What's it like in the Whites?

[peakbagger]

Except for the long above treeline stretches, there is nothing in the whites that you will not encounter in Maine on a SOBO. If Maine doesnt get you prepped, the Mahoosucs will!

[celt]

Whites are “owned” by the AMC so you can be restricted in terms of creating your own daily stops and camping areas. That is not to suggest there are not options; it’s just that you will be breaking the rules of the AMC in many cases.

Whites are not a big deal on a thru-hike. By the time you get there most hikers are machines and can cover the miles and elevation gains with little problem

The backcountry camping rules in the Whites are the rules of the United States Forest Service. The AMC partners with the USFS to manage many trails and facilities in the Whites Mountains but it does not write any rules or laws.

Outside of Wilderness Areas (the A.T.s contact with WMNF Wilderness is extremely limited) the Backcountry Rules aren't very restrictive. You can read the pamphlet here:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/whit...es_2008-09.pdf

The rule that effects most A.T. hikers is this:

No Camping, Wood or Charcoal
Fires within 1/4 mile of the
following except at designated sites:
Any hut, shelter, developed tent site, cabin,
picnic area, developed day use site, or
campground
Any trailhead


p.s. Kerosene's post is excellent, as are The Whites