Around 90 miles. May 11-19, 2025
I no longer have a bike, so this was done as a bunch of out-and-backs with a full hiking backpack. The backpack contained almost everything I will carry on the AT. I will add the remaining few pounds in a couple of days and then continue to hike trails with all my gear until it is time for me to start following those white blazes. I have a new pack now, and I swear that is making all the difference in the world. I feel good, no back pain.
I did between nine and twelve miles a day (out-and-back) and followed this rail trail from Rochester to Cuba. The closer to Rochester, the more bike-friendly fwiw. As a hiker, I appreciated the variety of trail surfaces and, thanks to bug spray, did not get any ticks. My favorite parts were the ten-ish miles closest to Cuba since one can see nice hills through the trees instead of just farmland.
