For all of you folks that have hiked long day hikes, can you give any estimate as to the time it takes to hike per mile? I know this can vary depending on many factors, but I'm trying to grasp what an average distance per hour would be. I hiked some short trails in Canyonlands this past October, and one thing that shocked me was the amount of time the NPS printed as the amount of time the short trails would likely take. I did all the trails within half the time they printed/suggested. I'm one to just hike to check out new things. If there is an informational sign post, I might stop to read it, take some photos, and move on. My wife isn't an outdoors person at all, and when we take off to the Blue Ridge mountains later this year, I'm trying to find some hikes where I can leave early, hike for a bit, eat my packed lunch, and get back in the afternoon or early evening. She will likely be staying in the hotel/cabin just relaxing. Does anyone have any specific trails in the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains NP area they recommend, and if so, what was the length and how long did it take you to hike it round trip?
Is about the season...spring and fall is my season. ANyone been to the Adventure Hiking Trail the past couple years?
Late to this thread but the website "whiteblaze" is a great site for all things backpacking. The focus is on the Appalachian Trail. A few years back my wife and I were going to try what you described- Wife would drop me off- I would hike a section and then be picked up at some point. Maybe a night on the trail and then a night or 2 in some B&B that the wife would enjoy too. We never did it but I was looking in the Smoky Mountain area because of all the touristy places to stay. So, a great idea but I was just short on the execution of the whole plan.
Read Bill Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods" Bill attempts an AT "thru-hike" with an old out-of-shape high school buddy...
For hiking in general- an entertaining book- if anyone else has read this I'm sure they will agree!
Don't forget about Hoosier National Forest. It's a great place for hiking and off trail camping - good mix of old ridge roads turned trail and harder trails with elevation changes. I think you will be fine in April. Heck, I did Deam two weekends ago in the rain and am hitting it again this weekend. Just dress appropriately.