2016 Section Hikers

[SmokeEater]

I figured since the thru hikers have a thread we can too. Just curious what's everyone's plan this year for section hike?

I will be hiking from Dennis Cove to Damascus next and then another section hike this fall. Hope to see you guys out there.

[soumodeler]

Fontana to Hot Springs end of this month.

Then long weekend trips Hot Springs to Damascus over the rest of the year.

[JohnThe Snail]

A two day trip early in June to finish NJ, then a week later in June heading from NJ up into NY. Then in Aug a week starting at Harpers Ferry and heading up through MD and hopefully into PA. Plus the occasional day or weekend in either NY or PA and opportunities present themselves.

[daveiniowa]

We should have our own page in fact. Section hiking rules! Instead of getting all excited about one hike once, we get all excited multiple times a year!

If I can swing it $$, end of the month, Albert Mtn to Stecoah Gap where I left off last fall. Then return this fall to tackle smokies? Or at least get to the smokies this year.

[Red Cinema]

Waynesboro / start of SNP to VA 522 (Front Royal) sometime starting mid to late May. . .

[tiptoe]

Late summer I am hoping to chip away at the northern end of the trail, starting just south of the Imp Shelter in NH (where I broke my ankle in 2011) and heading into Maine. Meanwhile, I'll be tending my garden and walking my new rescue husky in local parks.

[Silver Eagle]

Mid-May, first section hike in 50 years. As a boy scout, did Penn-Mar to Harper's Ferry, 1964, then HP to Front Royal in 1967. This year, Springer to Franklin,NC. Next year, maybe more in Va.

[Grunt]

I've often wondered why there wasn't a separate Forum for Section-Hikers? Just me but I think it has great possibilities. In 16 days I'll be back on the trail starting at James River 785.7 mm (Big Island, VA) to Humpback Visitors Center 855.2 mm at the end of this month; approx. 70 miles. Then late October Humpback Visitor's center 855.2 to Harper's Ferry 1023.4 mm... that roughly 168 miles. This is if my body... especially my feet can hold up. Then I've got to rethink this section-hiking approach: First... I'm running out of time; Second... I'm running out of steam; Third... so many trips have been 800-1000 miles of driving round-trip and going further north will just get worse.......... So maybe a Spring or Fall 2017 little hump to finish the remaining 1,165 miles... what do you think? Happy Trails

[Moosehead87]

Springer to Fontana early May with my dog. Did the Smokies 40 years ago.
34427

[rafe]

No sections planned, but I've been imagining a road trip to make up a few blue-blazes along the way. That would be an interesting adventure.

There's not a year that passes where I don't do a few (or a few dozen) AT miles. But my last hundred-mile AT section was six years ago.

[shelb]

I wish I could hit the trail several times a year!

Unfortunately, my section hikes are once a year, usually for 100 miles. This year, however, I get to "up the anty" since I am getting older and more worried about finishing!

I will be going from the NJ/NY border to just into VT, starting mid-June.

Any advise on that section - pertaining to poor water areas, the land, preferred shelters/hostels, good resupply areas, places to get a meal or special treat, or better areas to reduce mileage - any of this would be SO VERY APPRECIATED!!!! (Yes, I do have AWOL's guide, but we all know that the hikers can help with so much more info!!!)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[Slo-go'en]

Harpers Ferry back to my home in the Whites, ~ 850 miles to my front door. At least that's the plan for the moment.

[o hiker guy]

Great idea, I'll be starting at 19e at roan mountain heading north on April 25th and stopping at Woods Hole Hostel around May 12th.

[Gambit McCrae]

My plan is 250 miles. That will put me over 1000 miles complete, and not burn me out as 375-450 miles have in past years

[illabelle]

Later this month we're doing the 20 miles from Front Royal to Ashby Gap. Gonna throw in a non-AT rock scramble on Old Rag while we're up there.
Early July we're doing the White from hut to hut. Essentially slacking, but we're getting older and we'll do it anyway we can.
Late August/early Sept we're doing the HMW and K southbound. Really looking forward to this!

We have three weekend non-AT hikes in the Smokies this summer and several dayhikes to keep us toughened up.

[backtrack213]

I plan on starting very late in June at springer and going NOBO until late August. Where I will end up I don't know but I'm hoping to get to harpers ferry.

[ChrisJackson]

~100 mile BMT section in early May! ~100 mile section Long Trail early September!

[backtrack213]

I wish I could hit the trail several times a year!

Unfortunately, my section hikes are once a year, usually for 100 miles. This year, however, I get to "up the anty" since I am getting older and more worried about finishing!

I will be going from the NJ/NY border to just into VT, starting mid-June.

Any advise on that section - pertaining to poor water areas, the land, preferred shelters/hostels, good resupply areas, places to get a meal or special treat, or better areas to reduce mileage - any of this would be SO VERY APPRECIATED!!!! (Yes, I do have AWOL's guide, but we all know that the hikers can help with so much more info!!!)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Until Massachusetts you hit towns all the time with possibilities for food and resupplies you can eat out almost every day if you really wanted to. In NY graymor life spiritual shelter I think it's called is a great place I believe its .4 off the trail but has power you can order pizza there shower clothes line great stop in my opinion. RPH shelter is another good shelter to stay at if possible. NY in the summer has a few dry stretches but I happened to run into plenty of trail angels who left water so you should be alright. West mountain shelter in NY is a good one too if it's nice weather you have a view of NYC. I'm starting to think NY was my favorite state... Another stop in Massachusetts is upper goose pond cabin that's a must stop. I also stayed atop of Mt. Graylock in the bunk room I recommend that as well. Hope this helps and enjoy your section hike it was a great section hike for me. I did PA/NJ border to MA/VT border.

[flatgrounder]

Starting at Springer and going 9 days starting April 28. Hope to do Georgia section. Then coming back later and continuing on at different times during the summer. Possibly going to Tahoe to do the Rim Trail. 165 miles.

[Seatbelt]

Mid-May, first section hike in 50 years. As a boy scout, did Penn-Mar to Harper's Ferry, 1964, then HP to Front Royal in 1967. This year, Springer to Franklin,NC. Next year, maybe more in Va.
I may see you out there, I'll be going sobo from NC to Neel Gap mid-May with my son who lives in Cumming GA.

[msoult]

Doing Fontana to Newfound gap end of May then, hopefully, finish the Smokies later at the end of summer.


KentuckyRed

[FlyPaper]

Plan on hitting southern PA.

