A three night backpacking trip through Cumberland Gap National Historical Park along the Ridge Trail from Pinnacle Overlook to White Rocks.

There are over 85 miles of hiking trails in the park ranging from short, easy 1/4 mile hikes to the 21 mile Ridge Trail.

Backcountry trails lead to remote, wilderness areas. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated sites with a permit. Permits are free of charge and can be obtained at the park visitor center.

Video shot by  bedelay

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I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

The United States Congress designated the Citico Creek Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 16,226 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Tennessee and is managed by the Forest Service. The Citico Creek Wilderness is bordered by the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness to the east.

Elevations range from 1,400 feet to about 4,600 feet, with only a few of the rugged upper terrain’s slopes inclined less than 30 degrees. The Wilderness contains the entire upper drainage of Citico Creek, which consists of the North and South Forks and at least eight clear-running tributaries

Thirteen trails totaling 57.4 miles provide access to much of the Wilderness. Most of the paths at lower elevations follow old tramways or roads with gentle inclines, but may require “wet” crossings (typically streams). Upper-elevation trails grow faint and sometimes remarkably steep. The 10.6-mile Fodderstack Trail, often used by horsepackers, runs along the Unicoi Mountains, passing near the crests of Big Fodderstack and Little Fodderstack. Several trails lead into the neighboring Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and North Carolina.

Brian Delay puts together some excellent Backpacking videos. This is one of them. This video on the North Fork of Citico Creek. Located in the South District of Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee.

The 20,000-acre Otter Creek Wilderness is located in the Tucker and Randolph Counties, West Virginia. It is bordered on the East by McGowan and on the West by Shavers Mountains. Alpena Gap along US33 marks its southern border while it’s northern boarder reaches all the way up to WV72.

The entire wilderness is basically a bowl and includes almost the entire drainage areas of Otter Creek and Shavers Lick Run. It was designated a wilderness area by Congress back in 1975 and is maintained under the Wilderness Act of 1964.

The wilderness is also a haven for wildlife. While hiking through the Wilderness, one might encounter black bear, whitetail deer, wild turkey, grouse, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit, and a variety of squirrels. Mink and beaver inhabit the streams and creeks while blue crayfish can be found along the damp trails.

This video was shot by:

The Ojito Wilderness (pronounced: O-Hee-TOE).

Historically, several human cultures have tried to carve a living from Ojito’s rugged terrain, rocky soils and scarce water supply. Although several types of ruins exist within the area, including those of the Anasazi, Navajo, and Hispanic cultures, very few historical records exist concerning their lives here.

Fossil remains of rare dinosaurs, plants and trees have been discovered in the Ojito Wilderness. They are found in the 150 million-year-old Jurassic Age Morrison Formation. Because these fossil remains of plants and animals provide critical information about life during this period, it is very important that they remain undisturbed in place until they can be collected and studied by professional paleontologists. Collection of these fossils is prohibited unless authorized by permit.

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I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

The Gila Wilderness (pronounced: HEE-la) was designated the world’s first wilderness area on June 3, 1924. Along with Aldo Leopold Wilderness and Blue Range Wilderness, the 558,014 acres (2,258.2 km2) wilderness is part of New Mexico’s Gila National Forest. The wilderness is approximately 27 miles (43 km) from north to south and 39 miles (63 km) east to west. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is found within the wilderness.

The Gila Wilderness is located in southwest New Mexico, north of Silver City and wrapping around Reserve. It contains the West Fork, Middle Fork and much of the East Fork of the Gila River; riverside elevations of around 5,000 ft (1,500 m) are the lowest in the wilderness. The Mogollon Mountains traverse an arc across the southwest of the wilderness. The tallest peak within this range, Whitewater Baldy at 10,895 ft (3,321 m), anchors the western point of the wilderness. At the northeast corner is Black Mountain at 9,287 ft (2,831 m).

This video shows the the first quarter of the 42 mile Middle Fork Trail #142. The stream crosses the trail an average of 6x / mile… prepare to get your feet wet!

This video was shot by YouTube User and BackpackerTV Member CrazyTaileZ Take a look at some of awsome photographs of this hike.

