I’m starting off a LongTrail hike by doing the CT and MA sections of the AT and then continuing up Vermont. I’ve never done the CT and MA sections and was wondering if maps are needed for navigation or is the trail pretty well marked? Would the maps be useful for finding water or resupply towns, or is it pretty obvious? Any advise on just wingin it in CT & MA?
banjo boy (hiker miker)
In a word no. You should use the data book listing all the pertinent info required and with this book only the relevant pages are needed for the section you will be travelling on. It is just about impossible to get lost on the AT. If by chance you happend to make a wrong turn you will quickly notice a difference in the tread of the trail as it will not be as well worn. Simply turn around and head back to where you went in the wrong direction spot a blaze or follow the worn path. That said if maps give you an extra comfort level and you do not mind carrying the extra weight bring them as they are fun to have around.
stealthblew
Not sure about Mass, but in CT there are free maps of the trail in “hiker boxes” at each major trailhead.
Mellow