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Appalachian Trail

tacking1tacking1 Member Posts: 3,844
edited June 2006 in General Discussion
The camping thread question got me to thinking.

Have any of y'all done any serious hiking? I know a bunch were in the military but I mean more recreationally.

I am thinking about attacking the Appalachian Trail with my two boys.
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Comments

  • tacking1tacking1 Member Posts: 3,844
    edited November -1
    Currently reading a book about walking the trail. Sounds interesting and tough,but also sounds like a life chainging experence for sure.
    Have any of you had this experence in your life?
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    I've done parts of the trail. I have a buddy who has done the entire thing...along with the Pacific Coast Trail and others. It should be a neat experience for you to have with your kids.
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  • hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've hiked both ends of the AT from Katadin in ME down through New Jersey and from Springer Mt. in GA up through VA. I'm still almost 500 miles short. People ask me which end is easier .. I can definitely say that it all up hill, whether you start in the North or the South. The longest unbroken stretch is in Northen Maine and you have to be able to gut it out for close to two weeks. I hiked that section when I was in college, carried every bit of food I could and still ran out of food about two days early.

    When I lived in Calif. I hiked sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT travels through some of the most beautiful, least often viewed parts of the Sierra.

    I backpacked exclusively until my son was born and I've been "car camping" and doing short backpacks with him. He is not really ready for real backpacking. I remember when I first started I was about 13 and I could hardly carry a few days supplies. It took a number of small two to three day trips before I could carry a weeks' worth of gear and food, which is about the minimum for most of the AT.

    there are plenty of great guide books(mine are all outdated) that will take you through the trail on just about a day to day basis.
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  • tacking1tacking1 Member Posts: 3,844
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by hughbetcha
    I've hiked both ends of the AT from Katadin in ME down through New Jersey and from Springer Mt. in GA up through VA. I'm still almost 500 miles short. People ask me which end is easier .. I can definitely say that it all up hill, whether you start in the North or the South. The longest unbroken stretch is in Northen Maine and you have to be able to gut it out for close to two weeks. I hiked that section when I was in college, carried every bit of food I could and still ran out of food about two days early.

    When I lived in Calif. I hiked sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT travels through some of the most beautiful, least often viewed parts of the Sierra.

    I backpacked exclusively until my son was born and I've been "car camping" and doing short backpacks with him. He is not really ready for real backpacking. I remember when I first started I was about 13 and I could hardly carry a few days supplies. It took a number of small two to three day trips before I could carry a weeks' worth of gear and food, which is about the minimum for most of the AT.

    there are plenty of great guide books(mine are all outdated) that will take you through the trail on just about a day to day basis.


    It's a goal...I hope to do it sooner or later!

    Thanks for the input.
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  • CLINTFCLINTF Member Posts: 735 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I did a lot in the military but also took a few vacation hiking trips up in Shenandoah National Park(Skyline Dr.) which is part of the AT. When I was a kid I hiked up Pikes Peak 5 or 6 times.

    Tacking 1, If you are anywhere near Shenandoah(northern VA) or if it will be part of your trip I have an excellent book with all the info and maps that I would send you.
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  • zr700zr700 Member Posts: 2,430 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been on many sections in PA. I'm trying to do all of Pa. My scout troop will be doing a AT hike in June. I wish had the time and money to do the whole thing. When my boys get older I hope to get them interested. Hiking AT in a couple of weeks with my brother-in-law, hope to get him hooked.
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  • GuvamintCheeseGuvamintCheese Member Posts: 38,932 ✭
    edited November -1
    Ive done sections of it. It would depend on your boys ages..Some of it gets tough.
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  • RosieRosie Member Posts: 14,525 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Don't think about it, JUST DO IT!! I always wanted to and also wanted to hike some through the western states but was always too busy raising two families and chasing the almighty dollar. I am now too old and my health won't let me. To all of you. If you want to do something then for Gods sake DO IT while you can!
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  • GuvamintCheeseGuvamintCheese Member Posts: 38,932 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rosie
    Don't think about it, JUST DO IT!! I always wanted to and also wanted to hike some through the western states but was always too busy raising two families and chasing the almighty dollar. I am now too old and my health won't let me. To all of you. If you want to do something then for Gods sake DO IT while you can!

