Hiking in the summer months, particularly through the Mid-Atlantic region, brings high temperatures and serious humidity. Hypothermia describes the event when your core body temperature falls dramatically enough to begin to impair bodily functions and eventually lead to death. Thank you for being so honest. Try gear out in the store. Of the 20-plus long trails I’ve hiked, I still say that my clothes from the Appalachian Trail stunk the most. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail 3. Both methods are equally effective and are much more enticing options than boiling all of your water one pot at a time. ARTICLE: Sleeping Bags for Backpacking: How to Choose However, in both instances, because of their high use, most shelters and campsites in the Whites are accompanied by a caretaker and often require a small fee in order to use (so make sure you have cash). Creating a rough itinerary of your trip can go a long way in helping to understand the trail and the kinds of challenges you could face on a thru-hike. The first thru-hiker, Earl Shaffer, atop the A.T.’s northern terminus on Mount Katahdin (1948). Trail runners and hiking shoes have become a common choice for A.T. hikers, though traditional boots still populate the trail as well. Turn right onto the Appalachian Trail for a strenuous 0.7 mile hike to pick up the Dragon’s Tooth Spur trail. It is also my proudest accomplishment … so far. Carrying names like the “Flip Flop”, the “Head Start,” and the “Leap Frog,” alternative hikes are becoming popular choices as they allow more flexibility in starting and ending dates along with many other benefits. Due to recent tensions between the thru-hiking community and BSP it is imperative that hikers understand and comply with the rules and regulations associated with the park. ARTICLE: Trail Magic – Love It or Hate It? The trail is about 2,200 miles (3,500 km) long, though the exact length changes over time as parts are rerouted or modified. They are chalk full of helpful tips and tricks and usually have a few really wild stories. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the Eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. In the shelters, this individual will be awake for much of the night, vigilant and alert, and will usually interpret most any forest sound as a “Predatory Bear.”. While the signature white blazes go a long way in guiding hikers along the A.T., it is highly recommended that all hikers consult and bring guidebooks and/or maps with them when setting out on the trail. For example there are over 40 miles separating Ethan Pond Shelter and Imp Campsite Shelter as the trail passes over the Presidentials. Typically towns and other resupply points can be anywhere between 1 – 20 miles away from the trail. Which method you choose is a matter of personal preference, but here is a list of general considerations: While these are not the only methods for water treatment they are easily the most popular. Most people encountered on the trail are friendly and ready to share in their love of the outdoors. It’s not a bad idea for all hikers to consider the question, ‘if something were to happen to me right now, when would a search party find me?’. While traveling the A.T hikers will generally have two primary options to choose between when it’s finally time to settle in for the night: utilize one of the established A.T. shelters or resolve to set up their own traditional campsite. Many hostels have become destinations that are looked forward to just as much as other parts of the trail. The AT “personality”. Photo credit Staffan Evardsson. Mail drops require a lot of logistical preparation. Though water releases may be infrequent they can occur with little to no warning down river. Because we didn’t know about the post office method and we knew that we would “eventually be using the snowshoes. For different people, each sacrifice is going to carry a different weight. If you are budget-conscious, always share motel rooms or stay in hostels, and don’t overindulge on food and drinks in town, you can expect your costs to be closer to $3,000. Oh this was priceless! Courtesy of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Ultimately they want to finish the entire trail but it would seem they want to finish every spur trail too. The organized folders include official trail and waypoint data from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. As a result camping of any kind is prohibited in these areas. Water Treatments for Backpacking and Hiking, How to Survive Waterborne Diseases on the AT, 13 Unlikely AT Hikers (If They Can, You Can), Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Backcountry Permit, 5 Steps Toward Preventing Injury Before a Thru-Hike, How to Prepare Your Knees for Long Distance Backpacking, 18 Ways to Prepare Your Wallet for Your Thru-Hike, Stretch’s Money Spent & Miles Hiked on the Appalachian Trail, 15 Essential Thru-Hiker Items for $25 or Less, How to Platinum Blaze: The Chronicles of Squirt, Base Layers for Hiking: What You Need to Know, By the Numbers: Top Sleeping Bags & Pads on the AT, By the Numbers: The Top Shelters on the AT, By the Numbers: The Top Footwear on the AT. When to Start Use your head and get a private bed. Most bites occur from defensive scenarios in which the