Hey, I am going for my first section hike this year on the AT. Planning on going from I-40 to Erwin. Here’s my question… On the section from hot springs to Erwin, how long should i plan on this taking? I won’t have my hiking legs yet so i don’t want to be too aggressive, but i want to minimize the food i carry. Should i count on 7 days? thanks for your help…
B man
Most thru’s take 4-5 days to do H.S. to Erwin, so I’d say 6 is probably a safe budget. Nothing wrong with 7 though, if you’ve got the time. It’s a lovely section.
A-Train
Great section but I picked up some nasty poisen ivy in that section. At least I got rid of it in Connecticut 
Bubble boy
If you don’t have your hiking legs, I’d give it seven days. But, are you talking seven days for Hot Springs to Erwin or I-40 to Erwin? There is a 33 mile difference. For someone not quite in shape, I-40 to Erwin is more like a eight or even nine day hike.
Also, pack weight can have an enormous difference in how far you can hike in a day. If you keep it below 25 lbs, even if you don’t quite have your hiking legs, a five day Hot Springs to Erwin is doable. With a pack weight of 40+ lbs, seven days may be the best you can do.
Bear Bag Hanger
Yes, I understand the difference between I40 and Hot Springs. That section doesn’t present the same planning problems as the HS to Erwin section. I have ten days blocked out for the whole trip.
in the trail guide, it looks like there is a Hemlock Hollow shoppe and cabins about 17 miles from Hot Springs. Could I use that place to resupply food? Leaving HS, could I get by with only packing out food for one or two days and then get the rest at Hemlock? Thanks so much to everyone who offers help. I am so glad i found this place.
B Man
Hey , B Man… when are you planning this hike…? I just finished Max Patch to Hot Springs… and now I am ready for the next leg… I dont have 10 days… but could spare 4-5…
Slider
I just completed Max Patch to Hot Springs last weekend. It was a nice hike. Ice & snow made it fun. I was curious what HS to Erwin was like as well.
guru
I live in the area. There is no place that is easy to resupply on that section. You’d have to thumb it and none of those roads get a whole lot of traffic, and you could easily waste a good part of your day getting to wherever and back. I day hike/weekend hike in and around that area once every couple of months. That is an awesome area to hike. Most people could come off the couch and do it in five nights/six days. So I’d advise to pack light and do it in a stretch.
Hope this helps.
bumpy
I did the same section a few years ago in 9 days, about 11 -12 miles most days. That was a comfortable pace for me, starting out pretty much out of shape.
dioko