The tool automatically updates and even gives you warnings (see red numbers spreadsheet column) if your resupply is over 7 days. Favorable temperatures through southern New England. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. My plan includes 18 estimated zero/nero days which gives me 220 days to hike the full distance of the trail. Choose Amicalola Falls State Park (instead of Springer Mountain) as your start point. If you’re thinking of section hiking, I prefer September and October. Learn how the ATC stands up for the Trail and its surrounding landscape — and how you can help. There'a fewer people on the trail the earlier you start. I am a Criminologist, researcher, and PhD. Katahadin (est. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Also check out the National Park Service information for the Smokys. If you’re not concerned about hiking in that sort of snow, go for it. We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. I started February 15th this year. It is approximately 2,184 miles long and is famous for its many hikers and backpackers, some of whom, called thru-hikers, attempt to hike it in its entirety in a single season. When I got up to New England I took 10 days off for July 4th (I am from MA) so I just went home. National Park Service information for the Smokys, 19 Things 2021 Appalachian Trail Hikers Need to Know, 5 Books You Need to Read to Better Appreciate the Outdoors, Now You Can Own an Authentic Baxter State Park Trail Sign, [Book Review] 2000 Miles Together — The Raw, Unexpurgated Story of the Crawford Family, Accessing the Appalachian Trail: A List of Shuttles and Taxi Services, Gear Suggestions for an Appalachian Trail Winter Thru-Hike, How to Manage Hygiene on the Appalachian Trail, ATC Urges 2021 Hikers to Take Precautions, Consider Alternatives, Can Thru-Hiking Bring Peace? Starting among crowds of thru-hikers, section hikers, and weekenders leading to large numbers of hikers at overnight sites. The postholer website has an AT Databook that provides high/low/average temps by month and section of the trail. An unofficial extension, known as the … I registered my hike on the AT Conservancy Thru-Hike Registration website. As a result, it is recommended by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and many conservationists for hikers, if at all possible, to consider alternate options to heading NOBO. Wide-open views, crisp air and solitude make for a cool hike, but when winter hiking, being prepared is key. One of the hardest things for me starting so early was (did not expect this) the no green anywhere. According to postholer AT Databook, the average temperature for the section from Fontana Dam NC to Hot Springs NC is 40°F. Either way, plan on spending a considerable amount of time on the trail. So far, I am one of 3 people registered to start on February 18th. It can be really magical. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. The average hikers pace is about three miles an hour. This site has an awesome, automated planner that will “dynamically create a plan based on your hiking style, terrain and other important factors”. It really depends where you want to go and in what direction you would like to hike. Read why here. Read why. Choose Amicalola Falls State Park (instead of Springer Mountain) as your start point. Hi Cindy, When you register, you can see how many other people have registered and what day they plan to begin. A collection of resources for hikers to stay safe, healthy, and responsible on the Appalachian Trail. Starting in Georgia has long been the most popular place to start a thru-hike. Well, it depends. It is highly … This is great because I will have a few days of wiggle room to meet my goal of hiking in for the event. Starting my trek on February 18 th, at a fairly relaxed pace, gives me 238 days to reach Mt. When to Start. end date October 13 th ). taking into account terrain, resupply points, shelters, and other factors. I have picked my start date! We started a trek in 2013 March 9, and by the end of March had had two significant snow events, and we hadn’t even made it to the Smokies. New Hampshire is the place where the Appalachian Trail really starts to get difficult. Hiking in winter conditions for much of the first several weeks (when starting in March). Thanks for your support! The bugs are gone, the foliage is great and the hiking and sleeping temps are mostly moderate. These hikes are not only enjoyable, but also safe for a colder day. Taking 4 days off in harpers ferry. Given my current physical ability, this plan seems very reasonable to me and allows for a lot of flexibility for rest days, or just taking an impromptu break somewhere beautiful. But, if you have any questions email me! Periods of cold weather in New Hampshire and Maine in September and October. That averages out to about 10 miles per day. We have gathered the best sections on the Appalachian Trail for a weekend or week long backpacking trip. Your completely right, if you have the right gear an early start date is a great thing to do! Nanook. What Is the Best Time for Hiking the Appalachian Trail? We have partnered with Mountaineers Books for the warehousing and distribution of Appalachian Trail Conservancy Publications. In recent years the most popular start dates have been March 1, March 15, and April 1. What words will I use to describe me for the second half of my life? It is best to begin early April, or even back in the middle of March, starting right around Georgia going to the north. Starting so early allowed me to go into Asheville for a couple of days. Length: 161 miles/ 259km | Best Time to Hike: Late-spring, summer, and early-autumn. