My 2024 LASH in Retrospect

It has been QUITE some time since my last post and so much has transpired. While I might complete a few short section hikes in Pennsylvania, I am officially off trail probably for the remainder of 2024.

What led to my decision to leave trail? Where did it all go wrong? What problems did I encounter? So many questions to be answered!

In short, my 2024 Thru Hike quickly became a LASH probably as early as the Springer Approach Trail. While I am in great shape physically, my expectations were much too lofty. I was quickly humbled.

Over the next couple weeks, I am going to detail some of my lessons learned and things that I would absolutely do differently.

My 2024 LASH was composed of three section hikes totaling approximately 767 miles: Amicalola Falls Visitor Center to Fontana Dam; Hot Springs, NC, to Pearisburg, VA; and finally SOBO from Duncannon, PA, to Waynesboro, VA.

First Lesson Learned:

Next time, and there will be a next time, I will rent a car one-way and drive to Dawsonville, GA. I would recommend that everyone who lives within a 1-2 day drive from Amicalola consider renting a car to make the trip as opposed to flying. My rationale is fairly simple: renting a car gives you much more flexibility. Had I rented a car, I would have been able to arrive at the Visitors’ Center the day prior to starting my hike. Additionally, I would have had better flexibility to ship those unnecessary, excess items home. Not to mention, I would have not have to worry about the airlines damaging or losing my equipment. Financially, the costs might not have been much different since my travel would include a hotel stay and additional meals on the road. Saving the added trouble of hiking the approximately 1.5 miles from the Lodge to the Visitors’ Center back up the Approach Trail could have reduced the day one struggles.

Additional thoughts:

Know which towns on trail have car rental. In the event of an unplanned, unscheduled trail break, this can be very helpful.