…to hike sections of the AT? For example: From Springer to NC state line, NC to GSMNP, from one end of the NP to the other?
I am part of a newbie group that is doing a section hike next week.
If all goes well, I may want to take some vacation time to do a section hike for about 7 days and was wondering about how far a hiker gets.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Hound Dog
You can not measure the distance in time. Every section hike is different from one hike to the next. You could hike the same section a couple of times and it would take a different amount of time. You could get hit by rain, sleet, snow, heat etc. Someone in your group could develop blisters, get sick, get dehydrated etc. With that all said, you can estimate the time frame by knowing everyone’s level of fitness and experince hiking. I would not worry about mileage covered at all. I would go out with the expectations of enjoying the 7 days, do not worry about how far you travel. I would bring tents and not reley on shelters. That way you do not push yourselves to much. I would read as many journals on different hikers and see how long it took them. Being a new group I would suggest no more than 8 miles a day. Four in the morning and four in the afternoon.
Bilko
i did GA 2 times in 7 days, taking a rest day each time. i would think that is pretty common. it amounts to 76 miles. a lot of folks take as many as 10 or 11 days, not because they can’t do more, but because hiking GA as the start of a thruhike is a thing most just wanna relish.
about 90 miles to fontana…8 days
GSNP= 70 miles give or take … 6 days but my weather was pristine the folks before me had ice the folks after had snow. i did do a 24 mile day out of the smokies, which i doubt many do, and am kinda wondering if i would ever again.
the point of battle hardenness comes into play also. 2 section hikers started GSNP within minutes of me, they quit in Gatlinburg, tho they kept up for the first 4 days. it just all depends like bilko said.
on any of the selected areas you might hike, there are a couple of pull out spots, only one in the smokies, if you don’t count side trails.
you might also consider davenport gap to hotsprings, about 45 miles that is not so challenging for a group, and still you have some nice places to enjoy along the way. i did it in 2 days most take 3.
or hotsprings to erwin…aprox 80 miles i enjoyed miss janets and hot springs and if ya wanna familiarize yerself with the AT you can’t miss meeting miss janet… i did this section in 4 days, but wished i’da taken longer. weather was snow, cold, and dreary for a bit, but the walk is pretty sweet.
you can churn out the miles if ya feel like it, and at times pushing past a shelter may be just whatcha wanna do… at other times stopping before your projected destination may be your very best for a day, don’t sweat it.
burn
Our group is putting in a New Found Gap and going to Ice Water Springs for the night (We will day hike up to Charlies Bunion). We then jump off the AT take the Boulevard to Mt. LeConte spend the night and then hike out the Alum Cave trail. I know by other’s standards this may not be much. But we are new and the in-out points are conveinent. The other sections will go on our list.
Thanks again.
Hound Dog
sounds like a great hike. i’ve done the trail going up to spence field years ago which is average now but at the time, it was more hiking than i ever imagined also the trail that goes to the falls…you would think i would remember the names…abrahms falls…man, old age is getting to me … have a great time, and take loads of photos, the bunion can be pretty spectacular, and maybe a mile or so further is a rock clift that i found made a great place to lay down and take it all in and the sobo view is great … the other trail was eagle creek about 3 miles…nice day hike
burn
Man it takes forever!!! The trail beats you down into a lump of crying mush. You lay there,broken spirit and spained ankles. Blisters and hunger become a daily thing. It took me 9 weeks just to get out of Ga. Wait did I just say that out loud.:rolleyes
Virginian
it all depends on fitness levels or what you want to get from your hike.i love the physical side of the hiking so i hiked the 72 miles of the smokies in a day because i get a kick out of challenging myself. on the other hand if you are out there for a relaxing hike to take in the the beautiful scenery in the south 10-15 miles a day would be more than enough to cover the sections you are talking about in 7 days. the terrain will be tough on your knees if you haven’t had much hiking experience. dont wiegh your self down with unnecesarry equipment and you will enjoy the hike much more. take into account the sound advice from bilko. prepare to get hooked on life on the trail.
“SQUEAKY”
Hound Dog:
Burn’s info is pretty much on the mark, give or take a few miles, except for one error…it’s 68 miles from Hot Springs to Erwin, not 80. Most folks do this in five days but it can certainly be done in four if you’re in shape, and if you want to do this kind of mileage.
B. Jack
I’ll be on the AT for only a day & night. I hope to meet some of you, whose TJ’s I have followed over the last two weeks. Hiking/Backpacking was a big part of my life until I was 30–got married (civilized?). We now stay at Ritz-Carltons (Amelia Island in May). I have only my self to blame for selling all my gear 15 years ago–but, honestly, she’s worth it.
I now am ready to rekindle my outdoor spirit and look forward to some time away from my business life, meeting new people and gaining new experiences.
This small 4-day trip is just what I need. I’m Hound Dog and hope to see you on the trail.
Hound Dog