daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
Posts: 565
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Post by daveg on Aug 14, 2015 20:17:28 GMT -8
If you're considering the southern AT, the Smokies are beautiful. But the weather can be extremely variable. When I hiked the AT through the Smokies in late October, 2006, I encountered snow and ice, nighttime low temperatures got down to the teens (F) and there were several days when the high temperature never got above freezing. But I was told that was a colder than usual autumn. And keep in mind that AT hikers must overnight at the shelters. Reservations are required except for AT thru-hikers, which are defined as AT hikers who begin and end their hike at least 50 miles outside the park. If you're willing to jump around a bit, the Grayson Highlands (in southern Virginia) is another of my favorite sections of the AT. The folks at whiteblaze.net can provide a lot of good suggestions and information.
Another suggestion is the Florida National Scenic Trail. About 10 years ago, I hiked the Ocala National Forest section (~76 miles) in early January. Not mountain scenery, but very scenic in its own way and I really enjoyed it. Generally comfortable weather -- a couple of days had high temps close to 80 and there were several nights when the lows approached freezing. I can't speak to what the trail is like north and south of the Ocala section, but I've been wanting to go back and do more of the trail.
The Ouachita Trail (~200 miles in Oklahoma and Arkansas) and Ozark Highlands Trail (~200 miles in northwest Arkansas) are on my "would like to do" list. No personal experience but I've read some good things about them and got a positive review of the Ouachita Trail from a friend and his wife who did a short section several years ago.
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Post by hikerjer on Aug 15, 2015 11:43:46 GMT -8
I'm genuinely surprised no one has mentioned the Grand Canyon. It simply cannot be beat for late fall or winter hiking, at least IMO. The opportunities for longer distances abound and the scenery is just fantastic. I highly recommend looking into it. Just do your research and get your campsite reservations in early as it's a popular time but I don't think you'll have too much of a problem. If at all possible, try to working in a night at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon (Bright Angel trail terminus) and book a meal Their stew is out of the world. Ansd a cold beer(s) taste pretty good as well after days of hiking. The weather should be very pleasant. Two years ago we did a two week hike there in January and it remains one of my all-time favorite hiking experiences. FYI, we entered the Canyon at the Grandview trailhead and came out at Hermit's Rest. Phantom Ranch and it's amenities were right in the middle of the hike. Worked out very nicely. If you have three weeks you could still work in a short hike in Utah - say Zion or Canyonlands if you have transportation to them.
Best of luck. Hope you have a great walk.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,962
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Post by Westy on Aug 15, 2015 14:45:09 GMT -8
Jer has a point! Here are two photos from the first week of November last year
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Post by rwtb123 on Aug 15, 2015 18:05:51 GMT -8
If you're considering the southern AT, the Smokies are beautiful. But the weather can be extremely variable. That is an understatement and I would apply it more broadly to the entire So.Appalachians above say 5000' in particular the high altitude balds.I encountered light snow,sleet,hail and high winds with zero visibility on the Roan Highlands in a May.If considering the So. A.T. I would try to stay between 3000-4000' where you will still get great views but less variable weather.I think most of the sections I mentioned are below 5000' except Steacoh Gap,Wayah Bald,Standing Indian,Albert areas in the So.N.C. section.But another perfect option for views,remoteness and less variable weather would be the Virginia section of the A.T. between Roanoke and Harpers Ferry.The first part is along the Blue Ridge Parkway and national forest land and a number of scenic wilderness areas.The second part is along the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah NP but after the leaf traffic is gone and the last section includes the No.Va rollercoaster section because of the numerous up and downs.I lived in the Blue Ridge Mtns a 7 mile hike on private property over a 3000' bald to the Shenandoah N.P. and I loved November in that area. www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=117383Another suggestion is the Florida National Scenic Trail. November is still the rainy season in Florida which means there still could be tropical weather and the low lying areas will still be very wet,which is why most long distance hikers start the Florida Trail in January.But Ocala NF up through the Suwannee River section should be doable that time of year.
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Post by jammer on Aug 28, 2015 8:00:57 GMT -8
Thanks for all your replies folks. I've spent the last two weeks deliberating and have decided on the southern 200 miles or so of the Appalachian Trail starting around the beginning of November!
Any of you AT experts keep an eye out for my future posts - there are likely to be many questions!
Again, thanks all for your suggestions and help.
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