Here is what I've done so far:


http://www.atdist.com/logview?l=GhrbjjkwtGkkXaiZ&h=bcf340

[jfarrell04]

Our 30th annual section hike is planned for this fall. VT103-N Clarendon, VT to Dartmouth College-Hanover, NH is the proposed trek. That would leave us with about 440 miles to Katadhin.

[Berserker]

Here's what I have planned thus far:

This weekend - Rockfish Gap to ???...gonna slack this one (day hike and stay in Waynesboro) because I've turned into a big girly man and don't like sleeping in the cold :D...hoping to do 30+ miles
July - Kinsman Notch to Grafton Notch
Fall - maybe GSMNP...finally gonna try to get this over with...don't like staying in shelters

[fudgefoot]

Finished up the AT last summer so I'm going to explore some other trails. Hiking the Laurel Highlands Trail in western PA in May. Should be a nice easy 70 mile jaunt.

[rustmd]

May 280 miles central VA; June two small pieces in southern New England; then September my FINAL STATE which is Vermont! 11 years...

. Com

[TEXMAN]

Hudson River to Mt Everett in Mass.. in May
Gorham NH to Kennebec River in Aug

[jigsaw]

helping my wife and daughter fill in a section leaving april 15-22nd Pearisburg to Daleville.
then maine in august grafton notch to Rangeley 1900 and counting

[JohnThe Snail]

I wish I could hit the trail several times a year!

Unfortunately, my section hikes are once a year, usually for 100 miles. This year, however, I get to "up the anty" since I am getting older and more worried about finishing!

I will be going from the NJ/NY border to just into VT, starting mid-June.

Any advise on that section - pertaining to poor water areas, the land, preferred shelters/hostels, good resupply areas, places to get a meal or special treat, or better areas to reduce mileage - any of this would be SO VERY APPRECIATED!!!! (Yes, I do have AWOL's guide, but we all know that the hikers can help with so much more info!!!)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

I'll be doing NY state NOBO from June 18 to the 24th with my daughter. Maybe see you out there.

[linus72]

we're finishing the last 30 miles we have left of NY and starting the first 15 of Mass. CT is done. Will be over multiple trips.

[john muir]

starting GA next week trying to do all of GA in 6 days.

[Bipolar Roller]

Watauga dam to Damascus , May 28th til arrival at Mount Roger Outfitters parking lot. I' m also hoping that Lone Wolf can shuttle me to the Dam

[Bipolar Roller]

Actually our group of four. Sorry

[AO2134]

I am a pretty religious weekend warrior although recently I have been focusing on other trails. I haven't touched the AT since May of last year. I have finished the AT thru the smokies. Going to try to get from Davenport Gap to Damascus VA this year.

Also hoping to finish the Pinhoti this year and get some 900 miler club miles in.

[Berserker]

Here's what I have planned thus far:

This weekend - Rockfish Gap to ???...gonna slack this one (day hike and stay in Waynesboro) because I've turned into a big girly man and don't like sleeping in the cold :D...hoping to do 30+ miles

Ended up going to Simmons Gap, so right at 36 miles. Did it over 3 days, and stayed in Waynesboro 2 nights. It was actually a pretty enjoyable way to hike that piece. It got darn cold on Saturday with a nasty wind, and then Sunday morning was very frigid. Saw more day hikers out there then backpackers this weekend, so looks like a lot of other folks had the same idea.

[astafford]

Katahdin to NY/CT border starting August 4th.

[Angle]

I did the section from Allen Gap to Spivey Gap this week end. Plan on doing from the NOC to Max Patch to finish the south by the end of May in hopefully just two trips. Monson north to Katahdin in August to finish the whole thing. It has been a great experience and I've met a lot of interesting people. Iceman

[OneDoesNotSimplyWalk]

I'm going from Springer up to Dick's Creek Gap (The second one) in May and then from Wayah Bald to Fontana Dam in July-August. Once we've done that, me and my girlfreind will have finished all the trail in Georgia and right up to the smokey mountains! :D

[steve_zavocki]

Thanks to flypaper for showing me how to do a custom link of sections hiked.

Here is my progress: http://www.atdist.com/logview?l=HaixxI-O1j&h=0dd9e6

My plan for this year is as follows:

-Hike another 10-15 miles in Shenandoah to add to the what I already did there.
-Hike in NJ from Mohickan Outdoor center to the PA border while visiting family in the area
-Hike another 10-25 mile is Mass to add to the section I already did there.
-Hike from Deep Gap, NC to Fontana over 2 or 3 trips since this is the closest to where I live in Florida
-Maybe even try to tackle Klingmans Dome to Fontana in the Fall

5% down, 95% to go

[airn]

I'd like to hike from Vernon, NJ to the Hudson River by fall this year. It's not very far but I don't get to hike as often as I'd like.

[Grunt]

Brother you'll love Woods Hole... say hi to Neville and Mike... Magical place... sectioned through there several years ago.

[LittleRock]

Pearisburg to Daleville next week!!! Daleville to Rockfish Gap probably this fall.

[plodalong]

Leavin this weekend starting at the AT RR station in NY and headin north to MA...Love April hiking!!

[plodalong]

Doin close to that next week..AT/RR station to Egremont MA ..let ya know whats up and how the ticks are

[plodalong]

:confused: ..I need more coffee..was shootin that at TEXMAN....although I am repeating myself a lot lately

[GrizzledAtoms]

My 16 year old daughter and I will be doing our first section hike this summer... from Damascus, VA to Harper's Ferry.

[Bacon]

Caledonia SP to Duncannon in early July then up to MA to hike with my son who lives in Boston

[Roamin]

In 25 short days I am headed out for the first time in 10 years! My three oldest children are coming along this time as well. Buena Vista to Rockfish Gap, Va, 55 miles. I cannot wait to get out there!

[Bearleg]

Just finished New Found gap north out of the park , last week of March


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[FooFooCuddlyPoops]

Damascus va to Harper's ferry starting after trail days in May. :-) I may go farther. I planned this trip around college, but fall semester is in question so I no longer know what I am doing.

[JohnThe Snail]

This weekend weather is supposed to be real nice and daughter and I were both able to get off work. Going from Wawayanda SP north to NY17A. Good chance to test out her new tent.

[RickE9]

Want to do Waynesboro to Harpers Ferry, early May start.

[JumpMaster Blaster]

Watauga dam to Damascus , May 28th til arrival at Mount Roger Outfitters parking lot. I' m also hoping that Lone Wolf can shuttle me to the Dam

I may see you out there!

