Apalachian trail

[jeepmedic46]

Has anyone hiked the Apalachian trail? Its one of the things I've always wanted to do. Was wondering best ways to prepare for it.

[NH Moto Expo]

Yep...Did it back in 91. I was 30 at the time and out of shape. The best thing you can do to prepare is get quality equipment and resolve your mind and spirit to persevere.

Truly there is little that can prepare your body for 20 mile days in the southern Appalachians. My first days were only 5 miles but after 2 weeks I was up to doing 15 per day. I'm 6'1" and started out at 220lbs...I finished a very thin 170lbs...but I had the time of my life. That's what has always had me hooked on adv travel. No matter if it's by boat, truck, motorcycle, bicycle..or foot.

[jeepmedic46]

Any suggestions on equipment? Should I get a hiking partner? I'm 45 and out of shape. Still someting I've always wanted to do.

[jh504]

We have hiked parts of the AT but have never actually backpacked it (always had to get back to the Jeep;) ). I have had friends who have done and loved it. There are many beautiful parts of the trail and it would be very rewarding. Even if you dont feel up to doing the whole thing you could pick out a good section. The part going through GSMNP is great and has some high elevations.

[jh504]

Any suggestions on equipment? Should I get a hiking partner? I'm 45 and out of shape. Still someting I've always wanted to do.

Also on equipment I would suggest a good external frame backpack, tent and sleeping bag, the compact kind made for backpacking. Sorry if I am being obvious. What time of year would you be planning on going?

[offroad_nomad]

A buddy of mine on my SAR team did it back in 2005 at 60 yo. Here's a link to his Trail Journal:

http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=2625

He has a listing of gear and whatnot for review. He's doing the AT again in 2009 from the opposite direction.

[98roamer]

I had a friend do it in 2005, right out of school. Equipment key, don't rush and enjoy the journey. He lost 26lbs and ended up hiking in running shoes. He really trimmed his pack within the first month. He was also impressed with the upgraded shelters around Tenn.

[jeepmedic46]

Also on equipment I would suggest a good external frame backpack, tent and sleeping bag, the compact kind made for backpacking. Sorry if I am being obvious. What time of year would you be planning on going? Thinking about starting in June.

[NH Moto Expo]

If you start in June and are Northbound you may not finish in time. Baxter State Park (Katahdin) closes down in mid October so it makes it tough to get there in time unless you are rushing. Usual start time is April for Northbound hikers. I began May 27th but I started in Southern Virginia, hiked to Maine then took a bus back to VA and hiked the final 450 miles southbound and finished November 1st. Since you are in MA, go to any EMS location and they will be able to point you to someone on their staff that has either hiked all or part of the AT. They also support the trail hikers very well so if you have any problem with gear they will be able to replace it while you are on the trail.

[Streakerfreak]

If you start in June and are Northbound you may not finish in time. Baxter State Park (Katahdin) closes down in mid October so it makes it tough to get there in time unless you are rushing. Usual start time is April for Northbound hikers. I began May 27th but I started in Southern Virginia, hiked to Maine then took a bus back to VA and hiked the final 450 miles southbound and finished November 1st. Since you are in MA, go to any EMS location and they will be able to point you to someone on their staff that has either hiked all or part of the AT. They also support the trail hikers very well so if you have any problem with gear they will be able to replace it while you are on the trail.


Yes April would be best. Starting in June would be cutting it close for the average thru hiker. If you have any friends or family along the way see if they would meet up with you at road crossing. Its a great way to rest up a bit and get a nice meal in before starting the next day.

My grandparents were thru hikers twice. They were in the mid-60s. When the reached the Connecticut portion we met up with then, took them out to dinner and brought extra supplies for them.

I remember my mom dehydrating all sorts of fruits for them.

[98roamer]

HHmmmmmm Trail Magic

[jeepmedic46]

Is it better to go from Maine to Georgia

[jeepmedic46]

Are there any websites, Forums?

[NH Moto Expo]

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.715465/k.9731/Hike_The_Trail.htm

These are the best folks to ask any question of. Really go into the EMS on Comm ave in Boston and there will be someone who has hiked the AT.

As far as S to N vs N to S...really a timing thing as people have done both. Most still hike S to N be prepared for a more Solitary trip if Southbound. Some people have started out northbound only to finish and "flip Flop" and return back south again. Years ago there was a guy called the "weather Carrot" who used to just hike year round back and forth.

It used to be that 2500 people would leave Springer Mt, GA and only 100 would make the whole thing. Lots of reasons to drop it, but if you can keep your head in the end game it's really not that tough to do. Kind of like running a marathon...anyone can do it...they just need the time and desire.

[jeepmedic46]

Thank you for that site.:camping:

[Something]

I thru-hiked the AT in 2004.
Great experience.
Let me know if you have any questions.

