Currently have 5 to 5-1/2 days blocked out to go hiking in early September. We are looking at starting in Lake Placid and heading South on the NPT. If we look at finishing the trail it would be in the neighborhood of 24 miles/day. While we know that Tim Seaver can do this with time for a brief vacation elsewhere, what would the thought be on mere mortals? Also any input on current trail conditions, reroutes and beaver activity? Of course, one of the benefits of the NPT are the multiple road crossings, allowing the trip to end at alternate (i.e. shorter) distances, depending on how we feel. Thanks for the advice!
-
ADK 46er #7634
ADK Winter 46 8/46 -
Take a look at RC's post about his thru hike earlier this month in the trip reports forum. You should get some useful info from there.Goin home, goin home by the waterside I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul -
The trail is in good shape. There is a flagged reroute near Stephen's pond and beaver activity near long lake, but I believe that is old and has a pretty good trail around it. I went in around 9:30 saturday and came out noon on thursday so it very doable in 5 1/2days. I also carried everything with me so if you have someone resupply you along the way you can carry less equipment/food. If your in shape 24 miles a day should not be a problem. I've done from placid to blue mountain lake in 1 1/2 days w/ a side trip down part of the horse trail near duck hole with a full a pack. I'm currently planning a 4 day NTP thru hike for next summer.
RC"Lead by Example, Follow by Choice"Comment
-
For what it's worth. The above was posted by about the third fastest over forty year old in the world. He runs into Silver Lake and back several times a week, just for ha-ha's.
So adjust accordingly.........
Hawk"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. JohnsonComment
-
"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. JohnsonComment
-
Yeah, having just met RC on the trail I can attest to the fact that he is no mere mortal. I only talked with him for about 10 minutes but I'm pretty sure I was catching a super-human vibe.
I think I know how he can be neutralized, though. Just take out the entire world's supply of ice cream. I'm pretty sure that's the source of his super-power.Comment
-
Most people seem to think I'm Sub-human, but on this trip I was Hawk Vittles powered so I made good time. Speaking of which I'll be needing more of them once you get back Hawk.
RC"Lead by Example, Follow by Choice"Comment
-
"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. JohnsonComment
-
Bear Canister vs bear bag
Just to confirm.....bear canisters are only required in the Eastern High Peaks, correct? Anyone use them along the NPT or have most relied on hanging a bear bag?
Thanks.ADK 46er #7634
ADK Winter 46 8/46Comment
-
That would be correct. See http://adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=6934 for the previous discussion.
Goin home, goin home by the waterside I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soulComment
-
I used bear canisters last year, but this year I was just hanging a bear bag on the NTP trail.
RC"Lead by Example, Follow by Choice"Comment
-
Reality Check
Yes Redhawk, RC does stuff that mere mortals don't. We started off from Lake Placid last Sunday at 1630 and bailed in Blue Mountain Lake (in town itself) on Wednesday at 2100. So, 60 odd miles, but certainly not the 24 mile/day pace required. Foot and family health issues pushed us to a 23 mile day on Wednesday, which was only comfortable based on the idea of good food and a beer. Will get a TR out soon.ADK 46er #7634
ADK Winter 46 8/46Comment
-
I could see doing 24 mile days for overnighters. Putting 5 days of food, even well packed (food containing at least 110 calories per ounce and closer to 150) into a pack and not owning any super ultralight gear I'd probably still be carrying 30lbs in the best case.
When I did the NPT (before having to bail for major foot issues from the wetness of virtually the entire trail), I covered 15 miles a day and still had hours of light left each day (glad I lugged the White Spider along). Even the last day when I hobbled into camp and the other campers could tell I was having issues walking I still knocked out 13 miles.
So it's doable just not as easy as the super humans make it seem. And for what it's worth a friend of mine who was a scout leader did the whole trail with a group of scouts. They also knocked out 15-20 miles per day without much effort and had enough time left over for some side hikes.
Foot health (blisters, etc), daylight, and mud will be your worst enemies. The mud goes hand in hand with the blisters (at least for me).sigpic
"As to every healthy boy with a taste for outdoor life, the northern forest -the Adirondacks- were to me a veritable land of enchantment." -Theodore Roosevelt
Mountain Visions: The Wilderness Through My EyesComment
Comment