In 2016, there will be no limit to the number of permit cards available and their will be no cost to secure a permit. ARTICLE: The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 2 If you need help deciding which guidebook is for you check out the article below for a helpful comparison. Baxter State Park (BSP) 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 creatures are most dangerous when hikers manage to come between a mother bear and her cubs. But maybe for fun we’ll just hike another seven miles tonight to the next shelter. Get our full thru-hiker’s suggested gear list here. Look for ways to minimize your costs by entering sponsorships, taking advantage of sales, buying used gear, or even making some of your own DIY items. Shelters’ convenient locations along the trail coupled with their many backwoods “luxuries” make them popular stops for A.T. hikers. Should you be a former, future, or even current hiker looking to grant a little trail magic yourself be sure to carry it out responsibly. The Southern Terminus of the A.T. atop Springer Mountain. You can see the Rasta colors from a mile away. 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. Allows hikers to start off with the easiest terrain the trail has to offer with Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. As a result your actions can have both positive and negative effects on the perception of thru-hikers both from within and outside the A.T. community as a whole. ARTICLE: About Water It’s hard to drink enough water to be properly hydrated, but if not properly managed more serious issues can arise. ARTICLE: Tiny Terrors of the AT: Everything You Need to Know About Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease More often than not, hikers have to work with their gear a few times in the field in order to formulate a proper opinion. The Appalachian Trail, also known as the A.T., runs for more than 71 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I heard of several female hikers giving names to male hikers who hooked up with them. New England beckons an epic return to the mountains for northbound hikers and provides a challenging start for those preparing a southbound venture. 4 Things You Should Consider First. You will need to be able to look ahead at the next few years (or even decades) and make a plan based on where you will be with your job, how your family is going to feel, and what you can save in that time period. In special circumstances a hut may welcome in more hikers, such as during bad weather. While many hostels provide special services to thru-hikers it is important to remember that they are, in fact, businesses. As a result thru-hikers have come to rely on the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) hut system as an additional lodging option through the Whites. That means if a shelter is full by the time you arrive you’ll need to either pitch your own tent or hike on to the next available campsite. About two miles in, the trail will intersect the Appalachian Trail. For example, dispersed camping is strictly forbidden within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Whether it’s after a week’s worth of hiking through rain or battling a debilitating case of blisters, there will come a time when you will ask yourself, “why am I doing this?”. Not to mention some of these campsites and shelters can be upwards to a mile detour off trail in some instances. Then makes sure you can fund such ventures. When to Start Several crossings will be equipped with ropes to help guide hikers through the ford as well as provide a source of balance. Notable Locations: Springer Mountain | Blood Mountain | Nantahala Outdoor Center | Fontana Dam | Great Smoky Mountain National Park | Clingmans Dome | Max Patch | Hot Springs, NC | Big Bald | The Roan Highlands. There are also some areas that may permit dispersed camping but limit the use of campfires outside of established pits. Hitchhiking Tips and Tricks to be Successful and SAFE! 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). The Southern Mountains are home to the A.T.’s southern terminus and is the first region of trail experienced by the majority of thru-hikers. ARTICLE: 15 Essential Thru-Hiker Items for $25 or Less ARTICLE: How the AT Works: What DOES a Maintainer Do? Maps are generally more expensive, lighter, and gift a view of the trail that guidebooks cannot. Similar regulations apply in places like New York, New Jersey, and the White Mountains in New England. Typically 10 – 30 minutes depending on the amount of water being treated. Thanks for a good laugh. Footwear is a deeply personal choice, more so than any other category. You’ve seen purses bigger than the backpack from which they produce a shelter made of helium, an emergency blanket, and a single granola bar. Over the next several years MacKaye spent his time trying to gain support for his ambitious plans. Either way, thru-hikers should look to compensate the hostel and its staff in some way for any services rendered, no matter what. They are generally 3-sided wooden structures with an overhanging roof and a slightly elevated wooden floor. Single women on the trail are wanting sex. You will learn to dread the foreboding puff of his inhaler as he wheezes into the shelter at sundown. While a venomous snake bite is possible on the trail the odds of suffering such a bite are exceedingly low. Thru-hikers looking to take a night or two off from setting up camp can seek out one of the many hostels set up along the A.T. Hostels provide a nice middle ground offering more comfort than sleeping in a shelter or on the ground while remaining fairly inexpensive when compared to other lodging options in town. Did I forget any trail characters? While it is not impossible to hike during winter months the low temperatures, deep snow, and sometimes unpredictable storms make traversing the trail more difficult; sometimes dangerous. Do not assume you will be able to sleep in a shelter every night on the A.T. Crossing fewer water sources necessitates carrying greater amounts. That being said all towns are not created equal when it comes to resupply. A backcountry permit is required to camp within this national park. One of the many outfitters along the A.T. will be happy to help you sort out your problem. The Thru-Hiker’s Companion. He’s awesome and has hiked everything. Join the leader in online dating services and find a date today. a hiker) is a waste of this resource. In 1921 MacKaye made his ambitious vision public with his proposal: An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning. It was Perkin’s efforts that attracted the attention of a Washington lawyer known as Myron Avery. He’s awesome and has hiked everything. found within the Whites hikers can utilize. All it takes is a kind heart and a willingness to help a hiker along their way. By November 1st vehicular access to the park is usually closed. These typically come in the forms of either a filter or a chemical treatment. How the AT Works: What DOES a Maintainer Do? Fun posts like this where we can see ourselves and laugh at our own flaws/ piccadillos is a good thing. CC BY 2.0. While permitted in some form in many areas along the trail, the rules and regulations regarding dispersed camping vary depending on what state, town, or park you’re within the boundaries of. Starting at Springer Mountain is mentally, physically, and logistically simpler than starting at Mount Katahdin. You reach Greyson Highlands only to find them riding a pony. 