The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests has three federally designated wilderness areas – Lewis Fork, Little Wilson Creek, and Little Dry Run. These three very special areas are managed differently from the rest of the Mount Rogers NRA

There are over 400 miles of designated trails on the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Trails range from primitive single-track to old logging roads and railroad grades. Some are for foot only, others allow horse and/or bicycle use. Plan your trip carefully if you are looking for solitude. Trails in the high country as well as the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian Trail are popular destinations, particularly on weekends.

The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area consists of three distinct regions:

West End

The West End of the Mount Rogers NRA includes the famous Virginia Creeper Trail. Damascus, the friendliest town on the Appalachian Trail, is a trail hub as four major trails go through the town: Virginia Creeper, Appalachian Trail, Iron Mountain, and Daniel Boone Heritage Trail.

East End

Are you looking for solitude? The family campgrounds at Comers Rock and Raven Cliff are lightly used and have several nice trails nearby. The Comers Rock Overlook has outstanding views and the Raven Cliff Furnace Trail takes you to a fascinating iron ore furnace from the early 1800′s. Looking for something more developed? Two rental cabins with outstanding views are located on the East End. The East End also has several horse trails and horse camps for the equestrian. Hussy Mountain and Collins Cove Horse Camps provide camping areas close to the famous Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.

High Country

The heart of the NRA, the high country contains over 25,000 acres of the highest lands in Virginia. The Mount Rogers NRA manages approximately 20,000 acres of the high country and 5,000 acres are managed by Grayson Highlands State Park. The high country consists of the following areas:

Lewis Fork Wilderness & Little Wilson Creek Wilderness

Combined, these two federally designated wildernesses total about 10,000 acres of primitive backcountry. These two areas are forested in northern hardwoods with red spruce and Fraser Fir at the highest elevations.

Crest Zone

The open areas on Brier Ridge, Cabin Ridge, Wilburn Ridge, Stone Mountain, and Pine Mountain are commonly called the Crest Zone and total about 2,000 acres. Views are spectacular, with rocky ridges and grassy areas. The area was once heavily forested, but over logging by private companies during the early 1900′s, and wildfire created the balds. Grazing by domestic livestock kept them open. The US Forest Service acquired the property during the 1960′s. Today the balds are kept open through prescribed burning and regulated cattle grazing by private farmers who lease grazing rights. Ponies- Two herds of free-roaming ponies make their home in the high country. A private association manages them. One herd is in Grayson Highlands State Park, and the other lives within the Crest Zone of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Enjoy the ponies, but do not feed them or harass them. In the fall, some of the ponies are auctioned at the Grayson Highlands State Park Fall Festival to manage the population.

This video was shot by Bryan DeLay a BackpackerTV Member

Since the release of Sean Penn’s movie “Into the Wild,” there have been many more inquiries about the infamous bus on the Stampede Trail. In the past, there have been perhaps a dozen or so visitors to our area every year that attempt to visit the final resting place of Mr. McCandless. While it is not our place or purpose to tell folks what they can or cannot do, the Chamber would like to caution potential visitors who may attempt to visit the Stampede Bus via the Stampede Trail:

Please use caution if you are planning to travel to the the bus and dress appropriately. Some of the windows in the bus are broken and there is no way to use the bus to stay warm. Remember, you will be in a backcountry situation. If you do not know what kind of gear you need or have this equipment to travel safely into the Bush, then you probably have no business trying to do so. For example: If you had decided to carry 10 pounds of food with you, a 10 pound bag of rice is probably the wrong choice.
The Alaska bush IS NOT the Cascades or Rockies.
Death is always a possibility.

For more information on backpacking Denali National Park visit their website.

Part 1 of a 2 part video on a Hammock Forum’s Hang in Linville Gorge Wilderness area in North Carolina. Jerry Wick got this altogether for us and unfortunately was injured on his first day solo hiking in the gorge. We missed him … but are looking forward to hiking with him this fall!

The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the East, but the metaphor doesn’t exactly fit because in the real Grand Canyon you aren’t constantly assaulted by the low hanging branches of rhododendron thickets, or crawling under downed trees, or ducking to avoid an overhanging rock face that won’t allow you to walk upright along a narrow slippery rock shelf that is the only passage along a cliff face that rises 150 feet straight up from the Linville River.

Tucked away in a corner of North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, between Lake James and Grandfather Mountain, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is so rugged that it was spared the clear-cut logging that was inflicted on most of our eastern forests shortly after the turn of the century. US Army Rangers and US Marines do their wilderness training here. Tenderfoots beware: Linville Gorge is no walk in the park.

