My son and I, age 53 and 21, are planning to hike the Whites June 18-25. I'm thinking of leaving my car in Gorham, getting shuttled south to Crawford Notch State Park, hiking NOBO to Pinkham Notch. We have been section hiking the AT for the last 11 years now and want to step it up a few notches. We have hiked mainly just south of the Shenandoah's to Harper's Ferry, which have been relatively easy.
This section is only 26 miles, but considering we have never done anything this difficult, I am not expecting long mile days. If we have extra time, maybe we can do a day hike or 2.
Question #1: Does this time of the year make sense or should I wait till July sometime?
Question #2: We have been using hammocks for several years, can I use a hammock in the Whites? Should we get tents?
Question #3: Are the black flies really bad this time of the year?
Question #4: Do we have to stay at shelter or campground? Backcountry camping permitted? Obviously not above treeline.
Question #5: It looks like the avg temp this time of the year on Mount Washington is lows in 40's and 50's, High's in the 50's - 60's. Obviously this is above treeline, would it be much warmer in the trees? Or do I simply plan plan for any temp from 30 -90 ?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.