[JumpMaster Blaster]

Smokies mid-May. Hate to say, but I just want to get that part over and done with. That's all I have set in stone, but I'm also going to be doing US 421 (Low Gap) to US 321 (Hampton, TN), Franklin-Fontana, and maybe a 4-5 day section in GA this spring/summer. Maybe I'll hit SNP sometime before the year is out.

[Stevep311]

Dick's Creek Gap to Fontana in late May!

[Stevep311]

Also did Fontana to Newfound Gap to knock out half of the Smokies. Did this in 1 day--sort of. I had 4.2 mile left in the morning.

[MisterQ]

Pen Mar to Harpers Ferry in June with three newbie first timers

First hike in White Mountains in September, Franconia Notch to top of Mt. Washington

[igloo64]

Starting a section from
Pearisberg to Catawba this weekend

[slbirdnerd]

Clingman's Dome to Hot Springs or farther north, late May. Can't wait!

[Secondmouse]

I'd like to do the Shenandoah Park SOBO the first week of June but I'm told I'll probably be right in the bubble, right?..

[FreeBird2]

Looking forward to May starting where I left off last year .. Winding Stair Gap continuing to Devil Fork Gap (~200 miles). Can't wait!!

[Deacon]

This will be my third of four sections to hike the AT in four years. This year, 2016, I'm starting at Harpers Ferry on May 10, going Nobo to Rutland Vermont, 677 miles. I'm sitting around waiting for May. For that matter, I'm not sure why I'm waiting?

[Carl7]

Hiking south from Kathadin 14 days as far as I can make starting July 17. I've done almost everything south of Kent, CT. A weekend hike from the NOC south to Winding Stair Gap would be nice before July.

[peace is every step]

This will be the start of my section hiking (first one on the AT and first-time going solo). I'm starting at Deep Gap mid-June and ending at Stecoah Gap. Hoping to meet some tree-huggers, find some solitude & embark on a new life of section hiking! Any first time, solo-hiking tips appreciated.

[illabelle]

This will be the start of my section hiking (first one on the AT and first-time going solo). I'm starting at Deep Gap mid-June and ending at Stecoah Gap. Hoping to meet some tree-huggers, find some solitude & embark on a new life of section hiking! Any first time, solo-hiking tips appreciated.

Welcome! Here's your first one!
https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.M7e57b2bc300534690d6c4406f7b94b7fo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

[dervari]

Springer to Neel's starting May 20


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[Dog1]

Any concerns about the heat in late June ? Not sure of temps in that area in June.
ne.

[saltysack]

Welcome! Here's your first one!
https://sp.yimg.com/xj/th?id=OIP.M7e57b2bc300534690d6c4406f7b94b7fo0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

#2...✌️http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160425/ca50fff39ea3042ed49fb89e66c985e7.jpg

[bigben]

Doing Greasy Creek Gap to Dennis Cove Rd 5/1-6. I'll be at Black Bear Resort on the afternoon of 5/6, feel free to stop and join me with a beer!

[vandelay]

We are in year 5 of our section hike continuing North from Duncannon, PA to just shy of the Jersey line starting this Friday for a week. About 130 or so I think. Temps look perfect. May be a bit wet. Life on the Trail! Looks like a new hostel has sprung up in that section so we may check it out.

[rtfi]

Katahdin to Katahdin Iron Works Road in early July. Finishing my 20 year section hike! (Also an overnight Roan Mountain hike with friends and an overnight McAfee Knob/Dragon's Tooth hike with a Scout troop, just for fun.)

[illabelle]

Katahdin to Katahdin Iron Works Road in early July. Finishing my 20 year section hike! (Also an overnight Roan Mountain hike with friends and an overnight McAfee Knob/Dragon's Tooth hike with a Scout troop, just for fun.)

Congrats on your upcoming accomplishment!

[rtfi]

Thanks. I didn't set out to section hike the whole trail 20 years ago, but looked forward to it so much every year that I just kept going. I already have a short "victory hike" planned with friends next year staying at Lakes of the Clouds Hut, Madison Hut, and Joe Dodge Lodge as I enjoyed the White Mountains the most.

[FiftyNine]

I'm planning on a small section hike starting at the I70 footbridge to Harpers Ferry. I'm a fairly new backpacker though I do a lot of day hiking. I'm looking for a starting point that is the closest to my home in Northern Ohio. I have about 3-4 days and decided this might be a good spot to test out the equipment I have so far and get my feet wet on the AT. Hopefully starting around May 18 or 19th.

[hikernutcasey]

We are in year 5 of our section hike continuing North from Duncannon, PA to just shy of the Jersey line starting this Friday for a week. About 130 or so I think. Temps look perfect. May be a bit wet. Life on the Trail! Looks like a new hostel has sprung up in that section so we may check it out.Let me know how it goes. My buddy and I are doing basically the same trip starting 5/29. We have planned for 115 miles in 8 days, getting off just after Lehigh Gap.

[THEDON]

Pen-Mar NOBO to as far as I can get in 5 days starting 5/9. Then from ending point to where ever in 5 days in June. Already knocked off SNP to Pen-Mar as day hikes. These will be my first over nights...... ever...... hoping to knock out 10-12 miles a day, but not sure about these 63 year old legs over the long haul. 12 was very doable on a day hike on the AT but not sure about multiple days in a row. Plenty of bail out points if I need to make less mileage and wife is just a call away.

[buckaroo007]

Harpers Ferry to DWG leaving about May 10th if the weather cooperates.

[Kaptainkriz]

MD77 to PenMar...soon... :cool:

[woodrow]

Baxter State Park to Gorham, NH June 22

[JC13]

Springer to wherever we get in 8-9 days in July. GA/NC border is the base goal.

[Hops53]

NJ/NY DWG to NY 17 - leaving Knoxville tomorrow - on the Trail Saturday - end of this hike we're at about 1600 miles

[Day2DayTripper]

Springer on the 31st of May, heading north for 6 days. No clue how far we will get, but we are super-excited to be going.

[Littlepigeon]

Waynesboro / start of SNP to VA 522 (Front Royal) sometime starting mid to late May. . .
I am hiking the AT with my daughter through Shenandoah National Park on May 16 for as long as it takes; I estimate it will take us about 8 days. I am parking at the north end, does anyone know a good place to leave my car for that long? Also, we will need someone to shuttle us to the south end so we can hike north to our car. Or is it a better idea to hike south? I need some advice on how where to start and finish. We already have all our gear and ready to go, just not sure which way to go.

