Most scenic hike

imported
#1

I am planning a 21 day trek in September, 2004. I have never hiked the AT. Which part of the trail would be most scenic that time of year? Opinions please.

On Foot

#2

On Foot-

The most scenic part of the AT is from Glencliff NH to Mt Katahdin in Maine, though i’m sure you’ll hear some differing opinions. I hiked the trail and Maine is the only section i’m really dying to go back and do.

September is a bit early for the deep fall colors, but its certainly a great time to go with mild temps, and days long enough to put in some miles. Honestly anywhere on the AT would be nice this time of year. Depends on where you live, how far your willing to travel and shuttling etc. Starting in Monson Maine and heading south, you would most likely be able to make Gorham New Hampshire in 21 days, covering some of the most challenging but beautiful scenary on the AT. Anywhere in New England would be quite pleasant this time of year and many towns near the trail offer bus service. Maybe if you zeroed in on an area you could get more direct answers.

Good luck!

A-Train

#3

I second A-Train: after I hiked the AT I really wanted to revisit Maine so I hiked from Katahdin to Gorham between 9/24 and 10/15 last year and it was beautiful. That is a naturally scenic area made more appealing by the colors of autumn. Hiking south allowed me to do a hike with fall and avoid any early winter-like conditions on Katahdin.

I would think any section of the trail would be great in September. Now that I’ve rehiked Maine I’d like to rehike the south. The Smokies, The Roan Highlands and The Grayson Highlands could all be hiked in a three week hike.

Celt

#4

I should have been more specific. I live in Louisiana and would be more interested in a section south of Roanoke, VA.

On Foot

#5

If you don’t mean you’re committed to using Roanoke as the end/beginning of your hike I re-recommend any part of or the whole of Fontana Dam NC through the Grayson Highlands north of Damascus Virginia.

If Roanoke must be your terminus than a hike from Daleville VA (near Roanoke) to Damascus would include many scenic southern VA areas including McAfee’s Knob, Chestnut Knob/Burkes Garden area and The Grayson Highlands.

Celt

#6

That should take you 21 days of Playing around. The Whites are the best. Make sure you read all the stupid laws now from the the people that messed it up for the rest of us like that guy with the Leki scraching his name in the Kill that guy thread.

Greg

#7

i would recommend a southboundtrip starting somewhere around grayson highlands or just above. then through damascus, hitting mount rogers (highest point in virginia), roan highlands, hot springs, max patch and the smokies when the leves are turning, ending at fontana before bear season starts and the woods fill with hunters…plus, the weather in september can go from hot to ice cold in just a short time, and by going south, you head to the warmer weather…also, if you finish a day or two early, you can go rafting on the nantahala river near fontana!!!:cheers

Big Dee

#8

We did from Sams Gap to 19E last fall. This section has some real good elevations and great views. You will get a fairly good workout but the section is full of some super climbs and vistas.
Heading North…Swamp Dawg

Swamp Dawg