Originally Posted by
mad4scrapping
My daugher, my friend and I tried to do the length of the SNP. We started on Monday and got about 20 miles by Tuesday at noon before we had to stop. It was just too dang hot. At the Elkwallow wayside where we caught a shuttle back to our car, they told us it was 105 degrees with a 110 degree heat index. I'm glad we left the trail, although disappointed.
I'm going to go back in September when it's cooler.
BTW-- there were still a few thrus on the trail.
I understand your larger point: it's too danged hot to backpack - despite the myths to the contrary, SNP has a lot of up-and-down to which the heat adds much stress. I imagine the water sources are also shaky except for the developed areas.
105 at Elk Wallow? Perhaps whatever thermometer was used was in full sun for a time. I've been in SNP countless times over 35 years in all 4 seasons including summer when the valley (Front Royal, Charlottesville, etc) has been over 100. I've found it's always more comfortable up on Skyline Drive and I can't imagine the temp. being at triple digits. I just heard yesterday from a PATC source via Facebook re the SNP temps:
"I was in the central district yesterday, 85 degrees on Skyline Drive. Count on it being 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the projected highs for this area"
But yes, September would be a nicer time to hike.