LT Thru-hike in May

imported
#1

Hi all,
I am curious if anyone has experience with an LT thru-hike in May? What sort of weather did you experience/ human traffic?
Thanks,
Dirty

Dirty

#2

Because the snow may still be melting in May (last year we got snow into mid-April) the trails are still soft/muddy and fragile. The GMC typically keeps the trails closed until Memorial Day. Now I don’t think they have people staked out to keep you off of the trail, but the decision to keep the trails closed is based on concern from the environment. As frustrating as it is to not hike when the weather is so nice, we have a responsibility to the environment that - to me- outweighs our desire to hit the trail.

Tumblina

#3

I took my daughter with me last year for two weeks on the LT. Last two weeks of May. Trails were muddy in places. Many blow downs not yet cleared… Otherwise, was a good time, traffic was low but there were others out on the trail.

The GMC recommends you don’t use the higher elevation trails until June, but that doe snot mean you cannot use them. They are open all year long and we have hiked them in the winter as well. Just be aware that you will be getting into the season opener of black flies. However, they weren’t to bad until we got to Killington. They were a bear!

Good Luck.

GrinchMT

#4

I hiked the LT in late july/early august and, obviously, it was still pretty muddy at times, but overall ideal conditions. Last season I passed through VT on the AT about a week earlier, and it was beautiful again. I’d say july is your best bet, but also when it’s the busiest.
It will always be muddy, especially North of Maine junction. The question you need to ask your self is: “do I want to be covered in mud and black flies every single day on the trail?” If yes, go in May. If you’d like a few dry days, wait a month (or two).

Oh yeah, and the LNT factor is most definitely eradicated when hiking muddy terrain. For the sake of stealth campers everywhere, give the muddy trails a break before all the soil erodes and every tree is a widow-maker… it’s a slippery slope! (best. pun. ever.) javascript:smile(’:nerd’)

One more thing: Grinch should absolutely change his trail name to “Doe Snot.” :lol

Dethmarch

#5

Hey man we’re headin to Springer in three weeks. Will we see you at Traildays? Email me your plans for the summer sometime.

Feral

#6

Please respect the GMC policy and State Law and restrict your hiking from mid April to Memorial day or the end of mud season.

State land is legally closed to hiking from mid-April to Memorial Day and this is for good reason.

GMC offers some guidelines for mud season hiking and backpacking.

https://www.greenmountainclub.org/page.php?id=60

pedxing

#7

there’s a bit a’ snow there nor’east o’ Killington this year…may melt late, still ,the black flies will enjoy your company. I’d wait at the Long Trail Inn from May till’ July and hit it at it’s proper time…

fishngame