When ? - The Long Trail - Vermont

imported
#1

I hope to hike the Long Trail in 2004. When is the best time ? I’d enjoy the company of others, and some solitude. Any suggestions ?

Thanks Everyone !

Rich

#2

I hiked it in July. Black flys gone hopefuly not too hot, You will meet up with AT through hikers on the first 100 miles. Some shelters I had all to my self north of RT4 mid week lot of people around the Hump and Mansfield .Sept nice also, cool can be cold, feel of fall .These are the two months I have been there

Rimrack

#3

August is similar to Rimrack’s description of the LT in July except maybe a higher possibility of a heat wave esspecially on the southern half. It was definitly cooler in Northern Vermont during my '01 hike. I avoided the crowds on Mansfield by staying the night at Butler Lodge (just south of the Forehead) and by getting an early (7am) start I had the summit ridge to myself.
In '02 I hiked again, the northern half in May and southern half in October. Both were quieter than July or August, especially May where I was alone half the nights, never had more than two others share a shelter and only saw one other end to end hiker. October was busier than I guessed: I didn’t expect to see many end to enders but I saw many, both NOBO and SOBO., but usually there were only a few people in the shelter with me. I had a lot of cool rainy weather in October but with some extra clothes with me I was fine. The foliage in October was great of course. I’d say that October, despite the colder nights and rainier weather, was my favorite

celt

#4

Ill be going Last week of June, black flies dont seem to bother me much. Maybe because Ive been hiking with them for 20 some years. The weather will be what it is, no control over that.

Chef

#5

i’m working on plans for an end of July '04 start - but that’s based on being able to get off of work, rather than on the weather. The weather will be whatever it wants to be, i suppose

spike

#6

My sons and I are hitting the LT June 7th. This was the only timeframe when we could all be there. We hope the snow & mud are gone, and the blackflies arn’t out, but we’ll take what we get. 31 days and counting!

Zia

#7

I’m planning on backpacking the LT in July SOBO and was wondering if there is any site where I can find partners to hike with that may be going the same time as myself. I also have a friend in the same position backpacking the LT NOBO in June looking for some one to hike with.
Any help would be great.

Angie

#8

Hey Angie,
I’m planning on hiking NOBO starting sometime between late June and mid-July. I’ve got a few side trips along the way planned here and there, but I’d be up for hiking with your friend for a few days if we met up anywhere. I’ve done a lot of backpacking out here in Colorado, but I’ve never done an extended deal like this, so any ideas or anything you wanted to bounce around would be sweet. Email if you want, otherwise maybe I’ll see you out on the trail…
dan

dan

#9

Hi Dan,
I tried to e-mail you and it came back undeliverable. I sent your address to Lisa who’s looking for partners NOBO.
She may not get thru as well. Not sure what the problem was. Angie

Angie

#10

my bad…this address should work. sorry about that…

dan

#11

hEY aNGIE,
i JUST CAUGHT YOUR POST ABOUT LOOKING FOR A PARTNER. i GOT HALF WAY last YEAR( THE LACK OF WATER DROVE US OFF THE TRAIL). i GOT AS FAR AS mIDDLEBURY AND i am keen about finishing this year.Let me know if you’re still looking for a partner. what date are you looking to leave from journey’s end? cheers…Mummy Toe AT2001

MICHAEL LIBERO

#12

I’m hiking SOBO from the Candian border to Killington starting Aug 4. I plan to arrive at Killington Aug 20. I’m 64 years old and can only do 10-12 miles per day. My trail name will be Fullmoonwalk. I hope to see you there!

Paul Berube

#13

Thru hiked in '02 (June-July) and '03 (July-Aug), both times SOBO. Both years had lots of variety, e.g. heat, rain mud, cold, but that’s what Vermont is all about. I like SOBO to get the tougher section done in the first half and then enjoy the section from Rte 4 to Mass where you definately meet more folks and also have more swimming opportunities.

AK

#14

I’d prefer the fall for the Long Trail. Can’t beat those New England autumn leaves.

Tater