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Fw: [at-l] camping
Eric wrote:
> Hey guys,
> I'm going to be hiking the trail in '99 and I was wondering......
> How easy is it to avoid staying in the shelters? It seems that people
> are complaining about how crowded they are and about how rodent infested
> they are. Does the idea of avoiding the shelters have any merit what so
> ever? I'd appreciate any input that you folks have on this matter. Do
> my compadres and I have to stay in designated camping areas?
<snip>
Eric,
For much of the trail, it is pretty easy to avoid staying in shelters. The main
advantages of the shelters are that: 1) The majority have a water source located in
close proximity, 2) It is easier to get packed up in the rain, 3) You're not
carrying an extra pound or two due to a wet tent/gear, 4) They concentrate impact,
5) They are good "distance gaugers" for your day. The shelters also provide for much
of the social interaction amongst your fellow hikers. This might be a negative for
those seeking more solitude, so tenting/tarping is (almost) always an option. There
are restrictions to tenting on different stretches of the trail, but most of these
restrictions don't begin until you get up to the mid-Atlantic and Northern section
of the trail. ALDHA's Thru-Hiker's Companion is a good resource to use to find out
which areas of the trail are restricted. From memory, here are some of them.
The Smokies (NC): You must obtain a backcountry pass before entering, and tenting is
allowed on the AT at the shelters only, and this is only in the event that the
shelter is full.
The Shenandoah's: I believe you have to be a certain distance from the
shelters/campgrounds (like at least 1/4 mile??). You also have to be out of site
from the trail corridor. A backcountry pass is required for this area as well.
Maryland: I believe (i'm sure someone will correct me if i'm wrong :-)) that camping
is restricted to designated campsites/campgrounds along the entire AT through
Maryland.
Pennsylvania: The Pinnacle is the only place i can think of off-hand.
Connecticut: I believe that camping is restricted to designated
campsites/campgrounds for the entire AT through Connecticut.
New Hampshire: No camping above treeline unless there is a foot of snow on the
ground.
I'm sure there are others, but i can't think of them right now. The AT Data Book
will give you an idea of how many "established" campsites there are, and the
frequency of the established sites. There are TONS of places to tent that are not
listed in the Data Book, but at least this will give you a good start on what your
options are. Also, many of the shelters have cleared areas where you can throw up
your tent. If the social aspect of the shelters doesn't bother you, this is always a
good option if you want to sleep in your tent. The AT can provide you with as much
solitude as you want (other than passing by people during the day). Tenting is not
much of a problem, as long as you are willing to occasionally pack some extra water
and keep on hiking until you find a suitable spot.
One final thought.... The "crowded shelters" problem is really only prevalent on two
stretches of the trail during a S => N thru-hike. The southern portion (GA, NC, TN,
and part of VA) and parts of Southern New England (CT, MA, and VT) where Dartmouth,
Harvard, Yale, Bennington, and a plethora of other New Engalnd colleges send their
newbies out for a high-impact outdoor orientation. HTH! HAND!
Walk with light,
-Rambleon-
rambleon@email.unc.edu
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