This trail is best hiked from south to north; several local businesses provide a shuttle.

The trail begins at the base of Round Bald, with stunning views of what lies ahead waiting at the summit. The trail descends to Engine Gap, then climbs Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge Bald, all in the first two miles. A small, dry tent site is located at 2.7 miles, and the Roan Highlands AT Shelter (which can sleep up to six) is just up the trail at 3.1 miles. The trail winds through the woods for the next mile and a half or so past the shelter, arriving at another small, dry campsite at 4.8 miles. At about 5 miles a barn-like building (not visible from the trail) known as the Yellow Mountain Barn or Overmountain Shelter can be found just to the southwest of the trail. It can sleep 20+ hikers. From there, the trail makes a gradual climb to the top of Little Hump Mountain, which is one of the most beautiful places to camp if the weather isn’t too bad (a more sheltered area is located around the southern side of the bald). A trail to water is located along the treeline on the south side of the bald. Continuing along the trail, the descent from the bald is steep, but the trail levels out and arrives at Bradley Gap at 7.4 miles. The trail then begins the steep climb up Big Hump Mountain, with loads of stunning views all the way up. The trail makes a pretty sharp right-hand turn towards the top of the mountain, so keep an eye on the blazes. After following the ridge for a time, the trail begins a rocky crossing of the northeastern side of Big Hump Mountain. A spring is conveniently located at 10.1 miles, so keep an eye out for it. From there the trail crosses a meadow to reach Doll Flats, which is a great place to stop for lunch. Then trail crosses a fence line, then bears right to head down a slippery slope, reaching a set of steep switchbacks at 11.2 miles. After a few well-marked turns, the trail arrives at the Apple House AT Shelter at the 12.8-mile mark, with just a little over half a mile left to go. The trail then crosses a field and a small bridge, reaching the ending trailhead at 13.4 miles.

This video was shot by TheBackpackerTV Member Bryan DeLay

Shawnee State Forest, also called “The Little Smokies of Ohio,” has developed into the largest of the 20 state forests, with over 60,000 acres. While the Forest is a fantastic recreation feature in Southern Ohio, you should not be surprised to see other activities occurring. The Forest is a working forest. It is managed to provide a variety of multiple uses on a sustained yield basis.

The hills in the forest represent some of Ohio’s highest. Terrain relief commonly reaches 400 feet and exceeds 600 feet in some areas, especially in the southwest quadrant. Average ridge top elevations peak between 1100 to 1200 feet above sea level with a few high points breaking the 1300-foot contour. The normal pool elevation of the Ohio River represents the lowest elevation in the region and averages about 500 feet above sea level.

The Buckeye Trail aside, if you were to rank Ohio’s trails in categories based on qualities ranging from difficulty to biological diversity, and everything in-between, then the Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail would probably come out on top in most categories. The 40 miles of the main backpack trail, along with the nearly 10-mile wilderness side trail, plus an additional 7.2-mile day hike trail, travel through Ohio’s most remote, most contiguous and certainly its most precious forest resource. A multi-night trip on the trail will take you away from the civilized world and into a forest world where only the most hardy hikers trek.

The orange-blazed main trail is laid out in a large loop, with State Route 125 nearly bisecting it in the middle. A 5.3-mile cutoff trail paralleling SR 125 from Camp 3 back to the trailhead divides the main loop into a 23-mile north loop and 27.5-mile south loop. Most backpackers refer to the backpack trail in terms of its two loops, and usually base trips on one or the other. The 9.8-mile wilderness side trail takes hikers into the remote 8000-acre Shawnee Wilderness Area. For backpackers, visiting the wilderness area is a multi-night trip, allowing one day to get to a base camp, usually Camp 6, and then day hiking the wilderness area trail the next. Day hikers can access the wilderness area side trail via County Road 96 along Upper Twin Creek. Overnight parking along roads in and near the forest is at your own risk.

All side trails, including the wilderness side trail, the cutoff trail from Camp 3 back to the trailhead and side trails to camping areas are blazed with white. The 7.2-mile designated day hike trail is blazed blue. The North Country Trail shares the path with the backpack trail along the north side of main loop for several miles, you’ll find the trail in better condition along here. Along the backpack trail’s entire length, expect to find a lot of up and down hiking with few switchback and numerous steam crossings. For this reason, Shawnee may not be the smartest choice for beginning or unconditioned backpackers.

