I am heading out on the LT on memorial day weekend for a couple of weeks and was wondering about weather extremes…I had guessed maybe lows of 35 to 40 and highs in the 70’s generally speaking. Also I was wondering if anyone else was starting NB around then (May 25 or 26)- taf
taffy
Generally we can still get freezes in New England up to Memorial weekend, and the mountains will be cooler. Most summers I don’t expect that a “summer bag” can be used for backpacking up here.
Temps are not going to be your issue. Bugs and mud are. I personally wouldn’t go near the LT that time frame for the first reason, but you undoubtedly have a reason for going then. Have you checked the GMC website for their guidelines on avoiding mud season hiking? They are rather strict about folks keeping off trails certain times of year.
Bluebearee
Memorial Day weekend is the “usual” weekend that the GMC “allows” hikers on the trail. I say usual because last year they delayed that by a week due to extra mud and rain. Blackflies, however, are particularly hungry that time of year and (as they are just getting started then), they can really make your hike miserable. If you cover up adequately and don’t stop, you might do ok. After dark, they generally go away.
Your temp estimates are about right but even that varies each year.
WoodBadge
Hey man I was out on the LT a couple years ago after finishing my A.T. thru hike. The weather I got was intense rain for about 2 weeks straight. Bluebearee sounds to ahve hit the nail on the head. I have lived in the mountains for many years and he is right about the freezing temps. but you might also come across some snow although very unlikely. watch out for the mice I had visitors every night when I stayed in the shelters but than again they might have just been trying to stay dry and warm too. Call the Greem mountain clubv they take care of the L.T. and ask there opinion about the tempos too. Oh you shouldnt need a book allt he shelters are really close together except for one or two whinh are aobut 15miles apart.
Vapors
We may be heading out ourselves around then. As far as the GMC and “discouraging” use of the LT during mud season, it is discouraged in the higher elevations. Not the entire trail. We will be doing a 2 nighter later this week over in the Brandon Gap area.
As for temps, your target range is right on.
As for bugs and things, well… it is a part of the territory in NE. Best advice is to make sure you do two things - #1 Wear headcover(Black flies love to land in your hair and die) #2 - Wear DEET on exposed skin and refresh it every so often (especially around the ears,neck, hairline) to help stave off the Black Flies. The flies are bad nearest running water. They do not breed in standing water. So not everywhere on the trail will you run into Black Flies.
If we have to start around Memorial Day, we’ll update our journal on TrailJournals to indicate that. Maybe we can hook up with you. Otherwise, have a great hike, don’t be discouraged and do be prepared for the bugs 
Grinch
Hi Taffy - My daughter and I are starting on May 27th at Pine Cobble if you’re interested. We plan on going at least 15 days. Would like to start a few days before but we were in a bad accident last week and wife was injured. She wants to base camp a few days around Brandon Gap before dropping us at Pine Cobble.
Grinch
Grinch
Hi Taffy -
I was out last week before the rain. At that point, the low trails were bone dry. Spent Friday day and night in a low area south of Killington and it was dry there even after the rain. I was still out on snowshoes a couple weeks ago, but all that must be gone by now. Also, the trail crews this past weekend clearing things up.
After the weather we’re supposed to get in VT this week 75+ and sunny for 7 days - this weekend should be a dream. But I wouldn’t bring a summer bag at this point - I felt good in my 20 degree bag.
I’ll be up north for memorial day - but enjoy yourself at the other side.
vIp
ViP
You all were right - bugs were a force to be reckoned with, and it makes you pray for wind or rain - lots of folks out there though. It was a good time
MM
taffy