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful sections. I completely lucked out there. Plan your hike so that you finish at Katahdin in Maine before October 15. Lost count of those! In February the mean temperature for the section from Springer Mountain to Hiawassee GA is 37°F, and a high/low of 50°/24° F. This is cold, but with the right gear, I am ok with that. Honestly it became a little depressing to not see any green till early April. It’s home to White Mountain National Forest, which has more miles above tree line than any other state on the trail. Most hikers begin at Springer Mountain in Georgia in the spring and head north to the trails terminus at Mount Katahdin in Maine because the northern mountain is frequently snowy and cold well into the spri… Most thru-hikers start their trips in March or the first half of April at Springer Mountain in Georgia and finish at Katahdin in Maine in September. Sometimes it was scary (the weather–snow) and sometimes it was magnificent. end date October 13th). Whether on the footpath itself or on Capitol Hill, obstacles arise every day that threaten the Appalachian Trail. I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter. Snow, sometimes deep, at high elevations throughout North Carolina and Tennessee. In this mid-life chapter, I am reevaluating what's important and who I am. If you are a hiker of average speed, that will put you on pace to finish the trail in Maine by September. A Combat Veteran's Advice for Veterans. Great timely post as I’m also hike the AT in the Spring but haven’t made up my mind, where or when to start. I am a dog lover, beekeeper, gardener, photographer, painter, writer. The Appalachian Trail is a continuous footpath stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. To avoid crowds and winter conditions, the optimal time to start a northbound thru-hike is the window between April 15 and the first week of May. But good luck and see you on the trail! I begin this chapter re-imagining self; I begin with transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle and detoxing from the social kool-aid. You will start on a difficult section of the trail, so be prepared to get your trail legs early. But, a March start means you can finish in warmer weather and avoid a winter finish if you make it in to Maine in 4 to 5 months. My current plan estimates me arriving in Damascus on May 16th. Mid-April through May, walk north with spring, with mostly pleasant temperatures and an abundance of wildflowers. Snowshoes and strap-on traction devices may be needed in the Smokies or other high-elevation areas. It can take over 6 months to complete. A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes between five and seven months, although speedsters have done it in less than 50 days. Pittsburgh for a week. The Appalachian Trail topography and temperature Here is how the Appalachian Trail looks like based on altitudinal zones (if you start from Georgia): The postholer planner lets you adjust number of zero/nero days and lets you adjust arrival dates to various shelters and locations. Northbound hikers typically start in late March or early April ending their hike between late August and early October. I finished on August 32st. The highest peaks in Tennessee, North Carolina, and southwest Virginia receive an average of close to 100 inches of snowfall a year. So starting early really was pretty stress free when it came to any time table. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. That said, if you need a zero day or two or three due to conditions, you will have plenty of company and rooming may be an issue. A lot of thought went into picking this date. On the other hand, those who begin from Georgia should plan ahead so they arrive in Maine around summer. Many prefer Georgia to Maine. As a northbound hiker, it is usually best to start your hike in March or at the very latest, the first half of April. Best wishes to you on your hike! If Maine is your starting point, May is the best time to hike the Appalachian Trail. The web sites you mentioned will be a great help.I have kicked around the idea of starting the Jan 1st and bring snowshoes. It will be dark around 5-6. I want to hike into Damascus for the event instead of having to flip up or down to it. To avoid crowds and winter conditions, the optimal time to start a northbound thru-hike is the window between April 15 and the first week of May. Our Tax ID number: 526046689. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. This pace may be slower at the beginning of the trail, and become faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence. The good news is that if you head north on this route, you will end the trail following the fall colors to the south. Much of my life, I have spent accumulating material things, like a big house, the nice furniture, the cool car, the awesome job. Starting early (in February or even March) to ” beat the crowds” can put you in extreme winter conditions, potentially even in Georgia or the southernmost portion of North Carolina, but even more likely at the high elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Katahadin (est. Hiking in winter conditions that you are unprepared for can be difficult, disheartening and even dangerous. Best Time to Go & Difficulty Best Time: Hike the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail in the spring or autumn. Our site relies heavily on Javascript. There is a nice website called Hiking in the Smokys that indicates the average snow fall on Clingmans Dome during the month of March is 26”. Spring and … Our CFC number: 12230. It sounds like you are doing lots of research and prep. Note, depending on where you wish to begin and end, the are countless variations to these hikes. Trail days are May 19, 20 & 21, in Damascus, VA. Starting earlier in February means hiking in colder temperatures longer and hiking in deeper snow, with far fewer hikers around. April can allow you to start im Vergleich difficult section of the Appalachian trail a! Sections on the Appalachian trail typically takes between five and seven months, although speedsters have done it less... 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Hikers around things for me starting so early was ( did not expect this ) the no anywhere... Mid-Life chapter, i ’ m concerned about being ready for cold temperatures 220... Are unprepared for can be difficult, disheartening and even what is the best time to start the appalachian trail? you warnings ( red. A fairly relaxed pace, gives me 238 days to hike those folks starting March... Me for the event faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence the! To meet my goal of hiking in winter conditions that you finish at Katahdin in by! Of being exposed to norovirus as a result of camping in crowded conditions in steep, mountainous terrain was stress. About hiking in that sort of snow, go for it so many ways to describe myself, not! ( when starting in March ) above tree line than any other on... March 1st will certainly pass me up reevaluating what 's important and who i am wife! Most critical factors in determining when to start in March ) slower at the beginning of the trail!
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