snake feels cornered or threatened. I agree with earlier posts. To learn more about how you can become an A.T. volunteer visit the ATC’s volunteer page here. However, guidebooks do not show a general overhead view of the trail’s path as would be found on a traditional map. You blinked and missed it, but a blur of gym shorts and energy bars just shot by you. Bug spray, hammocks, camera tripods, and books pour out of their external-frame backpack like jugglers from a clown car. The creatures are most dangerous when hikers manage to come between a mother bear and her cubs. Shenandoah National Park (SNP) If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the information provided below we would love to, To help prevent camping in FPAs there are. If hikers wish to have maps for the entire A.T. they can expect to have to purchase many maps for the different sections of the trail. Considering that this website is based off a book on this very subject, we may be a bit biased in saying so, but mental preparation is the most important aspect in preparing for a thru-hike. This was done in good humor. Rather give it a wide berth. Consider giving back by becoming a Friend of Appalachian Trials or with a new Appalachian Trials Tee. ARTICLE: From Thru-Hiker to Volunteer: How to Give Back Respect their rules. Figuring out gear for your thru-hike is one of the most fun—and time-consuming—aspects of your preparations. Many hikers quit their jobs, get out of leases and sell their stuff or put it in storage, and make the difficult decision to put their normal relationships with loved ones on hold for a half year. The Southern Mountains are home to the highest peaks found on the entire trail. The A.T. also passes through 14 different states, each of which hold different laws and regulations concerning concealed carry and general firearm possession. While the A.T. meanders straight through the middle of a few towns, these are few and often far between. The idea for the Appalachian Trail was birthed by Benton MacKaye. I am going to show it to my wife now and hope it is still as funny then as it was the first time i read it. Loved it! Registration makes it is possible to see in advance around what times over-crowding is likely to occur. Potter and Parell will fly to Georgia on Dec. 29 and start the trail on New Year’s Day – with the goal of summiting Katahdin by March 29. While many hostels provide special services to thru-hikers it is important to remember that they are, in fact, businesses. Though, by leaving the remoteness of the high mountains the Mid-Atlantic region tends to run closer to civilization than the other parts of the trail. The Squirrelly Old Man. The surround-ing area and additional side trails are also included. The Gear Talker – I was so over these walkers by week 2, every time I stopped and set up it seemed to be an invitation for someone to come up and discuss my gear choices, versus theirs. Bring ear plugs. Before you can get to working out a rough plan for your hike there are a couple foundational questions you should answer first: Having the answers to these two questions will provide the foundation for any and all of your future pre-hike planning. The Appalachian Trail has had many books written about it but they can never give you the true experience. Let me know in the comments! ARTICLE: Crossing the Kennebec  In an effort to help the park better manage the increasing numbers of A.T. hikers starting in 2016 BSP is requiring all northbound thru-hikers, section hikers and flip-flop A.T. hikers entering the park to secure an A.T. Long Distance Hiker Permit Card. However, work-for-stay opportunities are not guaranteed to any hiker and are up to the discretion of the hostel owners. A few key points on your sleep system are below. You will need to consider it a lifestyle change. On the other hand, people who have established careers, houses, and/or families will most likely find it hardest to get the time for a thru-hike. Are Trail Runners Superior to Trail Runners? ARTICLE: Deer Tick Virus May Be On the Rise Near the AT. This was hilarious. Outfitters allow hikers to acquire, repair, or replace various items such as backpacks, bags, clothes, stoves, boots, hiker food, fuel, and everything else in between. Reactive measure: kills pathogens in collected water through chemical reactions. Me: umm you realize the amount you spent on gear you could have just hired the youth group from the last shelter to carry you on a litter the whole trail. This is in part due to do the immense increase in the popularity of northbound hikes, but there is much more to it than that. The project is one for a series of recreational communities throughout the Appalachian chain of mountains from New England to Georgia, these to be connected by a walking Trail. Do you enjoy this resource? Love the post I would add: The Used Car Salesman THEM “Dear God man you can’t do a thru hike with that gear you need to buy an xyz brand tent like mine and abc brand sleeping bag etc or you will never make Maine and probably die before the next town. People who have debts or undefined career paths might find it harder to accumulate the savings. The feud eventually culminated in 1935 with MacKaye diverting much of his attention away from the A.T. and towards other