Massachusetts to Tampa

“Hi everyone, im a High School sophomore, I live In Mass about 25 miles out of Boston. I am new to bickepacking but I am interested in starting. By that I mean walking to Boston/Worcter/Springfield etc. I am very interested in Walking to Florida durring the summer of my Junior year, next year. Could you guys please give me tips about the possible trip, like packing, getting food and if it is even feasible in a 1.5 month period. I would be planning on carrying a 50 lbs pack, for a tent, food and clothes. Any info/help would really be appreciated. Thanks.
-Zach”

“why would you wast to hike to florida in the summer? it's too hot here. go hike the long trail or part of the at, but don't hike florida in the summer!!”

“Cyndeee, it sounds like the crazy kid wants to walk from Boston to Florida. I'm thinking troll or nutso. LOL!”

“after i posted i thought the same thing!!
troll!!!!!!!! come on down, walk to florida in the summertime, the weather is great1”

“30 miles a day of roadwalking.

That would completely suck.”

“yep most completely!”

“I met a few folks thru-hiking the AT that started on the Florida Trail. Check trailjournals.com and see if any kept a journal. That would be a good read for you.”

“I wish people wouldn't bash newbees ("nutso or troll") right off the bat. Sounds like a normal High school kid with a yearning for the trail and some healthy wanderlust.

Zalt: I'd suggest looking into the Appalachian trail. It will take you from Maine to Georgia, and you could catch it in Western Mass. I don't know the best hiking route to get to the AT from the Boston area, it would definitely involve a lot of time walking on roads. You might take a bus to get to the trail.

Some people do hike a southern extension of the AT into Florida. There is also the Florida Trail.

For info on the Florida trail try: http://www.florida-trail.org/

To research the AT, do a search for Appalachian trail or check out:

http://www.trailplace.com/
http://www.trailjournals.com/
http://www.whiteblaze.net

In the meantime, Consider doing some hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains this summer, or along the Appalachian trail in MA, CT, or VT.

For New Englan trail and hiking info, try:

http://appalachia.outdoors.org/bbs/
http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/
http://forums.alpinezone.com/
http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/whites/”