Originally Posted by
DLANOIE
Hello and Welcome. Those are alot of big questions! IF I was starting late August and wanted to hike NH/Presidentials and I had three weeks to hike and depending on your physical abilities, I would start at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center near Gorham, NH on rte. 16.. Follow the Appalachian Trail as far as you want. Just follow the white blazes! Finish in Hanover, NH and take bus system back to Gorham(if thats possible).There is no "last day of hiking". Unless you plan on hiking to Mnt. Katahdin, in which case normally you have until Oct. 15. As far as gear, a good three season tent, 0-20* rated sleeping bag and good mat. Plenty of warm clothes and usually enough food for 4-5 days between resupply points. There are plenty of good articles you should read up on here regarding most/all of your questions...Hope this helps.