Hi everybody. (This is sota long)
I've been on this site for about a month or so. I just got back from spring break in Gatlinburg where I hiked Chimney Tops which was fantastic. Thankyou to whoever suggested it to me. Well I only got to do a couple of hours worth of hiking b/c of the people I was with, hiking wasn't their thing, and it got me thinking about doing a lot more. I talked with a good friend that I've had my entire life about doing a trip on the AT. We had said when we were younger that we were going to do the whole thing, not knowing what backpacking was like, haha. Now of course, we are in college and don't have the time for that nor are we sure we want to. But I asked him if he still wanted to do it, though only about 4 days or so. Enough to get out there and see something. He said he's totally still up for it and it's a great time b/c school is so crazy...he goes to the number 2 engineering school in the country, 2nd to MIT. I'm really happy about this b/c I wanted to do this for awhile but I don't know anyone personally that really cares about it.
So if you are actually still reading...my question:
I'm completely new at this. I've been backpacking once and hiked about 15 miles in under 48 hrs. (Started at midnight on friday, hiked to 3am. Hiked from Noon till 6 Saturday, Hiked from Noon till 6 Sunday). I have under 2 days experience backpacking. I was on the trip with two eagle scout friends and another two other friends who also knew nothing like me.
I am the one that is going to plan this and I want to make sure that for one thing, I am safe. I have a million questions.
My first and biggest question is, I want to do the AT in the Smokies. It's closest to me and it's the one I am at least remotely familiar with. Does anyone have any suggestions for a 4 day trip with 2 SLOOOW newbie backpackers?
I was thinking of Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap? Seems like a good 30 mile section or so? Also we will probably go in May. Is this a bad time?
THanks for any help...Gotta go take a law Exam.
Matt