talus
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Post by talus on Feb 15, 2017 10:31:37 GMT -8
I'm trying to figure out the details of my Wife and I's Presi traverse this early September. What is the best way to shuttle and get an early start? The AMC runs a shuttle but drop off time at Appalachia Trail Head is around 10:00. Are commercial shuttles available? Would early morning hitchhiking be possible? Thanks for any input...
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Post by vinovampire on Feb 17, 2017 18:26:53 GMT -8
Where are you planning to stay? I've taken the shuttle from the Highland Center to the Valley Way Trailhead at Appalachia. Then I've hiked up to the Valley Way Campsite and/or Madison Hut. Hiked to the summit of Mt Madison, watched the sunset, got a good night of sleep, and then headed across the ridge in the morning. I thought that approach worked nicely. In my mind, by starting from the campsite or hut, you can truly get an early start on your hike across the ridgeline.
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daveg
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Michigan
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Post by daveg on Feb 17, 2017 23:57:37 GMT -8
When I hiked the Presidentials last summer, I stayed at the hiker hostel at White Birches Camping Park (between Gorham and Shelburne, NH). There was a 70-something retired guy -- Bruce Feige -- who, for years, has lived in a trailer at the campground during the season and provided shuttles for AT hikers. The hostel was convenient and inexpensive and since Bruce lived at the CG an early morning departure was not a problem. The White Birches is currently closed for the season and Bruce goes south for the winter. Also, Bruce is getting up there in years so there is no guarantee he will be providing shuttles next September. But once spring rolls around, it may be worth giving them a call. Bruce's phone number is 504-615-9497. Don't email him; he only responds to calls. The White Birches number is 603-466-2022. Bob and Janet are the owners and very nice folks. They know Bruce well since he is a seasonal regular. If Bruce isn't available, they may be able to refer you to someone else. Or you can call people on the ATC Shuttle List. That's how I initially lucked out with Bruce. There are other options but the few I checked out were comparatively expensive. I heard mixed reports from hikers who tried hitching -- some said it was easy to get a ride, others said it was extremely difficult. I only hitched once -- I finally got a ride but it took long enough that I went the shuttle route.
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talus
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Post by talus on Feb 18, 2017 1:12:32 GMT -8
We are staying at the Lake of the Clouds hut (wife's birthday and splurging). We'd like to leave our car at the Highland Center and get a shuttle to Appalachia. We'd like to start near dawn if we can. Thanks for the tips.
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Feb 21, 2017 11:33:31 GMT -8
When I did the 1-day Presidential Traverse I drove up to the north trailhead early morning from my motel in Bretton Woods (don't remember the name). After completing the traverse I was lucky enough to hitch a ride back to my motel, about 4.5mi away. If I hadn't got the ride, I was planning to walk that. The next morning, I walked over to the AMC Highland Center where I caught the shuttle to Appalachia and my car. That very day I drove all the way back to Pittsburgh!
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talus
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Post by talus on Feb 22, 2017 14:18:59 GMT -8
Damn, GaliWalker, that was one hell of a hike and one hell of a drive! We plan to make more of a vacation out of it!
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Feb 22, 2017 15:11:16 GMT -8
We plan to make more of a vacation out of it! I think that's by far the better way to do this, if you aren't into that "1-day challenge" business. The scenery is spectacular! I would have loved to have spent longer. Maybe next time.
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Post by pedxing on Feb 23, 2017 7:44:27 GMT -8
In addition to the ATC shuttle list from dave, you can get referrals from some of the hiker hostels. Also, one service I've seen recommended is: www.trailangelshikerservices.comYou're wise to go north to south, I've found it to be easier than the other direction. Either way, the abundance of places to stop, get water and food (the huts + Mount Washington summit) mean you can keep your load relatively light.
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talus
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Post by talus on Mar 1, 2017 4:17:55 GMT -8
Any suggestions for funky places to camp or stay overnight that I might surprise my Wife with? How about any less touristy places to eat-brewpubs perhaps? We have about 4 days in the area so I'd like to also do a dayhike or two as well. Thanks for the info!
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Mar 1, 2017 11:19:09 GMT -8
We have about 4 days in the area so I'd like to also do a dayhike or two as well. If you haven't seen it before, I would highly recommend a visit to The Flume, in nearby Franconia Notch State Park.
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Post by pedxing on Apr 6, 2017 6:46:34 GMT -8
Lake of the Clouds is a good idea. Are you only staying on night on the traverse? There are 2 other AMC huts along the Presidential Traverse. The Randolph Mountain Club keeps a couple cabins, but they are more out of the way - even if much cheaper. There isn't much legal camping along the route of the Traverse. Nauman Tent Sites near the southern end, Valley Way near the northern end and the RMC tent platforms in the north. For a major splurge, the Mount Washington Hotel is a classic. For dining it depends on what you like. Conway is full of places to eat. Moat Mountain Brewery is a nice brew pub with good BBQ. Woodstock in is a classic spot also, in Lincoln on I-93. It's popular, lively and has a great variety. I used to adore the Sunny Day diner in Woodstock, but haven't been there in years so I don't know how it is. www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?32542-Best-restaurant-for-post-hike-dinner-in-Whiteswww.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?54359-worth-a-new-quot-Best-restaurant-for-post-hike-dinner-in-Whites-quot-thread
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talus
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Post by talus on Aug 22, 2017 10:51:48 GMT -8
Bruce Feige -- who, for years, has lived in a trailer at the campground during the season and provided shuttles for AT hikers. He's giving us the shuttle. Thanks so much for the tip!
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daveg
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Michigan
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Post by daveg on Aug 25, 2017 19:36:58 GMT -8
Bruce Feige -- who, for years, has lived in a trailer at the campground during the season and provided shuttles for AT hikers. He's giving us the shuttle. Thanks so much for the tip! Good to hear Bruce is still going strong. Have a great hike!
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talus
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Post by talus on Sept 7, 2017 12:26:01 GMT -8
Bailed on our traverse. Forecast was for an inch of rain the day we were to start. Another inch that night. We probably could have made it to the hut, but a miserable hike with no views and the risk of hypothermia didn't seem real fun. Next time we will count on camping so that we don't get nailed with that non-refundable hut fee.
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talus
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Post by talus on Sept 7, 2017 12:27:40 GMT -8
If you haven't seen it before, I would highly recommend a visit to The Flume, in nearby Franconia Notch State Park. We did that, and it was really nice, with great light as well.
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