Long Trail conditions for (late) 2009

[devman27]

Hey everyone,

I was planning on embarking on a SOBO LT adventure around September 29, taking 2.5 - 3 weeks to do it. However, I was curious as to what the current trail conditions were looking like, especially considering the unusual amount of rain that the area experienced this summer. Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks,
Devin

[Slo-go'en]

As of a week ago, there were still many semi-muddy spots on the trail between Mt Bromley and Rt 4. I say semi-muddy because the dirt was damp and a little soft, but not so much you'd sink much into it. However, it wouldn't take much rain to soften these spots up again and it looks like we will be having some rain in the the next week. Central and southern sections of the LT are the prime muddy streaches. When ever possible, use the stepping rocks to go over these areas.

The worst mud I encountered was on the AT leg going into NH, down a farm field. There was a 100 foot streach of trail which my hiking pole was sinking 8" down into the mud!

Considering the short days (it will be dark by 6:30 pm) and the difficultly of the northern 75 miles of the LT (doing 1 mile an hour, and some times less, is typical through there), I would plan on more like 3.5 to 4 weeks to do the LT E2E. Be sure to have a good headlamp, as you will likely be hiking the last few miles to camp in the dark.

The fall colors should be peaking about the end of Sept - thier just starting to change now - nights and early mornings will be crisp, if not down right chilly. Great time to hike the LT - have fun!

[Deadeye]

Whatever we can say about today's trail conditions (or weather or politics or whatever) will be of little use because conditions will be different tomorrow.

Just go hike and enjoy it.

Cheers

[devman27]

Thanks for the help; I got pumped up just reading your responses. I've been in the open range of Nevada for the past few months and I'm excited to get back to some beautiful autumn East Coast foliage.

[Deadeye]

That's the spirit!

[Quoddy]

The trail is about as dry as the LT gets... in other words there are still many muddy spots. It's turning cold already and here at the southern end it will be at or below freezing tonight. Early on your hike you will go through what I consider to be the very worst spot on the trail, about a half mile south of Laura Woodward. If you slip off the logs be prepared to be in mud above knee level. Beginning during the last week in September will keep you in the max foliage change for almost all of the hike.

[JoeHiker]

I'll be on it for a long weekend in October. Probably the Friday-Tuesday of the weekend of Oct 11. Maybe the weekend after. Can't wait.

[dsquid]

I'll be on it for a long weekend in October. Probably the Friday-Tuesday of the weekend of Oct 11. Maybe the weekend after. Can't wait.

Same here...doing a short section that weekend. Looks like the leaves will be out.

[dsquid]

Back from the weekend hike.

10/9/09 - Pine-Cobble to Seth Warner. Low 50's at night, heavy rain. No bears. Managed to have a fire. Bear box now bolted to ground.

10/10/09 - Pine-Cobble to Congdon. Mid 30's at night, rain giving way to overcast conditions. Despite wet wood, also had a fire here. Privy is overflowing. Fire pit is stacked so high with ash that it's like a mountain. Congdon Shelter Mice are acrobatic, crawling over us and scratching things all night. 5 girls from Smith college tenting across the way.

10/11/09 - Congdon to Rte 9 and out - then the LONG drive home. Mid 50's, partly cloudy. Climb down to Rte 9 was interesting given the condition of my knees. Lots of day hikers. Much mud in this division, but the beaver dams and Stamford Creek made it all worthwhile.

All and all, a great weekend for hiking.

[lazy river road]

This made me xited for my e2e this summer....have fun, be safe.....and cant wait to hear your trail stories.....

[dsquid]

Division 1, Day 1, Pt 1
Division 1, Day 1, Pt 2
Division 1, Day 2

Raw photo dump - Day 1
Raw photo dump - Day 2 & 3

[dsquid]

Videos from the trip.

[Yukon]

The new VT/MA border sign is nice...we were up on Glastenbury that weekend, few miles north of you guys. The view from the fire tower when the weather broke Saturday afternoon was incredible.

[dsquid]

With the leaves and such it was a beautiful weekend to be out in the woods - even with the rain. The fog/mist was interesting, and then it blew out just in time for us to catch a view of Bennington from Harmon Hill.