Pick our Section!---AT Newbies seekin' advice on choosin an AT section

imported
#1

So I’m a complete newbie to all of this AT hiking stuff. Myself and several friends are looking to embark upon our first ever section of the AT this coming August. We have experience camping/hiking out West in some of the major national parks, but we’ve never attempted long-distance trail hikes. I fully appreciate that this is going to be a physically demanding task, but we crave this kind of stuff.

We want to make this a special trip, but we don’t know much more than the internet can tell us. What would be a good section for us to attempt? Anything from Upper Tennesse and northward is fair game. We are thinking of spending about a week doing the hike. We are a group of all males, in good shape, in our early to mid 20s. We are looking for lots of elevation changes; we don’t want to stay engulfed in forests the entire time. We also would prefer something more remote and isolated, where there are less hikers around. From what I’ve read, I was thinking that the portion of the AT between Glencliff, New Hamp and the Maine state line met most of these requirements, but that I have no clue if that’s feasible or worthwhile. Any input you can provide is very much appreciated.

Matt

#2

The AT in southwest Virginia would be a good place. You could do a 4 or 5 day hike or even longer if you want to. Happy hiking !!!

JourneyMan

#3

the Georgia section. It’s most popular, but lots of isolation this time of year for a quiet hike. Also, the poison ivy should be leafing out strong now for y’all to roll around in naked, and be sure to leave your mouth open at night for the mice.

period.

#4

iam planning a aug hike from front royal to thortons gap in the shenadoughs va whats this section like also planning a tru hike in 2010

michael wood emt-p

#5

You might want to consider Gorham, New Hampshire, to Stratton, Maine. Although you would miss the Franconia and Presidential ranges, the stretch would be less crowded and would have a much more remote feeling to it. If you want ups and downs, it’s a pretty good choice (that’s an understatement). The footpath is about as rugged as the AT gets, and is way more rugged than just about any western trail. Any section of the AT is going to have fewer views than your typical western trail, but this stretch does have some good viewpoints. Plus, you get to traverse Mahoosuc Notch, which is maybe the single most rugged mile of the AT. Check it out…

Snowbird

Snowbird

#6

Matt, I believe you will be happy in choosing New England. Not sure of mileage or time, but you said “We are looking for lots of elevation changes; we don’t want to stay engulfed in forests the entire time. We also would prefer something more remote and isolated, where there are less hikers around.” That describes New England trails. However, you will have hikers thru’s, section and weekenders in August in New England. I suggest you start at Kathdin and hiking south. When your time is up, you can get off the trail.

Bilko

#7

sounds like the north end of the long trail may be what you describe you could mix in some of the south end where long trail and AT run together for variety and to find out if you prefer more or less people and services if you like to have the trail practicaly to your self hike any section you dare in Jan

george

#8

Agree with Bilko, not just because its a home turf…for a week, the Whites will be busy, but pretty. Of the 2,175 miles its one of my favs. Anywhere there and north will be more rugged than those “graded” climbs out West, so I’d plan not too many miles per day…wanna hike the suckiest parts? The northern half of Pennsylvania, but that’s just opinion talking.

fishngame