It does. Thanks.Originally Posted by Hotgin
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
I just hiked a 10ish mile loop of the approach trail - hike inn trail today. I carried 2 liters to start and drank the last of it at the hike inn during lunchbreak at the overlook. around 6 miles. The hike inn trail does have plenty of water, and is a much easier grade than the approach trail at least up to the inn. Then steadily uphill around the north side of frosty.
I was on Springer on Sunday and guys were having trouble finding water at the shelter, although I didn't go looking myself FWIW. Stover creek was flowing and cold-delicious.
How far do you think you guys can reasonably hike before the "fun factor" starts to wither? You could go in the hike inn trail, camel and water up heavy at the last creek crossing and dry camp somewhere on the approach a mile further. then make it to springer the next day, if water isnt at the shelter hoof it 2.7 more to stover creek? 6.5-ish first day. 6-ish to stover creek shelter 2nd?
Whatever you decide have a great time ad stay safe!!
Thinking of the same tactic for the Duncan Ridge Trail when it gets colder. It's notoriously dry but drops out on the Duncan Ridge Forest Road at least twice.
Why not do another close by section that's not all up hill and has better views with water? Can't imagine hauling several gallons of water......doesn't sound fun....the Approach isn't even the "AT". Either way have fun
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Never done the approach. Since I'm thinking of hiking this weekend maybe I'll hit the same stretch!
Yup, there are better alternatives to hauling 3 days water on the Approach tr. Agreed three days to go nine miles during 12 hrs or so daylight EACH day seems excessively slow, even for one on crutches. Cache, get H2O from AF Visitors Center, get water form the top of the falls(never have seen them totally dry), Len Foote Inn next(that gets ya about 3.? miles in on the Approach trail already), caches, etc.
IMO, one of the biggest highlights of the Approach Tr is Amicalola Falls. If they aren't running consider another hike as Saltysack said for the reasons he said.
I really wanted to start the true "AT" with my husband who is about of commission for a bit. Also, I've seen or been to "The Falls" so I wanted to see that as well, in addition to wanting to do a pretty short distance with an easy off, made the approach trail make more sense to me. It is insanely slow, and we may do a little better than that, but I am just not putting an importance on time on this at all. No stress whatsoever. Just very low key and fun. It's an introduction to backpacking for my daughter so I want to make as easy and fun for her as possible. I imagine we may be able to pull off maybe 5 mile days without much stress, so we could feasibly make it to Three Forks by Monday, but I am not committed to anything in particular. That's what makes it so fun for me. Its a do as you please trip and I am very excited about that.
Dogwood, I will do what you suggest, Cache at Nimblewill, Get water from the top of the falls, then dry camp. I'm just not taking that much water from the start. Maybe each of us will take 4 - 20oz. bottles, just shy of 3 liters and use it sparingly. We will be eating a big breakfast at the top of the falls too, at the Maple Restaurant, so we shouldn't be thirsty or hungry for a little bit afterwards.
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
Just really wanted to see Amicalola. Never been there and want to save the true "AT" for when my husband and I can do it together. I will not be hauling several gallons of water. In this thread, thanks to my WB buddies, we have found a way or two around that. Trust me, we will have fun. My daughter and I have a good time going to the grocery store together so, it will be fun. The water situation is another reason I don't want to push too hard either. I just want us to mosey, and talk and laugh and cut up and be stupid and have fun. Less pushing means less water required.
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
Sounds like you have a good plan, may I suggest one thing. Electrolytes.
AT: 695.7 mi
Benton MacKaye Trail '20
Pinhoti Trail '18-19'
@leonidasonthetrail https://www.youtube.com/c/LeonidasontheTrail
Thanks. Yes of course. Half the water bottles start out as Gatorade bottles. Plus snack bars with added salt and potassium. We'll be covered.
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
Yeah, you don't want to be hauling 3 days H2O up the MANY steps to the top of the falls or at the top that may wind up being your day's total mileage.Might want to also solicit Approach Tr water availability DIRECTLY from those who have hiked the Approach Tr nearest your Approach Tr hike date.
I will be doing that. With the storms coming in, I am hoping there will be some rejuvenation of some of the dry spots. My hike date is in 2 days so I'm pretty close now. Maybe Friday's rains will make a difference. I will also be calling back to the visitor center Saturday morning in route, to see what the status is again. Not sure how to solicit directly, as I don't know who has hiked the approach most recently unless I ask the whole world first. I have had a few replies from people who were just there.Yeah, you don't want to be hauling 3 days H2O up the MANY steps to the top of the falls or at the top that may wind up being your day's total mileage.
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
My plans are up in there but if I can get out to Nimblewill and stash I just might. So when you get to the airplane crash memorial look around for a sign.
I will do that. Thanks and have a great hike!
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
Well, I'll be on the approach after all. My future son-in-law wants to hike with me this weekend. Maybe we'll see you on the trail!
Well, my first time on the Approach Trail. It can be my last. Tough trail! At least for me at this stage. I set some water out at Nimblewill Gap so I hope you got some, Lnj. Hiked up to Springer Shelter where we camped for the night. Lots of folks there. I can attest water is pretty scarce on that stretch. Recommendations to hit the Hike Inn are well warranted. I didn't check the Black Gap shelter water and only saw one other spring sign, I believe. Since we had stash we didn't stop.
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