Taking a poll of all the forum readers to describe the 10 best one week long section hikes of the Appalachian Trail.
This is for all those who can’t take the six months to do a thru hike, but wish to experience it one week at a time over 10 years, vacation schedule permitting.
FL Hiker
There are so many good ones. You can always hike the AT in the Smokies. Of course, you have to make reservations and obtain a permit.
Another great section is from Davenport Gap to Hot Springs. Max Patch is awesome!!! You will love Hot Springs, the food is great. You can get a ride at the outfitters, or from Curtis at Standing Bear Hostel.
One more to boast about is Winding Stair Gap (NC) going N. You will come to Wyah Bald where there is a stone structure right on the AT. Later you will come to Wesser Bald.
It’s all good to me!!! Enjoy your hike…Wildflower
Wildflower
FL Hiker,
Unless you are used to hiking a lot, every time you start again, you have to get your hiking legs back. How many miles you plan to cover in a week? 10 to 15 miles a day will differ depending on the land. I can tell you 10 miles in the south is harder than the middle. From my experience, if you want to start off easy, Harpers Ferry up to and into PA would probably be your easiest. Without my trail legs, I did Caledonia State Park to Harpers Ferry (south bound - 60 miles in 5 days and that was a nice pace. And, as Wildflower stated…it’s all good.
Stylin
If you plan on doing pieces of a trail, 1 week at a time, realistically set a goal as to how many days of that week you plan on actually hiking, then how many miles you would like to have as a goal for each day. Having the mileage you would expect to complete, days hiking per trip, and miles per day would help with this.
As far as that goes, there are numerous trips you can plan in between the stretch of the end of the Smokies, up until you get into Virginia. I remember this part of the trail being somewhat challenging at times, but those challenging parts were rewarded with amazing views or a couple of days of relief after a strenuous day. Gorgeous section, especially in the late spring/early summer when everything is in full bloom.
One person mentioned Standing Bear Farm as a good place to jump on/off from - here is their web page:
http://standingbearfarm.tripod.com/
Here is another list of shuttles along the trail that can help you get to and from as well:
Have a great time!
bearbait
I am actually planning to do the 1 week approach to smokies in spring 2011. Any information on obtaining permit and (?)reservations would be appreciated.
Rocket
Any section between Fontana Dam and Grayson Highlands, VA, 100 Mile Wilderness(there are road crossings if you can’t do the whole thing), or a section in the Whites. I would also include any section that includes the Bigelows or the Saddlebacks in Maine. All the sections are extremely difficult except the Fontana to Grayson Highlands section but well worth it.
Brian
Many hikers are very surprised by the beauty of the AT in NJ. Not too difficult either, but try not to do it in mid-summer. The heat can be tough.
Brian
Thank you all for your input.
I have done the sections from Springer to Fontana Dam over a few years.
I generally do 15 miles/day, so about 75 to 90 miles for the week.
FL Hiker
Franconia Ridge to Grafton Notch. Could be broken down into two one week sections weeks if your are slowed down by the vertical challenges or you may be able to do the whole thing in one week. It is amazing with considerable sections above tree line. Weather can be a real issue. From Hanover to Franconia Notch should take about 7 days. The Mahoosucs from Gorham to Grafton Notch are tough but can be done comfortably in 5 days. The AT in Mass. from Jug End to North Adams is fairly easy with a few nice sections and should take about 7 days. 100 Mile Wilderness should take 7 to 9 days depending on weather and ability. A nice section of the trail is in Connecticut - Bulls Run to Bear Mountain is about a 4 or 5 day hike.
Art
I have to agree with Stylin n Wildflower. Harpers Ferry to Boiling Springs PA is 115 miles and is not to diificult. It has well maintined trails n shelters and some really nice over looks. Even for regular hikers, each time you go out it takes time to get your trail legs in shape.
ENJOY
Special K