I was wondering which sections (if any) of the AT would be hikable in the November-February period. Any advice is appreciated.
Apple Pie
AT in winter? - Appalachian Trail
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#2
(Doesn’t it always? :-))
All A.T. states have been successfully hiked in the winter months by well-prepared, geared, and experienced backpackers. But IMO it takes a very special breed to do it, and even the southern states are susceptible to dangerous conditions that could knock you off the trail for awhile–or worse.
Having said that, I think if you were reasonably well prepared physically, mentally, and with good, proven gear (this isn’t the time or place IMO for ultralight) you should be able to hike from about New York south–with the caveat that there may be need to take more town zeroes when big storms hit.
“Skyline”
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#3
I started my section hiking last winter by hiking the Smokies, SOBO from Cosby to Fontana. Small section, I know, but I picked the right time of the year.
It snowed. There is absolutely nothing more beautiful that I have seen in my life, than the Appalachians in snow in the winter. At times it was difficult post holing, such as from just past Cosby to Peck’s Corner shelter. But the rewards made it worthwhile.
If you’re in reasonably good shape, do the southern AT in the winter. You won’t be disappointed.
steve hiker
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#4
Instead of post holing, couldn’t you just bring a pair of snowshoes?? Wouldn’t that be easier?
Avalon
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#5
My wife and I finished out SOBO thru-hike in December, so obviously we hiked the southern stated w/o a terrible amount of extra gear in the winter. A bunch of thru-hikers were not able to make it through the Smokies that time of year (late November) with their normal gear as there were 5 ft snow drifts just after we got through. It is beautiful, but get very cold at night, we were glad to have out 0 degree bags while we stayed in the shelters…
Michael Sanwald
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#6
When does the weather begin to close in on the northern sections of the AT.Also what time of the year would snow shoes have to be concidered.If any at all??
George Grant
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#7
When does the weather begin to close in on the northern sections of the AT.Also what time of the year would snow shoes have to be considered.If any at all??
George Grant
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#8
my wife & i vacation in Blowing Rock, NC in late Nov. early Dec. each year & usually hike a couple “day-hikes” on the A.T. in the Roan Mtn/Carvers Gap area each year…
while its on the “cool side”…(30s usually & windy)we enjoy the change from the warmer hikes!
Happy Hikin’!
“Jaybird”
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#9
There are people who start south in September and hike through the winter. With the proper gear, it is doable. I don’t think snowshoes would be much help on the trail, though I’m not sure about that. Too many rocky areas. One consideration - in winter it gets dark before 5:00. That makes for very very long nights in the shelters. That can be as difficult as the cold for some people.
Spirit Walker