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W6FO
10-30-2006, 10:54
How long, for the average person, does it take to hike the approach trail to Springer? I'm going to attempt to hike it soon but I haven't been on a trail in 15 years. Can a round trip be done in a day?

Thanks

- JT

Footslogger
10-30-2006, 10:57
Depends on your condition of course and your pace. I have hiked it multiple times and about the best I've ever done is around 5 - 51/2 hours from the arch to the sign on Springer.

But if you're not planning on going past Springer the first day you might as well take your time and enjoy it.

'Slogger

Lone Wolf
10-30-2006, 10:58
About 4 hours with a day pack. You can do a round trip in day.

Cuffs
10-30-2006, 11:12
If I recall correctly, the group that hiked the Approach last month, we did it in about 5 hours, with full packs. That was one way, camping near the shelter, then 5 hours out again...

bigben
10-30-2006, 11:51
We left at 9:30am, took a 45 lunch on Frosty Mtn. and got to Springer by 3:30pm.

max patch
10-30-2006, 11:57
Its 17.6 miles roundtrip. If you haven't been hiking in 15 years and don't know your pace then its foolish for anyone here to say if you can make it in one day or not.

What I would suggest is that when you start you know what time sunset is and figure out what time you need to start back whether you reach Springer or not.

Lone Wolf
10-30-2006, 12:00
max patch is right.

Frosty
10-30-2006, 12:08
We left at 9:30am, took a 45 lunch on Frosty Mtn. What a nice name for a mountain, eh? :D

briarpatch
10-30-2006, 13:42
... What I would suggest is that when you start you know what time sunset is and figure out what time you need to start back whether you reach Springer or not.

Keep in mind that sunset comes earlier in the mountains than is shown on most charts. Sunset happens when the sun goes behind the peaks to the west, not when it reaches the horizon.

mweinstone
10-30-2006, 19:05
springer has my respect cause you allways hike it comming out of a car witch is hard. i allways sleep in the shelter at the vis cent. this makes it a better start and earlier and then its not the first thing ive done out of a car.arive at 930pm and crash. wake and walk. my way not yours but you can use it.

the goat
10-30-2006, 19:10
wake and walk. my way not yours but you can use it.

isn't your way "wake, bake, and walk".:-? :D