View Full Version : Finished my LT end-to-end hike!
Cookerhiker
11-30-2017, 22:09
On October 19, I finished my third LT end-to-hike. Started June 15 so obviously I took a lot of zeros;) to do other things and to minimize hiking in rain or in once case, excessive heat. It helps when you live in VT and are retired.:D
Much of the hike was slackpacking along with some one-nighters and a few two-nighters. Some were NOBO, some SOBO. I didn't hike the trail "in order" but randomly; a few days in the north might be followed by a few in the south. The point is, I hiked the 270 miles.
Here's the journal - still must be revised to eliminate the numerous typos.:o
http://www.trailjournals.com/journal/entry/574092
On October 19, I finished my third LT end-to-hike. Started June 15 so obviously I took a lot of zeros;) to do other things and to minimize hiking in rain or in once case, excessive heat. It helps when you live in VT and are retired.:D
Much of the hike was slackpacking along with some one-nighters and a few two-nighters. Some were NOBO, some SOBO. I didn't hike the trail "in order" but randomly; a few days in the north might be followed by a few in the south. The point is, I hiked the 270 miles.
Here's the journal - still must be revised to eliminate the numerous typos.:o
http://www.trailjournals.com/journal/entry/574092We we're hoping to see you out there. Pretty sure we saw an entry from you in a shelter journal? We hiked from September 15th to Oct 3. Got some YouTube videos of our hike if you want to check em out. Thanks for your journal link, I'll check it out.
YouTube link is below :)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtT7xcOBigOgkk2heBUXvTw
Cookerhiker
12-01-2017, 08:22
We we're hoping to see you out there. Pretty sure we saw an entry from you in a shelter journal? We hiked from September 15th to Oct 3. Got some YouTube videos of our hike if you want to check em out. Thanks for your journal link, I'll check it out.
YouTube link is below :)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtT7xcOBigOgkk2heBUXvTw
There's a chance that we passed each other in your first week but I couldn't find any reference to dates in the videos. From Sept. 16 to Sept. 20, I hiked from Camel's Hump to Smuggler's Notch, took one zero day, then hiked on Sept. 22 from Rt. 15 to Codding Hollow Rd. As I said in my post, I skipped around alot, took many zeros, and hiked SOBO some times and NOBO others. My hike was quite random!
I suspect that if you saw my name in a shelter register, it was further south.
There's a chance that we passed each other in your first week but I couldn't find any reference to dates in the videos. From Sept. 16 to Sept. 20, I hiked from Camel's Hump to Smuggler's Notch, took one zero day, then hiked on Sept. 22 from Rt. 15 to Codding Hollow Rd. As I said in my post, I skipped around alot, took many zeros, and hiked SOBO some times and NOBO others. My hike was quite random!
I suspect that if you saw my name in a shelter register, it was further south.Forgot to mention we went Southbound. Too bad our paths did not cross. Maybe we'll see each other on another Trail :-)
Rain Man
12-01-2017, 10:13
CONGRATS!!! Did I officially hike a few sections with you in July?!
Thank you again SO MUCH for your hospitality and superb trail angel support during my AT section hike of VT in July!
I think my next trail might be the California John Muir Trail, but perhaps the Long Trail some day. You're an inspiration.
Rain Man
handlebar
12-01-2017, 10:18
Congratulations! The LT was the most physically challenging short trail I've hiked. Reminded me of back-to-back-to-back... hikes out of Stecoah Gap nobo.
Congrats! How would you compare the Long Trail to the Colorado Trail in terms of difficulty? I hiked the CT in just over four weeks - is two weeks pushing it for the Long Trail? I keep reading about how it is the most difficult of all the "shorter" thru hikes.
colorado_rob
12-01-2017, 12:20
Congrats! How would you compare the Long Trail to the Colorado Trail in terms of difficulty? I hiked the CT in just over four weeks - is two weeks pushing it for the Long Trail? I keep reading about how it is the most difficult of all the "shorter" thru hikes.
First, yes nicely done CH ! I think the LT is one of my favorite hiking experiences, second only to the Sierra High Route.
Having done both myself Coffee, I do think that the LT, at least the northern most 100 miles, is just about as tough as it gets for an actual trail, and WAY tougher than the relatively gentle CT (in terms of ruggedness of the trail).
What's next CH? It's fun following your adventures.
That's what I hear consistently - way tougher than most other trails! Probably better to block out 3 weeks. Definitely on my bucket list.
mtngoat01
12-01-2017, 12:38
Colorado_rob speaks the truth on all accounts.
Having also done both the CT and the LT (SOBO), the northern LT is about as tough as any trail I have EVER seen. Hipbone and I had a saying....if you can do the LT you can do any trail.
