A friedn asked me if it safe to hike for a month from Springer north, for a woman. Is it?
who hikes the AT then?
won’t it be too hot and humid?
too many summer vocationists and section hikers maybe?
zammy
Is it safe in August
system
#1
system
#2
I hiked Springer to Erwin in september of 2001. It was very hot during the day but not uncomfortably so. With all the precip this winter/spring the springs should be fine as well. I must admit that I didn’t really see anybody until I got to Hot Springs (the exception being the Smokies, that was packed). It was great to see the SOBO’s coming through at that time of year, as well as the odd section hikers. IMO it’s a great time to hike the southern section of the trail, nice and peacful but not desperately lonely. Enjoy your trip!
Cheers
Cheers
system
#4
It will be hot (80’s) and very humid in August, but still definately doable. Just don’t count on your clothes drying out very often! As for safety, you’re likely to share shelters with several other hikers on the weekend but you’ll see far fewer during the week (maybe a couple a day heading in either direction). That being said, AT hikers always seem to be fine people and I would not be overly concerned about safety issues. Just practice the same common sense you do at home and you should have a wonderful trip.
– BookBurner, Atlanta, Ga.
BookBurner
system
#5
I have hiked most of the AT now, all solo except for the Whites. I prefer camping solo in the woods but I’ve also used quite a few shelters. In camping, I’d make every effort not to camp within 1 1/2 miles of a road. Also, as I approached a road crossing, I’d sneak a peek before emerging from the woods, just in case there was a beer party going on. The only guy who worried me on that whole trail was drunk and in Pennsylvania, carrying a big knife, possibly a military souvenir. He seemed to be camped permanently near one of the shelters. I just greeted him pleasantly and kept on going, even tho I desperately wanted to stay in that shelter!
I recall Georgia as being alternately extremely cold and windy and hot and awfully humid. This was in April. You never know what weather front may be coming through when you’re there.
Very good luck. You’ll have a great time. Two Hats
Two Hats
system
#6
BookBurner! How the heck are you? I met you Fall of 03 on the LT-you blew into the Montclair Glen shelter that rainy afternoon. Remember me stressing about how to get Daly dog up that aluminum ladder? Piece of cake it turned out. We only made Lincoln Gap on that trip, too much rain and nastiness. I went back last July and finished up my last 40 miles.
Bluebearee
Bluebearee