Seven camping areas are spaced approximately every five miles along the backpack trail’s main loop. Most backpackers plan trips with stays at every other camp, meaning a day’s mileage will be in the 10-mile range. Self-registration is required at the trailhead upon arrival. The provided registration forms ask for your planned schedule and dates you will be visiting each camping area. You should try to maintain your reported schedule in case a mishap causes you to miss your posted return.

You’ll find most camping areas to be located off the main trail. For instance, Camp 2 is nearly 0.5 mile from the main trail. Camp 3 sits about 200 vertical feet above the main trail, a tough climb at the end of a day’s hike. Camp 6 is the most remote and scenic camp in the forest, and a must-do for any Ohio backpacker. Its location in a hemlock grove at the confluence of two streams is memorable. Pit toilets are located in the vicinity of each camping area. Most of these have been rebuilt in recent years. Potable water is also provided in buried tanks at all camping areas except Camp 6; however, water can be treated from streams running through this camp.

You may have to go on a search to find both toilets and water hydrants once at camp because neither are typically located near the actual campsites. At Camps 2, 3 and 5, water is located at the beginning of each camp’s side trail. At Camp 1, water is located on the main trail before camp. Water for Camp 4 is located on the main trail just past camp. Finally, water for Camp 7 is located down-valley towards a road. All this is assuming a clockwise direction of travel. Due to bad road conditions, water may not always be provided in winter. It is advisable to check with forest headquarters before setting out in the off-season.

Shawnee State Forest is big, remote, rugged and not heavily used away from improvements in the state park. Being properly prepared and conditioned is key to reducing your odds of a mishap requiring medical or ranger assistance. The forest is home to copperheads and timber rattlesnakes, and once again black bears. Please take the time to learn how to lessen your chances of a negative encounter with these creatures.

This video was shot by YouTube User: bkh940

SurvivorJEB: Point Reyes from Jeb Bjerke on Vimeo.

Point Reyes National Seashore offers year-round backcountry camping along Drakes Bay and amongst the hills and valleys of the Phillip Burton Wilderness, and boat-in camping on the west shore of Tomales Bay. Because of its location near the Metropolitan San Francisco Bay Area, the campsites at Point Reyes are in great demand. Reservations are strongly suggested.

All campsites are accessible only by hiking, biking or horseback for the backcountry sites, and only by kayak or boat for the Tomales Bay.

The National Seashore has about 150 miles of hiking trails to explore. Trail maps for the north district trails and south district trails are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

This video was shot by Vimeo User: SurvivorJEB

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I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

Burnt Lake/Cast Lake Backpacking trip from ken price on Vimeo.

This is a nice small mountain lake on the flanks of the Zigzag Ridge which connects to the southwest side of Mount Hood. There are about 10 designated campsites, marked with a post and the number of the site. Fires are not allowed. The lake is pretty busy on summer weekends, you might not be able to find a vacant site.

The Burnt Lake hike is extremely popular and for a good reason. This hike begins as a gentle walk through a dense rain-forest type environment. Then at two miles the trail makes its only major switchback and becomes much steeper. The trail climbs this last mile out of the dense forest and into a more open area with occasional views of the surrounding hills and Mt Hood. The trail travels around Burnt Lake and there are many places where you can access the shoreline for excellent view (and some fishing if you’re interested). If you stay over night, be sure to stay in designated areas.

For a bit of variety, either on your way up or on your way back down from Burnt Lake, you might be interested in taking a very short side trip to a fun little waterfall. The trail that leads to the falls is on the downhill side of the only major switchback on the trail to Burnt Lake. See the map above for reference to the falls.

This video was shot by Vimeo User: Ken Price

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I created TheBackpackerTV because of my passion for the outdoors and seeing nature up close and personal. To share my experiences, and the experiences of others for everyone to enjoy. We go watch hundreds of videos each month picking the very best for you. Enjoy!

   

Crater Lake has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom.

Crater Lake is located in Southern Oregon on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, 100 miles (160 km) east of the Pacific Ocean. It lies inside a caldera, or volcanic basin, created when the 12,000 foot (3,660 meter) high Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago following a large eruption.

Generous amounts of winter snow, averaging 533 inches (1,354 cm) per year, supply the lake with water. There are no inlets or outlets to the lake. Crater Lake, at 1,943 feet (592 meters) deep, is the seventh deepest lake in the world and the deepest in the United States. Evaporation and seepage prevent the lake from becoming any deeper.

