So I am looking to plan a solo trip some time in the next 2/3 months, that is a 4-5 day minimum, and very isolated. Last year I did the Northville-Lake Placid trial which was awesome. I would like to find something even more isolated, difficult, and cool. I do a yearly long trip elsewhere in the country, this one I would like to stay within a days drive of NYC.

Right now I am thinking about the 100 mile wilderness stretch of the Appalachian Trail. I am somewhat concerned about even that long stretch of the AT being crowded though. What other options are out there?

How about a section of the Cohos Trail?

Wow the Torngats look awesome. I don't know if I have time to get that together though. From what I have read you don't try to do it after August due to needing to charter a plane to get in there, as the weather starts turning then. I am on a tight budget, so access by car would be a huge plus. It seems like Torngats are a 2 flight trip from here, they might have to go on the list for my yearly longer trip.

The Cohos Trail looks like is would be much more manageable. I have hiked a good amount in the Whites but somehow this section of trail has never come up before. I might have to grab the book for it. Any idea what section might be the most isolated? A lot of the pictures I see of it have paved roads cutting through nearby.

I did the 100 mile wilderness last summer. As long as you are not there during the time that the AT hikers are going through you should be fine. It is truly an amazing hike . Most isolated from cars and roads for sure.

I don't know much about the Cohos. It's a new system, sections are still being built to avoid roads and ATV trails. Make sure you get the latest trail maps, I bet most sections are not well-marked.

The trail starts by going over the Presis, which is obviously not the place for solitude (but is spectacular). Next it heads over the Pilot-Pliny range, a really pleasant area. Two 4000-footers there so it's not particularly isolated yet, but plenty of quiet ridgeline in between. North from there I wot not of.

If you really want to be frustrated, try to follow the Bay Circuit trail in Massachusetts. Lots of roads, unmarked trailheads in office parking lots, ...

Algonquin park is within a days drive and is almost the same size as Yellowstone. It is complete with bears, wolves, moose, deer and even the odd elk. The Western uplands loop has a 55 mile backpacking option. No roads or ATV trails - but trailhead is accessible by road.

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/ca ... -trail.php
http://algonquinoutfitters.com/maps/hik ... nds-trail/

Been awhile since I was there but I believe you need backcountry permits for however many days you are planning.