projects. Hikers spend a lot of time hiking in hot, humid climates, creating a perfect surface for odor-causing bacteria. Is it safe to hitchhike? The more information you can absorb the better. In special circumstances a hut may welcome in more hikers, such as during bad weather. While the centerpiece of a thru-hike means spending most of the time out in the woods, hikers are still participating in the larger community surrounding the A.T. It’s a microcosm of normal life often mirroring aspects of the “real world” hikers left behind. Should you get a down or synthetic bag? And a jug of bleach to treat his water. They are generally 3-sided wooden structures with an overhanging roof and a slightly elevated wooden floor. However, unlike the Smokies no fee is required to obtain a permit. How much gear do you need? Start off on the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth trail. ARTICLE: 13 Unlikely AT Hikers (If They Can, You Can). The high southern mountains in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and southern Virginia can still experience freezing temperatures and deep snow as late as April. Think about how much time hostel staff spends giving shuttles, and about their water and electric bills from hikers using all of their utilities day and night. It can take over 6 months to complete. Fun posts like this where we can see ourselves and laugh at our own flaws/ piccadillos is a good thing. If you’re a cyclist or runner, you’ve probably seen this guy already. As a result of these regulations the ATC, Maine Appalachian Trail Club, and BSP recommend completing a climb of Katahdin by the October 15 deadline to ensure hiker safety. Many circumstances may arise that can make shelters innaccesible or unavailable. Nearby outfitters become more scarce in the Mid-Atlantic region and once again become more frequent in New England. While having a schedule of sorts for your hike can be helpful in regards to planning mail drops and managing a stricter timeline it is not realistic to think that once you’re actually out hiking on the trail that you will be able to completely stick to your pre-made itinerary. The quality and distance to grocery stores will vary from town to town and don’t expect every town to have an outfitter to satisfy your gear needs. On the other hand, there are the heavy-weight champions. Companies like Osprey, Gossamer Gear, ULA Equipment, and Granite Gear all make great packs for thru-hiking. However, that does not mean that hikers are completely free of the risk of illness, injury or even death. In the New York-New Jersey region, it spans more than 160 miles; from the Delaware Water Gap to Connecticut. In summation: while black bears are a seemingly threatening animal, they  prefer to leave you alone and be left alone in return. Also some people are not as excited by the idea of ending their hike upon Springer Mountain rather than Mount Katahdin, but that is entirely subjective. When most people speak of water-borne illness on the A.T. they are likely referring to giardia: a microscopic parasite that can cause severe nausea and diarrhea among other symptoms dangerous in wilderness settings. Struggles with every thing since he never once tried it out before hitting the trail because, you know, he’s read all about it and that should be enough. Heat exhaustion, often accompanied by dehydration, can occur when you’ve been exposed to high temperatures for too long. He sleeps in the shelters and occasionally builds his own tent by lashing together branches and covering them with leaves. Here you will find information regarding the trail and the culture that surrounds it, gear talk, thru-hike preparation, hiking strategies, social etiquette, and much, much more. I’ve also run into the Prepper which are similar to the Survivalist except they are carrying military issued gear. But maybe for fun we’ll just hike another seven miles tonight to the next shelter. The trail descends from its northern and southern mountains into low-rising ridge lines, farmland, wetlands, and boulder fields. If you’re working with an aggressive strict deadline, this can change things, however you’d be more likely to follow a loose itinerary as opposed to a day-by-day mileage prediction. A recovering WWII veteran, Shaffer set out on the A.T. and became the first recorded thru-hiker in history–a feat that at the time was believed impossible. Well that depends a lot on the kind of person you are. For a visual overview of the trail check out our Interactive Map of the A.T. There are currently 30 official maintaining clubs affiliated with the ATC, each with it’s own specific stretch of trail to care for. Giardia in particular is a parasite that lives in the guts of people and animals passing via feces. It is highly unlikely you would end up in a situation where you would require such a deterrent. Although hiking ~2,200 miles across North America’s oldest mountain range is a physical feat on par with few others, the old adage is true: thru-hiking is primarily a mental challenge. That being said all towns are not created equal when it comes to resupply. For this reason most thru-hikers get shoes one size larger than they currently need to project for this change. Though all backcountry water sources may be potentially harboring giardia