With that said it is a beautiful stretch of trail. If you start that northern section knowing that doing 13 mpd will take all day and you WILL be worn out at the end of that day, that mindset will do wonders for your enjoyment of those sections. 2 weeks is possible for sure...especially if you hike in a time of year with longer days. However we hiked mid-September to the beginning of October and the days were noticeably shorter than July on the CT [emoji12]
It ended up taking us 20 days + 3 zeros and I would say that we were steady hiking and we also enjoyed our town stops. We did bigger miles (17-25 ) once we got past Appalachian gap.
Above all though I would say do it! Hiking in Vermont is awesome!
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mtngoat01
12-01-2017, 12:43
Also cooker hiker congratulations...I meant to say that in my previous post!
Before we did the CT I read your entire journal about your CT hike. Thanks for the effort of such a detailed journal. I really enjoyed reading it. As hipbone said too I saw your entry in one of the shelter registers and thought I may get to tell you in person about reading your journals but we didn’t quite sync up this time.
I look forward to reading your LT journal entries now [emoji75]
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Cookerhiker's CT book is one of my favorite trail books: https://www.amazon.com/Shades-Gray-Splashes-Color-Thru-hike/dp/1494785714
Slo-go'en
12-01-2017, 12:53
2 weeks to thru hike the LT is pretty aggressive. Ask 10K about that. 3 weeks is more average. The last time I thru hiked the LT it took me 24 days. No zeros.
If it wasn't for the thin air on the CT, it would be really, really easy. Up hill on the CT is hardly noticeable, on the LT it's a constant steep up and down.
colorado_rob
12-01-2017, 13:18
If I recall, my LT E2E was 16 days, and I was CRANKING. As said, 13 miles up north is a massive day, I think I did mostly 11-12, but it was late September with short daylight hours. Once near ME junction where it meets with the AT (going south in my case), it's a cruiser. That's another thing to think about, NOBO, vs. SOBO. If you're in shape, I do recommend SOBO. Excellent logistics if you're flying in to Burlington like I was (free ride to N. Troy if you spend the night in the B&B there), then ride to near the t/h the next morning (the lady at N. Troy is nervous about the complete ride, dropped us off about a mile short).
Cookerhiker
12-01-2017, 14:02
CONGRATS!!! Did I officially hike a few sections with you in July?!
Thank you again SO MUCH for your hospitality and superb trail angel support during my AT section hike of VT in July!
I think my next trail might be the California John Muir Trail, but perhaps the Long Trail some day. You're an inspiration.
Rain Man
Right on, Rain Man! It was great spending a day hiking with you over Vermont's second highest mountain. And we know that those young thruhikers appreciated your generous Trail Magic.
Here's the specific page: http://www.trailjournals.com/journal/entry/574901
Teacher & Snacktime
12-02-2017, 01:55
Congratulations! I can't claim to have hike any of VT with you, but I certainly enjoyed our meals together! Rest assured I'll be in touch when I get the gumption to tackle some of VT in your area!
Cookerhiker
12-02-2017, 07:56
Congrats! How would you compare the Long Trail to the Colorado Trail in terms of difficulty? I hiked the CT in just over four weeks - is two weeks pushing it for the Long Trail? I keep reading about how it is the most difficult of all the "shorter" thru hikes.
First, yes nicely done CH ! I think the LT is one of my favorite hiking experiences, second only to the Sierra High Route.
Having done both myself Coffee, I do think that the LT, at least the northern most 100 miles, is just about as tough as it gets for an actual trail, and WAY tougher than the relatively gentle CT (in terms of ruggedness of the trail).
What's next CH? It's fun following your adventures.
That's what I hear consistently - way tougher than most other trails! Probably better to block out 3 weeks. Definitely on my bucket list.
Thanks guys! Yes, I agree that the Long Trail is more challenging physically than the CT. That's not to say that every mile of the LT is harder than every mile of the CT but on the whole, the LT's terrain makes for slower progress and more strain on the knees, feet, etc. And of course, you must acclimate to the high elevations of the CT - a problem for me on the first three days.
Coffee, I know of guys (and women) who have hiked the LT in two weeks but that's pushing it. No matter what shape you're in aerobically, you can't hike fast (NOBO)on the descent into Appalachian Gap, the ups and downs from Bolton Mountain to Taylor, the ascent up Mansfield with the ladders, Devil's Gulch, the descent down Haystack. Up north, I met a guy who looked as old as me who was really pushing it. He looked beat. Later on when I met a SOBOer and asked about this guy, he said the same thing.
If you can squeeze an extra week, you won't regret it!
Cookerhiker
12-02-2017, 08:08
Forgot to mention we went Southbound. Too bad our paths did not cross. Maybe we'll see each other on another Trail :-)
Also cooker hiker congratulations...I meant to say that in my previous post!
Before we did the CT I read your entire journal about your CT hike. Thanks for the effort of such a detailed journal. I really enjoyed reading it. As hipbone said too I saw your entry in one of the shelter registers and thought I may get to tell you in person about reading your journals but we didn’t quite sync up this time.
