LBL North-South Trail

[smashdn]

Had a buddy call and tell me he was interested in getting together in the early fall to try and hike the North South trail in three days.

Anybody done it? Is that timeframe do-able for the length? Any tips?

 

[kyjohnky]

Never walk the whole trail,but did walk area 3.

 

[randy grider]

I think im right in saying it is 60 miles ? 20 miles a day in three days a row is doable, but tough. I hiked 22 miles of the AT in 2 days, but we had a 2500 ft climb the first day, no kind of elevation changes any where close to that at LBL, probably not even 100 foot.

 

[smashdn]

I told him I thought that was an aggressive goal and timeframe. But he talked like he had a plan for not having to pack three days worth of water and for having a vehicle at about 1/2 and 3/4 of the way so if we decide to tap out or see we can't finish we have an exit strategy.

Haven't decided whether we will go sobo or nobo on it but I here the north end is more interesting of a walk and I know the south hunt areas are generally steeper and the hills more straight up and down.

 

[randy grider]

If you hiked to a parked vehicle everyday, and stayed in a motel I can see it happening, carrying 30# of gear on your back really slows you down, but a light daypack with just a snack and water, would be a breeze, not to mention a good nights sleep in a motel room. I would have to check the maps for road crossings....

 

[smashdn]

My pack without water is <20 lbs. If it is warm (first week of september) it will be maybe 1/2-1 lb lighter due to no sleeping bag. Water will be the issue. Weighs a bunch.

 

[JP]

North side of 68/80 has at least 2 good springs on the map. Last time I was there in April I located one of them and it was flowing. Not sure how they will act in Sept.

 

[grinder]

3 days water is at least 3 gal, between 25-30#. You dont carry 3 days water, you take a purifier and make water.

 

[timer]

Sixty miles in three days is definitely doable....but sixty miles in four or five days is doable and enjoyable.