End of the Trail

The summer storms have taken their toll on adventurers. A lot of Appalachian Trail hikers have put their thru hike dreams on hold. Some have given up completely for the year. Others have postponed their hike with the hope of resuming in September. September/October in the northern mountains have issues of their own. That’s when cold and even snow can set in -especially in the higher elevations. 

Currently good long sections of the trail have turned to mud. Babbling brooks are raging rivers. Those hiking solo are especially at risk. Getting off the trail is not a sign of failure but a sign of intelligence. 

I also heard from someone inquiring about the Northeast Backwoods Adventure Route. It’s a route for adventure motorcycle riders. Highways are avoided. It’s mostly country back roads with a goodly amount of dirt roads and even trails. 

The northern section through New Hampshire and Maine are probably mostly passable. I’ve even ridden parts of it on my scooter a few days ago.  However, the sections In Vermont and Pennsylvania are worse. Last I heard some sections are actually closed to the public. 

On the bright side, small rivers that are usually only canoeable during spring floods can be canoed right now. Just make sure not to paddle rivers of flooded sewage and industrial waste chemicals. That would be nasty. Navigating high water is tough enough without the added health hazards. 

It’s been an interesting summer. On the bright side we certainly don’t have a drought. Temperatures have been much more livable than other areas. Some nights are down right cool. It’s actually refreshing. 

-Sixbears