I am basically trying to decide what the best time would be to hike the trail this upcoming season. I was originally planning on September but would gladly take suggestions on other good times. Basically Id like to see some thru-hikers out there with me, and have a decent time with bugs and mud. Any and all opinions and expirience notes welcome.
LacquerHead
Just a thought, but if it were me any month is a good month to be hiking.
AAhhh the joys of work.
SweetAss
Maybe we should talk about when it is not so good to hike the Long Trail.
Obviously, mud season, defined as April and May (until Memorial Day). Winter (December to March) is different type of hiking. Not done by hardly anyone that I know of.
June is bug season. Not a bad time to hike, but just be prepared for it.
July, less buggy, and August, even more so. September brings cooler weather, and lots fewer people. October has the fall colors. Days are shorter in the fall. Makes a difference in how long you hike each day, and gets you into your sleeping bag early.
That said, almost anytime can be a good time to hike, provided you are prepared accordingly.
Peaks
I am planning on hiking from Rt 2 MA to Rt 9 VT over this coming Memorial Day weekend. Can anybody advise on trail conditions such as brook crossing (high water?) It looks like it’s going to rain as well So I know it will be muddy but will the trail be hikable?
HikderDude
It is very hikable. You won’t have any rivers to cross in that section anyway. The first real river on the LT northbound is at Rt. 9 and even that is crossed by a really good bridge.
WoodBadge
Go with the September Hike.Fewer hikers but you will see someone every day.Go about the middle of the month.The leaves will be changing.PEAKS is right on with his suggestion.enjoy :boy
Old&in the Way
August/September.
Split the difference and do mid-August to early/mid-Sept. You’ll get the best of both worlds.
To see AT thruhikers on the AT-cojoined portion, you’ll need to go NOBO from early-ish August. That can lead to crowded shelters, though. The trail crowding thins out dramatically after the Long Trail Inn/Sherbourne Pass. There, you’ll likely just meet sectioners, weekenders and the few, the proud and the brave End-to-Enders.
Jan LiteShoe