Got a week budgeted in August. I’m 40 but in good shape and can cover a lot of ground. Think this will be no big problem. Am I deluding myself that I can get from Springer to NOC in seven days? It’s my first section of a planned long-term section hike.
Just Joe
It can be done. I was 51 last year, with a 63 yo hiking partner and we made it to NOC in seven days. It was the start of a thru hike, so we were actually taking it easy and breaking in for the whole season. We made one town stop at Franklin (took 24 hours off trail), and bought a few groceries at Neels Gap.
Garlic
In order to make it from Springer to NOC in 7 days, you would have to be hauling some major ass. If sure that you know that there are a lot of things that you have to factor in to making it in 7 days. You will most likely not have your trail legs probably untill GA/TN border, but everyone is different. It is very hot and humid in northern GA that time of year, which could slow you down due to fatigue. Plus,there is always the possibility of blisters/bummed knee/sore ankles that come with the roller coaster that is the GA mountains. However, the days are long and there are plenty of opportunities to cool down in a stream in that stretch of the AT. I did a similar hike last year around that time of year and made it to Franklin in 8 days (hiked the approach trail) with no resupply (excepts for Neel’s Gap) or zero days. I admire your ambition Just Joe, but that is a mighty task you have before you. Best of luck if you give it a shot.
Rooster
Let see 134.1 miles Springer to NOC plus 8.8 miles on the approach trail, 142.9 total not including the trails to the shelters. Georgia does not know anything about switchbacks. Springer, Sassafras, Blood, Blue, Tray, Albert, Wayah Bald and Wesser Bald mountains between your start and destination. You’re talking over 20 miles per day, doable yes, but enjoyable probably not.
JoeHiker
Just Joe, just go as far as you can, you will always find a way to get off the trail if you fall short of your goal. Just do it.
nrkybill
Having to readjust here. I’ve got to get the logistics figured out, but I’m thinking I’ll stick with my original plan, just extend it a few days. The grandparents will be watching the kids, so I just have to get them on board with this plan, which shouldn’t be too difficult. Thanks all for the replies.
Just Joe
you don’t have to do the approach trail either. There is a hostel near Springer hikerhostel.com that can help you get to the trailhead.
doodlebug
I agree with doodlebug. It’s a pretty cool offroading trip to the start of the trail from those guys
hoof
I have same questions, I am 42, US Marine and I am planning on taking my son on a 8 day hike. I want to complete GA and NC. I read that it is approx 163 miles. Is this reasonable or am I crazy. My son is 18 and not in as good as shape as the “Old man”.?. I am planning on a light weight hike, just a change of cloths, maybe 2 packs of tuna and 1 pack of roman noodles a day. How frequent are water resupply points? Any help and advice is welcome!!
Kevin
Kevin - I don’t want to rain on a good adventure, but presuming your mileage is correct, the hike you propose is certainly doable for an experienced long-distance hiker but highly unlikely for a occasional backpacker. If your game nonetheless, good for you. I would read up on ultra-like hiking techniques (don’t forget to pack a rainjacket, shelter of some sort, water treatment, headlamp, water storage, pack cover, etc?). I would start doing a lot of walking to get in trailshape (jogging, swimming, lifting weights, etc. are all fine and good but nothing but walking gets the little things like the soles of your feet, heels, toes, knees, hips, etc. prepared for the pounding they’ll take 12 hours a day/8 days in a row). Evaluate your food needs in light of the work you’ll be putting in (the preliminary diet you propose wouldn’t begin to satisfy my fuel requirements on the trail). And come up with a plan B should you fall short of your ultimate end point. As for water, don’t sweat it too much. Water is plentiful on the AT most years. You’ll find it every 5 miles or so in the southeast. Good Luck!!
Matt
Matt,
I just got my maps and data book and no matter how I slice it, I have to agree with you, plan A is a little agressive! As a Marine I am running 4-6 miles every day but like you say, not the same as hiking. I have done some long force marches but my son never has. I am going to re-adjust and maybe add 2 extra days or take away some miles for his sake. Rations being skimpy were to help shed some fat, but once again, maybe to agressive of an approach. Thank you for your help and advice, I would rather enjoy this with my son instead of having to carry him or worse, him carry me out!
Kevin