morganmorrison9er
01-05-2016, 13:04
I am 17 years old. I would like to take a longish bakcpacking trip this summer by myself. I would like to start at the Southern border of PA and hike all of the state's AT trail sometime in June. I am very fit, as I am a XC and track runner. How long would it take me to do the 229?
Gambit McCrae
01-05-2016, 13:11
If you hike 15 miles a day, and take 1 zero a week it will take 17 days
If you hike 20 miles a day, and take 1 zero a week it will take 14 days
The southern 2/3s of the state are known to be easier terrain, northern 1/3 is very rocky
You may start alone, but you will not be by yourself lol June could very likely put you in a heard of thru hikers
I would suggest starting in Harpers Ferry and go north, ignore the crowds and I'm assuming your on summer break so take your time.
I would also suggest not letting your running experience make you over confident in your trail ability, I would start with 8-10 mile days and work up as your body lets you.
Don't over plan, Just get to the trail with 5-7 days of food and end up where ya end up at the end of the day, your body will thank you
My guess is 12 days or 20 or 17 or
Thom