I plan on thru-hiking (Northbound) in March of '06. I would like to overnite a series of weekends in '05 and then graduate to a two week hike in the fall of '05. I live in Maryland (near Baltimore). Any suggestions on some good sections to hike for a long weekend (4 days) between Northern Virginia and Peter’s Mtn., PA?
Thanks.
Aslan
Maryland is all of 40 miles. Looks like that work fine for a three day hike. ATC gives in a 2-3 difficulty rating so it doesn’t look like it will kill me. I was planning to hike the weekend before Memorial Day but I am sure the crowds will be heavy with Boy Scouts and day hikers. I’ll shoot for the weekend before Memorial Day.
Aslan
I hiked out of Damascus up towards marion Va (SW Virginia area), through MRO, Jefferson Natl Forest area, Grayson Highlands, etc. Since we were two crippled hikers from AT thru-hike attempts earlier in the year, we took it slow, and the trail if fairly level throughout. Grayson is considered by many one of the highlights of the AT, and in my limited AT experience, I agree. It was one of the best hikes of my life.
It may be a little but of a drive across virginia, but well worth it, I plan on returning sometime this or next summer to hike again.
-xtn
airferret
Thanks airferret. I appreciate the info. If you don’t mind me asking, what was the most difficult part of attempting a thru-hike? Were you SOBO or NOBO?
Aslan
Actually, no part was difficult. I was planning a NOBO and started March 1st with a great crowd of people… Between meeting people here and on a Yahoo chat room, planning was easy, and i was already a seasoned hiker sans AT. But…
For all the pre-training I did fit in during an extremely busy pre-hike lifestlye, from the weight room to hikes in my area (unfortunately, no hills), somewhere in the non-stop ups and downs of Georgia and tiny bit of NC, I blew out my knee…
Next time, be in 10 years or so from now, I will train more with hills, no matter what, and although my pack weight was reasonable (40lbs for a 200+ guy) I plan on lightening the load to 30lbs or less if I can, and not having to subject myself to such a tight schedule to complete the AT (I only had 4.5 months), plan on taking my time next time.
Lots of good (and crappy) advice from people here on TJ, you will learn to and learn alot from people here.
Wish you the best on trail
-xtn
:cheers
airferret
airferret, thanks for sharing. My hike is in March of '06 so I have plenty of time to get in shape and gather data. That is why I am taking the pre-hikes. I want to try out my gear and see what tweaking I may need to make before the big one.
As far as the knees…I ‘feel’ your pain. I blew out both my knees playing sports. Had both knees scoped. They are fine now and I see no reason why I can’t make the hike.
Can’t wait for my first weekend hike next spring!
Happy Holidays
Aslan
Aslan
If you want to do practice hikes, a good place for you would be to hike in the Shenandoahs. You can create loops of many different lengths using the AT connecting with other trails to make loops or figure eights. Because the side trails tend to go from the top of the ridge down to the valley and then back up, it is good training, plus it isn’t that far for you to drive. Even Memorial Weekend the park isn’t really all that busy because people are spread out so much and the weekenders are usually at the campgrounds. When I thruhiked the first time, I left Waynesboro on the Friday before Memorial Day - never had problems at either the shelters or campgrounds finding space. Other options include the Massanuttens for a 30 or so mile loop or, if you have two cars, the AT in southern PA or the AT south of SNP. It depends on whether you want to hike something other than the AT, so it is new to you when you are thruhiking, or just the AT so you have some experience with the trail before you go. It’s up to you. For dayhikes, Little Bennett SP is good, as are the Catoctins and Prince William NP. All have hikes you can extend as long as you like -
Ginny