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bert304
07-29-2012, 20:58
About how many days does it take to get from Springer to Hot Springs including the approach trail?

CrumbSnatcher
07-29-2012, 22:03
21-30 days

10-K
07-29-2012, 22:24
Not trying to be a smart aleck or anything but it depends on how many miles a day you plan on hiking.

It's about 275 miles - 10 miles a day, that's 28 days. 15 miles a day is 18 days. 20 miles a day and you've done it in 2 weeks.

Quite a range....

CrumbSnatcher
07-29-2012, 22:50
most hikers are not hiking 24/7 like you 10-k and will not come out of the gate doing those kind of miles
i did not take your comment as being a smart ass comment :-)
you made a valid point

bert304
07-30-2012, 17:04
Thank you for the answers.

CrumbSnatcher
07-30-2012, 18:08
bert what time frame did you have in mind at first(WHAT KIND OF PACE DO YOU THINK YOU WILL SET)
thruhikers on avg. will hit fontana in 14-19 days, hot springs in 21-30 days and damascus 5-6 weeks

bert304
07-30-2012, 19:17
I figure I would start slow and add miles as I get in better shape. I would also like to go slow and enjoy my trip. I think getting to Hot Springs in 28 days is good.

CrumbSnatcher
07-30-2012, 20:33
sounds like a great plan
i hope you have a great hike!

QiWiz
07-31-2012, 12:56
I did this section beginning 4/9 at noon on approach trail in 21.5 days, but I was probably going faster than most. The whole adventure is described at trailjournals.com/QiWiz if you are interested in the details of daily miles and resupply.

So your plan to give yourself 4 weeks sounds good; you may do it in less if the trail legs kick in.

Veetack
07-31-2012, 18:31
I made it to Hot Springs on Day 16 just in time for lunch at the Smoky Mountain Diner. Should have hiked the extra .2 and went to Spring Creek Tavern.

Papa D
07-31-2012, 20:48
Check out 10Ks post - it's completely accurate - there are a lot of avid backpackers (like 10K) who go out and do 20 miles per day off of the couch and will even toss in some 22-23 mile days. This would be a 2 week hike for them. I'd fall into that camp too - I might take about 15-16 days to do it, maybe 1 day behind 10Ks pace. Most people would be in the 25 day range. Judge for yourself what sort of hike you want to do. You might not desire to go as fast as you can - - it might be more fun for you to sleep later, stop earlier, take a couple of nero days, read, journal, etc. - - or you might want to challenge yourself - you decide - have fun whatever you do.

bert304
08-01-2012, 19:21
Thank you everyone for your responses. I will stick with my 28 days to Hot Springs.