The Staff on Backpackinglight take us this Video Essay. This video is on www.backpackinglight.com and on Youtube. To see more video’s essay’s on backpackinglight, become a Member.

Most of the Appalachian Trail in Maine is not recommended for novice hikers; Maine’s 281 miles are generally considered the most difficult of all fourteen states. Even the strongest hikers may average only one mile an hour in some parts. Other parts require grabbing onto tree roots and limbs to climb or descend, and are especially slippery and hazardous in wet weather.

Lakes, streams, and bogs abound. While that makes moose and loons common sights, it also makes for muddy treadway and many fords of mountain streams. Some of these fords—notably the Kennebec River—can be difficult and potentially life-threatening when water is high. When streams run high in the spring or after heavy rains, often the only options are waiting for them to subside or back-tracking and finding a road to follow—if one exists!

The 281 miles in Maine can be roughly divided into three segments:

The eastern section, sometimes called “the Hundred Miles” between Katahdin and Monson, comprises disconnected mountains, lakes, ponds, streams, and forest. While the eastern section has a flatter profile than other parts of Maine, it has special challenges. The mountains are relatively low, but present some very rugged climbs. Stream crossings here can be tricky—even life-threatening—in high water. Resupply is scarce in this isolated but heavily used area.

The central section, between Monson and the Bigelow Preserve, features a short, rugged stretch followed by some of the least strenuous hiking in Maine and a crossing of the widest unbridged river along the Trail, the Kennebec. A free canoe service ferries A.T. users across the Kennebec River and is the Trail’s official and historic route; fording the river is extremely dangerous, because the water level can rise rapidly and without warning.

The western section is an area of extremely steep, 4,000-foot mountains, arguably the toughest part of the entire A.T. It includes the notorious mile-long boulder scramble of Mahoosuc Notch.

A.T. mileage 281 miles
Difficulty rating 3-10 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 490—5,267 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine
When to go July and August. September is peak foliage but late September can be wintry, especially at higher elevations. In May and sometimes June snow still lingers; in June black flies torment hikers and waterlogged trails are muddy and easily damaged.

The state of Maine from the Mahoosucs to the hundred mile wilderness. A visually stunning state of rugged terrain and incredibly nice people. It was always very easy to get a hitch into town in Maine.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv

The highlight of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire is the beautiful, rugged White Mountains, the dramatic scenery of which attracts more backcountry visitors than any other part of the Trail. Travel here requires intelligent planning and ample time; plan no more than five to eight miles per day. Be prepared for steep ascents and descents that require the use of your hands and, occasionally, the seat of your pants.

Much of the Trail is above timberline, where the temperature may change very suddenly; snow is possible in any season. The same severe weather conditions that prevent trees from growing on the high ridges also require a higher level of preparedness for a safe, successful hiking trip. Snow falls on Mt. Washington during every month of the year. High winds and dense fog are common. Most shelters and campsites charge a fee.

The White Mountains section stretches 117 miles from Maine-New Hampshire state line to Glencliff, New Hampshire. Organized groups can reduce their chances of arriving at already-crowded sites by contacting the local trail clubs about group voluntary registration programs.

Between the White Mountains and the Vermont border, the Trail crosses broken terrain of alternating mountains and valleys. This 44-mile stretch is noted for its fall foliage and is a good alternative to the crowds and steep scrambles of the Whites.

A.T. mileage 161 miles
Difficulty rating 6-10 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 400—6,288 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont
When to go

The White Mountains: July and August. Southern New Hampshire, between the White Mountains and the Connecticut River: June—September.

New Hampshire had probably the most beautiful vistas of any state on the trail. Here you’ll see me near the summit of Mount Moosilauke, on Franconia Ridge, and climbing Mount Washington. It was easily the most physically challenging state on the entire trail bar none.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv

Between the Connecticut River and the Green Mountains, the Appalachian Trail passes through high, rugged country with woods and overgrown farmlands. From “Maine Junction” (near U.S. 4) south, the A.T. follows about one hundred miles of the famed “Long Trail” along the rugged crest of the Green Mountains.

The Trail approaches treeline at Killington and Stratton mountains, and parts feature strenuous ascents. But, in general, Vermont hiking crosses varied terrain, at lower to mid-range elevations with a fair amount of elevation gain and loss. It passes through forests of paper birch and white pine, wooded mountains, and farm valleys. Some overnight sites charge a fee.

