Can anyone tell me the current trail conditions on this stretch of the AT? Is it all mud right now? Is it reasonably hikeable in April? Also–looking for what folks think is the best 3- or 4-day section on the AT between Penn. and Maine, to hike in the spring. Or any really cool 3- or 4-day hike, AT or not, for spring in the Northeast.
John Galt
It is pretty sloppy right now on that stretch of trail. The ski resorts have stopped making snow around Killington and Pico and now it is all melting and running down the mountain. Also there are hundreds of blow-downs between Route 12 in Vermont and Inn at the Long Trail. I was in the 100 mile wilderness this past weekend near Jo-Mary Lake and the trail isn’t bad right now. We didn’t get alot of snow this year in Maine so the trail is in good shape and the stream fordes aren’t bad right now either. Also I hiked PA this past January and it’s in really good shape as well. The Potomac guys have done a great job all winter on the trail in PA and Maryland.
Just Jim
The GMC actually strongly recommends that hikers stay off the trails during mud season, which is squarely right now. I just got the latest email newsletter from them and this was re-iterated over and over. They’re pretty serious about it, and hope that this helps the trails maintain better year round treadway in asking folks to refrain this time of year.
Bluebearee