Best Weeklong stretch in NE for trial hike

imported
#1

I’m planning a thru hike for 2004 or 2005, but I’ve never had the chance to get on the AT before. I’d like to take a weeklong hike in early summer to get a feel for the AT specifically. It’s not really a training hike, or anything, I’ve just read so much about the trail, but have never been on it. It’s obviously a different experience in many respects than other long distance trails. I’d like to get opinions of the best all round strech of trail in New England. Are there any parts of the trail in NE that are especially comperable to the trail experience as a whole? Any thoughts and suggestions would be welcome. Due to economics I can’t travel away from New England to hike. I guess I’m looking for a good taste of the thru hiking experience before I will be able to do the real thing. Thanks for your time!

Jeff Trask

#2

I’d kind of assume from your note that you’re not a regular hiker, if you live in New England but haven’t been on the AT yet. With that in mind, and your desire for something comparable to the rest of the trail, I’d recommend southern Vermont.

For a week, start at Rt.9 and hike north. At ten miles a day you’ll make it somewhere up north of Bromley. It’s a lovely section of trail, not too hard, nice views, beautiful forest, ponds, and a few really nice shelters.

If you’re not an experienced hiker I’d leave the Whites for weekends or dayhikes. Maine is great, but less accessible than Vermont. Mass. and Conn. have some nice short sections, but for a week there’s less to offer.

There are other really nice trails in New England. The Metacomet-Monadnock trail in Massachusetts. The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway in New Hampshire, the Long Trail (north of the AT junction in Vermont, and the Wapack Trail in MA and NH, are a few.

v

Vic

#3

I second Vic’s advise. Another option is to do the entire Mass. section. I think that it’s under rated for it’s beauty.

Bluejaylafey

#4

I’ve now done 5 3-4 day hikes in NE. most of the rest
of the AT I have day hiked over the years. I really enjoyed hiking north thru MA, something about looking down on farm land that I really like. This is also the feeling I had on the trail from killington east into western NH.
I liked southern VT for the previous reasons given by Vic.
I love talking to other hikers, so the white are great for
that and the views when clear are spectacular.
Western Maine is some hard hiking, great views. This past
summer I did Rangle to Sratton with the side tails
to get all the 4000’ers, one great hike, but a lot of
work for this 50 y/o with an office job.
So pick the type of hike you want to do and there is
someplace in NE to enjoy it.

dayhiker