Appalachian Trail

[1KYBackpacker]

Hey, im planing on using my spring break to hike a part of the A.T. and was wondering if anyone knew any good sections within a <10 hour drive of Kentucky? I was thinking a 5-10 day hike but that is pretty flexible. Any help or info on experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[JayMMM]

I don't know the at well at all, but if no one here helps you try www.whiteblaze.net, tons of AT specific info.

[bdavison]

Well your closest bet would probably be Virginia. Best times to hike would probably be Sept-Oct or April-June.

Id probably head for the shenandoah, and hike the AT around Stoney Man. It would be pretty easy to stick a 30-40 plus mile stretch in there, and it would give you some fantastic views.

You could start just south of Stony Man, off skyline dr, and head north along the AT. And because skyline follows the AT for quite a while, it should be easy to get off trail pretty much whenever you want.

You will probably see LOTS of people depending on when you go.

Ive heard that its hikeable year-round, but I cant confirm this because Ive not hiked it during more than one season.<br><br>Post edited by: bdavison, at: 2008/12/10 05:48

[1KYBackpacker]

Thank you both very much for your help. Ive been doing a bit of research on the section you suggested bdavidson, and it looks fantastic. If possible, I would like to avoid seeing "LOTS" of people though... Do you know any other sections that are not terribly crowded? Oh and I would probably be going in the begining of April. Thanks Again!

[swoosh]

most NOBOs won't leave springer till mid march, possibly april. you should be good to avoiding the crowds around VA at that time of year, they'll be in the carolinas

[1KYBackpacker]

Thanks swoosh. With that, I think I've narrowed it down to Shenandoah or somewhere in the Smokies. For me, the more remote the better, views are a definite plus, and temps above twenty would be nice. Anyone think one is better than the other with those things in mind?

[swoosh]

honestly i don't think you can go wrong w/ either place. i think the smokies have some stricter enforcement of camping and such. definitely check the website before you roll

[1KYBackpacker]

Will do, thanks again swoosh. With a little luck, I might just find time to hike both!