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. However, guidebooks do not show a general overhead view of the trail’s path as would be found on a traditional map. All of these are excellent questions that need answering, so follow the links below for more information on sleep systems. 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. Giardia in particular is a parasite that lives in the guts of people and animals passing via feces. It is also illegal in most areas near the trail. Towns surrounding the AT are extremely familiar and friendly toward thru-hikers. Fortunately, the majority of these species are harmless and pose little threat to hikers, such as eastern rat snakes and ring snakes. Many hostels are run by former hikers so they tend to understand a thru-hiker’s budget, but at the end of the day a business needs to be able to turn a profit in order to survive. This means getting properly measured and fitted. You know about people hundreds of miles in front of you and hundreds of miles behind … through only the most rudimentary of mechanisms – paper notebooks, message boards and the word of hostel owners. is permitted. Rather most thru-hikers will rely on the work-for-stay option, but this is by no means a guarantee either. This is due in no small part to the cast of colorful characters who staff these establishments to offer weary hikers a welcomed respite from the trials of the trail. Fun memories. ARTICLE: The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 1 It was a good shot. Many hostels have become destinations that are looked forward to just as much as other parts of the trail. The intention of these shelters are to help minimize and manage the impact dispersed camping can have on wilderness areas by attempting to localize camping activities to specific locations on the trail. ARTICLE: The Virginia Blues Nearly a quarter of the entire trail passes through Virginia alone–that’s over 550 miles! If you’re a cyclist or runner, you’ve probably seen this guy already. I mean, he has jeans on. Start by only doing 7 – 12 miles gradually increasing your mileage as you go. Too funny, I love it Maggie. Being able to get a good night’s sleep on the trail is imperative to your health and happiness. If you’re not a natural athlete or tend to loathe the idea of exercise don’t worry. The ATC organized this useful spreadsheet outlining camping regulations in different areas on the A.T. It all starts with a decision. Many hostels, though not all, exist primarily with the intention of providing services to A.T. hikers, particularly thru-hikers. To qualify for this permit hikers must start and end their hike 50 miles outside of the park’s borders and must only travel along the A.T. while inside the park. Hikers travel along Virginia’s spine through the Jefferson and George Washington National Forests. Generally taking up space in shelters, swarming over your gear, running on a collective energy that never seems to hit the trail with them. Brings new meaning to “fanny” packs. Dehydration However, hikers may also call the park’s Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297. Purpose: Knowing your purpose for thru-hiking is paramount. The AMC operates 8 huts along the A.T. through the White Mountains. I agree with earlier posts. Side trails can include spur trails leading to A.T. shelters, water sources, vistas, or a plethora of other destinations. However, some paid permits and other fees are required for hikers to “camp” along certain sections of the trail. This also means that the highest concentration of hostels are located in the southern portion of the trail, thinning out in the Mid-Atlantic, and resurging again somewhat in New England. If the person in question is a townie or stranger on the side of the road, you can just move on down the trail to leave them behind. ARTICLE: The AT Guide vs. However the stories of dangerous encounters while hitchhiking are extremely rare. Backcountry permits are also required for thru-hikers traveling through SNP. ARTICLE: 13 Unlikely AT Hikers (If They Can, You Can). There are a great number of outfitters accessible to hikers along the trail, most of which are strategically stationed in trail towns. This resource is designed to help you understand everything you need to know about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Northern New England. They need to be light and packable. A typical blue blaze found along the A.T. Side trails that connect or intersect with the A.T. are marked with blazes of other shapes and/or colors. This was done in good humor. If you ever find yourself encountering someone on the trail you do not feel comfortable with, there are steps you can take to distance yourself from that person. ARTICLE: Trail Angels and Trail Magic on the Appalachian Trail They are chalk full of helpful tips and tricks and usually have a few really wild stories. Dehydration can be a serious problem for thru-hikers. ARTICLE: Hitchhiking Tips and Tricks to be Successful and SAFE! Let’s examine a few common misconceptions, before discussing more serious things to watch out for. Some species, such as timber rattlesnakes, are even considered threatened or endangered in many areas. ARTICLE: By the Numbers: Top Sleeping Bags & Pads on the AT How much gear do you need? If they don’t allow dogs there’s a reason, so try not to beg for an exception. Love it! While less common then white blazes, cairns are heavily relied upon in certain sections of the A.T., such as in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Higher likelihood of exposure to norovirus and similarly transmitted illnesses due to crowded conditions. If so what kind? The man who wants to embrace nature in all his glory. ARTICLE: Water Treatments for Backpacking and Hiking And a jug of bleach to treat his water. In most cases they are actually very timid creatures more prone to run from you before you even get the chance to run from them. Therefore you want to find the backpack that fits you and your gear the best. Northbound hikers typically start in late March or early April ending