So far I have section hiked from Springer to Harpers Ferry, usually in week long sessions. Now I have the opportunity to go out for a longer period of time. At this time though I don't want to attempt a full thru hike. But I would like to walk north for 4 to 6 weeks beginning early or mid May 2020.
For the sections that I've done so far I have used my car and a shuttle service but I don't think that will work well for a longer period.
My plan is to fly to Washington DC then take a train or shuttle to Harpers Ferry. In Harpers Ferry I would pick up alcohol for my stove then head north. I don't plan on mail drops but plan to re-supply about every 4 or 5 days.
Depending on how the hike goes I plan to walk to Pawling , NY. My questions mostly have to do with the logistics of the getting back home.
To return home I thinking of taking the Metro train to New York City then fly back to Knoxville.
Is it difficult to travel with a pack on the metro? I would likely need to pick up a duffel bag or a box to fly with my pack back home.
If I don't get as far as Pawling I could possibly shuttle to Scranton or Philadelphia then fly home. Or if things go really well and I want to continue further I could be open to flying back from somewhere else such as Albany or Hartford.
Round trip tickets are less expensive but I don't want to be bound by a tight schedule. Thoughts?