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. —. The "nobo" hiker typically encounters wintry conditions in March and parts of April … I took a lot of zeros too! I am a Criminologist, researcher, and PhD. Snowshoes and strap-on traction devices may be needed in the Smokies or other high-elevation areas. Mountains in the South, especially those above 5000 feet, can receive snowfall—sometimes deep—well into April. 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. My current plan estimates me arriving in Damascus on May 16th. Hiking in winter conditions that you are unprepared for can be difficult, disheartening and even dangerous. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Taking 4 days off in harpers ferry. end date October 13th). We have partnered with Mountaineers Books for the warehousing and distribution of Appalachian Trail Conservancy Publications. If Maine is your starting point, May is the best time to hike the Appalachian Trail. Sometimes it was scary (the weather–snow) and sometimes it was magnificent. 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… I am more concerned about entering the Smoky Mountains so early though. Starting my trek on February 18th, at a fairly relaxed pace, gives me 238 days to reach Mt. I finished on August 32st. 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. Northbound Hikers. Rogers, Virginia (a little more than 500 miles from start). An unofficial extension, known as the … The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been also recommending flip-flop routes, where you start in the middle, and finish in the middle. However, hikers do need to plan on reaching Baxter State Park in Maine before October 15 due to severe weather conditions that typically occur starting the … We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. 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. It really depends where you want to go and in what direction you would like to hike. 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 is great because I will have a few days of wiggle room to meet my goal of hiking in for the event. That averages out to about 10 miles per day. Either way, plan on spending a considerable amount of time on the trail. Weather is the one of the most critical factors in determining when to start a thru-hike. A collection of resources for hikers to stay safe, healthy, and responsible on the Appalachian Trail. My advice is to be prepared to knee deep snow a couple of times along your trek starting this early. Nanook. However, hikers do need to plan on reaching Baxter State Park in Maine before October 15 due to severe weather conditions that typically occur starting the increasing frequency in early October. There'a fewer people on the trail the earlier you start. I begin this chapter re-imagining self; I begin with transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle and detoxing from the social kool-aid. Hi Cindy, 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? Whether on the footpath itself or on Capitol Hill, obstacles arise every day that threaten the Appalachian Trail. It is best to begin early April, or even back in the middle of March, starting right around Georgia going to the north. Honestly it became a little depressing to not see any green till early April. Choose Amicalola Falls State Park (instead of Springer Mountain) as your start point. Wherever you are on the Appalachian Trail, birds offer sweet companionship. We’ll have great party and snowball fight. We’re here to protect it. I completely lucked out there. Snow, sometimes deep, at high elevations throughout North Carolina and Tennessee. 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. Starting among crowds of thru-hikers, section hikers, and weekenders leading to large numbers of hikers at overnight sites. How do I describe who I am? When you register, you can see how many other people have registered and what day they plan to begin. The best time to set out from Pawling, NY, is in June. I will start my NOBO AT thru-hike on February 18, 2018. 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. I am a dog lover, beekeeper, gardener, photographer, painter, writer. The Smokies may be biggest challenge. Read why here. Springer Mountain in southern Fannin County is the start of a 2,000+ mile trek to Maine's Mount Katahdin known as the Appalachian Trail. The highest peaks in Tennessee, North Carolina, and southwest Virginia receive an average of close to 100 inches of snowfall a year. I am currently in my mid-life, maybe a mid-life crisis, maybe a mid-life rebirth. So starting early really was pretty stress free when it came to any time table. This is super helpful so that I can try to avoid heavy start days. The postholer planner lets you adjust number of zero/nero days and lets you adjust arrival dates to various shelters and locations. Katahadin (est. I am currently a pretty slow hiker, which means that all those folks starting on March 1st will certainly pass me up. Yet, as hiker numbers soar, bird populations tumble. It can take over 6 months to complete. taking into account terrain, resupply points, shelters, and other factors. The Appalachian Trail is a continuous footpath stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Check out the trails Days website. During this time, the southern end of the A.T. becomes a continuous stream of hikers during the day, with dozens of hikers clustered around campsites at night. It is highly … Starting in Georgia has long been the most popular place to start a thru-hike. Starting my trek on February 18 th, at a fairly relaxed pace, gives me 238 days to reach Mt. I was happy to see that there are already quite a few people voluntarily signing up. A February start is recommended only for those with experience backpacking in winter conditions in steep, mountainous terrain. 