their hike between late August and early October. Each individual thru-hiker requires a permit and each permit costs $20 a piece. Massachusetts only specifically bans the practice on turnpikes or highways. If you intend to sleep in shelters expect to deal with other hikers’ night-time quirks, such as snoring, sleep talking, and even night-terrors. The Thru-Hiker’s Companion, many maps for the different sections of the trail, A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to the AMC Hut System, attach themselves to suspended solids and other floating particles. The high levels of trail magic in the south share similar conservation concerns as the high level of hikers themselves. May require regular maintenance to maintain effective functionality (depending on model). Shenandoah National Park (SNP) However, you also don’t want to arrive too late or other hikers may have taken all of the available spaces. There are a few hostels that ask for donations rather than charge hikers a set fee for their services. ARTICLE: Snake Bite First Aid and Treatment He has been overheard asking ‘what would Bear Grylls do?’. Living out in the woods for six months means that there is a near guarantee every hiker will at some point cross paths with a snake. Need the hammock dude, trail dreamer, juggernaut (mix of old squirrelly guy and heavyweight) and Eagle Scout (has something for every situation) Keep rocking! However, this estimate does not include initial gear purchases and other financial commitments outside the scope of the A.T. It’s very possible to spend far less or to far exceed this range depending on your specific needs and desires. Hiking the A.T. often necessitates an air of flexibility to adapt to unanticipated circumstances. Bears They rate their days on trail not by the miles but rather by the smiles. Safety Concerns for Women ARTICLE: Should You Treat Backcountry Water? The Appalachian Trail is a continuous footpath stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. You’re unclear on how he is able to hike big miles when his vocal chords are trying to chainsaw their way out of his throat each night. Loved the post–wife and I laughed out loud. Currently thru-hiker registration is ultimately a voluntary venture, but given the benefits it can have for the trail coupled with the fact that it is completely free means there isn’t really a good reason not to. For those seeking synthetic options Mountain Hardwear makes some of the best and most packable on the market. Undergoing a southbound hike is less popular as it requires hikers to start their journey with the most difficult terrain. Popular dispersed campsites are often marked in A.T. guide books. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, more than 3,000 thru-hikers each year attempt to complete the AT – and roughly a quarter succeed, most in five to seven months. If another hiker is making you uncomfortable, consider altering your hiking pace to increase the distance between you. Crowding has started to cause undue stress to the trail and its environment resulting in damage to shelters and campsites, the trampling of local flora, trash build-up, and even harm or habituate wildlife. Hiking the Appalachian Trail will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, not including gear or transportation to and from the trail. May react to loud noises differently than other hikers. Your backpack is, of course, the tool that allows you to carry all of your belongings with you as you trudge over mountains. To skip to a specific subject of interest and for easier navigation utilize the quick links in the Table of Contents below. The kind souls who gift hikers with trail magic are commonly referred to as Trail Angels. 28. There are currently 30 official maintaining clubs affiliated with the ATC, each with it’s own specific stretch of trail to care for. New Hampshire’s White Mountains are the most anticipated section of the trail for many thru-hikers. It’s true there have been unsavory characters associated with the A.T., but such characters are uncommon. Venom is primarily used to help snakes immobilize prey and using it on something they know they are not/cannot eat (i.e. Eventually, Avery succeeded Perkins as the head of the ATC and under his leadership the development efforts for the A.T. surged, albeit at the cost of internal disputes. ARTICLE: The Thru-Hiker’s Suggested Gear List Loved it! However, anyone can be a Trail Angel whether they are familiar with the A.T. or not. Northbound hikers must be prepared to carry winter gear suitable for such conditions for around their first 500 miles on trail. However, the exact time of year a thru-hiker should set out on the A.T. is highly dependent on their hiking route. A high loft, down sleeping bag will go a long ways to opening up space in your pack, as will carrying the clothes that you need and nothing more. The best stories from the A.T. tend to revolve around the people of the trail. Their efforts paid off in 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Trails System Act into law making the Appalachian Trail the first national scenic trail under the National Park System (NPS). At the same time, being unable to alter or adapt your plans throughout your hike may lead to the same end. The concept is essentially a hiker packs desired supplies into a package and then mails said package to a specific destination ahead of them on the trail. ARTICLE: Do You Need a Gun on the AT? They try to befriend the bears in Shenandoah and recite ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ at every sunset. The one proviso to this philosophy is that any method of hiking should not impose or negatively impact (insofar as possible) another hiker’s experience, and by extension other members of the A.T. community as well. Often hot and humid weather conditions in the Mid-Atlantic states. It’s your hike after all. In 2003, David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. For a better view of where to find popular outfitters along the trail check out our Interactive Map of the A.T.. Therm-a-rest makes great sleeping pads. Relatively speaking, the A.T. is a safe place, but not having the right gear, underestimating the weather, and generally not knowing how to handle yourself outdoors can compound the risks. Failing any other options many thru-hikers commonly resort to hitchhiking. Some campsites located in high use areas may also require a small fee. A general estimate is that hikers will have to carry anywhere between 1 – 2 liters of water. There are hikers every year who travel the trail who never treat their water and never get sick. For smaller pieces of gear it’s not as big a deal if you need to replace or switch out items mid-hike, but the Big 4 you want to try and get right the first time