First overnight

[valrttr]

Just looking for any advice. My husband and I are doing our first overnight. We are planning on hiking from Port Clinton to Rt.183. I saw that this is about an 15 mile hike, just wondering if we should go a little longer or if this is good for an overnight. We are in our early 30's and in good shape. Also any other advice in regards to first time overnights or this section of the AT would be helpful. Thank you.

[Kingbee]

Big climb out of Port Clinton and then some rocky spots. Eagles Nest is a nice shelter if you camp halfway, otherwise look for a camp near Black Swatara Spring.

[pnkwolfe]

Never hurts to start small. Sounds like a good experiment. Kingbee is right, though; the climb out of Port Clinton is steep. I wouldn't over plan the miles, especially if you're hiking back to your car.

[bigcranky]

15 miles is great for your first overnight. Not too easy, not too hard. Many new hikers are surprised at how much time everything takes -- all the camp chores do take a while until experience streamlines your workflow.

Have fun!

[goin'4ahike]

16 miles is what I did for my 1st overnight (Little Gap to Wind Gap).
It felt like a perfect distance for a beginner.

PA 309 to Lehigh Gap, which is about 14 miles, has some really nice features to it IF you are looking to do another beginner-type overnight in that area.

Take your time and have fun!!

[valrttr]

Thanks for everyone's input. Greatly appreciated! We are so pumped to do this.