[Karaguay]

My hiking partner and I (we are looking to thru hike hopefully 2017, but 2018 if that puts us in a better financial situation) are going to hike the CT section this summer over a few weekends. Work is demanding and I am just starting a new job so everything is contained to weekends at this point. Going to make the best of it this summer :)

[illabelle]

I am hiking the AT with my daughter through Shenandoah National Park on May 16 for as long as it takes; I estimate it will take us about 8 days. I am parking at the north end, does anyone know a good place to leave my car for that long? Also, we will need someone to shuttle us to the south end so we can hike north to our car. Or is it a better idea to hike south? I need some advice on how where to start and finish. We already have all our gear and ready to go, just not sure which way to go.

Here are some shuttlers we've used in SNP:
Bill Gallagher: 540-456-8078
Homer: 540-266-4849
Sharon: 540-622-6422 or 703-615-5612

There are others if you google AT shuttles. The ATC maintains a PDF listing of shuttles along the whole length of the trail.

[xnav]

Plan to hike from Hanover to Gorham in late July. Then I'll only have mostly Maine left to finish the AT. Started in 2007 and plan to finish in 2017.

[greenpete]

I am hiking the AT with my daughter through Shenandoah National Park on May 16 for as long as it takes; I estimate it will take us about 8 days. I am parking at the north end, does anyone know a good place to leave my car for that long? Also, we will need someone to shuttle us to the south end so we can hike north to our car. Or is it a better idea to hike south? I need some advice on how where to start and finish. We already have all our gear and ready to go, just not sure which way to go.

I hiked Shenandoah last September and used a man named Dubose Egleston, Jr. He's based in Waynesboro and has been shuttling for about 14 years. He can pick you up at the north end and shuttle you to Rockfish Gap (or wherever you want to start). Nice guy, reasonable rates, and fun to talk to (ask him about some of the strange hikers he's shuttled!). I don't have his direct number, but you can probably reach him through Waynesboro Tourism at 540-942-6512 or 540-942-6644.

Enjoy our hike!!

[LIhikers]

My wife and I will be on the trail in southern Maine this summer. We don't have any solid plans yet though.

[StephPgh]

Planning my first section hike slated from June 20-24th. Haven't settled on exactly which section to hike yet.. I only have 3-4 days so I'm looking for a good 30-40 mile section to do. It's just my dog and I and I am a small person (not weak or that out of shape but a lot of gear for a 115lb female) so my original plan of front royal to Harper's ferry (54ish miles) may not be best for us. My German Shepard is 4 and healthy but not used to long, extended hikes. I was also thinking Shenandoah might be okay as an alternative? Any input/advice is greatly appreciated!!

[illabelle]

Planning my first section hike slated from June 20-24th. Haven't settled on exactly which section to hike yet.. I only have 3-4 days so I'm looking for a good 30-40 mile section to do. It's just my dog and I and I am a small person (not weak or that out of shape but a lot of gear for a 115lb female) so my original plan of front royal to Harper's ferry (54ish miles) may not be best for us. My German Shepard is 4 and healthy but not used to long, extended hikes. I was also thinking Shenandoah might be okay as an alternative? Any input/advice is greatly appreciated!!

Maryland is a good option. Only about 40 miles, not much elevation change. :)

[Hoot]

sat. the 21st we start off at winding stair gap and will be heading to clingmans done...

got our trail family getting together for our annual section hike. Its an odd thing, this will be our (me and mrs. Hoot) third annual hike with Born with Snakes and Toes whose last names we don't even know, nor they ours. Don't matter.

[2005RedTJ]

Hiked from Cades Cove onto AT then to Fontana Dam last weekend. Doing Newfound Gap to Cades Cove June 17-20 and Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap sometime in mid-July. Brand new to hiking but I am learning quickly from my mistakes.

[Lnj]

My husband and puppy and I will be doing the PMT this weekend. We hope to get to do the GA section to just inside NC within the next year. We had planned to do that this year, actually we would have started out this past Friday, but I got a new job (which I LOVE), but it totally nixed that extra week of vaca for doing the GA section this year. Now it's all about what ground we can cover in a long holiday weekend.

[2005RedTJ]

Just found out today that our plans have had to change a little due to shelter closures from bear activity. Our next section will be June 18-20 from Newfound Gap north to Davenport Gap. Then sometime in July we will be going from Newfound Gap south to Cades Cove.

[Fireplug]

I'm starting June 14th Neels gap to Damascus. Maybe see ya

[skwood]

starting 3rd week of June at springer going as far as I can in 2 weeks!

[CamelMan]

Since my thru is unlikely to come thru this year after all, I'm starting to section hike. Next week for my birthday I'm hiking the 107 miles between Fontana and Hot Springs. I hiked the previous piece in a failed thru in 2010. Next month I'll try Tanyard Gap to Erwin as a weekend hike if I can work out the logistics. (I've done the loop to the Rich Mtn fire tower out of Laughing Heart before.)

[displacedbeatnik]

Since I was making slow progress on the trail and I hurt my ankle in New Jersey, I guess this is me now.

Next week, doctor permitting, I'll be off to Kent, Connecticut to complete a small section from Kent, Connecticut to Pawling, New York. Then I'll be hopping over to Garrison, New York to do a 3.3 mile stretch I yellow blazed, then Greenwood Lake, New York to do a 2.0 mile stretch I yellow blazed and then to do the final 12.8 miles of New Jersey I didn't do.

Once I complete New York and New Jersey with these little hikes, I think it's off to Virginia to do Front Royal south to, hopefully, Damascus.

[Gambit McCrae]

Thus Far into the year:
Bland to Pearisburg
Bootens Gap to Rockfish Gap

Looking to finish the 226 left in VA this year and maybe knock CT and NY off the list this fall

[la.lindsey]

Wayah Bald to NOC this weekend; taking suggestions for the next two weekends.

Beauty Spot Gap to 19E coming up in a few weeks.

NH and VT in August. And springer > Partnership has already been done since January, in a multitude of sections.


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[Hummy585]

Missus and I are going to complete the state of Connecticut...

[B_Rizzle]

In April my girlfriend and I hiked Maryland.

Memorial weekend: Allen gap to devil fork gap.

June 25th: starting at iron mountain gap to at least damascus, maybe grayson highlands.

[AO2134]

Well my goals as well on the way this year.

Last year I section hiked the BMT and BT. I also hiked the smokies portion of the AT.

This year my goals are to finish the 335 mile Pinhoti trail, which I am about 45% done and try to reach Damascus VA. i just got back last week from a 5 1/2 day 93 mile section of the AT from Davenport Gap to Spivey Gap.

After that, I pretty much have reached all my hiking goals. I get to hike the portions of the various trails I really enjoyed again.