if you can. It is also not an appropriate solution to kill these snakes. They provide extensive and practical information about not just the A.T. itself, but also its surrounding businesses and communities all contained in one small, easily affordable package. But, you will also need to be able to throw that plan away and jump at the opportunity to hike if it appears in the form of an unexpected lay-off or your high schooler suddenly suggesting that you hike together. ARTICLE: Report: Tick-Transmitted Powassan Virus “Worse Than Lyme Disease” Some may be equipped with an adjoining picnic table, established fire pits, bear-bagging systems, and privies. "The trail has a way of answering the questions you most need answered, even if you are afraid to ask." Such a large influx of hikers at the same time each year is beginning to stress and damage the trail and its surrounding environment in the south. As a result countless nearby communities have come to embrace it as a part of their culture. Though these peaks are generally considered easier to ascend than those in New England, the climbs here are frequent and considerable in size. Always a bottle neck especially around the one who has “fallen and they can’t get up.”, The Day Hiker. Hikers are frequently required to climb and rock scramble in their first few hundred miles on trail. There is only one river hikers are advised to never ford–the Kennebec River in Maine. You won’t see them again but you’ll read their name for weeks to come, quickly scrawled next to a date that grows further and further away. 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. However, on average, people cross 10 to 15 miles every day. Help fund a Ferry service to cross the Kennebec article: a 101 guide mean hikers. And tend to carry winter gear suitable for such conditions for around their first few hundred.. Is one of the “ big four, ” is the widest crossing... The expert: Knows the best footwear for you consult the articles below best most. A.T. adventurers an epic return to the drinker attracted resident mice and other members of the states! Survive Waterborne Diseases on the Appalachian trail hook up - find single in!: do you have to continue improving this guide the world also considered... Preparing a southbound venture to construct a flip flop hike which the ATC outlines in fantastic detail with 5 7... 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In 2016, there will be no limit to the number of permit cards available and their will be no cost to secure a permit. ARTICLE: The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 2 If you need help deciding which guidebook is for you check out the article below for a helpful comparison. Baxter State Park (BSP) 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 creatures are most dangerous when hikers manage to come between a mother bear and her cubs. But maybe for fun we’ll just hike another seven miles tonight to the next shelter. Get our full thru-hiker’s suggested gear list here. Look for ways to minimize your costs by entering sponsorships, taking advantage of sales, buying used gear, or even making some of your own DIY items. Shelters’ convenient locations along the trail coupled with their many backwoods “luxuries” make them popular stops for A.T. hikers. Should you be a former, future, or even current hiker looking to grant a little trail magic yourself be sure to carry it out responsibly. The Southern Terminus of the A.T. atop Springer Mountain. You can see the Rasta colors from a mile away. 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. Allows hikers to start off with the easiest terrain the trail has to offer with Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. As a result your actions can have both positive and negative effects on the perception of thru-hikers both from within and outside the A.T. community as a whole. ARTICLE: About Water It’s hard to drink enough water to be properly hydrated, but if not properly managed more serious issues can arise. ARTICLE: Tiny Terrors of the AT: Everything You Need to Know About Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease More often than not, hikers have to work with their gear a few times in the field in order to formulate a proper opinion. The Appalachian Trail, also known as the A.T., runs for more than 71 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I heard of several female hikers giving names to male hikers who hooked up with them. New England beckons an epic return to the mountains for northbound hikers and provides a challenging start for those preparing a southbound venture. 4 Things You Should Consider First. You will need to be able to look ahead at the next few years (or even decades) and make a plan based on where you will be with your job, how your family is going to feel, and what you can save in that time period. In special circumstances a hut may welcome in more hikers, such as during bad weather. While many hostels provide special services to thru-hikers it is important to remember that they are, in fact, businesses. As a result thru-hikers have come to rely on the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) hut system as an additional lodging option through the Whites. That means if a shelter is full by the time you arrive you’ll need to either pitch your own tent or hike on to the next available campsite. About two miles in, the trail will intersect the Appalachian Trail. For example, dispersed camping is strictly forbidden within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Whether it’s after a week’s worth of hiking through rain or battling a debilitating case of blisters, there will come a time when you will ask yourself, “why am I doing this?”. Not to mention some of these campsites and shelters can be upwards to a mile detour off trail in some instances. Then makes sure you can fund such ventures. When to Start Several crossings will be equipped with ropes to help guide hikers through the ford as well as provide a source of balance. Notable Locations: Springer Mountain | Blood Mountain | Nantahala Outdoor Center | Fontana Dam | Great Smoky Mountain National Park | Clingmans Dome | Max Patch | Hot Springs, NC | Big Bald | The Roan Highlands. There are also some areas that may permit dispersed camping but limit the use of campfires outside of established pits. Hitchhiking Tips and Tricks to be Successful and SAFE! 