Used my DIY Backpacking Cook Kit and an Alcohol Stove to Steam Rice and make Mushroom Gravy in a Heiny Pot. I came up with the idea of steaming the microwavable Minute Rice using the same method others have used for trail steam baking.

Video was shot by Wawhiker.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

There are many pretty views and convenient access from nearby towns and highways. It’s also a favorite with Scouts seeking the merit badge for a fifty-mile hike.

A.T. mileage 41 miles
Difficulty rating 2-3 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 230—1,880 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia with Side Trails

When to go: Mid-April through mid-June. September and October. Summer heat and humidity can occasionally be oppressive.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

Harpers Ferry is historic and scenic and is served by Amtrak and commuter trains that run into Washington, D.C. It makes an ideal location to start or end a hike. Get a map of Harpers Ferry(PDF), including local hiking trails, services, and attractions.

A.T. mileage 4 miles
Difficulty rating 2-3 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 265—1,200 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia with Side Trails
When to go

Mid-April through mid-June. September and October. Summer heat and humidity can occasionally be oppressive.

Very brief stays in West Virginia and Maryland. They are very low mileage and flat states. Hiking through them was very easy and very beautiful. By this point, the trees had really let out their leaves and spring was beating me up the coast. I night hiked for the second time on the trail during this period which was just amazing.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

In northern Virginia, the Appalachian Trail follows a long, low ridge, including a notoriously strenuous “roller-coaster” section south of Snickers Gap. It is less heavily traveled and is crossed by fewer roads than the Trail in Maryland. This is one of the best places on the A.T. for “spring break” hikes.

The northern Virginia section stretches 54 miles from the Virginia/West Virginia state line south to Shenandoah National Park.
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park, with 104 miles of well-graded and well-maintained Trail and climbs rarely exceeding 500 or 1,000 feet, is excellent for beginning hikers and is noted for its many vistas and abundant wildlife. A variety of side trails provides excellent opportunities for one- or two-day circuit hikes.

Nearby Skyline Drive has many waysides and concessions for resupply stops. The park gets very busy during weekends and in late October, during peak foliage-changing season. Park facilities close from late November through March; when snow shuts down Skyline Drive, the entire park may become inaccessible except on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Backcountry permits are required when camping in the park.
Central Virginia

South of Shenandoah, the A.T. parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway. The farther south it goes, the more difficult the hiking becomes; the treadway is well-graded, but includes a number of 2,000- and 3,000-foot climbs. Mature timber, high summits, and spectacular wilderness can be found in the George Washington National Forest, north of Roanoke. The Trail then leaves the parkway and travels west across the Great Valley of the Appalachians through the Jefferson National Forest to the Allegheny Plateau, a splendid wilderness trip.

Central Virginia features many noteworthy points, with views from unusual rock formations and outcroppings and some of the northernmost balds on the Trails. Noteworthy peaks include Humpback Rocks, Three Ridges, the Priest, McAfee Knob, and Dragon’s Tooth. This section is more rugged and remote than the Shenandoah, but easier and more accessible than the Trail in Southwest Virginia.

The Central Virginia section covers 226 miles from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park south to Pearisburg.
Southwest Virginia

Throughout the Mt. Rogers region in southwest Virginia, where the Trail moves into the southern Appalachians, the floral displays of rhododendron and azalea in June and July are outstanding. The state’s highest mountain, Mt. Rogers, an area of spectacular highland meadows, routinely receives snowfall from October to May, making it considerably colder, wetter, and snowier than other areas of Virginia.

The northern portion of this section provides some of the A.T.’s best opportunities for solitude; toward the southern end the open meadows of the Mt. Rogers high country (5,000 feet and above) attract many visitors. At the southern border is the quintessential “Trail town,” Damascus, Virginia.

The Southwest Virginia section of the Trail covers 166 miles from Pearisburg south to Damascus.

A.T. mileage

550 miles (includes 20+ miles along Virginia/West Virginia border)
Difficulty rating 2-6 (rating scale explained)
Elevation

265—5,500 feet

When to go

Northern Virginia: April through early June, September through early November. Summer heat and humidity can be oppressive Shenandoah: April—June, September, October. July and August are bearable except during a heat wave. Central Virginia: April—June and September—October. July and August are bearable except during a heat wave. Southwest Virginia: May—October.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

Also, watch a trail description of “Hiking Through Damascus” Or to watch a documentary on “Trail Days“

Here lie the Roan Highlands, noted for their rhododendron gardens and the panoramic views of the open grassy “balds” such as Hump Mountain. The A.T. continues southward along the state line and through the Pisgah National Forest.

Like the White Mountains of New Hampshire, hikers on the high ridges and balds of the southern Appalachians can encounter dangerous weather conditions. Lightning is a particular danger in summer. Sudden snow storms are common, as late as April and May, and can strand hikers.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with more than 70 miles of crestline Trail, features the highest elevations of the entire footpath, well above six thousand feet. Clingman’s Dome is the highest point on the entire A.T., where the Trail reaches an elevation of 6,625 feet near the summit. The Trail through the Smokies also has the most rainfall and snowfall on the A.T. in the South, and many hikers are caught off-guard by the snow and cold temperatures that the high elevation causes. Permits are required for overnight stays in the Smokies; unless you are thru-hiking, you need reservations to use the shelters.

A.T. mileage 293 miles
Difficulty rating 5-6 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 1,326—6,625 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to Tennessee—North Carolina
When to go Late May through October.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

The section from the Nantahala River to the Georgia border features the best-graded trail at high elevations anywhere in the Deep South, with a couple of short exceptions. There are lots of views from natural openings and fire towers, some requiring short side trips.