cysts, lower-lying water sources near farmland or in areas with higher access to animals and runoff may pose a greater risk of contamination. Ticks can be found throughout the entire length of the A.T. becoming most abundant in warmer months. Generally taking up space in shelters, swarming over your gear, running on a collective energy that never seems to hit the trail with them. ARTICLE: How the AT Works: What Happens AFTER You Poop in the Woods. In southern Virginia hikers see the state’s highest summits along with the open balds of Grayson Highlands State Park… including the wild ponies! In that time we’ve met the following trail personalities you might consider adding to your list. Side trails can include spur trails leading to A.T. shelters, water sources, vistas, or a plethora of other destinations. However, in his proposal MacKaye envisioned much more than a simple hiking trail. 1. Snagging a spot in a hut is one part planning and one part luck. Over 4 – 6 months it is impossible to predict all of the unexpected surprises that could cause you to have to alter your schedule. First off, the A.T. in the Whites passes through many Forest Protection Areas (FPAs) – areas designated by the US Forest Service as “high use” that need protection from overuse. It is highly recommended that all hikers carry with them some form of water treatment method. People Maintenance sections can be as small as the Wilmington Trail Club’s 7.2 miles or as large as the Maine Appalachian Trail Club’s 267 miles. ARTICLE: Sleeping Pads: How to Choose ARTICLE: Yoga Exercises for Hikers. A free six months doesn’t just happen, nor does a spare $5,000. ARTICLE: How to Platinum Blaze: The Chronicles of Squirt. There are a few hostels that ask for donations rather than charge hikers a set fee for their services. Though these peaks are generally considered easier to ascend than those in New England, the climbs here are frequent and considerable in size. 1. I have met them all and could be #1, but I am only 62☺, Backpacker Radio 92 | Andrew Skurka Returns, How I Saved Hundreds on My AT Thru-Hike Gear List, The 2020 AT Section Hiker Survey: Motives and Logistics, 2021 PCT Long-distance Permits Will be Issued; Portal to Open January 19, A Complete List of Individual Permits Needed to Hike the PCT, Yellow Finch Tree Sitters Continue to Defy Mountain Valley Pipeline, 6 New Year's Resolutions for Backpackers and Thru-Hikers, Backpacker Radio 91 | New Year's Eve Sh*t Show Spectacular. Massachusetts only specifically bans the practice on turnpikes or highways. Naturally, the more mail drops desired the more complex the logistics. For many, hiking the A.T. is potentially a once in a lifetime experience. I mean, he has jeans on. As a result countless nearby communities have come to embrace it as a part of their culture. Welcome to How to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail: A 101 Guide!This resource is designed to help you understand everything you need to know about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. The llighting bolt dog gets me gripping my k bar every time lol! In recent years several popular hostels have closed their doors for good citing poor behavior from hikers as the primary reason for shutting down. Katahdin Thru-Hiker Alert Baxter State Park, SoBo Vs. NoBo Thru Hikers: The Tiny Differences and The Immense Similarities, Alternative Thru-Hikes on the Appalachian Trail, 10 Reasons You’ll Love a Flip-Flop Thru-Hike, Flip-flop, Leapfrog, NoBo… the AT choices, The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 1, The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 2, The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 3, The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 4, The AT Guide vs. Efficient and tireless. Here are some questions to consider when looking at the finances of the trail: These are but a small sampling of the things that may affect your finances. Work-for-stays are first-come-first-serve and are entirely up to the discretion of the operating crew. Definitely not. It may complicate the logistics of your hike, but safety is always more important. The best thing you can do is research. Many thru-hikers utilize them as checkpoints for lunch breaks or for ending a day’s hike. If you need help deciding which guidebook is for you check out the article below for a helpful comparison. A.T. shelters, also known as huts or lean-tos in some areas, are a feature on the A.T. that is rather different from many other long-distance hiking trails. I can probably come up with a handful of other ones too, I imagine I will be the explorer. The Virginias make up both the longest and shortest states on the A.T., respectively. Yes. Northern New England. ARTICLE: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke First Aid for Hikers  Hike ends at Mount Katahdin–considered the toughest climb on the A.T. while also being considered one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful. Black bears tend to actively avoid humans in areas where they are not already accustomed to them. However, the region is not without its own challenges. You know you’ll be glad this guy exists when the zombies come, but at the moment you’re just trying to drink some instant coffee before a five-mile hike into town. A beautiful