When you do your section, post back here and let us know how it went.
I don't mean to hijack the thread, but after reading through, I have many similarities as well as questions that I think could benefit both me and the OP.
Also dreamed of doing the AT, originally as a thru-hike after college (grad school screwed that plan up) then a thru-hike after grad school (but a wedding/honeymoon/real-life job is postponing that one) so for now it is section hiking. I want to do large chunks and my OCD makes me want to start at the beginning (at least the end closest to me) and hike until logical stopping points. I have 3 available time frames to do Georgia coming up: Thanksgiving (only about 3 days, heading back to Linville Gorge instead), Christmas (only have about 4-5 days, so probably Shining Rock area) and then Spring Break (March 6-12). I have decided the former is my best and only option. So with all of that being said, I have questions:
1. How bad is an early March start? I have heard mixed things and I know weather is unpredictable. I am used to mountain winters (Western North Carolina native) and have done a bit of winter backpacking (mostly 2-3 nights in winter however). Aside from having appropriate gear and knowledge, what are the biggest concerns?
2. Where to end? I feel like I have a handle on this after reading the previous posters, but if anyone has new information feel free to add to it.
3. Is a little over 13 mi/day reasonable? (that is assuming I have 6 full hiking days). I know there are numerous factors that go into play here. My physical conditioning is great (I commute atleast 15mi daily on the bike + gym time + climb 4 times a week) and I am used to backpacking (grew up in the Mountains (Brevard)) and every 3+ days off that I have I head to Linville Gorge or Shinning Rock Wilderness. Despite all that, I know blisters are real, fatigue is real, etc. So how realistic is it?
4. Is not planning on resupplying reasonable/smart? I know it obviously increases pack weight, but I would rather not take the time or spend the $$ to resupply for a 6 day trip...
5. Good base weight for that length of trip? What should I be shooting for?
6. Should I plan on filtering or plan that these will not be available (frozen)?
7. Is solo safe? My fiancé would make me ask this anyway...What are the chances I will find a hiking partner this early? A buddy of mine says he is game to hike but I know he cannot do that mileage, so I either go solo or cut the distance down to have a partner. Third option is take the dog (4yo yellow lab) who is nothing short of a trail dog. He loves it, I just don't want to risk an injury with him (ripped pad, strained muscle) that hurts him or shortens the trip.
Any additional information is welcome. Also, this is only my second post, so if this needs another location, feel free to let me know. Thank you!
IMG_1010.jpg
1. The trail will be very busy, lots of hikers. The weather is totally unpredictable, but probably averages lows in the 20s and highs in the 50s, but be prepared for teens and 70.
2. Dick's Creek Gap is a good goal - easy to get a ride to and from.
3. If you're in good shape, 13 mpd is reasonable. But of course no one can say that from here.
4. Resupply at Neels Gap on day 3. Or at least a partial resupply. The trail goes right through the store.
5. 20 pounds would be reasonable for all gear without food and water. 25 would still be pretty good compared to a lot of folks with very heavy packs. It's still winter, as you know.
6. Keep your filter from freezing, bring some aqua mira tabs as a backup.
7. Solo is very safe, and you won't be alone. You will naturally fall in with a small group of people on the trail from the first or second day. I love love love dogs, but I would not take a dog on the trail, too much like taking a toddler on the trail (and I did that....)
Finally,
We did that section SOBO in the spring and I wish we hadn't taken the time on the Approach Trail. Having said that, Amicalola Falls is quite impressive, I would have liked to see it on a day when I wasn't tired and smelly and looking for a slower.Originally Posted by Lnj
How many days did it take you? We are giving it 9/10. We are really out of shape, but hope to be in better shape by then. We are shooting for an average of 10 mile days with no zeros, though maybe there is some wiggle room for a nero or 2. What was your experience? You are the first person to post that you have done the exact same section we are planning to do and SOBO.
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
I started at the one mile mark, just north of Springer, and did this section in less than 5 days with an overnight to restock in Hiawasee. I trained a lot (200 miles, give or take, on rocky terrain with moderate elevation gain). I'm mid-40s and found my trail legs on about day 3. I think if you pace yourself well and don't get discouraged by all the folks who tell you it can't be done, it can totally be done. That being said, the trail will reveal to you your mental and physical limits. Respect them, not only to avoid injury but to have a good time.
I carried about 28 lbs, fyi, and trained with 25-30.
Have a great time and HYOH!
I hiked through Blue Ridge Gap the last week of August and there was a small sedan parked. So it must be in decent shape. But it is definitely dirt, not gravel so I suspect some rain could make it pretty sloppy in a hurry. I understand that it is pretty steep in places.
I did Springer to Deep Gap in 6 days. I was 25 and physically fit, and it was still tough. It can definitely be done in 5 days, but IMO pushing for big miles every day makes the trip less enjoyable.
It's all good in the woods.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
