AboutWounded Knee Expertise I can advise on anything having to do with hiking and backpacking skills and equipment, including map and compass and orienteering skills. I cannot advise on the use of GPS devices. I cannot advise on car camping or group camping (10 or more people). My primary geographic expertise is in the US Northeast, but I know how to find information on hiking and backpacking just about anywhere.
Experience I've been hiking and backpacking for about 40 years, including ongoing section hiking of the Appalachian Trail (almost 1300 miles so far). I have hiked extensively in the New York Metropolitan Area, as well as various other areas from Virginia north, including upstate New York, New England, and Eastern Canada.
Publications New York Walk Book, 7th Ed. New Jersey Walk Book, 2nd Ed.
Education/Credentials Not applicable to this area of expertise.
Question Hi,
I am looking for a nice place to do a 7-night backpacking trip in the northeast. I am traveling from Michigan to Boston, so anyplace that is not too far out of the way would be great. I've thought about the White Mountains or Green Mountains and the Adirondacks, but I'd like advice on what would be a really splendid trip. I am 46 and traveling with my 17 and 19 year old sons. We have a lot of wilderness camping experience and are in good physical condition. We will be bringing our German Shepherd dog. We're leaving Michigan on Monday, so if you could give me a quick answer it will be helpful!
Thanks,
Jennie
Answer You could have a great time in any of the three areas that you mention. The Green Mountains are probably the easiest, while the Whites are the hardest. Some areas of the Adirondacks are very challenging, while other areas areas are less so, even if you stay in the High Peaks region (Lake Placid and Keene Valley areas). A lot depends on what kind of distance you feel you can cover in a single day -- you, your sons, and the dog. Seven nights worth of food is a lot of weight, so you should plan on resupplying about half way through your trip.
I'm going to give a brief description of each of the three areas. Think about what you want out of the trip, then let me know which of the three you want to know more about.
1. Green Mountains: The only part above tree line is the area near the summit of Mount Mansfield. Mostly heavily wooded areas, with evergreens at the higher altitudes. Fewer summit views, unless you climb the summit fire towers, which are pretty common. They call them the Green Mountains for a reason: they're very heavily wooded. Some shelters/tentsites in high-use areas have per-person fees.
2. Adirondacks: Treeline at 4000 feet, so most of the major summits are above treeline. High, rounded summits, deep glacial valleys, lots of spectacular brooks and rapids. Camping mostly free, but parking fees are fairly high. Lots of bears, and use of hard bear-proof containers is required (they rent them out, I think, so you don't have to own one).
3 White Mountains: Treeline same as the Adirondacks, but the peaks are sharper and there are long ridges above treeline. Fierce, changeable weather -- high winds, rapid temperature drops, rain, sleet, snow, fog year round. The AMC has built a number of full service huts -- you can get dinner, breakfast, and a comfortable bunk for the night, but they're not cheap -- about $80/person per night, more on weekends. Most shelters and official tentsites have a $10/person fee.
Let me know your interest and capabilities, and I'll be able to respond with some specific suggestions.
