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View Full Version : Trouble deciding which half of the trail to hike.



JoshAuerbach
05-08-2012, 10:18
Only have the funds for half of the trail so wondering which half you would suggest? I was thinking leave May 1st from Springer or from somewhere about halfway in Pennsylvania if I wanted to do the northern half.

Ender
05-08-2012, 10:27
If I had to choose between the two, personally I would hike the northern half. But that's because I love northern woods. That said, the south is also amazing, you can't go wrong either way. Just depends on what you'd prefer personally.

WingedMonkey
05-08-2012, 10:39
Do the middle half, save the beginning and end for another time.

max patch
05-08-2012, 10:46
Maine and New Hampshire are both spectacular in totally different ways. Do the northern half. Easy decision for me.

JoshAuerbach
05-08-2012, 10:52
I was kind of thinking the northern half also because I've never been there before. Would starting in May in PA seem reasonable for that?

Lone Wolf
05-08-2012, 10:53
start at harpers ferry

bigcranky
05-08-2012, 11:24
I'd hike the northern half for two reasons: first, I've already hikes almost all the southern half, and second, I know what the weather is like in the South in the summer. Would much prefer July and August in the northern woods.

SassyWindsor
05-08-2012, 11:32
Northern Half. Termini: Harpers Ferry (or Furnace SP) and Mt Katahdin. SOBO or NOBO, your choice.

Spirit Walker
05-08-2012, 11:48
I'd start at Harpers Ferry and head north. How much time do you have? July in Georgia is very hot and humid. It may be hot up north as well, but not as much as in the south.

JoshAuerbach
05-08-2012, 11:48
Thanks guys! What temp sleeping bag would you suggest for starting in May and heading north? Maybe start with a lighter bag and send a warm weather north?

Firefighter503
05-08-2012, 11:51
Since you are from PA, I would start at Springer in May, and head NOBO to HF. Then you can continue to section hike the states closer to you (easier access).

fredmugs
05-08-2012, 12:03
Whatever you do I would start on an end and not in the middle. If you want to eventually hike the whole thing it will be easier planning for the next trip. I've seen too many people with grand ideas get into the Whites and shut it down.

JoshAuerbach
05-08-2012, 12:33
I have as much time as we need but limited funds.

lemon b
05-08-2012, 12:40
I would head South. Because most of my trail time has been up North. Plus one gets more bang for the buck in the South.

Blissful
05-08-2012, 12:43
I'd go north from Harpers Ferry

turtle fast
05-08-2012, 13:06
Wow....a wide range of opinions. The South is generally cheaper to hike as things do not cost as much as the north, however it will be hotter than the north (usually). However, the north this year is going to be awful for ticks as they are going to have a record crop of them where as the south does not have the same level of potential Lymes carrying ticks. I tend to agree it is better to start at an end and hike to Harpers Ferry, because later you can hike the rest of the trail latter and complete the trail if you so choose. Its a harder decision this year as if you hike the north you have to be very tick aware and the south to be hotter but cheaper.

Pedaling Fool
05-08-2012, 13:10
I have as much time as we need but limited funds.Do the south then. Plus you can get through GSMNP (if you're talking about this year?) for free, since they're going to start charging next year.

SunnyWalker
05-15-2012, 18:29
Hike the better half :-)

About_Time
05-15-2012, 18:32
I have as much time as we need but limited funds.

If your funds are limited, they'll go a lot further in the south. In spite of the heat, I'd say start at Springer and simply hike NOBO till your funds run out...

Odd Man Out
05-15-2012, 19:30
Go to Harper's Ferry and flip a coin - heads you walk north, tails you walk south. If you are disappointed with what comes up, go the other way, since that is what you really wanted.