2005 Trip Planning

imported
#1

I have hiked the southern 525 miles of the AT over the last three years but I have a conflict at work that will prevent a springtime hike in 2005. I have completed from Springer to Partnership Shelter, and intend to head north from there on the next trip for about 175+ miles. It looks like I will be able to hike in September or a little later. My favorite trip was in 2004 when I started at Erwin TN on April 29. I like the early spring best because the trail is pretty clear of underbrush and I can see into the woods along the way better than in late May and early June as in the first two trips. I also enjoy the many hikers on the southern part of the trail in the spring. I hiked in the Smokies one year in early November, but have no other experience in that area in the fall. When should I go and what should I expect? I am aware of the crunch, crunch, crunch of hiking after the leaves fall. But, will I find water readily available? Will there be other hikers around? Will SOBO’s be coming through? What will the weather be like in the fall? Will hostels be open? Will it be hunting season in that area? Are there fire restrictions? Can I readily hitch a ride, resupply etc? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

CBiscuit

CBiscuit

#2

I think you will be fine on the water sources. During the summer months monitor the weather news to see if that area is in a drought and follow-up by posing the same question online here. You will have you answer for certain, then.

You will see the early to mid SOBOs at that time and plenty of local/weekend/section hikers. Some might say too many with the changing of the leaves going on.

Go to weather.com and look at their monthly averages for the areas you plan on hiking. That should give you a decent average of what to expect in low and high temps.

Most hostels will be open at least through the end of October. Get a guidebook with phone numbers and call them just to verify. Every year the folks who were open last year may well change for next year.

Yes, you will have hunting season going on. That inlcludes bow, small game, and deer as winter approaches. I believe the ATC web site has a chart that gives more specific info on the dates. I’d also consider taking a look at each state’s website for specific hunting information. Blaze orange is recommended.

Fire restrictions will depend upon prevailing weather conditions. If you here that a certain area is going through a drout, they may well have fire restrictions in place. However, those restrictions may only apply to open fires and not camp stoves. Also, some of those restrictions end daily after the heat dissipates - say after 5pm, or so.

Another possible restriction might involve any damage caused by heavy storms/hurricanes. The NPS has closed portions of the trail in the past.

If you look like a hiker (have your pack) you shouldn’t have much difficulty with a hitch. Just depends on where you are and who is driving by. Getting into Gatlinburg was hard for me (I couldn’t get a hitch and didn’t try very long). Sometimes it is easier to get a hitch into town, but not so easy getting back to the trail. If you are planning on staying at a hostel, call them first about available shuttle services.

If you are heading out from Partnership Shelter, you might want to send maildrops instead of buying supplies in the general area of the SNP. The SNP resuuply spots tend to close down after October (assuming you don’t get there until then). Might want to resupply at Harpers Ferry via a mail drop.

JAWS

#3

I have hiked the AT starting at Springer in the mid-1980’s and had no problem with resupply/hostels.I know that is real old school but the point is people are around now year round. In fact, I am going to start hiking the trail in Jan/Feb. for several years for the exper. The trail is fun and what you make it,but if hiking at a time different from the pack,expect more solitude and self-sufficency. Happy trails,2 spirits

mike