crewpilot

I am not new to backpacking, but am new to hiking in this area. I usually do most of my hikes in the Rockies, but it will be awhile before I can get up there again (I am a full time student and work full time) and am starting to get a little restless. I would like to start doing some day hikes and overnights around here, but need some info. I live in Huntsville, so naturally, the LST is perfect. What are you guy's favorite and most scenic section?? Are there any locals that reguraly hike out there??

Also, can any of you receomend any good hikes other than the LST, such as in the Houston or Austin area???

ploddinTod

Welcome, Crewpilot. I saw on another site that you did a recent hike in the Smokies. :cool:
One hike I've been wanting to do is the 4-C's Trail in Crockett Natl Forest. Around Austin is the Goodwater Trail in Georgetown. The LST would be good to keep yourself in shape on weekends since you're so close. Do you have any time off from your job at spring break time?

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PloddinTod

crewpilot

I have 3 days off at the end of the week and will be in the Hill Country, but it will be for a wedding, so I will not have any time to hike.

KevinG.

It took me 4 trips to do the full 96 mi. - I finished just last week. I wouldn't say this is the most scenic of trails and the poison ivy can be bad. Here are the sections I would consider.

Magnolia
Big Creek
Richards
North Wilderness

Look at www.lshtclub.com and you'll see maps & club hiking schedules. Look at the mileage chart to see the sections I've listed above.

If you're scared of wild hogs, don't go.

copuswalker

You chose a tough time of the year. with the ivy,bugs,heat and humidity it had to s-ck. But you weren't getting shot at?
When did you start and what were the mileage and days for each segment??

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

WestTexas

I've almost got all the GPS tracks done for the main trail (96 mile section). I'll put them up on www.everytrail.com when ready.

As far as getting shot at, hunting season is over in December. So you have at least January, February and March for good cool hiking, and most likely parts of April. I've done all my LSHT hiking in those months.

Strange as it may seem, I've yet to see any large wildlife like deer, hogs, etc. I've seen lots of deer and coyote tracks, and hog wallows, but strangely absent when I've been on the trail.

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you want lots of scenic vistas, go to Colorado. But LSHT is a great forest hike, and at the right time of year it's a really nice comfortable hike.

rgds,
WT

ploddinTod

I believe that the 4-Notch Loop is the most primitive area of the trail and that's where I've had the best luck in spotting wildlife.......hogs, coral snake, wild turkey and a resting hawk on a tree branch about 25 feet above me.

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PloddinTod

ploddinTod

Like WestTexas said, there are no breathtaking views because the trail is basically flat. But one should narrow thier focus and fine-tune all of the senses to appreciate this trail.

The decaying leaves and carpet of pine needles offer a fine musty aroma, as well as cushion pad to hike on.

There are several species of mushrooms (some edible, some poisonous) to identify. The ferns and palmettoes also add texture and color to the understory.

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PloddinTod