12:53 p.m. on January 9, 2013 (EST)
soleful2001
REVIEW CORPS
192 reviewer rep
64 forum posts
Hello Everybody,
I am planning a late spring/early summer hike in the mountains. Since I usually hike solo, I generally prefer a loop. I did a 5 day thru hike last year on the Foothills trail, and a thru hike back in 2004 on the Art Loeb.
Length 30 - 60 miles, 3-5 days.
I have hiked the 60 mile Bartram Trail/AT loop, I have also hiked the 25 mile Fires Creek Rim loop, did a shorter loop in Panther Town one year, and I hiked a loop in Ellicott Rock Wilderness.
I am considering the Duncan Ridge/AT/Benton Mackaye loop, but have not committed to it.
Question is: What other good loops are there that I can consider? I am pretty much open at this point.
Thanks for any suggestions
7:29 p.m. on January 13, 2013 (EST)
To simplify things, I consider an out-and-back to be a loop. Because things never look quite the same on the way back as they did on the way out. This opens up a lot of possibilities. Sections of the AT you haven't done yet, portions of the North Carolina Mountain-to-Sea Trail, etc. My Scouts really enjoyed a trail in the Uwharrie National Forest which would make a great out-and-back.
4:36 p.m. on January 14, 2013 (EST)
soleful2001
REVIEW CORPS
192 reviewer rep
64 forum posts
Thanks Brerarnold,
I have hiked Uwharrie extensively for years. I love it. I am fortunate enough to live within an hour of the southern trailhead and less than that from Birkhead. Those areas make great overnights.
You do have a point that I should consider an out and back. For some reason I have always done either a loop or when I have logistics straight, I do a longer thru hike. Last year was a great trip on the Foothills Trail. Saw several Scouts near Thompson River.