How many days US19E to Damascus?

[DesertMTB]

Meeting my brother at US19E and hiking with him for six days. Wondering if we will make Damascus? Both of us are strong hikers.

[Mocs123]

I don't think you will have any problems making Damascus in 6 days.

[bigcranky]

That's about 75 miles. A strong hiker can do that in six days, considering the terrain.

[Kerosene]

I'm a strong hiker, at least for my age I think. In late October 2008 I covered US-19E to Damascus in 4 days: 23, 18, 24, 9. In my case, I went NOBO from Hampton to Damascus with Hikerhead for the weekend, and then he dropped me off back in Hampton so I could continue south. I ended up hiking for an hour after dark on the two long days, and in 4" of snow the 4th day to overnight at Mountain Harbour. This is one of the easiest 75-mile stretches on the AT I think.

[Rain Man]

Couple of years ago I took my youngest daughter (then about 20) on her first AT section hikes there. We took it fairly leisurely. I wasn't sure how she'd do/like it.

First day we left Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel around 11:30, hiked about 9 miles, and arrived at Mountaineer Shelter around 5:00. An easy day.

Second day we left Mountaineer Shelter around 8:00, hiked about 9 miles again, and arrived at Moreland Gap Shelter around 1:45. A very easy day.

Third day we left Moreland Gap Shelter around 7:30, hiked about 6 miles, and arrived at Dennis Cove Road around 10:45. A very easy morning. Got our vehicle at Kincora and drove home.

On the second section hike, we started back at Kincora. Left there around 8:30, hiked about 11 miles, and arrived at Watauga Lake Shelter around 6:00. A very enjoyable day.

The second day, we left Watauga Lake Shelter around 7:15, hiked about 14 miles, and arrived at Iron Mountain Shelter around 6:00. A long day, but not bad.

The third day, we left Iron Mountain Shelter around 8:30, hiked about 16 miles, and arrived at Abingdon Gap Shelter around 7:30. Another long day, but again not bad.

The fourth morning, we left Abingdon Gap Shelter around 7:30, hiked about 10 miles, and arrived in Damascus about 11:30. Not a bad morning hike at all.

In short, the first section hike, we did two and one-half short days. The second section hike, we did three and one-half days. Between the two section hikes, there was a total of six full days, with a mixture of short and long, for an old fat guy and a beginner.

You can do it. Have a great hike.

Rain:sunMan

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[DesertMTB]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I am really getting excited about my hike. Jealous of my brother's three week hike, but a week on the trail will be sweet.

[DesertMTB]

My brother was erwin last night. Meeting him Monday.