PDA

View Full Version : New to the appalachian trail looking to get advice



dannyperedes1
07-17-2012, 00:06
Hey all my name is Daniel and I am a planning a trip to hike a section of the appalachian trail. i am planning this for july 2-12 and i was wondering what part of the trail i shoukd do for my first trip.
I currently live in georgia but have no problem driving up to virginia anywhere up north. Also this would be my first extended hike so im not sure entirely what i should pack/be made aware of for the 10 day journey. i am in very good shape and have no problem hiking long/hard trails.
If you can point me out to threads concerning preparing i would definitely appreciate it and just advice on what the best section would be for a ten day hike. I heard shenandoah valley is very nice.

Thanks so much again and i look forward to hearing from you all

Daniel

Rasty
07-17-2012, 00:16
I would try to stay at the highest elevation I could in July. A great section for ten days could be Davenport gap south to the NOC. Figure five to six through the GSMNP and a couple more to NOC.

Google - AT mileag calculator which gets you to a great website on distances for AT roads and shelters.

Check out the main Whiteblaze page for articles.

Welcome to Whiteblaze. Bring a sense of humor with you. There's a few idiots around. If you get time visit hikerboys cyber cafe thread. :D

rocketsocks
07-17-2012, 00:30
Yes, lots of good reading on the home page as Rastraikis mentioned, and:welcome to White Blaze

fredmugs
07-17-2012, 07:32
If you have not done an extended multiple night hike I would not recommend Davenport Gap to the NOC. Reason: you would have to carry all of your food with you and you will require shelter reservations that restrict how many miles per day (good or bad) you can do.

I would look for sections that allow you to go through towns like Damascus where you can re supply and not have to carry as much food. Being able to take a shower and do laundry every 3 or 4 days does wonders for hiker morale as well.

Long hard days is very subjective. I did the 125 miles or so from Atkins to Dennis Cove Rd in 5 days - they were long days but not that hard. I recommend you get a copy of the ALDHA thru hikers guide and it will give you a better idea of distances btw towns and the services available to you in those towns.

Hiking the 105 miles through Shenandoah Ntnl Park is as easy as you will find on the AT. You also have the advantage of multiple stores along the trail where you can get food and drinks. My favorite AT hike was from the James River to Pearisburg (170 miles). Good luck - you pretty much can't go wrong hiking anywhere in the state of VA.

Maddog
07-17-2012, 08:08
:welcome to Whiteblaze! Good luck and enjoy your hike! Maddog:)

Cookerhiker
07-17-2012, 08:12
I suggest starting in Shenandoah NP (http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm) - either the northernmost crossing of Skyline Drive at Compton Gap or the trail intersection with Rt. 522 - and hike south. Being in good shape, you'll probably reach Rockfish Gap in less than 10 days so continue on, perhaps reaching Rt. 60 for a 150 mile hike.

Shuttle and transportation information here: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/default-document-library/at-shuttles-parking-vandalism-6-12-12.pdf

The PATC (http://www.patc.net/PublicView/) publishes good maps of Shenandoah and south to the James River. It may be too late to order them but you can pick them up at one of the stores in the Park.

10-K
07-17-2012, 09:56
I suggest starting in Shenandoah NP (http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm) - either the northernmost crossing of Skyline Drive at Compton Gap or the trail intersection with Rt. 522 - and hike south. Being in good shape, you'll probably reach Rockfish Gap in less than 10 days so continue on, perhaps reaching Rt. 60 for a 150 mile hike.

Shuttle and transportation information here: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/default-document-library/at-shuttles-parking-vandalism-6-12-12.pdf

The PATC (http://www.patc.net/PublicView/) publishes good maps of Shenandoah and south to the James River. It may be too late to order them but you can pick them up at one of the stores in the Park.

First thing that popped into my mind too - this is exactly what I'd suggest.

Welcome to the forum - look around and scan the threads and ask questions.

dannyperedes1
07-17-2012, 11:19
sorry august 2-12th. and thanks for all the input guys. im definitely going to start in shenandoah np.

ATMountainTime
07-17-2012, 11:46
Welcome to WB, and enjoy the site. Also heres a hollar from Little 5 Points Atlanta Ga!!!

Come check out High Country Outfitters ( 2 blocks from my office ), Also Half Moon Outfiitters in Virginia Highlands, there also Outdoor world up Ga 400, and of course Mountain Crossings.

Spokes
07-17-2012, 12:25
....
If you can point me out to threads concerning preparing ...

Try these links:

10 page article on hiking the AT in Backpacker Mag. Great summary of what to expect in each of the major sections plus some trail etiquette tips (ignore the popup):
http://www.backpacker.com/november_2008_american_classic_hiking_the_appalach ian_trail/destinations/12530

Tried and true cold weather gear list from pack guru Winton Porter. Add a trash compactor bag for a pack liner. Gloves and fleece beanie are givens. Tweak for summer to go even lighter (ignore the popup):

http://www.backpacker.com/november_08_pack_man_/articles/12659?page=4

"Step-by-Step: An introduction to Hiking the Appalachian Trail" by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in pdf format:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.appalachiantrail.org%2Fdocs%2 Fdefault-document-library%2FATC-StepByStep.pdf&ei=3pEFUILBHcXk0gHCzeW9CA&usg=AFQjCNGNd9OQ1VlCscSyDJP98fx4Mdth6A&sig2=55GyZmDmZE_8qk2_g_VnmA

If you're not comfortable opening that pdf file from the link, then go here:

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiking

Cheers!

Driver8
07-17-2012, 12:31
I currently live in georgia but have no problem driving up to virginia anywhere up north.

Consider driving to New Hampshire, where it will be much cooler than down south. You could start in Hanover and work north. You'd have about 40 easier miles to get your trail legs, then the challenge and beauty of the Whites. Depending on your conditioning, you could make it to Mt. Washington or Pinkham Notch in the 11 days or so. You'd want to pack for November weather (on the southern A.T., that is). You'd be hiking among most of the north-bound thru-hikers, which would add a lot to your experience.

If you want a little easier terrain, you could start in Dalton, MA, near Pittsfield, and hike north to Hanover or thereabouts, or maybe end at Moosilauke.

Cookerhiker
07-17-2012, 12:44
Here's the link to the WB sub-forum on Shenandoah NP (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?86-Shenandoah-National-Park) - lots of good info here including latest trail conditions. The stretch of the AT previously closed because of the Neighbor Mountain fire is now reopened. Have a good hike!

RED-DOG
07-17-2012, 17:09
I would suggest Hot Springs to Damascus thats a good 10 day hike or as far as you can , its a easy streach to resupply in and you get to go by Kincora Hostel, and Uncle Johnnies. where ever you start have great hike. RED-DOG