as a first time packbacker doing a thru hike of the LT is there any advice you can offer. plan on starting the beginning of june
dogfish
June 1st thru-hike
system
#3
I live near the LT. You should be prepared for blackflies and mosquitoes in June. It is also typically a wet month in VT. It could be cool in the beginning of the month (so be prepared with adequate clothing, etc.) but overall, should be pleasant. The months of July and August are the busiest on the trail but the LT is usually not “crowded”, especially once you pass Maine Jct. (where the AT leaves the LT and heads towards Hanover). It gets much rougher at Brandon gap (going north) but the mountains are spectacular.
Feel free to write if you have any more detailed questions.
WoodBadge
system
#4
I can’t wait!!! I’m from Vt and I’ve done dayhikes (the mountains are spectacular) but I’m really excited to finally be doing the whole trail. I’ve been looking through old threads and noticed that last july it was really muddy should I expect that this june? I’ve talked to some “old timers” who seem to think it’s going to be a really muddy spring. I’m living in Ma right now so I was wondering what your thoughts were up there on the conditions. Also, as far as training I’ve been hiking this winter and am planning overnighters to get used to carring my pack. Wasn’t sure if you could tell me what else I should be doing.
dogfish
system
#5
I started an LT hike at the Mass border last June 2nd. Be prepared for a variety of weather. I had my 20 degree bag and was glad I did as there were some VERY chilly nights for June. Bugs weren’t a tremendous problem but annoying in some areas, particularly around Stratton Pond (duh). I would bring a tent or hammock or something with a bug tent.
Other than that not much else to say. Don’t expect a lot of company. From Manchester to Rutland I didn’t really see any other hikers. It’s early for LT nobo’s. I aborted the hike after 100 miles but I don’t believe I woulda ran into more people. Expect rain, and mud and some cold rains too. I lucked out with mostly sunny days, but did get hit with a VERY uncomfortable hail storm for about an hour near Goddard Shelter where I was pelted with balls on my head.
Stay flexible, keep an open mind and have a blast! My journal is on here if you wanna check out what the first week was like.
A-Train
system
#6
hey thanx! i checked out your journal and it was very helpful in letting me know what to expect. i know that there aren’t going to be many people out and it sounded like that was difficult. I do alot of solo hiking but i know that it’s going to take a bit for me to get used to the solitude 24-7. i didn’t realize the inn at long trail wasn’t opened until the end of july. i was looking forward to stopping in for a guiness:cheers
dogfish
system
#7
The Inn is open June 20th or 21st everyear, not july. I missed it by a day on my AT thru-hike and a couple weeks on the LT. Still dying to check it out. One of the owners happened to give me a hitch into Rutland last yr and seemed like an awesome guy
A-Train