Hiking in the White Mts, NH/ME
Oct 2nd, 2011, 06:53 PM
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Hiking in the White Mts, NH/ME
My son is flying into Bangor, renting a car, and says he and a friend are going to hike in the White Mtns. Altho he is a young adult, and athletic, I am concerned for his safety as far as getting lost, bear, and other wildlife. He does not want to camp in a designated "camp ground". He will be taking a hand held GPS, tent, and sleeping bag. Am I being overly concerned for no reason? Thanks for any comments from anyone who is familiar with hiking this area. He will be there early October.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Oct 3rd, 2011, 01:28 AM
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Why didn't he fly into Manchester NH? Would think the fare would be cheaper.
Lost is a definite worry because lost hikers are a frequent occurance but what can get them into trouble is poor visibility due to unexpected snow. Most recent lost hiker had trouble following a trail because of recent heavy rains. Hope he and his friend are prepared for cold weather. Starting Wed it's supposed to be sunny and warmer again but those kind of temperatures can trick people into thinking they don't need the heavy jacket, gloves, etc. Hypothermia can be a problem.
Perhaps remind him NH charges people who don't go properly prepared and follow trails for search and rescue efforts.
They should leave a note in their car stating where they are headed and expected return date.
Don't worry about NH bears. They'd rather not be around people.
If he is knowledgeable about hiking, cold weather, and what to do if they get lost, he should be fine. If they get cold and wet, they'll find a warm place. DS managed to survive his outdoor adventures some of which included minus 20 temperatures and a dog team.
Lost is a definite worry because lost hikers are a frequent occurance but what can get them into trouble is poor visibility due to unexpected snow. Most recent lost hiker had trouble following a trail because of recent heavy rains. Hope he and his friend are prepared for cold weather. Starting Wed it's supposed to be sunny and warmer again but those kind of temperatures can trick people into thinking they don't need the heavy jacket, gloves, etc. Hypothermia can be a problem.
Perhaps remind him NH charges people who don't go properly prepared and follow trails for search and rescue efforts.
They should leave a note in their car stating where they are headed and expected return date.
Don't worry about NH bears. They'd rather not be around people.
If he is knowledgeable about hiking, cold weather, and what to do if they get lost, he should be fine. If they get cold and wet, they'll find a warm place. DS managed to survive his outdoor adventures some of which included minus 20 temperatures and a dog team.
Oct 3rd, 2011, 03:19 AM
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His safety -- and I agree in general with dfrostnh -- depends a lot on where he is used to hiking. If he is used to sunny, dry conditions where you can wear jeans and sweatshirts, he certainly faces hypothermia. If he knows about fleece, goretex, and wool he will be happier and safer. There used to be a sign at some Mt Washington trailheads that said,
"The area ahead has the worst weather in North America. Many have died there. Turn back now if . . . ."
In fact, IIRC, more people die in the Alps every year than have died in toto in the White Mountains, but that doesn't help you if you are the kid who gets caught in cotton clothes when the rain or snow begins. And I have seen snow every month from September through May.
He should be aware that trails in the WM are usually rougher, narrower, and steeper than those out west, many of which began as routes for pack animals.
Water in the WM is subject to giardia, even well off the trail, so he will need a good high tech filter.
Ownership of the WM is a patchwork. Some of it is National Forest, where you can camp rough with certain rules, some of it is privately owned or state owned, with different, usually more restrictive, regulations. Finally, if he needs a rescue -- and the number who do is very small so you shouldn't worry -- he will have to pay for it.
I guess the only thing that really worries me is his choosing to fly to Bangor, which doesn't make a lot of sense. If there is no back story to this (meeting pals at UMaine) I might wonder about his judgement. But he will probably have a great time. We were a year round hiking family, and my son grew into a rock climber and long distance hiker who was always prudent.
"The area ahead has the worst weather in North America. Many have died there. Turn back now if . . . ."
In fact, IIRC, more people die in the Alps every year than have died in toto in the White Mountains, but that doesn't help you if you are the kid who gets caught in cotton clothes when the rain or snow begins. And I have seen snow every month from September through May.
He should be aware that trails in the WM are usually rougher, narrower, and steeper than those out west, many of which began as routes for pack animals.
Water in the WM is subject to giardia, even well off the trail, so he will need a good high tech filter.
Ownership of the WM is a patchwork. Some of it is National Forest, where you can camp rough with certain rules, some of it is privately owned or state owned, with different, usually more restrictive, regulations. Finally, if he needs a rescue -- and the number who do is very small so you shouldn't worry -- he will have to pay for it.
I guess the only thing that really worries me is his choosing to fly to Bangor, which doesn't make a lot of sense. If there is no back story to this (meeting pals at UMaine) I might wonder about his judgement. But he will probably have a great time. We were a year round hiking family, and my son grew into a rock climber and long distance hiker who was always prudent.
Oct 3rd, 2011, 04:39 AM
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Both posts above offer great advice and I concur with their thoughts. Having hiked in those mountains many times, I would say weather and conditions is the primary concern to watch out for. Bears in NH and Maine really are scaredy-cats. In fact, even when I go looking for them they can be hard to find because they scatter at the sight/sound of humans so often. Once fall arrives, though, (and really at any time) the weather can be unpredictable. Even when it is forecast to be beautiful, a surprise rain shower or unusually low temperatures can appear. I have hiked up there in October and it has been sunny and 80, and I have hiked in October and had snow fall on me near the peaks. As long as he is an experienced hiker/camper and smart with his decisions he should be fine.
Of course, I always hike the trail systems myself... the mountains are covered with them and I just find it safer and more secure.
Of course, I always hike the trail systems myself... the mountains are covered with them and I just find it safer and more secure.
Oct 3rd, 2011, 02:59 PM
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Sounds like a great adventure, and he's an experienced long distance hiker.
The biggest problem may be how wet everything is due to all the rain through September. Chances are good he'll be slogging through muck and not hiking on clear, dry trails.
The biggest problem may be how wet everything is due to all the rain through September. Chances are good he'll be slogging through muck and not hiking on clear, dry trails.
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