Oh man, from my research it seems the CDT is the big kahuna of the country. Much experience needed. Maybe I am wrong
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How about the Benton MacKaye Trail? Similar territory to the AT, but much quieter.
Yes. Of course. One can not hike the CDT until after you have paid your dues on the AT and PCT. Right. For a thru hike, perhaps. For 2 months, not so much.
Naturally, Guthook has an app for that.
On second thought, the Internet myth is correct. The trail will remain uncrowded while everyone follows the conventional wisdom.
Wayne
Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."
I skipped over this thread because you said "winter time".... September-November sure ain't winter, but as has already been implied, it's the perfect time of year to spend in the Southwest USA, southern Utah & Arizona in particular. As has been said, yep, do that AZ trail! I sure am planning on it. Or, hit the CDT southbound, starting in the San Juans of Colorado in September, perfect time of year. Or the desert portion of the PCT, all good stuff. Heck, start at a convenient place in the sierras and head south, snow and cold is not usually an issue until mid-late October, just stay flexible on your starting point if they get an early dump (same advice if you do a CDT section starting in Colorado).
Best hiking time of the year, hands down, IMO, here out west.
Post #13 and #27. San Juan mountains SOBO.
Rob knows.
Wayne
Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."
Lone Star Trail
http://lonestartrail.org/
A first-timer on the AZT should count on spending substantial extra time, money and effort on logistics, mainly placing water caches by car--preferably with high clearance and AWD. If you don't or can't do this, you should be experienced in desert hiking, including up to 40-mile water carries.
Travel to the termini is more difficult/expensive than with some other trails.
That is the perfect time frame for a SOBO AZT hike, and the solitude quotient is very high most of the way.
It might not be long enough but perhaps consider the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama and Georgia.
Just pointing out the AT and PCT have been winter hiked.
99.9% of us are 3 season hikers. But that 4th has a lot to offer. Just takes another gear set, and mindset. A little experience and common sense dont hurt either.
Damascus to Springer would be a good Sept-Nov hike. As a novice LD hiker, the AT offers the advantage of being logistically easy with many points to resupply or to bail out and go home from if something goes wrong or the reality doesn't match up with the fantasy. You can tent as much as you want (but will quickly discover the value of the shelters on rainy nights). You won't be totally alone, but you can find as much solitude as you want and while there will likely be others at the shelter or campsites at night, you'll probably find yourself alone many times.
I haven't seen the Oregon Desert Trail mentioned yet. It would also be fine in late fall/early winter.
I gotta ask...
What's wrong with your original plan starting on September 1? Possibly reversing directions? California and Oregon won't suddenly become buried under several feet of snow on September 1. Or even November 1.
A curious mind wants to know.
Wayne
Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."
Happy you bring this up, but I was under the impression once October hits the chance of snow storms arrive in the Sierras and north. Otherwise, I would love to stick to the original plan if I am medically released by September. (was in a car accident last December)
There's early 1-6 snow that is here today and gone tomorrow and much easier to contend with. Then there are 1-3 feet snowfalls that are a bit less pleasant.
Do some homework. Look at snowfall on both ends. Make your own decision.
Wayne
Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."
Should be 1-6 INCH snowfall.
Personally, but I've never seen the west coast mountains in October, I don't think snow in October would be a problem. Sure, it can snow in any month, but I have never been bothered by snowfall from July to October. It happens, just like rain, and it's over and you move on.
Wayne
Old. Slow. "Smarter than the average bear."