arrived in Damascus the week before Trail Days--around mid May. I think five to six weeks is a good estimate for most people. I'm Slow n Steady for a reason. But I had a great time getting there!