It seems I may be biting off more than I can chew, as I’m planning 350 miles in 3 and a half weeks. (the last thirty of Shenandoah north to Delaware Water Gap.) I’ve done 20-mile days several times in the past. Does anyone know of any good places in this section for a 20-mile day?
Thanks.
willy nilly
Anywhere between SNP and DWG is great for high miles. I’d say the toughest stretch is in Maryland just before Pen-Mar park. The rocks there are wicked.
Otherwise I do not see a problem humpin’ 20 mile days. Check out some journals and see what other hikers did through there. It depends what kind of hiker you are, but 25 a day is pretty easy through there.
Officer Taco
snp is probably the best place on the whole trail to pull high miles. not only is the trail not that bad (I NEVER SAID IT WAS FLAT!) but there are those roadside grills and stores daily so you dont have to pack much food at all, you could have a very light pack if you did it in summer. i think your time frame is reasonable.
milo
Twice I have gone to SNP for a warm-up back pack after a winter of sitting behind a desk and was able to pull a couple of twenty milers. Milo’s comment reminds me of a quote that I read here and just love. “The trail never gets easier, some sections are just less hard”. I wish I could remember who said it.
Big B
Hey O-T, which trail were you hiking? That MD stretch is the 40 mile day. Or 43 in my case, hehe.
Bushwhack
That stretch of trail is perfect for big days until you get north of Duncannon. The going gets quite rocky. There is nowhere you could not do big miles. Remember to wake up early, and you are set
Bankrobber