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). The Southern Mountains are home to the A.T.’s southern terminus and is the first region of trail experienced by the majority of thru-hikers. ARTICLE: 15 Essential Thru-Hiker Items for $25 or Less ARTICLE: How the AT Works: What DOES a Maintainer Do? Maps are generally more expensive, lighter, and gift a view of the trail that guidebooks cannot. Similar regulations apply in places like New York, New Jersey, and the White Mountains in New England. Typically 10 – 30 minutes depending on the amount of water being treated. Thanks for a good laugh. Footwear is a deeply personal choice, more so than any other category. You’ve seen purses bigger than the backpack from which they produce a shelter made of helium, an emergency blanket, and a single granola bar. Over the next several years MacKaye spent his time trying to gain support for his ambitious plans. Either way, thru-hikers should look to compensate the hostel and its staff in some way for any services rendered, no matter what. They are generally 3-sided wooden structures with an overhanging roof and a slightly elevated wooden floor. Single women on the trail are wanting sex. You will learn to dread the foreboding puff of his inhaler as he wheezes into the shelter at sundown. While a venomous snake bite is possible on the trail the odds of suffering such a bite are exceedingly low. Thru-hikers looking to take a night or two off from setting up camp can seek out one of the many hostels set up along the A.T. Hostels provide a nice middle ground offering more comfort than sleeping in a shelter or on the ground while remaining fairly inexpensive when compared to other lodging options in town. Did I forget any trail characters? While it is not impossible to hike during winter months the low temperatures, deep snow, and sometimes unpredictable storms make traversing the trail more difficult; sometimes dangerous. Do not assume you will be able to sleep in a shelter every night on the A.T. Crossing fewer water sources necessitates carrying greater amounts. That being said all towns are not created equal when it comes to resupply. A backcountry permit is required to camp within this national park. One of the many outfitters along the A.T. will be happy to help you sort out your problem. The Thru-Hiker’s Companion. He’s awesome and has hiked everything. Join the leader in online dating services and find a date today. a hiker) is a waste of this resource. In 1921 MacKaye made his ambitious vision public with his proposal: An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning. It was Perkin’s efforts that attracted the attention of a Washington lawyer known as Myron Avery. He’s awesome and has hiked everything. found within the Whites hikers can utilize. All it takes is a kind heart and a willingness to help a hiker along their way. By November 1st vehicular access to the park is usually closed. These typically come in the forms of either a filter or a chemical treatment. How the AT Works: What DOES a Maintainer Do? Fun posts like this where we can see ourselves and laugh at our own flaws/ piccadillos is a good thing. CC BY 2.0. While permitted in some form in many areas along the trail, the rules and regulations regarding dispersed camping vary depending on what state, town, or park you’re within the boundaries of. Starting at Springer Mountain is mentally, physically, and logistically simpler than starting at Mount Katahdin. You reach Greyson Highlands only to find them riding a pony. 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. However, guidebooks do not show a general overhead view of the trail’s path as would be found on a traditional map. All of these are excellent questions that need answering, so follow the links below for more information on sleep systems. 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. Giardia in particular is a parasite that lives in the guts of people and animals passing via feces. It is also illegal in most areas near the trail. Towns surrounding the AT are extremely familiar and friendly toward thru-hikers. Fortunately, the majority of these species are harmless and pose little threat to hikers, such as eastern rat snakes and ring snakes. Many hostels are run by former hikers so they tend to understand a thru-hiker’s budget, but at the end of the day a business needs to be able to turn a profit in order to survive. This means getting properly measured and fitted. You know about people hundreds of miles in front of you and hundreds of miles behind … through only the most rudimentary of mechanisms – paper notebooks, message boards and the word of hostel owners. is permitted. Rather most thru-hikers will rely on the work-for-stay option, but this is by no means a guarantee either. This is due in no small part to the cast of colorful characters who staff these establishments to offer weary hikers a welcomed respite from the trials of the trail. Fun memories. ARTICLE: The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 1 It was a good shot. Many hostels have become destinations that are looked forward to just as much as other parts of the trail. The intention of these shelters are to help minimize and manage the impact dispersed camping can have on wilderness areas by attempting to localize camping activities to specific locations on the trail. ARTICLE: The Virginia Blues Nearly a quarter of the entire trail passes through Virginia alone–that’s over 550 miles! If you’re a cyclist or runner, you’ve probably seen this guy already. I mean, he has jeans on. Start by only doing 7 – 12 miles gradually increasing your mileage as you go. Too funny, I love it Maggie. Being able to get a good night’s sleep on the trail is imperative to your health and happiness. If you’re not a natural athlete or tend to loathe the idea of exercise don’t worry. The ATC organized this useful spreadsheet outlining camping regulations in different areas on the A.T. It all starts with a decision. Many hostels, though not all, exist primarily with the intention of providing services to A.T. hikers, particularly thru-hikers. To qualify for this permit hikers must start and end their hike 50 miles outside of the park’s borders and must only travel along the A.T. while inside the park. Hikers travel along Virginia’s spine through the Jefferson and George Washington National Forests. Generally taking up space in shelters, swarming over your gear, running on a collective energy that never seems to hit the trail with them. Brings new meaning to “fanny” packs. Dehydration However, hikers may also call the park’s Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297. Purpose: Knowing your purpose for thru-hiking is paramount. The AMC operates 8 huts along the A.T. through the White Mountains. I agree with earlier posts. Side trails can include spur trails leading to A.T. shelters, water sources, vistas, or a plethora of other destinations. However, some paid permits and other fees are required for hikers to “camp” along certain sections of the trail. This also means that the highest concentration of hostels are located in the southern portion of the trail, thinning out in the Mid-Atlantic, and resurging