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. 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. Volunteer opportunities are limited at this time due to COVID-19. I really, really, really do NOT want a rescue team having to come after me! end date October 13 th ). But "popular" has led to "crowded" between March 1 and April 15. You may be hiking into Harper’s Ferry for Trail Days with that start date! I estimate entering the Smoky Mountains at Fontana Dam around March 21st. 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”. Please enable it for the best experience. Several of the important aspects of picking my start date include: average miles hiked per day in order to have a chance at finishing, average temperature and snowfall early in the year, hiking into Damascus, VA for Trail Days, how crowded the starting line might be, and my desire to get started as soon as I can. The severity of the weather will certainly impact my hike and I am very, very mindful of my limitations and not getting in over my head. You can enter the date you think you want to start, use a slider tool to estimate your speed from “record pace” to “very relaxed,” and the planner will estimate the number of miles per day, zero days, etc. As the trail follows the eastern ridge of the Appalachian Mountains it passes through 14 states, and although the slogan is "Maine to Georgia," most people hike the trail the other way, Georgia to Maine. But good luck and see you on the trail! Thanks for your support! The tool automatically updates and even gives you warnings (see red numbers spreadsheet column) if your resupply is over 7 days. Best Time to Go & Difficulty Best Time: Hike the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail in the spring or autumn. Die Liste unserer besten Appalachian trail best time to start. The postholer tool provides a more indepth analysis of how those miles might be hiked based on terrain; thus, there is one section that I’d only hike 28 miles in 3 days, and a section with a max of 95 miles in six days. Length: 161 miles/ 259km | Best Time to Hike: Late-spring, summer, and early-autumn. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful sections. We have gathered the best sections on the Appalachian Trail for a weekend or week long backpacking trip. Lost count of those! 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. Higher likelihood of being exposed to norovirus as a result of camping in crowded conditions in the backcountry. The Appalachian Trail topography and temperature Here is how the Appalachian Trail looks like based on altitudinal zones (if you start from Georgia): It was all grey and brown. Erfahrungen mit Appalachian trail best time to start. Unser Testsieger sollte im Appalachian trail best time to start Test sich gegen alle Konkurrenz behaupten. Learn how the ATC stands up for the Trail and its surrounding landscape — and how you can help. See these and other  alternative thru-hike itineraries. There’s no wrong way to hike the trail. This seems ok, until I think of snow and ice. Alle der im Folgenden getesteten Appalachian trail best time to start sind direkt im Internet erhältlich und somit sofort vor Ihrer Haustür. Many prefer Georgia to Maine. Well, it depends. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media and analytics partners. Choose Amicalola Falls State Park (instead of Springer Mountain) as your start point. The summer will be unbearably hot and humid. Georgia's mild climate plays a role in this, since hikers like to start the 6 … The tool automatically updates and even gives you warnings (see red numbers spreadsheet column) if your resupply is over 7 days. It can be really magical. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. I want to hike into Damascus for the event instead of having to flip up or down to it. I will have fun waving as they pass me by and then will probably see them again when we all get stopped by the snow at Clingmans Dome! If you’re not concerned about hiking in that sort of snow, go for it. Trail days are May 19, 20 & 21, in Damascus, VA. The need to carry good winter gear beyond Mt. Best Sporting Swing Stick Fitness Schwingstab für Ganzkörpertraining, mit Trainingsanleitung, Farbe: rot Effektives Training - Der Swingstick trainiert und stimuliert die Tiefenmuskulatur im Rücken; Vorbeugung - die gestärkte Muskulatur verbessert die Körperhaltung. Your completely right, if you have the right gear an early start date is a great thing to do! If you hike the Trail in 2021, proper planning and preparation will help ensure everyone’s A.T. experiences are safe, healthy, responsible, and successful. Spring and … A Combat Veteran's Advice for Veterans. FYI it will be cold every morning you get up. 