Avoid Vermont trails in “mud season,” mid-April through Memorial Day. Hiking there in wet, sloppy conditions leads to serious Trail erosion.

A.T. mileage 150 miles
Difficulty rating 5-6 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 400—4,010 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire—Vermont
When to go June through September. Avoid Vermont trails in “mud season,” mid-April through Memorial Day.

Vermont was a visually stunning state in many places. Also, the mountains there began to pose quite a challenge. Thru-hikers nickname the state “Vermud” because there are many places along it’s length where the trail turns into a giant mud pit. However, because I was there in September, the mud was mostly dried up

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv

The Appalachian Trail here leads through the Berkshires. Pleasant stretches through wooded hills and valleys feature such outstanding peaks as Mt. Greylock and Mt. Everett, and the Trail passes through several small New England towns. Water is plentiful.

Several summits and ledges provide views, and there are long, flat sections atop the Berkshire Plateau quite different from the dry ridgewalks of the mid-Atlantic and Virginias. Ascents, though sometimes steep, are seldom sustained.

New England has the most extensive bus service close to the Trail; in Massachusetts, bus service is available in towns adjacent to the Trail along Route 7, which roughly parallels the A.T. between Kent, Connecticut, and Rutland, Vermont.

A.T. mileage 90 miles
Difficulty rating 3-6 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 650—3,491 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts—Connecticut
When to go May through early October

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv

The Appalachian Trail route through the northwestern corner of Connecticut meanders across the worn-down remnants of a once-lofty mountain range.

The Housatonic River Valley to the east and the Taconic Range to the west are particularly scenic, and one section of the Trail near Falls Village has been designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Many sections run along the banks of rivers. Hiking is mostly moderate, with steep, fairly challenging sections that are short in duration. Views are often pastoral.

A.T. mileage 52 miles
Difficulty rating 4-5 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 260—2,316 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts—Connecticut
When to go May through early October

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv

The Appalachian Trail along the Kittatinny Range in New Jersey is rugged and more remote than one might expect considering its proximity to large population centers, with abundant wildlife, including an active bear population.

Elevation changes are generally moderate and vary from relatively flat and gentle to short, steep, rocky pitches. Other sections cross bogs and wetlands, including a wildlife sanctuary that features a wide spectrum of bird species. The Trail crosses the Delaware River at the picturesque Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

A highlight of the southern section is glacial Sunfish Pond, but you’ll want to hike mid-week or off-season to avoid crowds.

A.T. mileage 72 miles
Difficulty rating 2-5 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 350—1,685 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to New York-New Jersey
When to go Late April through early June. September and October.

The beautiful states of New Jersey and New York. The terrain begins to become less flat in these states, no matter what the guidebooks say. You’ll see some different animals that I filmed both in the wild and at the Bear Mountain Zoo. That was an amazing place. I recommend it even if you’re not hiking the trail.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv

The Appalachian Trail follows ridges of mountains east of the Alleghenies to the Susquehanna River in a long section of Trail notorious for its foot-bruising, boot-destroying rocks. The Trail north of the Susquehanna is characterized by long, flat, rocky ridges broken by fairly strenuous climbs in and out of gaps. About ten miles south of the Susquehanna River, the Trail crosses the Great Valley of the Appalachians to the Blue Ridge. This southern portion of the Trail through Pennsylvania has many sections that are gentle, and grades are easy, making it one of the easiest sections of the Trail.

Pennsylvania can be oppressively hot in summer, and water may be scarce. The Trail crosses many roads, and some shelters are near roads, where scattered crime problems make extra safety awareness a good idea.

A.T. mileage 229 miles
Difficulty rating 2-4 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 320—2,080 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to Pennsylvania
When to go Mid-April through mid-June. September-October. Summer heat and humidity can occasionally be oppressive.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

A fantastically beautiful state which is also incredibly easy. In my opinion, the southern portion is much more beautiful and rivals most other places on the trail.

Joe Piraino

What can I say? I love being out in the Backcountry. I am the crazy guy that likes hiking and camping in bad weather. One of my all time favorite hikes is the Appalachian Trail. If you have an Article, Video or story you would like to share on thebackpacker.tv send me an email at joe@thebackpacker.tv