2 Week AT Trip Suggestion?

[Kelli]

I'm looking to plan a 2 week hike on the AT for sometime in 2010. Given that I will only have 2 weeks to hike, and have never hiked any of it before, what area/section would you recommend I do? I'd love to start at one end or the other, but I'm going to need a chunk somewhere in the middle to start at to help lessen the drive time to and from the trail back to WI. (Less driving = more hiking!) Any input would be great!

[GonzoJohn]

The AT through the Smokies is 72 miles. That would be pretty easy to do in the time frame you're talking about. It would also give you time to hike a couple of spur trails for sight-seeing.

[The Rabbit]

Hi Kelli,
Nothing like planing a trip! I'm partial to Maine, as I have hiked just about everything here, so my suggestion would be to hike the 100 Mile Wilderness, from Monson, ME to Katahdin, the last section of AT and the northern terminus of the trail at Katahdin. It's a little over a 100 miles, but if you're up for a good hike & a challenge, this would be it. A fall hike might be better to stay away from some of our infamous bugs, but summer is awesome too!
I understand that driving time = less time on the trail, so another section may be a better fit for your timeframe, but if I can offer more info, drop a line.
The Rabbit

[GonzoJohn]

Not sure I'd take on the 100 Mile Wilderness as my first major hike. Maybe the Shenandoah would also be an option. At least if you have some sort of accident, the Smokies and Shenandoah offer pretty decent access and are well traveled. Just a thought. I'm still going to hike the 100 Mile one day. Not sure if it is a good suggestion for a beginner.

[David Willette]

Kelli,

One of the greatest places on the trail is Damascus, VA. If this were my trip I would make Damascus my layover in the middle. Two weeks is difficult to plan not knowing how fast you typically hike. Some folks can easily cover 60 - 80 miles a week or more and some prefer (me included) a bit more leisurely pace. If you want to cover a wonderful variety of terrain and see some of the most beautiful vistas on the AT then I would begin at hwy321 in NC just before the Watauga Lake shelter and then, as I said, lay over in Damascus for a day or so. Then you can strike out for Partnership Shelter near Marion, VA. This stretch has it all ...even wild ponies :-)

Dave

[Kevin]

Demascus is a great section, but really you can spend ANYWHERE on the AT for 2 weeks and have fun. The PA/NJ/NY section is even pretty decent. You could easily cover a good section of the Northeastern part of the trail in PA.

This is just some of the fun you can expect from the area I was referring to.

[David Willette]

But does it have "wild ponies" Kevin?? lol
Northern PA is a great section from what I've heard. I haven't set foot on the AT in PA yet though. However. it is on my list for next spring if things work out as they should.

[Kevin]

Ha ha, true. I have yet to see a "Wild Pony" but I would go to the Asyteke Island which is also close by or however you spell it to see wild horses. But that is pretty damn cool.

[David Willette]

lol "Assateague" ...I love that name. That's another one of my favorite places on the planet ...I have a lot of those though ;)

The pic below is a sunset from Assateague island a few years back ...I didn't get any pony pics there though.

[Kevin]

Do they have wild ponies or is it all wild horses? Also, the arrowhead mountains in CO have one of the largest North American population of wild horses.

[David Willette]

I think it's Ponies there Kevin (not entirely sure though)
I Would love to make it to the Arrowheads someday ...I need more vacation time, lol.