    Here Here!
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A good friend and I used to take our sons out and do sections of the AT here in VA on weekends. In an effort to reduce our time in purgatory, we used to "Yogi" the thru hikers- that is feed the hungry little critters, and maybe a wee drop of Knob Creek at bedtime. Never had one complain about the ham and scrambled eggs, hot biscuits, and Kona coffee. If you are considering a thru hike, you will need to plan resupply drops at post offices along the way. Do some reading beforehand, and good luck. And I might meet you one Saturday morning- and sure you can have seconds on the biscuits!
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  • jbjm04jbjm04 Member Posts: 263 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I live about eight miles from the Applachian trail some rough country here in Noerth Carolina[:D]
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  • tacking1tacking1 Member Posts: 3,844
    edited November -1
    where in NC are you?
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  • rogue_robrogue_rob Member Posts: 7,033 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My brother and I have talked about it too. Sounds interesting.

    Hugh, I didn't know you did that.
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  • zr700zr700 Member Posts: 2,430 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Three of us did 10 miles last weekend for a day hike. In two weeks our scout troop has and overniter planned.
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  • Glock23ExpertGlock23Expert Member Posts: 1,031 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've done a few stretches in NC and TN.
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  • ripley16ripley16 Member Posts: 4,834 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by tacking1
    The camping thread question got me to thinking.

    Have any of y'all done any serious hiking? I know a bunch were in the military but I mean more recreationally.

    I am thinking about attacking the Appalachian Trail with my two boys.



    I've done most of the trail in Virginia, but haven't been for a number of years. The last time, maybe 8 years ago, was after some terrible ice storms that de-nuded large areas...very sad to see.

    The Virginia trails are generally well maintained, but very busy in the summer months. The Shenadoah Park in particular is very busy. I've done as much as 27 miles in one day, so that will give you an idea of the ease.

    Water is source of concern there, as it is not always easy to find. Fires were not allowed on the trail, (outside of the camp ground areas), last visit.

    A favorite day hike is the White Oak canyon trail...very scenic. Appalacian Trail club has a wealth of info.
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  • Ronald J. SnowRonald J. Snow Member Posts: 1,346 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Anyone interested in doing the AT should visit www.sad6.k12.me.us/bems/torres/

    Mr. Torres is a neighbor of mine and he did the entire trail starting 02/29/2004 and ending 07/06/2004; a distance of 2,174.1 miles in 129 days.

    The site has lots of photos and a fairly good diary of the trip.

    RJSnow
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  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been on different parts of the Appalachian Trail, but the whole thing is well beyond me! I've done most of the Dobson Trail in New Brunswick. And several years ago I walked the Confederation Bridge the day it opened between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island! What a great experience! Happy trails to all y'al with the good knees![:D][:D]
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  • fishermanbenfishermanben Member Posts: 15,370
    edited November -1
    No, I trained for it once though. Never actually followed through.[V]

    After a 6 months of doing a stair master with 50lbs of sand on my back, I was becoming quite the ripped little bastage though.

    I've also considered walking the trail of tears. I think that would be one hell of a spiritual journey.

    Ben
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  • turtles11756turtles11756 Member Posts: 1,118 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    try the kaibob trail at the south rim of the grand canyon 111 degrees in the shade.they book dorm stays overnight at phantom ranch 10 miles down 13 months in advance. thats a great trail but don't forget water
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  • SperrySperry Member Posts: 5,006 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I recently hiked some of it with my wife, a couple miles south of Strausburg, PA.
    Beautiful country! I could hike it for months. I like the removal of major decisions while on long hikes. No news, no clutter, no room in the pack to collect more junk.
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  • jbjm04jbjm04 Member Posts: 263 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:tacking1 Posted - 06/06/2006 : 9:04:57 PM
    where in NC are you? I live about twenty mile north of the Georgia state line[:0]
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  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    And another neat trail to hike is the one that goes from the south rim of the Grand Canyon to the river! What an adventure! I did it with my dad and brother many years ago![:D][:D][:D] good thing I did it then because my knees would not make it now![V]
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  • spurgemasturspurgemastur Member Posts: 5,655 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The AT wouldn't be my first choice. It's pretty heavily used. But that's not what you're asking.

    Gather the minimum amount of stuff you think you need and put it in a pile on the floor. Then get rid of half of it.
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