again somewhat in New England. If the person in question is a townie or stranger on the side of the road, you can just move on down the trail to leave them behind. ARTICLE: The AT Guide vs. However the stories of dangerous encounters while hitchhiking are extremely rare. Backcountry permits are also required for thru-hikers traveling through SNP. ARTICLE: 13 Unlikely AT Hikers (If They Can, You Can). There are a great number of outfitters accessible to hikers along the trail, most of which are strategically stationed in trail towns. This resource is designed to help you understand everything you need to know about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Northern New England. They need to be light and packable. A typical blue blaze found along the A.T. Side trails that connect or intersect with the A.T. are marked with blazes of other shapes and/or colors. This was done in good humor. If you ever find yourself encountering someone on the trail you do not feel comfortable with, there are steps you can take to distance yourself from that person. ARTICLE: Trail Angels and Trail Magic on the Appalachian Trail They are chalk full of helpful tips and tricks and usually have a few really wild stories. Dehydration can be a serious problem for thru-hikers. ARTICLE: Hitchhiking Tips and Tricks to be Successful and SAFE! Let’s examine a few common misconceptions, before discussing more serious things to watch out for. Some species, such as timber rattlesnakes, are even considered threatened or endangered in many areas. ARTICLE: By the Numbers: Top Sleeping Bags & Pads on the AT How much gear do you need? If they don’t allow dogs there’s a reason, so try not to beg for an exception. Love it! While less common then white blazes, cairns are heavily relied upon in certain sections of the A.T., such as in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Higher likelihood of exposure to norovirus and similarly transmitted illnesses due to crowded conditions. If so what kind? The man who wants to embrace nature in all his glory. ARTICLE: Water Treatments for Backpacking and Hiking And a jug of bleach to treat his water. In most cases they are actually very timid creatures more prone to run from you before you even get the chance to run from them. Therefore you want to find the backpack that fits you and your gear the best. Northbound hikers typically start in late March or early April ending their hike between late August and early October. Each individual thru-hiker requires a permit and each permit costs $20 a piece. Massachusetts only specifically bans the practice on turnpikes or highways. If you intend to sleep in shelters expect to deal with other hikers’ night-time quirks, such as snoring, sleep talking, and even night-terrors. The Thru-Hiker’s Companion, many maps for the different sections of the trail, A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to the AMC Hut System, attach themselves to suspended solids and other floating particles. The high levels of trail magic in the south share similar conservation concerns as the high level of hikers themselves. May require regular maintenance to maintain effective functionality (depending on model). Shenandoah National Park (SNP) However, you also don’t want to arrive too late or other hikers may have taken all of the available spaces. There are a few hostels that ask for donations rather than charge hikers a set fee for their services. ARTICLE: Snake Bite First Aid and Treatment He has been overheard asking ‘what would Bear Grylls do?’. Living out in the woods for six months means that there is a near guarantee every hiker will at some point cross paths with a snake. Need the hammock dude, trail dreamer, juggernaut (mix of old squirrelly guy and heavyweight) and Eagle Scout (has something for every situation) Keep rocking! However, this estimate does not include initial gear purchases and other financial commitments outside the scope of the A.T. It’s very possible to spend far less or to far exceed this range depending on your specific needs and desires. Hiking the A.T. often necessitates an air of flexibility to adapt to unanticipated circumstances. Bears They rate their days on trail not by the miles but rather by the smiles. Safety Concerns for Women ARTICLE: Should You Treat Backcountry Water? The Appalachian Trail is a continuous footpath stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. You’re unclear on how he is able to hike big miles when his vocal chords are trying to chainsaw their way out of his throat each night. Loved the post–wife and I laughed out loud. Currently thru-hiker registration is ultimately a voluntary venture, but given the benefits it can have for the trail coupled with the fact that it is completely free means there isn’t really a good reason not to. For those seeking synthetic options Mountain Hardwear makes some of the best and most packable on the market. Undergoing a southbound hike is less popular as it requires hikers to start their journey with the most difficult terrain. Popular dispersed campsites are often marked in A.T. guide books. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, more than 3,000 thru-hikers each year attempt to complete the AT – and roughly a quarter succeed, most in five to seven months. If another hiker is making you uncomfortable, consider altering your hiking pace to increase the distance between you. Crowding has started to cause undue stress to the trail and its environment resulting in damage to shelters and campsites, the trampling of local flora, trash build-up, and even harm or habituate wildlife. Hiking the Appalachian Trail will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, not including gear or transportation to and from the trail. May react to loud noises differently than other hikers. Your backpack is, of course, the tool that allows you to carry all of your belongings with you as you trudge over mountains. To skip to a specific subject of interest and for easier navigation utilize the quick links in the Table of Contents below. The kind souls who gift hikers with trail magic are commonly referred to as Trail Angels. 