[ChuckP]

Love the idea of this thread. My wife and I hiked Davenport Gap to Hot Springs, NC. last month. Going to RMNP for a couple of weeks of day hiking at the end of June. Planning to do some of the Smokies and/or the Roan Highlands area this fall.

[Bipolar Roller]

Just finished Watauga dam to Damascus a few days ago. It was awesome.

[Odd Man Out]

In a couple weeks I will be doing a section in SNP from Compton Gap to Big Meadows. My wife and her sister will drop me off (they are not backpackers) and drive to the lodge to hang out until I show up three days later.

Then in August I will be doing the shortest section hike. We're visiting a friend at Dartmouth and will walk down main street.

[JohnThe Snail]

This Weds thru Fri my daughter and I are going to hike from the Mohican Center to Culver's Gap. That will complete NJ for us. That will make one state done. Then the following Sat (6/!8) we will be doing 6 days in NY.

[Rain Man]

Did Kent, CT to Mt. Greylock, MA the last two weeks of May. Will do Rangeley to Caratunk, ME in August.

[RoamingGentile]

Looking forward to doing my first section hike from Springer -Neel's Gap this July.

[MisterQ]

Three days in MD last Thursday through Saturday, Pen Mar to Harpers Ferry. Stayed at Ensign Cowell tenting area and Dahlgren, and combined the last two planned days into one to avoid Sunday rain. 18 pretty easy miles into Harpers Ferry but man, the roughly 8,000 steps between the HF bridge and the side trail to the ATC was a bit much.

The trail was crowded with thru hikers, many of whom were great but most of whom just looked stressed and unhappy. Mid-trail doldrums I guess. A good short trip for us.

[Kaptainkriz]

This weekend did MD Pen Mar Park to Raven Rock Shelter, Devil's Racecourse and back the next day. Great little section with a little of everything.

[bstiffler]

did amicalola falls to Unicoi gap back in May. starting to look into what Ill do for my next trip already.

[displacedbeatnik]

Did Kent, CT to Mt. Greylock, MA the last two weeks of May.

I have a friend getting married in New York in September and I am looking forward to that very hike afterward! I can't wait to experience the Berkshires by foot.

[Berserker]

Here's what I have planned thus far:

This weekend - Rockfish Gap to ???...gonna slack this one (day hike and stay in Waynesboro) because I've turned into a big girly man and don't like sleeping in the cold :D...hoping to do 30+ miles
July - Kinsman Notch to Grafton Notch
Fall - maybe GSMNP...finally gonna try to get this over with...don't like staying in shelters


Added a section on to my original list. I did VA 725 (Tucker's Lane near Linden VA) to Harpers Ferry this past weekend. Had a great hike. Saw lots of thrus and others out there, it was pretty dang crowded. It was a hot humid weekend, but really didn't rain all that much. I only got dumped on while walking on Sunday during the last hour of the day, and it stopped right when I pulled into David Lesser shelter. Turned out to be a good thing because there were a ton of people there, and they all stayed in the shelter while my buddy and I set up on the tent pads. Rolled into Harpers Ferry yesterday, and got put in the book at the ATC headquarters. Well, that makes it just under 1,550 miles so far.

[Mouser999]

I hiked the Conn. Section from Hoyt Road to Sages Ravine Campsite and back down to the Undermountain Trailhead from 5/21 to 5/28. My first solo backpacking trip

[Berserker]

Added a section on to my original list. I did VA 725 (Tucker's Lane near Linden VA) to Harpers Ferry this past weekend. Had a great hike. Saw lots of thrus and others out there, it was pretty dang crowded. It was a hot humid weekend, but really didn't rain all that much. I only got dumped on while walking on Sunday during the last hour of the day, and it stopped right when I pulled into David Lesser shelter. Turned out to be a good thing because there were a ton of people there, and they all stayed in the shelter while my buddy and I set up on the tent pads. Rolled into Harpers Ferry yesterday, and got put in the book at the ATC headquarters. Well, that makes it just under 1,550 miles so far.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the Roller Coaster sucks! Doesn't look like much on the maps, but the constant up and down with no break in between cumulatively beats you up.

[REB]

I really need to knock out Dicks Creek to Fontana before August. It may take a few trips. Anyone know what it will cost a shuttle from NOC back to Franklin or Fontana back to Franklin? Completed Amicalola to Dicks Creek last summer.

[Seatbelt]

I just rehiked GA last month. It was different going SOBO this time.

[joshuasdad]

Maybe Crazy Cook Monument to Lordsburg, NM, but will probably wait until next year. Moving to a location 1000 miles from the AT, so I'll need to find new places to hike.

[DragonStrong]

I did Mason Dixon to Harper's Ferry in 2014 and I'm going Harper's Ferry to Linden, VA this year in September -- just north of your '67 Front Royal gig. So stoked for you to be back at it again after a "short" break. TAKE IT EASY....... (actually those lyrics are also pretty good trail advice don't you think?)

[DragonStrong]

I had been wondering about the roller coaster......I'm doing Linden, VA to Harper's Ferry this September (Left off at Harper's Ferry last time). Doing all very short distance days to try to allow for the ups and downs of it all.

[juniorace]

I just got off the trail on Sunday at Hot Springs. Started at Fontana Dam mid-morning the previous Monday. Made excellent time while hiking with a female German athlete. 274 miles done!

[TEXMAN]

I just completed NY and CT .....and I stayed at the Bearded Woods Hostel ....it is outstanding and they can do day shuttles so you can slack pack if you want ....
One of best hostels on the trail

[Captain Bluebird]

Just did Standing Bear to Hot Springs 2 weeks ago. Planning on Hot Springs to Erwin, Tn next month. Erwin to Damascus in the Fall. My wife said I will be about 90 before I get to Mt. Katahdin. That's OK with me!

[dmvSectionHiker]

Just did this a few days ago. Well I did Linden to the West Virginia border because I did all of West Virginia in one trip last fall. Roller coaster is tough but 15 mile days are fine. Made a video of it:

https://youtu.be/l3iOOoit_pU

[JC13]

Head out from Springer on Friday! Not happy with pack weight but we decided to carry all the food for this first go to avoid food drop scheduling. That and doing drops was going to tack an extra $100 on that I would rather spend at the end of the trip celebrating.

[egilbe]

Huh, Don't know why I didnt see this thread before. Finishing up sections of Maine this year. Includes the HMW down as far as we can go in 15 days. The goal is to try and meet Rainman at Caratunk before he has to leave. My GF and I have been knocking off sections whenever we have a two or three day weekend. Lookimg forward to tackling the Whites next year, or this Fall, time permitting.

