Bug Season in VT & NH

imported
#1

It’s time to start planning this year’s hike, continuing north to Katahdin. This year I’ll be hiking from Manchester Center, VT to Gorham, NH and want to start as early as I can this summer and still avoid the mosquitos and black flies as much as possible. Can any of you locals and VT/NH experts give us advice on the earliest practicable time to start hiking north to avoid most of the pests? Or are the little critters unavoidable at all? Thanks for your help and advice.
Happy Trails, Capt. Bly

Capt. Bly

#2

Mosquitoes will be around most of summer. Black Flies are usually mid May to mid June depending on temps. Late season cold swings can delay the flies.

GrinchMT

#3

I hiked the AT in Vermont starting June 1, 2005. Bugs were no big deal. Lots of hikers in southern VT just out of school hiking the Long Trail.

I agree that bugs differ year to year and a mid June start might be your best bet. Have fun.

Jeff

#4

Bugs DO differ from year to year, however - you can bet that if you start the trail in June, you’re going to have black fly problems for sure. It’s been a strong winter here in New England, and it’s turning out to be a pretty wet Spring as well.

I hiked the LT in August 07 and only had to use bug spray twice. If you’re planning on heading out - I would say late July to late October are supreme times.

Have Fun!

Low

#5

^^ What Low said! :cheers

Tattoo