It's all about going ultralite. My pack baseweight was 9 pounds. Food more than doubled it but evenso...under 25 pounds is the weigh to go.

My trail name was Wandering Bear.

[Something]

Is it better to go from Maine to Georgia

People do it but it's tricky to time the weather. Katahdin (the northern terminus) is only open late spring to late fall.

Another option is a 'flip-flop' where you do katahdin to mid-way then Springer (southern terminus) to mid-way....or vice versa.

[Something]

Also on equipment I would suggest a good external frame backpack, tent and sleeping bag, the compact kind made for backpacking. Sorry if I am being obvious. What time of year would you be planning on going?

I think external frame is a poor suggestion. After 1985 they are outnumbered on the trail 1 to 100. Internal frame (or even no frame) packs are the way to go. Down will stuff best but is a pita if it gets wet (and it will). Also, tents are super heavy and bulky...go with a tarp and ground cloth.
June is waaaaaay too late. I started March 1 and finished July 22. I saw some snow south starting that early but beating the flies to Mass was worth it.

[jeepmedic46]

What type of tarp and ground cloth do you recomend?

[Something]

What type of tarp and ground cloth do you recomend?

I like this:
http://www.golite.com/Product/proddetail.aspx?p=SH6119&s=1

...with no ground cloth.
I just use a 3/4 ridgerest straight on the ground.
If it's so rainy or muddy that a ground cloth is absolutely necessary, just find a shelter. On average there is one every 8-10 miles (originally meant to be spread a days hike apart...although a respectable backpacker will cover atleast double that/day).

[hikingff77]

I'd love to do the whole thing. I read about it, hike parts often and discuss it constantly. Right now isn't the best time. I never went away to college and always worked so getting off for 6 months was a MMMMM and now that I'm married with a child on the way, it'd be a bit tough.

[Something]

I'd love to do the whole thing. I read about it, hike parts often and discuss it constantly. Right now isn't the best time. I never went away to college and always worked so getting off for 6 months was a MMMMM and now that I'm married with a child on the way, it'd be a bit tough.

My fear of having your story (like so many other with the same story) is why I decided to take a semester off of college and just do it.

Having said that, I know a lot of people who have pieced together the entire trail and become what is called a 2,000 miler. They are recognized just like thruhikers and I think it would be an excellenet experience.

If you're able to do a couple long weekends and maybe a full week or two a year you'd have it nocked off in no time.

Good luck!

:elkgrin:

[jeepmedic46]

That may be what I will have to do. I have twins who are 4 and my wife isn't to happy about me going for that long period of time. Wish I had done it in college when I had the chance.

[Superu]

That may be what I will have to do. I have twins who are 4 and my wife isn't to happy about me going for that long period of time. Wish I had done it in college when I had the chance.

Get the kids started on short hiking adventures now and take 'em with you when they're older!

Mine are 4, 7 & 9 and have been hiking since each was able to walk. They all carry their own camelbacks and snacks as well.

Otherwise, I'd agree with some of the other folks who've suggested hiking it in pieces.

Key is to make it enjoyable. Don't try to do too much at once and enjoy the journey. If you're interested, I have a great treadmill hiking workout that I use through the winter when my outdoors time is down.

Have fun. :)

[hikingff77]

My fear of having your story (like so many other with the same story) is why I decided to take a semester off of college and just do it.

Having said that, I know a lot of people who have pieced together the entire trail and become what is called a 2,000 miler. They are recognized just like thruhikers and I think it would be an excellenet experience.

If you're able to do a couple long weekends and maybe a full week or two a year you'd have it nocked off in no time.

Good luck!

:elkgrin:

I agree with you. I never had the luxury though from the get go. I only had one chance in my life while working for crappy job after crappy job after HS but I was so car poor, because I had money and bought a new car, I couldn't do that.

When I live this life over again, things, might, be different in that department.

Any pictures from your trip? Still hiking?

[jeepmedic46]

Get the kids started on short hiking adventures now and take 'em with you when they're older!

Mine are 4, 7 & 9 and have been hiking since each was able to walk. They all carry their own camelbacks and snacks as well.

Otherwise, I'd agree with some of the other folks who've suggested hiking it in pieces.

Key is to make it enjoyable. Don't try to do too much at once and enjoy the journey. If you're interested, I have a great treadmill hiking workout that I use through the winter when my outdoors time is down.

Have fun. :) My two do like to go hiking in the woods. Maybe this year I will have them carry camelbacks and their own snacks.

[DAJA]

Most important tip, aim to keep your pack under 25lbs but expect at least in the beginning to be around 35lbs. As was said earilier, use a good quality tarp or hammock system for shelter. If you plan to use a tent, aim for one under 4lbs but that is going to be one expensive tent. On thru hiking trips, every ounce counts. Weight every item idividually while packing and then determine if it is necassary. By the end of the first week, you'll be suprised what you've eliminated from your pack.

