View Full Version : Planning a Section hike
I really do not know much about section hiking. I was origionally going to just go straight into the thru so all of my research has gone into that aspect. After much thinking and a delay of my first thru i think it might be a good idea to start with a section and then go for the thru in 2009. i live in Kentucky and can probably only get 1 week off of work at a time at tops. maybe only like 5 days im not sure yet for the section. Where would a good 5 day AT hike start and end that is near ky.
Not knowing what part of Kentucky you're from, it's hard to know what part of the AT would be closest. Pretty safe to say southwest VA would be OK tho.
You could start at Dickey Gap near VA16, close to Troutdale VA, and hike south on the AT to Damascus. That's about 50 trail-miles, about 10 miles per day. My favorite section on the whole AT, and the terrain, sights, etc. are very diverse. If you wanted to take it easy the last day you could substitute the Virginia Creeper Trail for the AT. A delight in its own right.
earlyriser26
07-30-2008, 14:56
5 days north or south of Damascus VA. Roan Mt. TN or Sugar grove VA. Two of the nicest 5 day hikes you will find on the whole AT.
Cookerhiker
07-30-2008, 15:09
Hot Springs, NC to Erwin is another option. 69 miles, you get to ascend over Big Bald and some lesser balds and enjoy a view of the Nolichucky River as you descend into Erwin.
Plodderman
07-30-2008, 15:09
I am from Southern Ohio and we traveled to Damascus VA and hiked for five days from Atkins VA to Damascus. We left the car in Damascus at the Hostel and then transported to Atkins on I 81. I think it was around 72 miles so it was not to difficult. We went on the trail Monday at 8 AM and came out Friday around noon.
Most of the days were between 11 and 15 miles with one 20 miler.
how did u travel to atkins?
Plodderman
07-30-2008, 15:26
My Rogers Outfitters Damascus. They have a Hostel also that you can stay at for ten dollars a night.
On the web sight they have a link for it all. I was very satisfied.
Lone Wolf
07-30-2008, 15:33
how did u travel to atkins?
i can shuttle you to atkins cheaper, free parking at my house and The Place hostel is only $4
Plodderman
07-30-2008, 15:35
There you go, good info Lone Wolf.
Blissful
07-30-2008, 16:46
Or you can just do the Smokies.
Nearly Normal
07-30-2008, 17:47
Get a few nights out closer to home for more hiking time.
http://www.trails.com/stateactivity.aspx?area=10003
http://www.trails.com/toptrails.aspx?area=10003
http://www.slackpacker.com/map_ky.html
Bare Bear
07-30-2008, 19:02
There a lot of places in KY that will let you test out your gear, your preferences, etc. Of course once you hit Damascus it will be hard to leave it, great town, nicer folks than most.
Lone Wolf
07-30-2008, 19:16
Of course once you hit Damascus it will be hard to leave it, great town, nicer folks than most.
depends who you listen to. course they don't post here anymore :)
Nearly Normal
07-30-2008, 22:19
:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:
Kerosene
07-30-2008, 22:42
I am from Southern Ohio and we traveled to Damascus VA and hiked for five days from Atkins VA to Damascus. We left the car in Damascus at the Hostel and then transported to Atkins on I 81. I think it was around 72 miles so it was not to difficult. We went on the trail Monday at 8 AM and came out Friday around noon.
Most of the days were between 11 and 15 miles with one 20 miler.Last June I did the 75 miles from Atkins to Damascus, leaving my car with Lone Wolf and having him shuttle me to the trailhead. I started out at 9 AM on a Monday and had lunch at Dot's in Damascus at noon on Thursday. Nice trail and an easy intro to the AT, with fantastic views. I did 22, 20, 24, and 9 mile days without much strain.
Plodderman
07-31-2008, 09:56
Kersosene. I enjoyed the hike also it was easier than the Smokies we did last year. I can not believe I shorted myself three miles. Really enjoyed the Grayson Highlands.
Sounds like you are a little faster hiker than me and older to boot
Kerosene
07-31-2008, 10:38
I had planned to take more time, but the weather was so perfect, the trail was easy, and the days were long (early June) that the miles just seemed to pass without effort. I got a lot of great pictures and great memories!
Plodderman
07-31-2008, 10:47
Yeah we had good weather to (June 9-13, 2008)
I felt the same as the miles seemed to go quick. We originally were going to stay out until Saturday but added miles to some days and came out a day early.