Vt NhH and ME in mid April

imported
#1

I need help. I would like to finish my AT section this year What will conditions be like leaving the MA /Vt line heading north say on April 15 or May 1st ? Thanks Peace, Squire

Squire

#2

great if you don’t mind finishing that section on shoeshoes,maine will still have many feet of snow on the trails. the up side no bugs. bump

bump

#3

I live right on the trail in VT (Pomfret) @ 1500 feet elevation. Right at the moment there is very little snow below 1000 feet, about a foot between 1500 & 2000 feet; and up to two feet above 2000 feet (north facing & shaded slopes retain more snow).

We are definitely in a warming trend right now with midday temps in the high 40’s. Barring any major late season storms, I would guess that you probably would be good to go after Tax Day or especially May 1st heading from the MA border, but of course there can be snow storms even in May here. Last year the AT was snow free through Vermont by the end of April except for the area near Cooper Lodge on Killington. (BTW that snow was consolidated by then - so you could walk on it without snowshoes)

Happy Trails, freebird

freebird

#4

Vermont will be very muddy in the lower areas and the white mountains will still have lots of snow at elevation paticularly in gaps and ravines. In the morning it will be set up but when it warms post holing will be a problem.

Big B

#5

Squire,
Forget the snow and ice because it will be in sections of the trail until late June. Do think mud: deep mud, slippery mud, boot dissolving mud and just plain mud. If you’re not walking on granite, you’re in mud. After the first of June when the ground starts to dry out, you’ll meet the black fly-I think one of Job’s tests involved these little devils. (A few years ago, a Maine legislator proposed all land sales involving nonMainers had to be made during black fly season. He reasoned that no one in his right mind would venture out of doors while the black flies were active!) 100% DEET is your best hope.

Ankle Express

#6

Best hope, except that DEET doesn’t work well against black flies!

__

#7

As the others have already posted, mud is the primary concern. In fact, the Long Trail portion of the A.T. (MA to Sherburne Pass) is officially closed by the Green Mountain Club from April 15th to Memorial Day.

Here’s a link the the GMC Long Trail FAQ’s:
http://www.greenmountainclub.org/page.php?id=113

freebird

#8

If you go in May,they will find your body with just a pile of bones.The black flies will eat your flesh and you will die in a few days.Other than that,have a good day.:smiley:

old&intheway