[Deacon]

I just finished a 677 mile section from Harpers Ferry to Rutland Vermont. Took 48 days. One more section from Rutland to Katahdin to go next year and hopefully I'll finish the entire trail.

[troubletrev]

Springer Mountain to Erwin TN. I leave Friday. A newbie that's dang excited.

[JC13]

Springer Mountain to Erwin TN. I leave Friday. A newbie that's dang excited.Sounds like we might run across each other, heading out Friday myself. Maximum distance will be Fontana Dam though.

[lyagooshka]

Hoping to do Mason-Dixon line south to Harper's Ferry in October.

[njbear]

My son and I just came home from a section hike between Keys Gap and Front Royal. We'll be back in August to start the SNP! Can't wait.

[Lantern]

Springer to Fontana early May with my dog. Did the Smokies 40 years ago.
34427

Planning our first section hike this month. Going to be based in Fontana village for a weekend memorial for a friend. Dogs in the Smokies? Thought they were banned. Had planned to leave our little hiking buddy at home.

[troubletrev]

Nice! Best of luck to you. See ya out on the trail!

[o hiker guy]

I'll be continuing north from Watauga lake late August. I'd like to go a couple hundred miles.

[GlitterHiker]

Do day hikes count? If so, I'm hoping to do as much of Maryland as possible this year. But I'll be solo; and work schedule means I can't do overnights. So my outings will be park somewhere, go out & back. So in essence, I'll be doing the Maryland section twice (both ways) once I'm done. :)

[Medic665]

Vermont SOBO in September. Hanover NH to North Adams MA

[shelb]

Completed Springer (Approach Trail) to Clingman's Dome in 14 days! It was definitely a strenuous hike, even though I had really prepared myself physically. Side note to others: I say MANY people drop out who had not prepared - and I talked to MANY MORE who had not prepared but were hiking between 5 - 12 miles a day.... I put this out there because at least 7 people told me they planned on hiking 15 - 20 mile days - but it wasn't working out to be that way..... FYI

[Odd Man Out]

Do day hikes count? If so, I'm hoping to do as much of Maryland as possible this year. But I'll be solo; and work schedule means I can't do overnights. So my outings will be park somewhere, go out & back. So in essence, I'll be doing the Maryland section twice (both ways) once I'm done. :)

If you are trying to hike the whole trail section by section, then day hikes deffinitely count. When you think about it, a thru hike is just one or two hundred consecutive day hikes.

[Fireplug]

Completed Springer (Approach Trail) to Clingman's Dome in 14 days! It was definitely a strenuous hike, even though I had really prepared myself physically. Side note to others: I say MANY people drop out who had not prepared - and I talked to MANY MORE who had not prepared but were hiking between 5 - 12 miles a day.... I put this out there because at least 7 people told me they planned on hiking 15 - 20 mile days - but it wasn't working out to be that way..... FYI

Shelb. Glad you got home OK. I'm hitting Manistee in two weeks.
FIREPLUG

[LIhikers]

My wife and I are putting together the details of a hike on the AT in Maine this summer.
It looks like we'll be hiking route 4, near Rangeley, to Grafton Notch.

[JJRP]

I'm hiking Benningron, VT (VT 9) north, perhaps getting to US 4 Rutland, the first 8 days of August. Been a long time since I backpacked, and I'm excited to get back to it. I'm of a mind to take a day off in Manchester Center.

Any advice about that stretch of the Trail?
What are the temperatures and conditions like in the Green Mountains in August?

Happy Trails!!!
Jake

[Patrickjd9]

Have a few short sections in central Virginia to knock off this summer. Next hike is probably Petitte's gap to the James River. Was thinking of a longer stretch, but 21 miles in an overnight with two 4 hour drives and a shuttle in July didn't seem like fun.

Anyone have experience with a shuttler in that area?

[elynsteele]

Completed Hanover to Franconia NOBO this past week. Next week heading to the Mahoosucs! Hoping for more great weather.

[LeHibou]

I just completed the Michaux State forest section over 4th of July and will be heading down to the Greyson Highlands next month from Damascus to Partnership. Hoping for good weather and excited for some Partnership Shelter pizza delivery!

[lilroo]

I figured since the thru hikers have a thread we can too. Just curious what's everyone's plan this year for section hike?

I will be hiking from Dennis Cove to Damascus next and then another section hike this fall. Hope to see you guys out there.

Where are you hiking this fall?

[lilroo]

Hey all, I'm looking to do 500-600 miles in September/October - either SOBO from Warren, NH or all of VA either SOBO or NOBO. Anyone looking for a hiking partner? I easily do 10+ miles a day and have hiked 300+ previously in TN/NC on the AT.

[twilight]

Heading out this Sunday to do from the Cookie Lady's house in MA to Undermountan Trailhead in CT. Will put me over 1500 miles section-hiked:). Been over a year since hiking on the AT after a family move. Looking forward to heading back.

Twilight

[Berserker]

Here's what I have planned thus far:

This weekend - Rockfish Gap to ???...gonna slack this one (day hike and stay in Waynesboro) because I've turned into a big girly man and don't like sleeping in the cold :D...hoping to do 30+ miles
July - Kinsman Notch to Grafton Notch
Fall - maybe GSMNP...finally gonna try to get this over with...don't like staying in shelters


Kinsman Notch to Grafton Notch...yeaaaaaah...that didn't quite go as planned. I was able to get Kinsman Notch to Crawford Notch completed as well as Pinkham Notch to where the Peabody Trail branches off near Dream Lake North of Gorham. So yeah, instead of about 122 miles I managed a little less than 75. My advice to all those asking questions about the Whites is to heed all the advice you hear about how hard it actually is. I thought I had backed off my mileage enough, but I wasn't even close. The general rule of halving your normal mileage seems to be a good one. Had I done that I wouldn't have had to spend 3 days off trail in Gorham recouping from overdoing it.

So anyway, here's what happened. Went in at NH 112 (Kinsman Notch) and hiked out at Crawford Notch 4 days later feeling the worst I've ever felt physically. The terrain is absolutely brutal...more like class 3 rock scrambling than hiking in areas. I was going NOBO the whole time, and the climb North up South Kinsman gets my nod for the toughest piece that I did on this trip. There's some even more heinous stuff like the climb down the North side of Garfield and the North side of Carter as well as the climb up the first Wildcat peak, but pound for pound the climb up South Kinsman is the worst thing I've seen thus far.

