what 600 miles ?

[ged123]

hi could i ask if you where to do 600 mils of the A.T which 600 mile section would you choose ?...... I am thinking of a trip in 2012 but only have 9 weeks or so to hike and coming from scotland . would appreicate any help thank you

[M1 Thumb]

What time of the year will you be coming?

[Johnny Thunder]

vt/nh/me in the later summer/fall. maybe august 1 to october 15.

[ged123]

was thinking of some where between jun and oct

[kayak karl]

i would do katahdin south. you will get some great views and some nice towns. my favorite with august start.

[Lone Wolf]

i would do katahdin south. you will get some great views and some nice towns. my favorite with august start.

yeah this is the best

[Cookerhiker]

I agree with Karl & Wolf's suggestion if you start mid-July to August. That way you can hike as far as your schedule permits - perhaps get to NY for your return flight.

If you're starting in June, I'd begin at North Adams, Massachusetts (MA Rt 2 crossing) and hike north to Katahdin - total 596 miles.

[ged123]

thanks for the advice guys quite fancy trying for new york to katahdin... think i would prefer to go south to north.....

[rickb]

was thinking of some where between jun and oct

You might also time your trip to end up in North Adams, Massachusetts for the ALDHA gathering October 7 - 9.

To get an idea about what the event is all about, you might want to check out Weathercarrot's most excellent video on youtube-- be sure to search for then watch all five parts of the series, Later chapters cover the gathering in more depth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33o9dUwzow0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDvkYV3rHzo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DLtM..._order&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpPpg..._order&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN6xX..._order&list=UL



While I have never been to one of these events, that video sure makes a compelling case for attending.

The 2011 location is for all intents "on the trail" and about 600 miles from Katahdin. I would think it easy to arrange transportation to NY or Boston airports from there. Fall in VT and Western MA is amazingly beautiful.

[rickb]

Ooops.

I just reread that you are thinking of 2012.

Sorry. The venue changes.

But you could come this year!

[ged123]

wish i could come this year rickb but got to save up some cash lol

[Cookerhiker]

thanks for the advice guys quite fancy trying for new york to katahdin... think i would prefer to go south to north.....

9 weeks = 63 days - yeah, I think you can do it. Fly to New York City, take the MetroNorth train to Peekskill and cab to Bear Mountain (or take a bus to Bear Mountain) and start north. You'll need to average 12 1/2 miles per day to reach Katahdin (787 miles). If you want to shave off 44 miles, take the train to Pawling and start your hike on NY Rt. 22.

Assuming you're in decent shape, the first few weeks are less difficult than average - some up and down but I don't recall any single ascents over 1,000' until Schaghticoke in CT more than 50 miles into your hike (from Bear Mountain). Try to minimize zero days in the beginning so you allow plenty of time for the White Mountains and Maine where the terrain will slow you down.

Have a great hike!

[10-K]

9 weeks = 63 days - yeah, I think you can do it. Fly to New York City, take the MetroNorth train to Peekskill and cab to Bear Mountain (or take a bus to Bear Mountain) and start north. You'll need to average 12 1/2 miles per day to reach Katahdin (787 miles). If you want to shave off 44 miles, take the train to Pawling and start your hike on NY Rt. 22.

Assuming you're in decent shape, the first few weeks are less difficult than average - some up and down but I don't recall any single ascents over 1,000' until Schaghticoke in CT more than 50 miles into your hike (from Bear Mountain). Try to minimize zero days in the beginning so you allow plenty of time for the White Mountains and Maine where the terrain will slow you down.

Have a great hike!

I did this same exact hike (Bear Mt. to Katahdin) this summer in exactly 6 weeks, took 3 zeros and 3 days I hiked less than 10 miles.

It's definitely very doable in 9 weeks.

[Pedaling Fool]

thanks for the advice guys quite fancy trying for new york to katahdin... think i would prefer to go south to north.....

Good idea. If you do Katahdin, it is best to save it for last.

[Blissful]

If you have 9 weeks Go CT / Mass border north to Katahdin. Best scenery and you will be in shape before the tougher terrain.

[ged123]

reading all the replyes i want to pack up and go now lol ...... think i will plan form bear mountain and go north to Katahdin . Aug to sep thanks again for all ur help guys......

[rickb]

I did this same exact hike (Bear Mt. to Katahdin) this summer in exactly 6 weeks, took 3 zeros and 3 days I hiked less than 10 miles.

It's definitely very doable in 9 weeks.

All depends on the individual of course-- age, experience hiking style, etc.

Don't I recall seeing that you are one of those 49 year old guys who can actually run 50 miles at a stretch on occasion?

[Cookerhiker]

reading all the replyes i want to pack up and go now lol ...... think i will plan from bear mountain and go north to Katahdin . Aug to sep thanks again for all ur help guys......

Here's the bus schedule from NYC: http://www.coachusa.com/shortline/ss...d=752693952963

Here's the weekday train schedule to Peekskill:
http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/plannin...9_27vFINAL.pdf

[sixhusbands]

So if you are set on going north, then bring along your cold weather gear for the later months. It will get much colder and snowier as you get closer to Maine even in September! and remember that Baxter Park, more particularly access to Mt. Kataydin usually closes around October 15th.

[BradMT]

New England, hand's down. Specifically VT, NH and Maine.