Hiking
Pace
How many
miles you travel each day will depend on the usual factors that
long-distance hikers confront, namely the terrain, weather, personal
motivation, location of water and campsites, and overall length
of time allotted to complete the journey.
This last
factor should be the first to consider when planning a daily mileage
regimen. How much of the seasonal windows
for thru-hiking can you avail yourself? If you'll be available
for most of the spring or fall, then by all means consider dedicating
it to the hike. Unless circumstances demand otherwise, don't rush
along this route in hopes of setting daily mileage records. Slow
down, focus on the moment, savor the view, explore the silence...
Use the guidebook
and maps to get a sense of the highlights and challenges along
the route. Where will you opt to linger, and where might the route
require it? Focus on the terrain between each town stop to determine
your daily mileage potential, and food allotment, in each span.
Portions of the G.E.T. that are located on roads and better trails
may permit excellent forward progress - perhaps over 3 mph on
high-standard roads. Rougher trails, cross-country travel, snowpack,
and creek fording may require a slower, more careful pace - one
mile of progress may require a full hour of effort on occasion.
Because of these variable conditions - even in the course of a
single segment of the route - consider planning to travel no more
than 20 miles per day. Strong hikers may find themselves pushing
farther from time to time, but almost all hikers would likely
be thankful for a little slack in their itinerary when the going
gets rough. Twelve to eighteen miles per day is a practical range
for experienced long-distance hikers to shoot for. Preview the
guide and maps, then set your schedule accordingly.
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