Heya, have some time later on this year for some hiking and would rather thru-hike a new trail than just do another 250 section of the AT, plus I'm going on the AT for atleast 1000 miles next year, so this brings me to the Benton MacKaye Trail.
Saying that, the earliest I can start hiking is most likely the morning of the 27th of September, and I need to be back in NY to pick up someone from the airport on the 17th of October. Assuming I will need a few days leeway I'm considering a thru-hike around the 18 day mark.
So, in a nutshell, what has the experience been of other experienced long distance hikers along this trail in terms of daily mileage? Would the terrain be considered moderate? For a comparison I would consider the AT section of GA moderate. Last year leaving Springer I was easily doing 18 mile days and got to Hiawassee the evening of my 4th day, I will be atleast as fit as I was starting out last year.
From those who have substantial experience along this trail and perhaps the AT, would 17-20 mile days be realistic in your opinion? I will be relatively fit and pack will weight around 27-28lbs all up. I also like my zero days, so that will mean doing a few 25's to keep up my overall average. I have no doubt that I CAN hike this trail in the time allowed, I guess I'm just wondering if a extra week might make a big difference, which I don't have unfortunately.
Thoughts?