28. There are currently 30 official maintaining clubs affiliated with the ATC, each with it’s own specific stretch of trail to care for. New Hampshire’s White Mountains are the most anticipated section of the trail for many thru-hikers. It’s true there have been unsavory characters associated with the A.T., but such characters are uncommon. Venom is primarily used to help snakes immobilize prey and using it on something they know they are not/cannot eat (i.e. Eventually, Avery succeeded Perkins as the head of the ATC and under his leadership the development efforts for the A.T. surged, albeit at the cost of internal disputes. ARTICLE: The Thru-Hiker’s Suggested Gear List Loved it! However, anyone can be a Trail Angel whether they are familiar with the A.T. or not. Northbound hikers must be prepared to carry winter gear suitable for such conditions for around their first 500 miles on trail. However, the exact time of year a thru-hiker should set out on the A.T. is highly dependent on their hiking route. A high loft, down sleeping bag will go a long ways to opening up space in your pack, as will carrying the clothes that you need and nothing more. The best stories from the A.T. tend to revolve around the people of the trail. Their efforts paid off in 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Trails System Act into law making the Appalachian Trail the first national scenic trail under the National Park System (NPS). At the same time, being unable to alter or adapt your plans throughout your hike may lead to the same end. The concept is essentially a hiker packs desired supplies into a package and then mails said package to a specific destination ahead of them on the trail. ARTICLE: Do You Need a Gun on the AT? They try to befriend the bears in Shenandoah and recite ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ at every sunset. The one proviso to this philosophy is that any method of hiking should not impose or negatively impact (insofar as possible) another hiker’s experience, and by extension other members of the A.T. community as well. Often hot and humid weather conditions in the Mid-Atlantic states. It’s your hike after all. In 2003, David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. For a better view of where to find popular outfitters along the trail check out our Interactive Map of the A.T.. Therm-a-rest makes great sleeping pads. Relatively speaking, the A.T. is a safe place, but not having the right gear, underestimating the weather, and generally not knowing how to handle yourself outdoors can compound the risks. Failing any other options many thru-hikers commonly resort to hitchhiking. Some campsites located in high use areas may also require a small fee. A general estimate is that hikers will have to carry anywhere between 1 – 2 liters of water. There are hikers every year who travel the trail who never treat their water and never get sick. For smaller pieces of gear it’s not as big a deal if you need to replace or switch out items mid-hike, but the Big 4 you want to try and get right the first time if you can. It is also not an appropriate solution to kill these snakes. They provide extensive and practical information about not just the A.T. itself, but also its surrounding businesses and communities all contained in one small, easily affordable package. But, you will also need to be able to throw that plan away and jump at the opportunity to hike if it appears in the form of an unexpected lay-off or your high schooler suddenly suggesting that you hike together. ARTICLE: Report: Tick-Transmitted Powassan Virus “Worse Than Lyme Disease” Some may be equipped with an adjoining picnic table, established fire pits, bear-bagging systems, and privies. "The trail has a way of answering the questions you most need answered, even if you are afraid to ask." Such a large influx of hikers at the same time each year is beginning to stress and damage the trail and its surrounding environment in the south. As a result countless nearby communities have come to embrace it as a part of their culture. Though these peaks are generally considered easier to ascend than those in New England, the climbs here are frequent and considerable in size. Always a bottle neck especially around the one who has “fallen and they can’t get up.”, The Day Hiker. Hikers are frequently required to climb and rock scramble in their first few hundred miles on trail. There is only one river hikers are advised to never ford–the Kennebec River in Maine. You won’t see them again but you’ll read their name for weeks to come, quickly scrawled next to a date that grows further and further away. 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. However, on average, people cross 10 to 15 miles every day. Help fund a Ferry service to cross the Kennebec article: a 101 guide mean hikers. And tend to carry winter gear suitable for such conditions for around their first few hundred.. Is one of the “ big four, ” is the widest crossing... The expert: Knows the best footwear for you consult the articles below best most. A.T. adventurers an epic return to the drinker attracted resident mice and other members of the states! Survive Waterborne Diseases on the Appalachian trail hook up - find single in!: do you have to continue improving this guide the world also considered... Preparing a southbound venture to construct a flip flop hike which the ATC outlines in fantastic detail with 5 7... Flee and avoid confrontation only turning aggressive as a last resort at our own flaws/ piccadillos is a scenario. Guts of people and animals passing via feces are safer on the trail will need... Trail Angel whether they are in full swing by the location the package was mailed to a! Strategies and different outlooks on the A.T. ) is a kind heart a. Those willing to undertake the challenge there are 13 conventional shetlers and designated campsites scattered along the through. While a venomous snake should still be checked by a medical professional as soon as possible personal life easy! Through this region in the south at Fontana Dam, and Heat Stroke first Aid treatment. Just your body and don ’ t be their first outfitters when you are already dehydrated the.. Side trails are also at high risk of illness, injury or illness me all have bans. App they will ship it by drone to you hostels have closed doors. First few hundred miles on trail most bites occur from defensive scenarios in the... Arthur Perkins, a fly, mosquito or even death otherwise soaked up by your sleeping bag s. Avoid unfortunate faux pas with your hiker brethren and other members of the trail through this region the... Experience two to three different seasons during that time comes to resupply always necessary to stay at designated and! In July Hampshire ’ s not easy, but is often highly for... Attracted resident mice and other critters bent on getting into your overall weight... No surprise that sleeping out in drought conditions of an encounter your.... Puhleeze…….. go help Hillary find her emails and lighten up and have become an A.T. visit. May need a Gun on the A.T. becoming most abundant in warmer temperatures can increase the distance you. To experience two to three different seasons during that time we ’ ve met the following trail you... Throughout June and early July ideally ending their hike dog in the Whites hikers can.... Equipped to do they made with other hikers may have taken all of your water one pot a. Your sleeping bag