Best 100 miles on AT

[seminoles]

I am a newbie to this forum but an avid hiker, I am looking for everyones expert advise on the best 100 miles of AT that I can hike with my 17 year old son before he go off to gain more knowledge at Florida State next year. Looking to do this in late May and early April of 2010.
This is a great forum and any info is greatly appreciated.

[Blissful]

Southern VA, Damascus northward.

[Cookerhiker]

Did you mean late April & early May? If so, hike any 100 mile stretch between Hot Springs & Damascus. I hiked this stretch (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=96217) in the same timeframe as you and enjoyed it immensely, especially the wildflowers and the views from Big Bald, Beauty Spot, and other points. The spring beauties and bluets on the ascent up Unaka were particularly noteworthy.

[jersey joe]

Something that includes the Greyson Highlands.
The whites are also pretty cool, though if you are going in April, might not be your best bet.

[kanga]

2nd vote for the highlands

[10-K]

We're all on the same page - I'd choose the section between Atkins and Damascus.

[warraghiyagey]

The southern section of Maine. . . :sun:sun

[Reid]

Hot springs to Damascus

[Filadelfia Greenberg]

Hot springs to Damascus

YES.

tencharacters

[trippclark]

I can only speak to the southern 940 miles, but my vote for "best 100 miles" would be from Dennis Cove Road (412.6) to either Fox Creek (503.7), which would be just under 100 miles, or Partnership Shelter / Mount Rogers Rec Area HQ (526.7) which is just over 100 miles. As others have said, you have to include Grayson Highlands in there.

I'd like to include Dragons Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs, but you just can't get these great spots in the same 100 mile section of trail with Grayson Highlands.

[sixhusbands]

for views from above the treeline, you will be hard pressed to beat the White Mountains

[Nean]

No on the Whites that time of year.:( You will be in the middle of the swells down south. :eek: Harpers Ferry south may be a enjoyable alternative.:-? My quick answer is any hundred!:)

[seminoles]

Thanks to all that responded, some great opinions! Please keep them coming!
Any opinons maybe a little more south?

[Nean]

Thanks to all that responded, some great opinions! Please keep them coming!
Any opinons maybe a little more south?
Maybe the first hundred, the starting section of many to follow over the years...:-?

[seminoles]

GOOD thought Nean!

[Big Dawg]

Fontana Dam (southern end of the Smokies) to Hot Springs. And another vote for the highlands (Damascus, VA. northbound)

[Big Dawg]

Oh, & welcome to WhiteBalze Seminoles! :welcome

[seminoles]

Thanks for the welcome BIG DAWG

[CrumbSnatcher]

personally, if i was to start at fontana dam i might go south.
but anywhere from front royal VA. to springer mtn. would be a great 100+ mile hike.
i like Neans idea, plus closer to home for ya.