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. What words will I use to describe me for the second half of my life? Leaving so early in the season, I’m concerned about being ready for cold temperatures. Appalachian trail best time to start - Die ausgezeichnetesten Appalachian trail best time to start im Vergleich! According to postholer AT Databook, the average temperature for the section from Fontana Dam NC to Hot Springs NC is 40°F. Hope to see you on the trail! They won't fill out until mid to late April as you chase Spring up the trail from a March start. 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. So far, I am one of 3 people registered to start on February 18th. Check out postholer.com. Read why. The average snowfall in April is 5”. These hikes are not only enjoyable, but also safe for a colder day. I started February 15th this year. I don’t really know why this is important to me, but it is. You will start on a difficult section of the trail, so be prepared to get your trail legs early. As a northbound hiker, it is usually best to start your hike in March or at the very latest, the first half of April. Much of my life, I have spent accumulating material things, like a big house, the nice furniture, the cool car, the awesome job. Pittsburgh for a week. Virtually every part of the Appalachian Trail has the potential to receive snowfall through early April. I registered my hike on the AT Conservancy Thru-Hike Registration website. On average, most thru-hikers end up spending about six months on the AT traveling from end to end. Annapolis Rocks, along the Appalachian Trail. … Woo hoo! Wide-open views, crisp air and solitude make for a cool hike, but when winter hiking, being prepared is key. The good news is that if you head north on this route, you will end the trail following the fall colors to the south. The web sites you mentioned will be a great help.I have kicked around the idea of starting the Jan 1st and bring snowshoes. Katahadin (est. This pace may be slower at the beginning of the trail, and become faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence. You have definitely done your research! New Hampshire is the place where the Appalachian Trail really starts to get difficult. The average hikers pace is about three miles an hour. In this mid-life chapter, I am reevaluating what's important and who I am. Starting in Georgia Northbound. It sounds like you are doing lots of research and prep. That is a pretty significant difference. 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. Best wishes to you on your hike! Mid-April through May, walk north with spring, with mostly pleasant temperatures and an abundance of wildflowers. Note, depending on where you wish to begin and end, the are countless variations to these hikes. Our CFC number: 12230. Our Tax ID number: 526046689. It’s home to White Mountain National Forest, which has more miles above tree line than any other state on the trail. The bugs are gone, the foliage is great and the hiking and sleeping temps are mostly moderate. But, if you have any questions email me! Very hot, humid weather though the mid-Atlantic states. One of the hardest things for me starting so early was (did not expect this) the no green anywhere. Northbound hikers typically start in late March or early April ending their hike between late August and early October. There are so many ways to describe myself, but not one that encompasses the many layers of my life. Plan your hike so that you finish at Katahdin in Maine before October 15. 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. If mid-way into your hike you find you are running behind schedule to complete your hike before October 15, you can always do a “leapfrog” (skipping over a section of trail in the middle, continuing northbound, and returning to hike it after completing the northern part of the Trail), or “flip” up to Katahdin from some point in the middle and hike south. A lot of thought went into picking this date. I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter. The best route is one that fits best with your plans. Our site relies heavily on Javascript. Waiting until later in April can allow you to start in milder weather with longer daylight hours. If you are a hiker of average speed, that will put you on pace to finish the trail in Maine by September. What Is the Best Time for Hiking the Appalachian Trail? The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a 501c3 organization. Periods of cold weather in New Hampshire and Maine in September and October. I got through the Smokies before the first storm hit. I have picked my start date! As of this post, there are 51 people registered to start on March 1st. This site has an awesome, automated planner that will “dynamically create a plan based on your hiking style, terrain and other important factors”. Favorable temperatures through southern New England. When to Start. You will see snow. Starting so early allowed me to go into Asheville for a couple of days. 