I look forward to reading your LT journal entries now [emoji75]
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Sorry I missed you guys. Because of the time taken and the random sequences of my hike, I wasn't part of any bubble and consequently only met other hikers once. The only exception was hiking near Bolton Mountain where I met the older guy who I later saw at Rt. 15 and meeting two women who I had seen earlier at Minerva Hinchey Shelter. Also, I wasn't diligent about always signing the shelter registers - my bad.
These two spreadsheets - one sorted by date, one sorted by location - illustrate the convoluted nature of my hike.4108541086
Cookerhiker
12-02-2017, 08:10
Congratulations! I can't claim to have hike any of VT with you, but I certainly enjoyed our meals together! Rest assured I'll be in touch when I get the gumption to tackle some of VT in your area!
Nice to meet you, Teacher and thanks for your help. Let me know when you come to VT.
Cookerhiker
12-02-2017, 08:11
Cookerhiker's CT book is one of my favorite trail books: https://www.amazon.com/Shades-Gray-Splashes-Color-Thru-hike/dp/1494785714
Why thank you!
Cookerhiker
12-02-2017, 08:12
.... Definitely on my bucket list.
Coffee and anyone else, if you decide to hike the LT, I may be able to provide rides, maildrops, etc since I live in Rutland. That is, if I'm available.
Cookerhiker
12-02-2017, 08:16
Congratulations! The LT was the most physically challenging short trail I've hiked. Reminded me of back-to-back-to-back... hikes out of Stecoah Gap nobo.
Thanks! I agree for short hikes. On the whole, I still think the AT in the southwestern part of Maine up through the Bigalows is the toughest hiking I've ever done.
Sorry I missed you guys. Because of the time taken and the random sequences of my hike, I wasn't part of any bubble and consequently only met other hikers once. The only exception was hiking near Bolton Mountain where I met the older guy who I later saw at Rt. 15 and meeting two women who I had seen earlier at Minerva Hinchey Shelter. Also, I wasn't diligent about always signing the shelter registers - my bad.
These two spreadsheets - one sorted by date, one sorted by location - illustrate the convoluted nature of my hike.4108541086White Beard (older gentleman), Squint and Bug (the two women) are probably the south bounders you met. We hiked with them a little also but we had a faster pace. I bet we just barely missed you :)
Highland Goat
12-03-2017, 06:44
Cool, I will have to look at your journal. I imagine that you hit quite a few of the side trails, with the frequent on and off.
When I did my End-to-End in 2015 I walked all of the then side trails – as part of a continuous route. This occasionally meant hiking the Long Trail Northbound on a Southbound hike.
I am in the process of typing up my journal, but I have only written up to Mansfield, as of today:
http://www.trailjournals.com/lt2015goat
Cookerhiker
12-05-2017, 08:29
Cool, I will have to look at your journal. I imagine that you hit quite a few of the side trails, with the frequent on and off.
When I did my End-to-End in 2015 I walked all of the then side trails – as part of a continuous route. This occasionally meant hiking the Long Trail Northbound on a Southbound hike.
I am in the process of typing up my journal, but I have only written up to Mansfield, as of today:
http://www.trailjournals.com/lt2015goat
I've read most of your journal. Quite a feat to hike so many of the side trails. The LT is challenging enough without the added ups and downs of all those trails. Have you kept track of your total elevation gain and loss?
Just stumbled across this thread— congrats on your third time completing the LT!
I started section hiking in May of this year and made it to Stratton-(the Ver-mud was unreal..) then went back the last weekend of October to get to Rte 11 before Bromley. So I hope to have it all done within 3-5 more years. Beautiful trail for sure- and VERY challenging. Living in MD makes it tough to get up there for just a weekend trip..
Thanks for sharing your trail journal!
The CT
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Highland Goat
12-26-2017, 10:36
Have you kept track of your total elevation gain and loss?
I only really kept track of elevation gain and loss when I was hiking the side trails around Smugglers’ Notch. This amounted to around 9,000 feet of gain/loss in a day. I do know that by the time I finished my hike in Connecticut I had pretty big calves.
Cookerhiker
12-26-2017, 16:48
Just stumbled across this thread— congrats on your third time completing the LT!
I started section hiking in May of this year and made it to Stratton-(the Ver-mud was unreal..) then went back the last weekend of October to get to Rte 11 before Bromley. So I hope to have it all done within 3-5 more years. Beautiful trail for sure- and VERY challenging. Living in MD makes it tough to get up there for just a weekend trip..
Thanks for sharing your trail journal!
The CT
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThanks for your note. I smiled when I saw that you lived in Maryland. My first LT hike occurred over 5 years 1977-81 when I too lived in MD. Long drive but worth it!
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Haha!! —wow... well you’re right, that drive is long and I dread that whole NJ turnpike and NYC area, but once you get north of that, it’s all completely worth it!
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Cooker: I haven't been around White Blaze for a while, but was glad to see this thread. I enjoyed following your complete dissection of the LT this year. It was great to renew your acquaintance during my hike. I much appreciated your kindness.