My companion and I had started with the intent of completeing the whole trail this year. Due to some slight drawbacks, we are only going to do half. We live in GA so we want to start in WV around the end of March, and hike home. What is the weather like that time of year, and any clues as to what we might be facing would be helpful
Sunshine
Sunshine, you will have a lot more Sunshine and warmer weather if you start in GA and finish in WV, that way the weather will be warming up as you hike along from south to north. You will also have a lot more company on the trail as a lot of NOBO’s will be right in that time slot with you.
If you hike SOBO starting in WV at the end of March, expect to freeze your butts off on the tops of those mountains coming south at that time of year. You will have snow, ice and temps as low at 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit at times at this time of year if you SOBO from WV.
Take cold weather gear, lots of food, warm clothes, and crampons if you do it that way.
See you out there. :cheers
Maintain
Don’t know about W Va but,last night I was watching the National News.They showed a crew chipping ice off the weather probes atop Mt Washington in New Hampshire.The guy doing the story could hardly stand up in the wind and snow.I did a double take when he said the temp(with the chill factor) was -100 degrees.Krimney,now that’s cold.I lived in Greenland for 6 months in the winter.It never got that cold.
Bill Harris
The end of March is the beginning of spring. There is always the possibility of a spring snowstorm, so bring warm clothes, bags, and a tent. But I would not bring crampons at that time of year. April is a week away.
www.weather.com provides insight to average monthly temperatures, just pick a location. Just note where the weather is reported from. For low elevation stations, subtract 10-15 degrees to get an idea how cold it could be in the mountains (Rough guide).
Avoid the crowds, go south.
Alligator