Hi Guys,
I have made several trips to the Adirondacks and love it up there. I've gone canoe camping on Lake George's islands and Indian Lake, and I even camped at the Loj, but never actually went on a high peaks hike. I have hiked a few miles and gone backcountry camping in Shenandoah park and at Fingerlakes National Forrest. I broke my ankle about 1 1/2 years ago and it is still not (and will never be) at 100%, but my goal was to make it atop a high peak at the end of this summer. I have already hiked a few trails in Shenandoah this summer without incident. I am not in the best shape and am a somewhat heavy smoker. 4 mile and even shorter uphill hikes in Shenandoah w/ a full pack have tired me to the point of exhausion before, especially when it is hot. Of course, I know I can do more, with breaks.
I am planning to make the hike to the top of Algonquin a 2 day deal unless it is easier than I am thinking. I will be starting at the Loj. A buddy and I will be packing a tent, sleeping bag, food, changes of clothes, and water purification kits plus a lot of water. Anyone have recommendations on where to get a low-priced, cheap, lightweight and compact tent suitable for 2 larger adults?? Remember I am a total newbie so maybe you guys don't even use tents for your overnight hikes? What does a typical hiker bring on an overnight trip? The lighter the better.
Will Algonquin kill us or am I thinking it is harder than it is? I hear the top 1.6 miles is pretty steep and from my experience, steep terrain gets me huffing and puffing rather quickly. I seem to overheat quickly and sweat a LOT (even when I was younger and in shape, I was always sweating more than others, which means more water consumption for me).
The camping area we plan to use is the spot 1.6 miles from the summit, which I assume is 2.4 miles from the Loj. What are the chances of this camping area not being full? The first night, I plan to stay at the Loj.. when should I make reservations? We are going to make the trip next Friday, the 17th through Tuesday the 21st. I hope to be at the summit on a weekday to avoid the crowd.
I like to have the feeling of being in the wilderness.. am I picking the wrong hike? Is there still a summit steward at the top of Algonquin? What are our chances of having the summit to ourselves? If we get tired along the trail or if the camping area is full, what are the rules for backcountry camping? Can we just setup tent anywhere below 4000 feet at least a certain distance off the trail? Is there a link anyone can give me as to the rules for this? I know there are no campfires allowed, etc and I know about the alpine vegetation on the higher summits. What are rules about being on summits after dark for star gazing and hiking after dark as well? Does the summit steward stay on the summit 24 hours a day?
I plan to pack a lot of water, but is there an abundence of water sources on the hike? Any other tips you can give me? Here is what is most important for me to have a good time:
1) Not overly crowded, being left to myself, and a sense of nature and adventure
2) Great views - especially in camping areas
3) Being higher than or close to 5000ft
Knowing this, is Algonquin the hike for me or do you recommend something else? What do you recommend for a challenging overnight hike that is not as crowded and still offers plenty of nice camping areas and views as well as some elevation? I would consider a sub 4000 foot mountain if it were possible for me to setup camp on a really scenic summit.. is that possible anywhere?
Any thoughts, comments, etc will be GREATLY appreciated. Feel free to include what equipment you think I should take, including where I should buy. Please excuse my newbieness, but I am asking quesitons now so I am informed by the time I make my trip in order to avoid interfering with anyone else's or my own good time by doing "the wrong thing".
I have made several trips to the Adirondacks and love it up there. I've gone canoe camping on Lake George's islands and Indian Lake, and I even camped at the Loj, but never actually went on a high peaks hike. I have hiked a few miles and gone backcountry camping in Shenandoah park and at Fingerlakes National Forrest. I broke my ankle about 1 1/2 years ago and it is still not (and will never be) at 100%, but my goal was to make it atop a high peak at the end of this summer. I have already hiked a few trails in Shenandoah this summer without incident. I am not in the best shape and am a somewhat heavy smoker. 4 mile and even shorter uphill hikes in Shenandoah w/ a full pack have tired me to the point of exhausion before, especially when it is hot. Of course, I know I can do more, with breaks.
I am planning to make the hike to the top of Algonquin a 2 day deal unless it is easier than I am thinking. I will be starting at the Loj. A buddy and I will be packing a tent, sleeping bag, food, changes of clothes, and water purification kits plus a lot of water. Anyone have recommendations on where to get a low-priced, cheap, lightweight and compact tent suitable for 2 larger adults?? Remember I am a total newbie so maybe you guys don't even use tents for your overnight hikes? What does a typical hiker bring on an overnight trip? The lighter the better.
Will Algonquin kill us or am I thinking it is harder than it is? I hear the top 1.6 miles is pretty steep and from my experience, steep terrain gets me huffing and puffing rather quickly. I seem to overheat quickly and sweat a LOT (even when I was younger and in shape, I was always sweating more than others, which means more water consumption for me).
The camping area we plan to use is the spot 1.6 miles from the summit, which I assume is 2.4 miles from the Loj. What are the chances of this camping area not being full? The first night, I plan to stay at the Loj.. when should I make reservations? We are going to make the trip next Friday, the 17th through Tuesday the 21st. I hope to be at the summit on a weekday to avoid the crowd.
I like to have the feeling of being in the wilderness.. am I picking the wrong hike? Is there still a summit steward at the top of Algonquin? What are our chances of having the summit to ourselves? If we get tired along the trail or if the camping area is full, what are the rules for backcountry camping? Can we just setup tent anywhere below 4000 feet at least a certain distance off the trail? Is there a link anyone can give me as to the rules for this? I know there are no campfires allowed, etc and I know about the alpine vegetation on the higher summits. What are rules about being on summits after dark for star gazing and hiking after dark as well? Does the summit steward stay on the summit 24 hours a day?
I plan to pack a lot of water, but is there an abundence of water sources on the hike? Any other tips you can give me? Here is what is most important for me to have a good time:
1) Not overly crowded, being left to myself, and a sense of nature and adventure
2) Great views - especially in camping areas
3) Being higher than or close to 5000ft
Knowing this, is Algonquin the hike for me or do you recommend something else? What do you recommend for a challenging overnight hike that is not as crowded and still offers plenty of nice camping areas and views as well as some elevation? I would consider a sub 4000 foot mountain if it were possible for me to setup camp on a really scenic summit.. is that possible anywhere?
Any thoughts, comments, etc will be GREATLY appreciated. Feel free to include what equipment you think I should take, including where I should buy. Please excuse my newbieness, but I am asking quesitons now so I am informed by the time I make my trip in order to avoid interfering with anyone else's or my own good time by doing "the wrong thing".
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