What are some of the best places to go backpacking along the Appalachian Trail?
I'd love to take a weekend trip somewhere and do some backpacking for a couple of days. There are a ton of websites that talk through some of this, but I'd love to hear from someone with personal experience and some favorites.
Answers ( 2 )
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of amazing hikes along the appalachian trail! I can point to a few that my wife and I have had some great experiences with.
Grayson Highlands: Grayson Highland State Park is in the south-west portion of Virginia. This incredibly scenic area can be used for both day hikes and backpacking trips. There are both tent sites and cabins/yurts available to reserve if you prefer some higher level of comfort. One of the coolest parts of this area are the wild ponies. You are almost sure to see some grazing while you take in panoramic views of the appalachians.
McAfee Knob: McAfee knob is a very famous landmark along the appalachian trail. It is near Roanoake Virginia. This favorite picture spot can be accessed by a day hike, or could be used as part of a backpacking trip along this section of the AT. I have attached a picture so you can see why so many people make this a stop on their trips.
Dolly Sods: It isn't on the AT, but any east coast backpacker would do well to check out the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia. Dolly Sods can be a bit wet, but the views, different landscapes, and isolated feel make it worthwhile. Wild camping is the way to go here, so bringing water filtration or treatment is a must. You can make dozens of different loops out of the established trails to create a backpacking trip that suits your needs.
Maine is a good choice for remote hikes along the Appalachian Trail, especially the 100 Mile Wilderness near the northern end of the trail. The Mahoosic Range, near the NH stateline is another challenging area for hikes, as are the White Mountains in NH. The Whites offer cabins maintained and staffed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) for those who can afford the cost and don't want to set up a tent. There are also the usual free shelters scattered about.
Avoid the summer bug season by hiking the exposed ridges and mountain tops where the wind will keep you unbitten for the most part. Weather can be rough, so have a waterproof and a warm pullover packed. There's plenty of water but it should be filtered.