My son (14), one of his friends (13) and I (42) would like to start a hike on the AT in GA this December. Have any suggestions?
Joel
? for the people who have been there
system
#4
That’s definitely do-able. I hiked from Springer to Winding Stair Gap - Franklin NC in 10 days with a 0 day in Hiawassee, GA averaging around 11.5 miles a day (mostly 10’s with 2-3 13-16 mile days). If you didn’t take a day off you would average around 10.5 miles a day. If you want an easier pace then you could stop at Deep Gap, NC (1 mile before Standing Indian Mtn. Shelter) as long as you get there before Jan 1st (they close USFS 71 Jan- mid Mar.) which would be about an 8 mile a day pace. Get the AT Thru-Hiker’s Companion and maybe a book like “Exploring the Appalachian Trail” GA/NC/TN edition by Doris Gove that shows dayhikes on the AT with road access and directions. It’s a good book to help plan section hikes. Snow may be a problem on the Forest Service roads that time of year so factor that into your planning. You may want to even hike to Bly Gap and then turn around and hike the 8 miles back to Dick’s Creek Gap - Hiawassee, GA for easier road access…
Good Luck, Nooga.
Nooga
system
#6
I did GA in 7 days in November last year and march this year I think I did it in 8 just crawling along so i didn’t beat myself into the ground. I am not sure how much experience you have with winter in GA, but it can be unpredictable. Some days could be 20* and the next day 80*. I would suggest you use layers of clothing that dries quickly being sure to not sweat yourself wet. and I would also note that if you get significant snow, you could be out of luck with road traffic. In the south they have little to no snow plows and the roads could possibly be icy. The good news is, usually, the snow lasts for just a short time melting away sometimes by afternoon or at worst 3 or 4 days. I guess I am an alarmist at times. I prepare for the worst and then am not disappointed when it doesn’t happen. The GA AT section is so well beaten down that you shouldn’t have any problems at all finding your way. You can get the online ALDHA GA section of the trail for free which will show you the key points of interest. from memory you have Woody gap that will take you to Suches, Neels Gap that has the Outfitter and you can get to Blairsville from there. Unicoi Gap will take you to Helen. Dicks Creek will get you to Hiawaasi. These are the major roads. You might be able to find an emergency exit by way of forest service roads, but in the winter, even the hunters may not brave deep winter conditions just to hunt. The other thing I would add is, the shelters are not always placed down wind, so even inside them you can get wet from blowing rain and snow. I hammocked every night in March and only got wet during a blowing storm on top of Tray Mt. But the sheltering folks were as wet as me. So be prepare for wet and cold. I agree with Nooga as well. Often I relied on Nooga to give me info early on in my prehike info gathering and still would, being the novice that I am. 800+ miles of the AT and I am still info grabbing. Good luck and thanx Nooga, I doubt I ever told ya thanx last year.
burn
system
#7
I think that hiking with two young kids like that, that you should definitely not set any milage goals at all. Just hike to have fun and don’t push anyone. Just go and enjoy.
Most likely, all of you are not in tip top shape for hiking and trying to hike all out in a push to do a certain number of miles in a certain number of days will probably make you all miserable.
Take it easy. Enjoy. Back off the Type A personality. Hike slow, enjoy nature, enjoy being with your son and his friend and let them enjoy it too. Just my opinion on the matter.
See you out there. :cheers
Maintain
system
#8
I left Springer on Jan 27. There are things they need…things I started without. Thermarest is a big one for warmth. Use Tyvec under it for insulation. It is light and has tons of uses. Go with the 0 deg bags. I had a 20 and a fleece liner…I was cold every night. Sleeping in a tent adds at least 5 deg if they want to carry one. Finally, cooking hot meals and simply eating alot is a big help. Good luck…
STANIMAL
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#9
Do you have a specific reason for going out during some of the colder/harsher winter?
I would personally go out in the summer months, especially if I were taking children with me. It’s just safer. Even if you have a cell phone with you, chances are you won’t be in a coverage area if something goes wrong…and you’ll have a much better chance of people passing by that can send for help during the summer.