At any rate, so I get to the road at Crawford Notch and the one positive thing I can say is that a group of thrus I met on my first day out were sitting there when I got there...I actually kept up with them for 4 days :-?...that confirmed I was way overdoing it. I headed into Gorham for 2 days to lick my wounds and possibly just quit and head home, but after getting a good nights sleep decided to skip the piece between Crawford and Pinkham Notches (since I couldn't get reservations in the huts and had already missed the one I had for Lake of the Clouds) and go back in at Pinkham since I had Carter Notch hut already reserved. I then proceeded to overdo it again (because I'm really stupid I guess :datz), by hiking from the hut out to US 2 in one day. So I went to Gorham and took another day off and then day hiked the piece from US 2 up to Dream Lake coming out on the Peabody Trail where I'll pick things back up next time.

All in all it was a great trip with some pretty decent weather, but I'm annoyed at how dumb I planned things out. So like said, to those asking about the Whites, DO HALF YOUR NORMAL MILEAGE OR ELSE!!! You've been warned :D.

[Clementine]

Hi,
I have 40 miles in NJ completed, all of CT, MA, VT most of NH.
Just took a week and hike from Franconia Notch to Crawford Notch the week before the 4th of July. Spectacular to say the least. I now have about 450 miles complete! Achilles is talking back now....:(
Planning next year from Summit of Mt Washington to as far into Maine as we can go.
WallyT

[act]

I am planning my first AT backpacking trip for late Sept thru Oct. My goal is to make it from Amicalola to Erwin. Roughly 33 days. I hope to never stay in a hostel or hotel. Nothing wrong with the hostels but I would prefer to be in the woods. I will be sleeping in a hammock which will be as comfortable as being at home since I sleep in a hammock, indoors, every night at home. I'll take the BMT thru the Smokies so I can use the hammock. Can't wait to get started!

[Rain Man]

I'm not going to quote everything Berserker wrote, but I am going to agree with all of it. I thought I had heeded all the warnings about how brutal the trail through the Whites is. I also had planned many more miles for my first hike there than I was actually able to do. Instead, I cut my hike short and was happy to use good judgment to do that. I plan 6 mpd average up there now, which means some of my days are less than 6 miles. I also plan a ZERO in the middle of my hikes if needed, and have always decided to take the ZERO (and that's not just me, but whomever is in my group with me).



Kinsman Notch to Grafton Notch...yeaaaaaah...that didn't quite go as planned. ... instead of about 122 miles I managed a little less than 75. My advice to all those asking questions about the Whites is to heed all the advice you hear about how hard it actually is. I thought I had backed off my mileage enough, but I wasn't even close. The general rule of halving your normal mileage seems to be a good one. Had I done that I wouldn't have had to spend 3 days off trail in Gorham recouping from overdoing it.

[linus72]

workin on finishin ny and startin mass - 20 miles into mass and only 14 left of NY! bout all i can manage time wise, but enjoying every mile

[lilroo]

All in all it was a great trip with some pretty decent weather, but I'm annoyed at how dumb I planned things out. So like said, to those asking about the Whites, DO HALF YOUR NORMAL MILEAGE OR ELSE!!! You've been warned :D.

So helpful!!! Yeah, so I have been looking at Maine and NH, thinking it would be so beautiful to do New England in Sept/Oct...That being said, I'm not sure about the whites. I'm going SOBO, so I thought about doing Katahdin first, and then heading into the HMW. I'm in good shape for 40, but haven't backpacked in a few years. My normal pace (down in TN/NC on the AT) was between 12-15 mpd. So I'm curious about the beauty aspect of the whites. I could skip them, or just skip the northern part and catch a ride to the Washington Observatory and hike south from there. Or I could just plan to go really slow and enjoy the ride. Any thoughts? I want to see the beauty, enjoy nature's respite... but I'm not out to prove anything.

So then all this has me wondering if New England is really that much more beautiful than Virginia... and if I should just conquer the whole state of Virginia.

I've got 2 months to play with - what would you do if you had it to do over again and weren't committed to a certain leg of the AT?

[eabyrd1506]

Port Clinton to 309, 309 to Palmerton

[warld piece]

Heading out soon to hike from Buena Vista US 60 north, have down all south of that. Hope to stay out 4 to 6 weeks at least and see where I get to. My home made tree bark backpack has held up well and I'm in the 3rd year of using it. Outfitters in Damascus hooked me up with upgrades in straps and hip belt (Big thanks to them). Excited to go thru Shenandoah park and get to Harper's Ferry.

[Runsalone]

My home made tree bark backpack has held up well and I'm in the 3rd year of using it.

Id kinda like to see that. Birch?

Im finishing Va this late summer/fall. Making the halfway point and hopefully NJ if all goes well. Jeez I cant wait! I put in a month and a half notice on all my jobs and still have to do some final quarter stuff to prep for closing the doors. Time seems to be slowed down by half since I decided to go for it.

[Out Runnin']

A buddy and I are in the very beginning stages of a section hike ending in Burkes Garden, VA. He has property about 3 miles off of the Appalachian Trail there. This will be my first hike on the AT. I am hoping for at least a 4-5 day hike.

[Carl7]

I recently finished a 13 day section from Katahdin south as a 56 year old. To me the hike was a 10. If you start at Katahdin and continue as a SOBO section hiker, you can start your next SOBO section where you finish your current section. This really makes things easy from a logistics standpoint. Unfortunately for me, it will be next summer before I can do my next section, finishing Maine and into the Whites. Getting off of the trail this year at the end of my section
was very tough for me.

[Capt.Scott]

I started on Katahdin in 2009. I am hiking point-to-point, SOBO on AT. In 3 weeks I am headed to N. Adams, MA and heading south to NY. I will plan on NY-NJ next year, perhaps in the Spring. It has been a blast hiking through and finishing Maine (awesome), New Hampshire (challenging) and Vermont (most enjoyable).

I hope to see some fellow Whiteblaze Secton Hikers on the trail.

[P-N]

Slacking NY 17A To Fort Montgomery, NY in October 2016. Planning 3 day hikes of about 10 miles each. Might do it in two days. Did NJ 94 to NY 17A in September 2015 in one day so I'll just see how I feel this year. Would like to have a hiking partner if anyone is available.

[Berserker]

So helpful!!! Yeah, so I have been looking at Maine and NH, thinking it would be so beautiful to do New England in Sept/Oct...That being said, I'm not sure about the whites. I'm going SOBO, so I thought about doing Katahdin first, and then heading into the HMW. I'm in good shape for 40, but haven't backpacked in a few years. My normal pace (down in TN/NC on the AT) was between 12-15 mpd. So I'm curious about the beauty aspect of the whites. I could skip them, or just skip the northern part and catch a ride to the Washington Observatory and hike south from there. Or I could just plan to go really slow and enjoy the ride. Any thoughts? I want to see the beauty, enjoy nature's respite... but I'm not out to prove anything.