A.T. mileage 88 miles
Difficulty rating 3-6 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 1,725—5,498 feet
Guidebook

Appalachian Trail Guide to Tennessee-North Carolina
Appalachian Trail Guide to North Carolina-Georgia
When to go Mid-May through October.

Video Trail Report from Thru-Hiker Tutts99

This is the first section filmed in North Carolina. Both North Carolina parts are in Nantahala National Forest which is incredibly beautiful. In this, I endure really cold weather, stay at another hostel at the NOC, and experience my first injury. This was the end of February and the beginning of March 2009.

Those tempted by the southerly latitude to plan spring-break hikes in March will often be disappointed to find cold rain, sleet, and snow.

75 miles
Difficulty rating 6 (rating scale explained)
Elevation 2,510 —4,461 feet
Guidebook Appalachian Trail Guide to North Carolina—Georgia
When to go April and May. September and October. Georgia is crowded with thru-hikers in March and April, and spring-break crowds make this even worse. Heat and humidity can be oppressive in July and August.

Check out Tuts999 video and get a feel for hiking the AT.

What is the most versatile layer in your pack?
Jamie: I like light to medium weight wind layers like the Marmot windshirt or the Patagonia Houdini. Often it’s the wind that robs us of heat and makes us feel cold even when the temperatures aren’t that cold.
Lara: I love my wind-shirt! I use either a Patagonia Houdini or a GoLite Wisp.

On a lightweight course, what is the first layer to be left behind?
Lara: Likely, midweight to heavier weight fleece. It’s heavy and bulky, and when it gets wet, it’s even heavier.

How many socks and pairs of underwear would you bring for a 30 day trip?
Jamie: I recommend 3-5 pair of socks for a summer course. One pair becomes your “sacred sleeping socks” and are never hiked in. Liner socks are optional but no more than two pair. Winter courses 5 pair of socks would be the minimum.

….Continue to the Blog for more answers

At NOLS, you’ll get our instructors and the support of the NOLS expedition team.NOLS’ program isn’t farmed out to subcontractors. We do the logistics, the planning, the outfitting and all of the instruction.

NOLS has the best staff. NOLS instructors get their start at other outdoor programs and then, after a competitive selection process, training by NOLS and an apprenticeship, they are ready to instruct for us.

No other school focuses on outdoor skills, leadership and environmental studies exclusively. As a NOLS graduate, you will have everything you need to lead others in the backcountry. You will have the outdoor skills for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and the leadership ability you need to excel at work or in the classroom.

NOLS’ college credit program is unparalleled in wilderness education. More than 75 percent of NOLS students who are of college age take their NOLS course for college credit. Students have successfully transferred the credits to over 400 colleges around the country.

NOLS explores remote wilderness on extended expeditions. What NOLS teaches cannot be learned in a classroom or on a city street. It takes practice to learn outdoor skills and time to develop leadership. The wilderness provides the ideal setting for this unique education.

NOLS attracts highly motivated students. They come to learn skills and develop leadership. Our students are successful in careers or at school and come to NOLS for our unique hands-on approach to education.

I wanted to take a video of our trip, but also show that I just enjoy going out and enjoying the outdoors. I’m not sure if anyone ever really watches any of my videos, but there is a part of me that has so much fun making them, I just like to share. I can look back someday and see all the places, and people I got to meet along the trail. So this video was just having fun.

This video was a lot of fun to make, and I laughed the whole time editing it. We hiked 20 miles on the North/South Trail in Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. We started at the North Visitors Center and hiked 2 days to Jenny Ridge where we staged a car. We had awesome weather. The high on Monday was 72 degrees. On Tuesday morning we hiked out early and got to the car, only to see it start raining.

We laughed the whole trip. Hope you enjoy.

Hiking Big South Fork will not let you down as far as scenery. I was really impressed on how much there was to see. The campsites, the rock formations, were all very cool. On this hike I had the pleasure of hiking with a good friend of mine, Bryan Delay. I originally met Bryan on Hikers Journal, but now he’s a Member of TheBackpackerTV.

We started our hike late on Thursday and immediately had to cross Laurel Creek. There was no option for rock jumping. Had to take off our shoes and put sandals on and brace for some cold water. We only hiked a mile or so before we set up camp for the night. We camped right along Laurel Creek. Then on Friday we hike to Charit Creek Lodge, which consist of some cabins and a dining hall. People can stay here with a reservation and the food is prepared for them. The only way to get to Charit Lodge is to hike to it. (or on Horseback) Then we hike to Twin Arches and then Jake’s Place, which would be a good place to camp on Friday night. Jake’s Place is an old homestead and there is plenty of space to camp. On Saturday we would hike to Slave Falls and then to Laurel Fork Creek, where we found a place to camp on Saturday night. We change our plans on hiking back to the car. We opted to hike Yellow Cliff Trail and only have to cross Laurel Fork Creek once. We found an excellent camp site along Laurel Creek. Then on Sunday we hiked out of the gorge to West Entrance TH where one of our cars would be parked.

A little about the Park Map. Don’t trust some of the Trail Heads. Most of them our accurate, but some of the places to jump into the park have been privately developed and no longer exist. We had a heck of a time starting our hike because of this, and had to change our starting point.

The Eastern/Central Time Line runs through the middle of the park. Most park offices and concessionaires operate on Eastern Time. If, however, your travels do take you across the time line, make sure you plan your time accordingly.

Bandy Creek Visitor Center is open daily, except Christmas. Center staff is available to provide visitors with information they need for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park and region. In addition to maps and park specific information, backcountry permits are available. Eastern National maintains an outlet in the Center.

Visitor Center hours May through September are 8:00 to 6:00 Sunday thru Saturday. October thru April the hours are 8:00 to 4:00 (Eastern Time). For additional information call (423) 286-7275.