Hiking the ugly parts first

imported
#1

There’s all kinds of ways to hike the AT, but I’d like to encourage folks who are new to the trail to hike the ugliest parts first, then progress to the wow parts.

If they’re new they would think the ugly states are wow, but would progressively be blown away by the better parts. This is ideally suited to section hikers, though thrus with lots of gas to burn could do it too. Such a hike would go something like this:

PA, NJ and NY first. Then,
CT
MD and WV
MA
GA
VT and NH
TN and NC
Then finally, ending with Maine.

Double Time

#2

The trail presents in its own order. Accept that order and walk happy or not. No need to impose value systems on a life event that is a holistic experience. Just hike it. It’s all there, like life. You can’t only have wow parts of your life–the trail is a whole life lived in six months. Take it as it comes.

Tyger IV

#3

I also encourage people to begin hiking with a rusted nail in your boot, and to eat nothing but rancid mayonnaise. That way when you get to the good parts of the AT, they’ll seem that much better.

dopey

#4

I’m not trying to impose my values on the ugly parts, as they could not become wow even if they changed their values to mine. I’m just suggesting that new hikers go from ugly to wow, to avoid ennui from setting in.

Double Time

#5

DT: Everyone and everything is beautiful to someone. My grand-daughter thought it was a wonderful experience watching a stick float from one side of a foot bridge, under and out the other. I try every day to hold on to the magical fascination a 2 year old can bring to a person’s life.

pj

#6

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”

Compared to where I am, in Detroit, in the Cass Corridor, in a city that has rotted to the core politically, physically and spiritually, I always think…the absolutely worst day I have ever had outdoors easily surpasses this place.

-xtn :x

airferret

#7

I actually think that’s a great idea. Anyone who has hiked the west coast trails before the east coast trails knows why:D

apple pie

#8

Its all good:) :frowning: :smiley: :eek: :wink: :tongue :smokin :mad 8) :oh :evil :bawling :lol :nerd :pimp :happy :x :boy :girl :cheers

at man

#9

So Double Time, where are you inserting Virginia?

:tongue

Lady Di

#10

Amen, airferret!

Papa Smurf

#11

I liked taking it in order. It was nice having a great state to look forward to. Plus if a new hiker just hikes the worst parts first then maybe they’ll have too poor a hiking experience and won’t have any desire to continue hiking at all. If you give a kid his cake first there’s no reason to finish the broccoli.

0101

#12

Was this a serious bit of advice/encouragement, DT?
The average hike would have to add in 1 more month and another thousand dollars in order to hop around like that.
I’m hoping this was a joke/troll. If not, you’re nuts.

Horn Head

#13

No I’m serious. This would be mostly for section hikers, though, who could pick and choose which state to hike on which trip. But like I said, some thrus with private planes could do it too. :pimp

VA goes after Georgia but before VT/NH.

Double Time

#14

I found no ugly parts. Maybe some I liked better than others, but the trail is not all about the veiw. Its also about the hike. Just stay focused and do the thru hike. NOBO or SOBO.Its the experience. Im sorry if some people didnt get it.
White blaze/ Pack on back

virginian

#15

Most of the AT is views of the woods and not scenic views. I think Pennsylvania is the ugliest state.

Bill White