[Andrew]

Hey all, I was wondering what your suggestions would be for decent two day hike. I'd like it to be something rewarding, but not crazy as I am going to try and convince the woman to go.

I'm going to be working on my longer distance hiking this year and want to get started with something new. I like day hiking and all, but it's my dream to hike the AT and I need to work myself up to that over the next couple years.

Thanks for any feedback!
-a

[Chris42]

i cant believe 14 people have looked at this and not responded. Anyway if you havent done much overnight camping be for warned that backpack can get heavy quickly. It is a common mistake to over pack your pack. Try and limit the weight to under 40 lbs if your trip is for less than 3-4 days. Unfortunately i have found few women who can handle multi-day hikes(not say there aren't any, i do know 1 and she can out hike me anytime) so also be for warned about a ticked off lady how thinks your moving way to fast on the trail. If it's the AT that is your ultimate goal then why not start right there. The AT cuts through Vt, Nh, Ma, Ct, & Maine there are shelters and tent site along the trail i suggest getting a trail map of the AT for your areas locate the various shelters and make a weekend of it. The AT in New England has tough spots on it typical NE rocky up and down trails and be prepared for weather. You can also try and get a hold of a book called Hikers Guide to NH by Jared Gange Third edition. There is a a lot of info on both day hikes and overnight hikes. Enjoy Dude!

[dudley]

I hope you get lots of replies, Andrew. I also hope you got yourself an AMC White Mountain Guide. The new edition is out.
http://www.mountainw...com/hiking.html

There's plenty of nice overnights, but the first one to come to mind for me is the Baldface loop. The Baldfaces have open summits with great views, are only around 3,500' so it's not some death march with a heavy pack, and are a bit out of the way so they tend to be less crowded during prime season.
You could take the southe leg of Baldface Circle trail to South Baldface, then head north toward the Blue Brook Shelter. The next day you could either take the Basin Trail down and hitch back to the car or retrace your steps a bit and continue the loop down the north leg of the Baldface Circle trail back to your starting point.
I have always liked the Evans Notch area of the Whites due to the minimal crowds, good car campgrounds, trout fishing, swimming holes, blueberrys.... ahh... maybe I'll take my own advice

[Andrew]

dudley, on Apr 25 2007, 11:37 AM, said:

I hope you get lots of replies, Andrew. I also hope you got yourself an AMC White Mountain Guide. The new edition is out.
http://www.mountainw...com/hiking.html

Got it!

:beer: :beer:

Excellent responses you guys! I will look deeper into the AMC guide book and pull out a decent trip. I'd like it to be a loop.

[New Hampshire]

You could do a Pemi WIlderness traverse. Its kind of long, but basically flat walking. Go in from Lincoln Woods and head out Zealand through Zealand Notch. You get to tramp through some woods and over trails that are rarely used and touched by the feet of humans. (downside is you need two cars.)

Another is to take the Rocky Branch trail from Jericho road and go to Isolation. You have two or three shelters, and a host of places to pitch tent, you get Isolation, a BEAUTIFUL trail walk (this trail is my personal favorite!) and a night in the woods!

Brian

[bobelle]

Not to worry Dudley...I got him the book...no more gettin lost for us!

Also, I do believe that I would not be able to pack light. I know that I will be forced to...but I don't have to like it!

[Andrew]

Ok, here's what I'm thinking.

Park at the beginning of the Lincoln Woods Trail (112)

Hike up the Lincoln Woods Trail until the Franconia Brook Trail

Take the Franconia Brook Trail to the Thirteen Falls Tent site.

Camp

Come home the same route.

Looks like a good, long trail. It's also mostly low levels so the snow should be out of there first.


Thoughts?

[New Hampshire]

Andrew, on Apr 25 2007, 08:17 PM, said:

Ok, here's what I'm thinking.

Park at the beginning of the Lincoln Woods Trail (112)

Hike up the Lincoln Woods Trail until the Franconia Brook Trail

Take the Franconia Brook Trail to the Thirteen Falls Tent site.

Camp

Come home the same route.

Looks like a good, long trail. It's also mostly low levels so the snow should be out of there first.


Thoughts?

That might be a good idea, one a couple friends of mine did last summer. Whats nice is you have the option of easily hitting up Garfield or Galehead/Twins as long as the snow is not too bad. The only problem is the water crossings.......if the waters are high (from rain or snowmelt) it can be a royal pain in the butt.

Brian

[Andrew]

New Hampshire, on Apr 26 2007, 07:05 AM, said:

The only problem is the water crossings.......if the waters are high (from rain or snowmelt) it can be a royal pain in the butt.

Good call, I was hoping to do something in the first or second week of may. I'd bet it will still be pretty wet up there...


hmmm...

[New Hampshire]

Ok, how about this.........

Park at the Basin parking lot (very important to park here as it will save you half a mile or more). Take the bike path to Liberty Springs trailhead. Go up the Liberty Springs Trail (ironically part of the AT) to Liberty Springs Tensite and drop packs for the day. Head up and touch Liberty (and Flume if you feel like it....no reason not too since you have all day.) Come back to Liberty Springs and enjoy your night. The Next day grab your gear and walk Franconia Ridge over to Lafayette. Head down the Old Bridal Path out to the Bike trail. Walk the bike trail back to your car at the Basin.

Long, rewarding, and you only need one car.

Brian