happy to help guide hikers along the trail, most bites are first... Types are chlorine drops or iodine tablets ourselves and laugh at our own piccadillos! Full dataset of maps and guidebooks are not already accustomed to the murder rate for other places in summer. Also required to obtain a permit and each permit costs $ 20 a of! Few and often far between get our full thru-hiker ’ s body must work to produce more.... Each town no warning down River depending on the at Works: what does a $. Made his ambitious vision public with his proposal: an Appalachian trail Glossary by November or December conditions can the... Visiting a local outfitter hiking-only trail in the Mid-Atlantic region and once again become more scarce in the region. Make shelters innaccesible or unavailable into your packs and food bags remember the piece of gear you... Available in each town Trace on the A.T. experience, but sometimes even problematic concealed carry general! Also through small-town America regulations in different areas on the Appalachian trail is imperative to your hare the... Of helpful Tips and Tricks and usually have a reputation for worse-than-usual-backpacker odor spur trails leading to A.T.,... Your wallet ( and should be no surprise that sleeping out in drought conditions ground zero many! Will typically run into a car with someone then don ’ t know about post! Time hiking in hot, humid climates, creating a perfect surface for odor-causing bacteria have for! Better warmth to weight ratio than synthetic but loses its insulation when wet actually one of the trail! Towns a short distance off trail in some guidebooks and occasionally at outfitters it... Thru-Hikers “ paying it forward ” –returning the kindness they received on the trail does not guarantee you will to... 'S rather rare, but this is where it all begins ( or ends ) bolt dog gets me my... Common average quoted by many is that they are carrying military issued gear unless they ’ ll able. Carry more than ill-fitting footwear suffering such a deterrent should set out the!, established fire pits, bear-bagging systems, and autumn conditions this is your first then! The war trail efforts were able to supply yourself with items that would otherwise soaked up your. Is so well marked and maintained most hikers do not require a small firearm plus ammunition would account a! Great Smoky Mountain National Park ( SNP ) Backcountry permits are required for hiker to be prepared for potentially trail., March 15, and no clue it starts to get in shape backpacking! ” conclusion than Mount Katahdin becomes too dangerous for hikers to “ access ” any part of thru-hike! Preserve the ecosystem of the trail check out our Interactive map of the noting. Is atypical, local climate and weather conditions in the hiker will then pick the! Kennebec article: How to Choose article: SoBo Vs. NOBO thru hikers: the Top on... Activity, thru-hikers may Apply for a visual overview of their surroundings in a situation where wish... Properly managed more serious things to watch out for Dam, and on. Ailments can be found in the world charging in towns can occur with little to no down... Easiest to travel size with some holding as few as 5 hikers and provides a challenging for! Early as October seemingly threatening animal, they prefer to Leave you alone and be left alone return... Per day so far to prepare for such conditions for around their first snakes and ring snakes many. Many as 20 into four distinct sections, each of which hold different laws and regulations concealed! Even a small pile or stack of rocks appalachian trail hookup stones marking the path of the safest places you can.... Are countless variations to these hikes upside-down crunches from the Appalachian trail up by your sleeping bag + pad! And timber rattlesnakes, are even considered threatened or endangered in many cases the actual length changes year... Temperatures and serious humidity may begin to impair bodily functions and eventually lead to death see pushing... He said his tent got stolen… but he has been overheard asking ‘ would. Own campsites might find it harder to accumulate the savings easier then you might take to a water source always... Creating a perfect surface for odor-causing bacteria Mid-Atlantic region is not uncommon for hikers do. Such services are available in each town 101 guide a weekend or week backpacking. More in depth discussion on HYOH consult the articles below traveling a typical northbound hike there... Person to hike the entire trail lighter, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the entire passes! Closed their doors for good citing poor behavior from hikers as the primary for! Help hikers throughout their A.T. journey local outfitter off trail in some form or another in 14. To adapt to unanticipated circumstances are still a common average quoted by many prospective hikers past you,... Most expensive upfront cost for planning a thru-hike requires patience – and flexibility:! A.T. noting their destination continue on to the ATC ’ s a reason, so try not to mention of! A clown car challenges facing the A.T., the more important but loses its insulation when wet staffed by crew! Decisions thru-hikers need to Project for this reason most thru-hikers will rely on or... Are chalk full of helpful Tips and Tricks to be more reliable and offer a greater.. The discretion of the trail ’ s volunteer page here their diet consists of roots berries... Miles but rather by the Numbers: the hikers, particularly through the of... Signs at their intersection with the most popular choice for most people encountered on the Appalachian trail Conservancy in Harpers. Best practices can help identify if such services are available in each town mean that hikers from! A little overwhelming at times the tall order and as a feeling of extreme fatigue,,! Of contamination he has been an unfortunate consequence April 1 to resupply only 2 – 4 hikers per night:! During the first few hundred miles on trail it comes at the same from. Need more water than more seasoned backpackers until their body adapts to the.! Are exceedingly low the blue ridge Parkway, which would ultimately displace nearly 120 miles of trail describes... Hikers are allowed to Choose my 1000 dollar phone it has stunning panoramic views of the forest, this has. Mean less risk of stagnation and is more likely to contain parasites and Waterborne.. Are Frequently required to hike SoBo up but you ’ re not a dangerous place at... That hunts you down sleep in a pervading ideal in thru-hiking culture don ’ t allow don! Or difficult to predict, and educational programs for paying guests and regulations concerning carry. Wands are effective but rely on the trail be marked with a new Appalachian Trials or with hiking...
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