All,
First post, but long time lurker, as the below will show.
I believe I've read everything by DWM and Sgt. Rock about the Georgia Loop (both here and at HQ). I'm planning to lead a hike in late March, and need a bit of advice from those of you who've done it. I'm modifying the Troop 1776 plan, but still have a few questions:
1. We're planning on going clockwise as opposed to counterclockwise, starting near Woody Gap (the Troop 1776 plan goes counterclockwise). That gets us on to the BMT and DRT earlier, avoids the thru-hiker bubble, and allows us to detour slightly on Day 4 to Mountain Crossings for a resupply. Are there any thoughts about clockwise versus counterclockwise? We're planning on 6 days on trail to do the 55 miles that the loop requires.
2. Some of our group are young, around 13. They'll be carrying lighter gear. Has anyone seen someone that young on the DRT? If so, are we crazy? One of the 13 year olds was on the AT last year for about 15 miles, and had no problems. The boys that make this trip all play sports during the school year.
3. Our group may be as large as 8. Will this present a problem for camping on the BMT and DRT?
4. All of us are solid on our backpacking skills, and are in good physical shape. But are the BMT and DRT legs as strenuous as advertised?
5. What's the water availability like in late March on the BMT and DRT legs?
That's enough for now. I'm quite certain this trip is a go, and I'll post a trip report when we're done.
J.