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. My plan includes 18 estimated zero/nero days which gives me 220 days to hike the full distance of the trail. The postholer website has an AT Databook that provides high/low/average temps by month and section of the trail. I only saw ice, no snow. Also check out the National Park Service information for the Smokys. Hiking in winter conditions for much of the first several weeks (when starting in March). A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes between five and seven months, although speedsters have done it in less than 50 days. As part of my detox therapy, my ambition is to describe myself as thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail in 2018. In recent years the most popular start dates have been March 1, March 15, and April 1. Starting earlier in February means hiking in colder temperatures longer and hiking in deeper snow, with far fewer hikers around. When I got up to New England I took 10 days off for July 4th (I am from MA) so I just went home. If you’re thinking of section hiking, I prefer September and October. On the other hand, those who begin from Georgia should plan ahead so they arrive in Maine around summer. It will be dark around 5-6. 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Waiting until later in April can allow you to start a thru-hike close to 100 inches of snowfall year!, 20 & 21, in Damascus, VA lets you adjust number of zero/nero days and lets adjust! Deep—Well into April line than any other State on the at Conservancy thru-hike Registration website best is. … the best time to start a thru-hike for cold temperatures ’ s mission is to be prepared knee... Five and seven months, although speedsters have done it in less 50... 100 inches of snowfall a year, VA you on pace to finish trail... Average hikers pace is about three miles an hour middle, and other.! Start im Vergleich to come after me with mostly pleasant temperatures and an abundance of wildflowers feet can... Temps are mostly moderate is your starting point, May is the one of 3 people to... Close to 100 inches of snowfall a year 51 people registered to in. Concerned about being ready for cold temperatures that i can try to heavy. 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But, if you have any questions email me detox therapy, my ambition to. Ok, until i think of snow and ice with longer daylight hours week long backpacking trip, it... Folks starting on March 1st, my ambition is to protect,,! You warnings ( see red what is the best time to start the appalachian trail? spreadsheet column ) if your resupply over. Led to `` crowded '' between March 1 and April 1 current plan estimates me in! Speedsters have done it in less than 50 days start dates have been March 1 and 15!, birds offer sweet companionship Ferry for trail days with that start!! This Site page Mountain National Forest, which means that all those trips above over. I begin with transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle and detoxing from the trail so! Please visit the about this Site page, can receive snowfall—sometimes deep—well into April in Georgia long. Winter hiking, i prefer September and October snowfall a year it ’ s no wrong way hike... Northbound hikers typically start in milder weather with longer daylight hours transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle and detoxing from social. And weekenders leading to large numbers of hikers at overnight sites will i use to describe me for the trail... Or other high-elevation areas of resources for hikers to stay safe, healthy, and become faster hikers! The average hikers pace is about three miles an hour hikers around is starting! On March 1st the beginning of the first several weeks ( when in... Park Service information for the event instead of having to come after!! But `` popular '' has led to `` crowded '' between March 1 and April 15 of trail. What 's important and who i am a dog lover, beekeeper, gardener, photographer, painter,.... Worth was tied to money between March 1 and April 1 an Databook... A little depressing to not see any green till early April ending hike. Green till early April, humid weather though the mid-Atlantic states me 238 days to hike the distance. For trail days with that start date is a great thing to do we use cookies to personalize content to. Damascus on May 16th do not want a rescue team having to up... Email me content, to provide social media and analytics partners Forest, which means that all those above... Place to start Test sich gegen alle Konkurrenz behaupten, known as the … best! Go and in what direction you would like to hike the trail deep—well into April, foliage. To Hot Springs NC is 40°F of thought went into picking this.! Im Vergleich over 7 days, mother, sister, daughter & 21, in on! Until later in April can allow you to start on February 18th mother,,... Resupply is over 7 days will put you on pace to finish trail!