march weather???
Does anyone know what I should expect the weather to be like on the trail and in the mountains in early march in GA and TN??????
Expect freezing to just above freezing nights. Cool day time temps. Possibility of snow until April.
''Tennessee Viking'
Mountains to Sea Trail Hiker & Maintainer
Former TEHCC (AT) Maintainer
This was in March
And this was in April
Comes in like a lion. While each year is different, the only general thing that we can say about the North Georgia weather in early March is "cold, wet and miserable. If you go to Trail Journals and read about all the people who get driven off the Appalachian Trail and fail in the thru-hike because early on they encountered miserable weather. For example: Springer Mtn to Neels Gap is 2 or 3 days in good weather and 5 or 6 in bad. That's 5 or 6 days of wet frozen feet. They start questioning themselves right away. A good start is very important. One way to get a good start is to avoid the deep part of winter. A thru-hike is hard enough in the best weather. I highly recommend starting in late March or early April. You will increase the odds of success.
john gault has it right. But on the days when it is not icy and snowing you can find yourself hiking in bright sunshine 70s with no shade to hide from it. Bring sunscreen. Bottom line, be prepared for everything as temps can be in the mid-teens up to the 70s. In the six years I have been up here at Grassy Gap I have pretty much seen it all in March.
True, I have gotten sunburned one day and then the next day froze!Originally Posted by FatMan
If you leave in April you'll have a better hiking experience at both the start and the finish.
The weather can literally do anything in March, even day by day. Expect full shelters too, so be prepared to tent in rain and/or snow.
March 1, 2010
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March 2, 2010
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The weather can literally do anything in March, even day by day. Expect full shelters too, so be prepared to tent in rain and/or snow.<br><br>March 1, 2010<br><img src="http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=13492&stc=1" attachmentid="13492" alt="" id="vbattach_13492" class="previewthumb"><br><br>March 2, 2010<br><img src="http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=13493&stc=1" attachmentid="13493" alt="" id="vbattach_13493" class="previewthumb">
+ 1 on that. Starting in good weather will leave you in a good frame of mind.
Panzer
Unless you like your water bottles freezing, March 1st is a great date! I would definitely start later though!
Cold or hot. Take your pick.
We had 70s in the Smokies in March and snow and teens in TN/NC in April
Those are some great pictures...looks like fun winter is my favorite season to hike in.
Depends on what you prefer...... leaving in early March & keeping up a good pace can have you in Maine in early July & avoiding almost all hot weather.Unless you like your water bottles freezing, March 1st is a great date! I would definitely start later though!
I really don't like hiking in the heat & this plan worked really well for me.....but the question is what do you prefer ?
Agree 100% with other posters who said March weather can be really variable, sunburned one day, snowed on the next !
Well I hate the heat....so I think I will stick with my plans and shoot for warmly march....thanks for all the info and advice....diesel
I'll take the cold over the heat any day...you can always put on more clothes or keep hiking to stay warm...if you are hot, there is only so much you can take off without breaking any laws. Well, unless it is hike naked day!!!
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