Connecticut Challenge

imported
#1

Quite a few folks have done the Maryland Challenge, but what about Connecticut (or other states)? Anyone know of anyone who has met the CT challenge? Also, I’d be curious to know how long it took folks to cross Maryland.

Old Man

#2

The CT challenge ehh? I could’nt imagine being inspired to try it on a thru-hike, but as a speed-hike/section hike YES! 50 some odd miles if I remember correctly. Definately doable. The CT section is more rolling than the MD stretch but compared to other AT sections relatively flat. The times on the CT and MD challenge would vary on one’s approach (gear, food, aid) I’ve heard unsupported hikers can get thru MD in 13-18 hours. Don’t forget the 4 state challenge PA/MD/WV/VA which is like 50 miles or so.

Sweeper

#3

It took us 15 hours including a long lunch, 2 power naps, and a couple 15 minute breaks to get through MD. I still have no idea why we did it. It was kinda fun to see if we could, but it totally wiped me out and my feet never fully recovered for the rest of the hike. It seems out of place to me to do such long days simply for the challenge of it while doing a thru-hike though.

Grimace

#4

Dang Grimace and Pinball! Monsters! Ya know in my experience it seems SOBOs try the MD and 4-state challenge more often than NOBOs. This is b/c all the folks I know of so far who have done it are Sobos! I may be mistaken, but after thinking about it a bit I figured b/c Harpers Ferry is a more inspiring and luring destination than some hwy somewheres. Also, theoretically a sobo 4-state challenger could enjoy a more leisurely break in Harpers Ferry than a nervous starting up nobo. I agree with Grimace though. Why would you wanna do that on a thru-hike especially your first one… Maybe if you were thru-hiking for a second time…maybe then. A weekend speed-hike/trail run though would be fun. I gotta stick with first things first and keep trying to get thru the smokies in 24 hrs. 2 tries and still no luck.

Sweeper

#5

The smokies in 24 hrs, huh? Do we have to change your name to “Eco Internet?” How long is that section? Grimace

Grimace

#6

The smokies are no cake walk in 24 hours. 18,500’ elevation GAIN either way. Started both times at Fontana and this second time made it to Newfound Gap 40 miles and 12,800’ gain in 13 hours slightly ahead of pace. It was tough, would have pushed on but it was raining and cold. The third attempt is going to be the charm.

Sweeper

#7

they do say that the third time’s the charm. sweeper, you inspired me to attempt the “smokey mountain challenge” as my good friend, shoeless jon, and i have come to call it. we were supposed to give it a whirl this past weekend, but it looks like it will have to wait until another day. i’ve got too much going on trying to get ready for part two of my AT adventure. yup. i’m finishing what i started in october of 2000. leaving from elk park, or somewhere there abouts, this weekend to walk to maine. i’ll be checking your site periodically to see if you’ve conquered the challenge. good luck.

grizzly adam

#8

Hey man that’s great that you’ll be hitting the trail and hiking to Big K, you’ll be enjoying much warmer weather. Yup, the Great Smokies Challenge… I feel like a lemming having not learned my lesson, but hopefully we’ll pick a good weekend weather-wise to make the 3rd try. It’s kinda helpful to have nice weather. Thinking the weekend before traildays right now. I’ll keep an eye out for ya on the trail and will enjoy following your journey. Good luck.

Sweeper