So then all this has me wondering if New England is really that much more beautiful than Virginia... and if I should just conquer the whole state of Virginia.

I've got 2 months to play with - what would you do if you had it to do over again and weren't committed to a certain leg of the AT?
Well, it depends on what you want to see. Both VA and the Whites have their own draw. The Whites have more views clumped together into a smaller area, but are definitely significantly tougher to hike through. The logistics in the Whites are also a pain. I observed a few main types of hikers in the Whites. There were thrus (NOBO and SOBO), hut to hut hikers, weekenders, and then the outliers (or as I like to call them "the idiots", because I was one of these). The thrus were generally banging out big mileage (relatively speaking that is) and doing the work for stay in the huts. Everyone else was either staying in the huts and carrying day packs or camping at the shelters/tent sites. Most people that were camping were weekenders, and weren't trying to "hammer" through there like I was. The idiots (I only saw myself and my buddy that fit this description) were carrying full packs and doing a mix of camping and the huts whilst doing fairly big mileage.

So, my point to all this is that if I were to do it again I would do the hut to hut hike, which involves reserving spaces in the huts (at like about $100 a pop), but allows you to carry a day pack rather than a full pack will all your gear. There is a way to hike through there and camp, which has been covered in other threads on WB, but it involves some fairly large mileage days.

So if you don't mind the logistics than do the Whites. If you want a more relaxing hike on easier terrain without having to deal with the logistics then do VA. Oh yeah, and I just noticed you are talking about doing it in September/October, which could be a little more dicey in the Whites. Someone else will have to pipe up on that as I live in VA and am not that familiar with the weather in the Whites during that time period. The weather down here in September/October at least the last few years has been decent. Just note that the heat can persist into late October.

[Odd Man Out]

Yesterday I parked at the bookstore on main street and hiked NOBO to Mollies for lunch (pizza and beer). Then hiked SOBO back to the car to me it a yo yo section hike of about 100 feet. Today we parked across the street from Base Camp Nepalese restaurant. Crossing the street and back completed a yo yo thru hike, first east bound and then west bound.

[LadyLUX]

NEED HELP- would like to do a 7-10 day section hike anywhere from GA to WV. Was initially thinking I would do the beginning at Springer but would like to start at the end of this month and afraid it's going to be too hot, and little water supply. Does anyone have a favorite section in there? A trip already planned and maybe we can meet up?

[LadyLUX]

A buddy and I are in the very beginning stages of a section hike ending in Burkes Garden, VA. He has property about 3 miles off of the Appalachian Trail there. This will be my first hike on the AT. I am hoping for at least a 4-5 day hike.


Hi Out Runnin'! I am looking at starting near Roan Mountain and ending near Burkes Garden. Do yall have a start date? Where were you planning to begin? I aim to start at the end of this month.

[lilroo]

I recently finished a 13 day section from Katahdin south as a 56 year old. To me the hike was a 10. If you start at Katahdin and continue as a SOBO section hiker, you can start your next SOBO section where you finish your current section. This really makes things easy from a logistics standpoint. Unfortunately for me, it will be next summer before I can do my next section, finishing Maine and into the Whites. Getting off of the trail this year at the end of my section
was very tough for me.
Hey! Do you mean it was a 10 as in tough or 10 as in awesome!? :) I'm really hoping to get out there soon. The transition is taking longer than I thought and I'm a little nervous about getting too far into September and the weather turning on me. If it gets too late, I think I'll do Virginia.

[lilroo]

NEED HELP- would like to do a 7-10 day section hike anywhere from GA to WV. Was initially thinking I would do the beginning at Springer but would like to start at the end of this month and afraid it's going to be too hot, and little water supply. Does anyone have a favorite section in there? A trip already planned and maybe we can meet up?

My favorite section so far is Grayson Highlands. It's breathtaking and there are wild ponies! It's in southern VA.

[lilroo]

So if you don't mind the logistics than do the Whites. If you want a more relaxing hike on easier terrain without having to deal with the logistics then do VA. Oh yeah, and I just noticed you are talking about doing it in September/October, which could be a little more dicey in the Whites. Someone else will have to pipe up on that as I live in VA and am not that familiar with the weather in the Whites during that time period. The weather down here in September/October at least the last few years has been decent. Just note that the heat can persist into late October.[/QUOTE]

Thanks so much for all the info! I will bear it in mind!

[Fireplug]

Completed Springer (Approach Trail) to Clingman's Dome in 14 days! It was definitely a strenuous hike, even though I had really prepared myself physically. Side note to others: I say MANY people drop out who had not prepared - and I talked to MANY MORE who had not prepared but were hiking between 5 - 12 miles a day.... I put this out there because at least 7 people told me they planned on hiking 15 - 20 mile days - but it wasn't working out to be that way..... FYI

Glad to see you made it Shelb. Nice see ya on the trail. I was up ur way mid July hiking the Manistee river trail. Set camp up at Arquilla Creek. Great hike.

[Patrickjd9]

Dick's Creek Gap, GA to Winding Stair Gap, NC, 40 miles this fall. A 3 to 3 1/2 day backpacking trip.

[hikernutcasey]

Heading out this weekend to pick up a section I'm missing in VA. Starting Friday at US 52/Bland and hiking south to Atkins, arriving Sunday afternoon. Should be fun!

[Carl7]

I really enjoyed the beauty of the AT in Maine. The whole AT experience in ME was awesome for me, a 10. I hiked the section south from Katahdin to ME17. I would rate the trail difficulty as above average for this section. As an example, they do not utilize switchbacks in ME as they do in VA. ME has lots of rocks, roots, and mud but is manageable. In ME the trail goes right up the sides of most mountains without switchbacks. However, the ME trail crews have done an outstanding job with their rockwork with many of the steep sections. The NOBO hikers I met in ME all said that southern ME was the most difficult portion of the trail and that this combined with the Whites made for the most difficult section of the whole AT. Concerning VA, I have section hiked all of VA in the past enjoyed it. VA is not the easy walk in the park that you hear about but is easier than ME in my opinion. You will have fun doing either VA or ME. For me Maine was the toughest section from a logistical standpoint, so keep that in mind. If your plan is to section hike the whole AT, I would hike ME now, as it will be easier with younger legs.