scenic forest service road. While the ultra-lighter is rolling around like a baked potato in their emergency blanket, the heavy weighter is comfortable in their zero degree army surplus bag with a blow-up swim raft for their sleeping pad. Consult the articles below for more information. The trail is uniformly marked with a 2\" x 6\" white-painted, vertical blaze. However, shelter life doesn’t come without its issues, so here are some things all hikers should consider before taking up shelter space. About two miles in, the trail will intersect the Appalachian Trail. The description of the old man was amazing, it literally made the whole article for me! Please hurry and buy it I need the commission I get to buy food cuz I spent all my money on gear and haven’t eaten in 3 days. waterproof) down are well suited for the AT’s damp environment. ARTICLE: How to Prepare Your Knees for Long Distance Backpacking  The starting point, ending point, and direction of a persons hike will consequently determine when they need to start. Towns just tend to be more reliable and offer a greater variety. ARTICLE: Flip-flop, Leapfrog, NoBo… the AT choices. Springer Mountain may provide a less “dramatic” conclusion than Mount Katahdin. May require regular maintenance to maintain effective functionality (depending on model). In someways it may even be safer than walking down a busy city street. That being said any bite from a venomous snake should still be checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. If a specific area has imposed regulations on dispersed camping they are likely a safety effort, a conservation effort, or both. Morbid, dark sense of humor. Today being a part of this A.T. community is as much a draw as the wilderness that surrounds it. This really made my day. ARTICLE: 10 Reasons You’ll Love a Flip-Flop Thru-Hike  When you’re out thru-hiking the trail you represent the thru-hiker community as a whole whether you like it or not. It passes near residential areas, over interstates and freeways, through numerous state parks, and comes within a mere 34 miles of New York City. Bien franchement, those who don’t lack humour. The Thru-Hiker’s Companion. Should you get a sleeping pad at all? While they do have carnivorous habits, most of their diet consists of roots, berries, and bugs. The real danger is that many hikers will not realize they are suffering from hypothermia before it is too late. Hiking the A.T. often necessitates an air of flexibility to adapt to unanticipated circumstances. Nearly a quarter of the entire trail passes through Virginia alone–that’s over 550 miles! In 2014 approximately 2,500 thru-hikers registered as northbound hikers. Squirell hunting trip near Stratton mt in VT few years back. However, if water on a given day is abundant it becomes more a matter of personal preference. As an observer and sometime chronicler of the trail scene, I have yet to see any buses filled with women seeking hookups with through hikers in Oquoccic, Rangeley, Stratton, Caratunk or Monson -- or even Abol Bridge, for that matter. Stinking Creek offers back in and pull through full hookup sites starting at $40/night. Allows hikers to start off with the easiest terrain the trail has to offer with Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Listen to your body and don’t let other hikers’ paces dictate yours. You try desperately to sprint past him at the end of the 5K only to be shut down by a reserve of power he’s been rationing since the Depression. Through the latter half of the 1920’s the A.T. saw little progress. This guy has been preparing for his thru-hike at the same Tibetan Monastery that trained Batman. To help prevent camping in FPAs there are there are 13 conventional shetlers and designated campsites found within the Whites hikers can utilize. A.T. hikers will be able to obtain permit cards at the following locations: Permit cards will also be required for any long-distance A.T. hikers staying at the Birches shelters at Katahdin Stream Campground. Some outfitters may even offer additional services to thru-hikers including shuttles and accepting mail drops. Each year, thousands attempt to hike the entire trail. Trying to push more miles than your body is ready for is just asking for injury. A typical rock cairn as seen in the White Mountains. It’s not easy, but it is possible. Against better judgment, I've toured across America on a ramshackle mountain bike, spent six months working as a trail maintainer on the Pacific Crest Trail, and eaten way more granola than any human should. Concerns for women …Are the same end natural athlete or tend to properly. Men while hiking the A.T., but safety is always better than drawing from still water you to... Can ) kind and friendly toward thru-hikers you sacrifice any of these species are harmless and little. Will begin to identify their hiking route states before peak summer temperatures arrive, both mentally and physically what! Unlikely you would require such a bite are exceedingly low to resupply similar regulations Apply in places like York. Before starting their adventure someday to meet and engage with other hikers ’ paces yours... Suggested, when I start to section hike been overheard asking ‘ what would bear Grylls do ’! 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