Just my 2 cents. I just think that’s throwing your kids out in more of a potentially dangerous situation than I think I’d want to do.
bearbait
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#10
My wife and I (FatCat and Grommie) finished our thru-hike in the middle of last december. We were at the NOC on December 6, 03 and finished at Springer on Dec. 13th. It was really cold and miserable a couple of those days up at the shelters. I wouldn’t want to repeat that with kids…(really nor myself). There were morning that we woke up with frozen boots and all and 15 inches of snow and at 5000ft elevation that really stunk. It also rained on us. Rain all day is tough to keep dry in…followed by 6 inches of snow the next day and freezing weather makes it tough to stay warm in. I would do it in November if you could, it would make a huge difference (plus you’ll still see SOBO thru hikers)…
Michael Sanwald
system
#11
Last month I did Spinger to Neel’s Gap in 3 days. The woods grow pretty much right up to the trail with little to no views in summer. The winter hike will be much better view wise. Email me if you want the low down on this section.
Pete56
system
#12
GA AT has very limited panarama with exception to Tray and Blood MT and even at those 2 spots you have a very narrow viewing platform. This is summer or winter. GA is still a beautiful trail that for the most part is gradually graded and for the most part hard packed dirt. Be sure if you have clear skies when you are at Blood to climb the rocks that are next to the shelter. That is the widest area to stand on top of GA AT. I personally prefer the view of Tray tho you have to strain to get the view. You may have to lift your kids up on your shoulders for them to get the views at Tray.
Another thing. Folks tend to make judgement calls about what you may or may not do when you hike. In this case, several folks have questioned the appropriateness of taking your kid out in winter. I personal think it is the greatest thing I have ever heard of. My X wouldn’t consider car camping with my kids and being far away from them most of the time, our time together is normally spend at Lazar tag or some other fun yet less meaningful experience. I’d say if you as a dad want to take your kid ice fishing in Antartica…go for it. They will never forget it.
That is my view.
burn
system
#13
You may need to hike a lot to keep warm, but if your bodies are not in shape for it, you will be cold and hurting real bad, unable to hike to keep warm because your legs and feet hurt so bad so you will hurt bad and be cold all at the same time----not a pleasant experience.
I agree with Burn, taking the kids is great. Just don’t push them or yourself cause if you do, no one will enjoy it.
Also it could be a little too cold to be enjoyable.
See you out there. :cheers
Maintain
system
#14
I have done a lot of hiking with kids including my own as a Boy Scout leader. While you don’t want to do anything stupid, don’t be afraid of exposing them to “uncomfortable” condidtions. Reviews with the Scouts about their most memorable, educational and fun experiences always focus in on the trips that had the most extreme condidtions -rain, snow, cold, hard climbs, etc. They may complain at the time but they will never forget the trip, or the experience with their Dad/Mom in the future.
steamboat
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#15
Joel, I think it is great that you want to hike the AT. You have some great advice, from some great people. You said you had 10 days. Well, that is a great start. Don’t set any mileage requirements. As you have been told, you cannot count on good weather. It will be a trip you and your son will remember to the day you die. At that time of year I would forget tenting out (save weight) and try and use shelters as goals for a day’s hike. And if the trip is not what either of you think is fun, then decided to come back at a different time. Don’t beat a dead horse, make it an enjoyable experince for all. Good Luck.
Bilko
system
#16
you might enjoy reading IceAge 2004 AT journal. He and his 2 kids and wife hiked GA in like 8 days. They were having the time of their lives in the snow and sleet.
I just wish my mind was as sharp as some people so I could just make one post.
burn
system
#17
Thanks to everyone. We want to go in Dec because it will be cold! It is also a time when they are out of school and I can get off of work. We are ready and will continue to get in better shape. The boys and I are walking with packs now to get ready!
Joel
system
#18
Hi,
I too think it is cool that Joel wants to take his son and friend out on a multi-day winter hike.
I don’t hike in Georgia, but here in New England the idea of ‘saving weight’ by leaving your tent at home on a multi-day winter hike with kids would not be considered very wise at all.
Definitely, you will be aiming for shelters, but be equipped and prepared to survive the night out if all does not go according to plan. Carry shelter (tent, tarp, bivy, something) with you at all times. Being a good Dad, Joel already plans to do this, I suspect.
Sounds like a great trip!
Tramper Al