What trails, and what parts of trails are best for late fall, winter, and early spring long hikes? For example, I know the Florida Trail would be a warmer trail (if you’ve tried it, how was it? Any alligator issues?). But what about other trails, and portions of other trails like the southernmost part of the Pacific Coast Trail, and if that is a good one, from where to where is best?
Thanks, Aes
Aeschylus
I just finished a hike of the OHT in Northwest Arkansas. It is only 165 miles in length.
The weather was fantastic. In the guide book, the author comments on the weather trend on the trail for each of the 12 months.
I don’t know how warm you like it, but this is one trail where the late summer months should be avoided and most of the other months don’t look too bad…November/December is outstanding. I had fantastic weather (although they are in the middle of one of the worst droughts ever)
skeemer
…currently doing about one day at a time. However, don’t get too swayed by my rants from time to time…I will do a post wrap up with my overall assessment of the trail and hike.
skeemer
Last year Day Tripper and I hiked all over the WEST… Zion in late december and early January with temperatures averaging in the 60’s during the day; Capitol Reef was the same; Glen Canyon - same… really the only cold spots we went and hiked around was at Mesa Verde and Natural Bridges…
aswah
You wuss, get out there and take a deep breath of cold air like a man. Strap on some gaiters and hit the snowy trail. Or run your sissy ass to Florida with the old people and cripples.
Hammer