I've done Washington three or four times. I've also done many of the other mountains in that New Hampshire region. You've got to be in shape. It's not like walking in the park. It's taxing. Hiking ain't for flabby old men. Bring sunscreen. Once you get above the tree line there's nothing protecting you from the sun's rays. I got sun poisoining once. That wasn't fun. Like others have said, choice of footwear is important. If you wear something other than anything you have been wearing, make sure the shoes are well broken in. We had to get a 6' 5', 250 lb guy down when his new boots were killing his feet. That sucked for him and us. Not sure about the rest of the trail but when you get to the NH mountains you've got to have versatile clothing. It can get cold there real fast. Hikers are generally very friendly people. You bond together. Bring matches and a flashlight. You will want to set campfires. And in the woods, away from the lights of civilization that you never even notice from day to day, it gets dark like you've never seen. Bring a knife. You never know how you might need it.
Oh yea, I know a guy who did the whole Appalachian trail. For three months before he went he would fill this huge backpack with about 50 lbs of stuff and he would walk around his neighborhood for miles. He wanted to be in shape when he got to the trail.
Have fun. It's beautiful in the mountains. But nature can be dangerous too. Like Zit said, winds of over 200 MPH have been recorded on top of Mt Washington. Imagine yourself being in such winds on an open mountain. You need to have your wits about you. There are huts along the way. Always know where they are and how far away from them you are. You may need to make a decision about trying to get there in really bad weather.
Good luck. Loved my days and nights hiking.
Oh yea, I know a guy who did the whole Appalachian trail. For three months before he went he would fill this huge backpack with about 50 lbs of stuff and he would walk around his neighborhood for miles. He wanted to be in shape when he got to the trail.
Have fun. It's beautiful in the mountains. But nature can be dangerous too. Like Zit said, winds of over 200 MPH have been recorded on top of Mt Washington. Imagine yourself being in such winds on an open mountain. You need to have your wits about you. There are huts along the way. Always know where they are and how far away from them you are. You may need to make a decision about trying to get there in really bad weather.
Good luck. Loved my days and nights hiking.
