Whites in april/May

imported
#1 
									I have 6 weeks off next April / May . Is Rutland Vt to katahdin feasible at this time of year (with good winter gear) or not?

									_medicineman_
#2 
									It can be done by a 1.Strong 2.Equipped 3.Supported 4. experienced 5. Lucky Hiker.  It's way too hard and miserable for your average person.  Spring comes very late up there and if we have normal Winter and Spring conditions it makes for real tuff sledding.  The main problem is the walking surface itself.  The Green Mountains in April are a mess.  They are not so steep to have good run-off and because they are thickly forested the sun can't reach the snow cover so you slog through slush and mud all day.  In the Whites and Southern Maine it will be a ice-walk all morning until the sun gets to it, and a slush walk all afternoon. There are few things worse than a big climb or a big drop with roots-an-rocks in this type of mess.  Shelter space should be good though.  

									_Francis_
#3 
									that's what I thought--- thanks

									_medicineman_
#4 
									I agree with everything Francis has said and would like to add that the days are pretty short and river and stream crossings particularly in Maine where there are not many bridges could be dangerous. If you love winter backpacking and have experience and equipment it could be a very interesting hike. You would have most shelters to your self but the huts are not open so you would have to be prepared to camp above tree line in some brutal weather.

									_Big B_
#5 
									I agree with what Big B except that the days aren't short.  The days in April/May are as long as they are in July/August/early September.  :cheers 

									_markv_