View Full Version : hike from mason dixon line to SNP week after thanksgiving
Im planning on hiking from around the mason dixon line or somewhere in Maryland to SNP the week after thanksgiving. I Havn't really done any winter hiking. How is it? Can anyone with winter hiking experience give me some feedback on winter hiking compared to summer?
Cookerhiker
11-13-2009, 15:09
I've only been winter hiking for about 5 years now and really enjoy it. I try to do at least one winter backpack each season. My longest winter stretch was the Laurel Highlands Trail (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=7356) but I've also hiked portions of the AT in winter (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=89382) as well.
Pluses: less crowds, no bugs, no heat, clear views not otherwise possible with the leaves off the trees. One little downside on the last factor: sometimes the lights in the valleys below seem instrusively close when you're camped on a ridge.
Pitfalls: IMO the bigest downside to winter hiking is less daylight particularly in your case because you're hiking within a month of the Solstice. So if you're accustomed to big-mileage days in spring/summer hikes, accept that you won't hike as far unless you're willing to hike some in darkness. When I'm hiking in winter, I awake before daybreak, pack up and eat breakfast in semi-darkness, and leave at first light before the sun is actually up.
Temperature-wise, I don't think you'll have really bitterly cold temps in that stretch in early December but nights could still reach the mid-teens so perpare accordingly with your layers and sleeping bag.
One more consideration which may seem trivial but it's real: hiking soon after the leaves have fallen means the Trail can be very slippery in places. I don't think MD and Northern VA are as slippery as NJ & NY (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=121913) but take care. I found the leaves in NY slowed me down considerably as normally-easy downhills became treacherous. And dry leaves are worse than wet ones.
Sounds like a good plan you have. Happy hiking!
Cookerhiker
11-13-2009, 15:13
Oh, one more consideration I neglected to mention: check out the hunting seasons in the states you're covering. I believe the ATC website will help you there.
DrRichardCranium
11-13-2009, 18:00
Im planning on hiking from around the mason dixon line or somewhere in Maryland to SNP the week after thanksgiving. I Havn't really done any winter hiking. How is it? Can anyone with winter hiking experience give me some feedback on winter hiking compared to summer? Isn't that week buck season??:eek:
Yes, large game season begins Nov 14.
http://www.hikingupward.com/
Blissful
11-13-2009, 21:00
Shouldnt be too much winter condtions yet... Just keep an eye on the forecast.