We spent last week on a New England road trip - 10 states in 10 days!
Our first stop was in Killington, Vermont where we stayed at the Inn at Long Trail before and after hiking the Appalachian Trail. Thoughts of being able to eat their delicious French toast helped us get through our last day on the trail! (see more photos of the Inn here)
Ever the overachievers, we picked the "strenuous" hike and overdid ourselves a bit. In the span of three days, it took us 18 hours to hike 22 miles and climb and descend seven different 2500+ foot peaks. We were exhausted!
The trail was gorgeous and all of our pain and agony brought us many wonderful views and nature-y smells (mmm...pine needles!).
The trail was really steep at this point. Steep enough to warrant an extension ladder...such a funny moment to encounter this!
We saw lots of moss covered quartz - so pretty!
No foot bridges here...
I don't think I've ever been more excited to see a mileage sign...4.2 miles to go until the end of our hike!
On top of the last hill.
This is what 3 days of sweat and rain does to us!
Check out the rest of the trail pictures here.
If you're interested in backpacking the trail, here are the three resources we'd recommend:
A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson's narrative of the 6 months he spent backpacking the AT (get the audiobook if you can!)
Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in South New England - Lists a handful of segment hikes that can be done on the trail and outlines parking, lodging, and water options along the way
Appalachian Trail Official Maps - lightweitght, waterproof map with elevations
I love New England!!! We've vacationed many times up North (North from where we live). Looks like a very tiring hike! Have you ever been to Maine, Acadia National Park has some wonderful trails.
Posted by: Stephanie | 26 June 2011 at 10:33 PM
PLease support my trip upcoming next spring. Trying to enjoy the trail like others and enjoy a life changing experience.
EASY THROUGH PAY PAL
http://www.gofundme.com/ajwrs
Posted by: Jason Major | 27 November 2011 at 03:58 PM
Climbers should wear rubber soled shoes or boots to avoid slipping. To secure the area, there should be a watch person standing by or the climber can rope off an area with yellow caution tape or something that warns passerby that the ladder is in use. Wind and overhead power lines often can interfere with safe extension ladder use and should be avoided.
Posted by: plumbing | 15 June 2012 at 06:05 AM