Traverse

[Snowboarder4206]

Hey im planning on doing a LARGE traverse through the WMNF and was just wondering what kinda traffic to expect at the shelters. It will be on a weekend (fri,sat,sun) in Mid june. Just wondering if im gonna have trouble getting a platform at Guyot or neuman tentsites. I have a tent so worst case i set up camp off trail somewhere. Just wanna know what my plans gonna be. Any info would be appreciated thanx

[RR]

Hey im planning on doing a LARGE traverse through the WMNF and was just wondering what kinda traffic to expect at the shelters. It will be on a weekend (fri,sat,sun) in Mid june. Just wondering if im gonna have trouble getting a platform at Guyot or neuman tentsites. I have a tent so worst case i set up camp off trail somewhere. Just wanna know what my plans gonna be. Any info would be appreciated thanxThat's bug season, so it will get worse traffic later. Don't sweat the traffic on a hut traverse....it's there and that's all there is to it.

Some of the huts are lined up for a "Hard Way" traverse....taking the long way to each via less travelled trails where possible. Gotta be very fit though. look at the AMC trail maps and plot your hard ways...prolly see half the people on some routes.

[Snowboarder4206]

yes im deffenetly fit enough. I can hike 20 miles in a single day if i get a good start. I would just rather a platform then whackin through the woods 200+ feet, and im hoping to find a spot alittle higher up so the bugs wont be quite as bad

[PWDR8S]

Good idea..... I think they'll be early this year by about a week or two. Bring deet or bug suits. Like RR said, the odds are pretty good in your favor about securing platforms at the buggiest time of the year.

Were you thinking father's day weekend?

[RR]

yes im deffenetly fit enough. I can hike 20 miles in a single day if i get a good start. I would just rather a platform then whackin through the woods 200+ feet, and im hoping to find a spot alittle higher up so the bugs wont be quite as badThe hard way usually means extra vertical as well as distance. Lonesome to Greenleaf is a prime case:

Follow the AT across I93 and a mile later turn right and then left a mile later to grab the Flume Trail. Gets an extra peak and a wicked steep climb for the last mile and 3/4ths to Flume Peak. Bang a Left onto the Franconia Ridge and proceed to Greanleaf if you think Garfield is too far.

[PWDR8S]

Check out Bondcilff for some great views... a little detour but it's nice and seldom visited.

[pulverschwein]

The hard way usually means extra vertical as well as distance. Lonesome to Greenleaf is a prime case.
Never done that one, but when I was 13, my bro led me on forced march up Falling Waters to Galehead in a day. Feet so swollen could hardly get em in me boots next day. :(
I was whining around Garfield Ridge platforms at dusk with t-storms approaching and he told me he'd leave me if I didn't keep up. I did out of fear and learned how you can push yourself beyond what you think your limits are when you have to. Thanks bro, for being a prick and toughening me up! :)

[Snowboarder4206]

My trip will consist of: Over the franconias into the pemi. Spending first night in the pemi. Then early start 2nd day, down to crawford notch for a refuel, then up into the southern presidentials. Will spend 2nd night somewhere in the southern area (IE crawford path). Early start 3rd day, over summit of washington then to the north end where ill either hike out regardless of time, or spend another night deppending on my supplies. What do ya think? crazy huh

[Tommy T]

For several years I worked as a part-time, volunteer, substitute shelter and platform caretaker. Even on the busiest weekends, we never turned a tenter away. All of the platform sites (except maybe Nauman) have official and unofficial overflow sites hidden around the woods.

Of course, tenting in the woods is legal except in specific restricted areas. In general, restricted areas will be a problem for you only above timberline in the Presidentials. Otherwise, if you are not flagrant in your violation, enforcement varies from "none at all" to "nonexistent." Practice environmentally sound site selection (away from water, out of sight of trails, no open fires) and a certain discretion and you'll be fine.

What do you mean "refuel in Crawford Notch?" That's not a great location for grocery shopping.

Tommy T.

[RR]

...What do you mean "refuel in Crawford Notch?" That's not a great location for grocery shopping.

Tommy T.ahh, true, but they do have cold beer! The croo at the Highland Hilton have impressed me with rather fine sandwiches too!

[Snowboarder4206]

Yes, cold beer maybe a sandwich and my Mom and Pops with some supplies (IE fuel canister, some water and maybe alittle food) Thanx for the advise, im not too picky about where i gotta set up camp, i just rather stick around the shelters/platforms at all possible. Plus i may be alone on this trip so alittle company at the camp from time to time is always nice :beer: :beer: :beer: