Looking for a walking holiday in the USA
 

Im keen to take a walking holiday in the USA i late summer/early fall. Ideally a trip that doesnt involve camping (so basic hotels would be good) but which would give a moderate (4-5hrs) of walking a day. Does anyone have any ideas for travel companies? I live in the UK, but happy to try to get my own flights and join a tour. Id prefer a guided group (rather than a self-guided one).

If you're thinking of those tours in which one walks from one motel or B&B to another, I believe it will be hard to find.

I would look for offerings of non-profit organizations such as REI, The Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Sierra Club:

http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/na.../triptypes.asp

You might start with a website like www.goplayoutdoors.com that matches companies to individuals... have a peek

happy trails has some great suggestions. The Appalachian Trail can be accessed from many points. In addition, there is tons of hiking in the Carolina Mts. as well. www.appalachiantrail.org, www.hikewnc.info, www.ncwaterfalls.com & www.highcountryhiking.com.

Almost forgot gorp.away.com.

there are probably some and the links above may help you find something. But one thing to remember - in most of the US, the type of walking tours one sees in the Cotswolds, or the Dales or other parts of the UK just wouldn't be possible. The towns/villages are just too spread out here.

There are lots of "adventure" hiking tours - but they do not go from B&B to B&B, but more likely "base camp to high camp to tent cabin" sort of itinerary.

If you are over 55, then definitely check out Elderhostel (a very "un-descriptive" name) http://www.elderhostel.org/

They have lots of trips/tours and while most are not total walking tours like you may be looking for - they do offer lots of active/walking-intense holidays.

I suggest walking near or alongside the Atlantic Intracoastal waterway in whatever section of the coast one finds most appealing. This would not be practical in some remote wilderness areas, but in many developed and parkland sections there are all sorts of amenities and scenic delights.

This is what you're looking for:

http://www.nehikingholidays.com/index.html

We went on a great trip with New England Hiking Holidays (the website AAFrequentFlyer suggests) over 10 years ago in Acadia National Park in Maine. We didn't hike from town to town or B&B to B&B but had nice guided hikes each day and they took care of moving our stuff from one B&B to the next (I think we stayed in two different ones over four days). We went in September and the weather was fantastic.

From AA's website, I can tell you the trip in Washington State on the Olympic Peninsula would be wonderful! It includes rainforest and gorgeous alpine vista trails.

If you would like your walking to be in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Yosemite, there is one space available on a 7-day guided walking trip beginning September 1 (you actually need to arrive in Yosemite on August 31). This is a loop trip, guided by a ranger and staying at six different High Sierra camps. These offer accommodation in tent cabins (bed and blankets provided, you bring a sleeping bag). All meals are included.

The camps are situated about 8 miles apart, in spectacular alpine country. Several are located on lakes or rivers. We have stayed at two of them, and are going back again this year.

These are very very popular and difficult to book. They hold a lottery each year for the spaces, and then whatever is left they put on the website.

Let me know if you would like more information. I wouldn't wait on this if you are interested; the spot is likely to be booked soon. You can see the details here:

http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accomoda...erraCamps.aspx

Here are a couple more companies that offer walking trips in the US:

Country Walkers - www.countrywalkers.com
(We haven't used them but have hiked with one of their guides thru another company. He was top notch.)

Backroads - www.backroads.com (Trips are more upscale.)

Already mentioned - REI Adventures (http://www.rei.com/adventures) would offer more basic accommodations. We've used them and would definitely recommend the company.

National Geographic Adventure magazine rated outfitters last fall. You can find other companies there (especially the more localized companies) - http://atr.nationalgeographic.com/ou...rchMain.action

Also try www.ava.org. It is the American Volkssport group. I have a b&b and a couple stayed here to do this areas walk. They say they have done it all over the country.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has a system of huts across the White Mountains in New Hampshire. In season, each provides simple bedding in bunk rooms and vast meals under a proper roof, so you can walk across the peaks without carrying tent, sleeping bag, etc.

The trail that connects them is largely the Appalachian Trail through New Hampshire. It is largely above the tree line, and the scenery is beautiful. One of the huts, Lakes of the Clouds, is just below the summit of Mt Washington, the highest point in New England at just about 2000 metres. There is no hot water in the huts, but the public toilets at the top of Mt Washington have it and are a great place to wash and shave mid-walk!

You have to be fit to do these trails. They are generally rocky with considerable rise and fall between peaks, a number of which are over 4000 feet. I sense that you are from the UK, and you can think of these as similar to walking in Glencoe.

As the signs point out, "The area ahead has the worst weather in North America. Many have died. Do not attempt these trails unless you are in good physical condition and appropriately equipped." This would mean sturdy boots, waterproof clothing, and layers of warm pile, even in the summer, just like home!

I have been across, and there is nothing as exposed as, say, the Striding Edge in Helvellen (our equivalent is on Mt Katahdin in Maine) and there is no technical climbing required.

Of the hikes from the site AAFF suggested, the White Mountains (New Hampshire) and Vermont 5-day both sound good. They are offered at the end of September, which is both a great leaf peeping and wonderful hiking time. (Plus, on the off chance you run into a bear, they will be fat and happy at that time of year, not lean and grumpy.)

The Olympic Peninsula hike in Washington state also is a good option. It's an absolutely knock out gorgeous part of the country (and unlike anything in the UK), but make sure you have waterproof hiking apparel. Don't eat too much Dungeness crab--it's deliciously addictive and you can't get it here in the UK.

I'd jump on enzian's High Sierra camp trip in a heartbeat. I've hiked to some of those camps and there is nothing like it.

iamq---so I hope traveller2007 sees that High Sierra camp opportunity in time. I'd take the spot myself, if I weren't already going to Yosemite earlier in August (and weren't out of vacation days!)

People who haven't heard of the High Sierra camps probably can't appreciate what a terrific opportunity this is.

I found that spot when I was looking for a guided hike for a woman coming from the UK to join a Grand Canyon hike I am organizing. She wanted to come over early and visit Yosemite as well. But she couldn't come as early as September 1.

Whoever books that trip will end up at Vogelsang on the very last night they are open---they close down Sept. 7.

Check out trekamerica.com and footloose.com

Wow, all these sites are brilliant! I've come across some of them before, but others - like the High Sierra camps and REI I'd never have found myself. Thank you to you all!
Much as I'd like to go in peak summer months (eg to join the High Sierra trip) Ive been checking flights from London and its way too expensive for me to fly to the USA anytime between July and September! A shame, but it doubles the prices of any holiday if I go then. Im on a relatively tight budget so peak summer travel anywhere is almost impossible.

But the info is great and Ill keep an eye out on those. In the meantime, maybe I'll take a look for October....
Many Thanks again to you all!

The upper to mid-South is glorious in October. You would see gorgeous leaf color in the first part of the month if you come to Kentucky, and the temperature should be pleasant. Part of the Appalachian Trail runs through the KY mountains.