AT Trail conditions in Mass and Vermont

imported
#1

I’m planning a section hike thru Mass and Vermont in October and was wondering if anyone had any info on trail conditions.

Hurricane Irene did a job on the roads and bridges, I’d like to know how the trail came thru it.

Skyline

#2

ATC has a trail updates page at www.appalachiantrail.org/updates where we are posting information as we get it, with links to local pages.

Early reports from Massachusetts indicate no major damage. In Vermont, bridges and boardwalks appeared to have suffered the most damage, along with nearby roads. We have not listed any specifics for Vermont right now, as the entire A.T. through the state (except for the town of Norwich) is closed.

Laurie Potteiger
ATC

Laurie Potteiger

#3

I plan to thru hike from maine to georgia starting on the 9th of october for a long winter hike. do you think there would be too many closed trails still then??? how long do they plan to keep the trails closed that are already? Thank you

Shane

#4

Shane …please do not take this too personally, but if you are concerned about trail closures for the general public (people who need to bring their cars for the hike) a month away from the recent heavy rainfall, I would think twice about a winter hike. Until you pass through Maine and New Hampshire and a few sections of Vermont the trail is extremely rocky and ice could prove to be very treacherous. The remaining trail as a whole is well worn and rocky too- think ruts, roots, rocks ect… The winds will be very cold at elevations (frost bite) and people will be few and far between. You miss folks after a stay of extended solitude more than you might imagine. But more importantly if you were to fall and break a bone or two it will be up to you to drag yourself to the next road crossing. Considering the rockiest parts of the trail tend to be at the top of the mountains it might be a long way from a potential spill to that road. Hostels and many services will be closed for the season and many trail angels will be hunkered down for the winter. I really enjoyed my past three thru hikes in good part to all the wonderful people I met along the way. If fit, it takes about a month to get though Maine and another month to complete NH and VT. If you left tomorrow you would have a tight window but could make it through Northern New England before the harsher temps arrive. That said you will most likely have some snow to deal with by the time you are in New Hampshire. Finally, if this is the window of opportunity for a distance hike, please consider hiking abroad somewhere south of the equator…maybe the Milford Track in New Zealand. A long way from home but the temperatures will be fantastic…lighter weight on the back and more comfortable at rest stops. Any good luck in whatever you decide.:cheers

stealthblew