The white mountains in 2.5 weeks

[Kerosene]

and another (big) question - do you think I should go and hike a different section of the AT?
a one which is beutiful but less difficult?

If you're in shape, like to climb high steep rocky mountains, have the right equipment, have quite a bit of long-distance backpacking experience, and won't mind a lot of scrambling and walking a good mile-an-hour below your typical striding pace, then the Whites in September can be absolutely gorgeous. My best section hike by far.

If those pre-requisites concern you, then there are a lot of other lovely sections to consider. From NYC, you could hike from the Bear Mountain Bridge north to Hanover and start to see the leaves change. Much easier terrain and better suited to a consistent stride. You could head south and go from Harpers Ferry through Shenendoah National Park to Waynesboro, where you won't get the colors in September but it is a lovely time of year and generally warmer. Further south there are even more options, such as Damascus Highlands, Roan Mountain, the Smokies, etc.

I think your issue is how much of a challenge do you want. Best of luck.

[magneto]

I am jealous of you! Come and enjoy! The White Mountain Guide is also available on-line:

http://www.wmgonline.org

There is small subscription fee, but the trip planner allows you to pick your route on a map and it gives you an itinerary including times, distances, elevations, trail descriptions and camping options.

Very, very useful.

[danieldok]

hey,

as I wrote before - I did 3 years in the army and crossed Israel for 2 month with my backpack - I believe I mentali fit for it, and of course it sounds like an amazing place. as for equipment:

waterproof tent - need to buy one in Campmor NJ
gregory backpack
good shoes - need to buy
waterproof storm clothing - shirt and pants

do I need wind jacket like SoftShell?

gas stove - can I find gas balloons along the trail?

matress - i have one that you fill air in it

walking sticks

gloves, hat, socks, underwear - the usual

and all the regular stuff - maps, flashlight, first aid, etc...

do I need gaiters?

and did I forgot anything?



another thing - I am coming alone and plan to meet people on the way. is it comon to meet hikers along the way everyday?

[Slo-go'en]

Your rain jacket and pants will work for wind shell, no need for another.

It can get quite chilly in the evenings and early mornings, 0 to 5*C (30-40 F) bring an approperate sleeping bag and jacket for those kinds of temps. Above tree line, wind chill can be well below freezing.

No need for gaiters this time of year.

No matter what kind of fuel you need, you can easily get it here.

Be sure to have a good headlamp with long life batteries. It gets dark well before the sun actually sets if your on the wrong side of a ridge and in a valley. If your up high, it can stay light much longer. Chances are good you will be hiking after dark and setting up camp/cooking at dark or twilight. Remember, your going to be quite a bit north of Israel in terms of latitude (nearly the 45th parallel, half way to the north pole) and the sun sets a lot earlier then your used to for September.

I don't know what kind of trails you have over there, but I have a feeling you will be quite amazed at the ones we have here in the Whites. We like to make you do some serious work to get to the top of a hill, by going as nearly vertical as possible. And trail builders have a rule of thumb which states "Don't go around something if you can climb over it". Even if that climb is completely insane. And of course, switch backs are forbiden here.

[Slo-go'en]

Oh, and as far as meeting people, there will be pleanty. Most will be thru-hikers making a last minute dash to try and finish. If the weather is nice on a weekend, there will be many weekend hikers out. During the week it will be fairly quiet, with mostly just the thru-hikers about.

[q-tip]

Some Pics Kinsman Mtn. NH-Lovely.......

[danieldok]

to everyone - thank you so much for your help and information.
I feel ready and tomorrow I take the flight to new york.
I will visit Campmor for equipment, and start from Hanover.

you really helped me,

see you on the trail!

[Chaco Taco]

to everyone - thank you so much for your help and information.
I feel ready and tomorrow I take the flight to new york.
I will visit Campmor for equipment, and start from Hanover.

you really helped me,

see you on the trail!

Good luck. You will be fine. Starting from Hanover is wise. The climb up Smarts Mtn will give you a good intro to NH. The stretch after that is easy until you get to Glencliff. Have fun. There are plenty of folks up here that will be more than willing to help you out if you get in jam.

[danieldok]

and just want to show you my list, if you have any comments:

Thermic long-sleeved shirt
fleece long sleeved shirt
2

Wickable shirts
rain jacket & rain pants
wool hat + wool gloves
hat
2 trekking pants
night shoes (crocs)
Boots - I will buy in NJ
tent - in NJ
2 walking sticks
very good matress (that you put air in it - how you call it in english?)
20 degrees sleeping bag of Alpine
3 underwear
2 socks

first aid kit - what do I need for the Whites?
and should I bring anti-muskito sprey?

[danieldok]

and:
flashlight
rope
sewing stuff
stove + plate + pot
closed bag for food - do I need it?
map
Life-Straw
Gregory Triconi 60L