Keep meals simple but nutritious, you'll be too tired to prepare a gourmet meal.

Learn before you leave how to properly hang a bear bag... It's not just the bears that want your food...

Nothing will prepare you for the onslaught of insects through the 100 miles of maine. The flies will literally drive you out of the woods... You just have to suffer through it... Once you hit the summit of Katahdin you'll be glad you perservered.

Read Bill Bryson's "A Walk In the Woods". Good read and very funny and informational...

Enjoy Everyday!

[kerry]

I did the Long Trail portion in Vermont back in the 70's for a couple of weeks. We had a young infant in diapers along. I have a distinct memory of burning diapers in the fire every night. The best were the ones that had to have the moisture boiled away before igniting. But it did prove that it's doable with young kids. The mother carried the kid only. The rest of us carried all the gear.

[sandalscout]

Are there any websites, Forums?

whiteblaze.net

very huge resource, and a great site.

[jeepmedic46]

Most important tip, aim to keep your pack under 25lbs but expect at least in the beginning to be around 35lbs. As was said earilier, use a good quality tarp or hammock system for shelter. If you plan to use a tent, aim for one under 4lbs but that is going to be one expensive tent. On thru hiking trips, every ounce counts. Weight every item idividually while packing and then determine if it is necassary. By the end of the first week, you'll be suprised what you've eliminated from your pack.

Keep meals simple but nutritious, you'll be too tired to prepare a gourmet meal.

Learn before you leave how to properly hang a bear bag... It's not just the bears that want your food...

Nothing will prepare you for the onslaught of insects through the 100 miles of maine. The flies will literally drive you out of the woods... You just have to suffer through it... Once you hit the summit of Katahdin you'll be glad you perservered.

Read Bill Bryson's "A Walk In the Woods". Good read and very funny and informational...

Enjoy Everyday! Will check that book out. Thank you:coffeedrink:

[jeepmedic46]

whiteblaze.net

very huge resource, and a great site. Will check that site out as well, Thank you.:camping:

[DAJA]

I was talking this thread over last night with my GF/hiking partner and she reminded me of the rodent problem at many of the AT Shelters... So another point, if you can at all avoid it, which is fairly easy to do, try to camp at non desinated camping areas... It seems the rodent population of the AT has learned that humans mean food..

Be sure to make time for the scenic outlooks, much of the AT is in tree cover, so you often have to take detours to see the scenic outlooks..

And make time to talk to fellow hikers along the way, you'll learn all kinds of valuable information regarding trail conditions and tricks and tips for making your journey a little less daunting.

[Superu]

I have a distinct memory of burning diapers in the fire every night. The best were the ones that had to have the moisture boiled away before igniting.

It's gross and funny all at the same time! :eek: Hope you burned them after you were done cooking dinner! :chowtime:

[DAJA]

I did the Long Trail portion in Vermont back in the 70's for a couple of weeks. We had a young infant in diapers along. I have a distinct memory of burning diapers in the fire every night. The best were the ones that had to have the moisture boiled away before igniting. But it did prove that it's doable with young kids. The mother carried the kid only. The rest of us carried all the gear.

I was telling my GF about your story, since we are planning to have our first child within the next year or so. To my suprise, she was totally on board for such an adventure. She said she had just assumed that we would find a way to continue our outdoor adventures one way or another. Neither of us had considered the issues of diapers, and we both got a good laugh at the thought of it...

[Something]

Couple things:

I don't have any digital photos of my hiking....and I don't have a scanner...but may look into it. I have some great panaramic shots.

Bill Bryson's book is CRAP....don't read it for anything other than entertainment. He didn't even hike the trail. His story is fully BS! He hiked for 10 days (this is all verifiable via trail logs and check stations) and pretended he thruhiked. Any real thruhiker has great resentment for his story.

Also, Please DO NOT camp at nondesignated camping locations! If everyone did that the trail wouldn't be what it is today. It would be junk. Yes, some (probably half) of the shelters have some mice. You will hear them as you fall asleep walking around and might even see a couple. It's part of the experience. They won't do anything to you. Your pack and food bag are all you have to worry about and if they're hung properly that will be a non-issue.

:victory:

[98roamer]

I was just on the trail last weekend. There is no camping in non designated areas. The park has been really improving the shelters the past couple of years and they are really nice and fit a national park. The problem is when people are sloppy when preparing food IN the shelter. That spilled food attracts mice and mice attracts snakes. Both of which don't bother you.

Staying in the cabins up on Mt. LeConte we could hear mice and they chewed a hole in a friends pack because it wanted to get to her chap stick. But they're really no big deal. Just don't prepare food in a shelter used for sleeping and be sensible about wearing bear perfume. :eatchicke

[jeepmedic46]

In other words use common sense while out on the trail. Thank you.

[BlueBomber]

whats the cost of a trip? and i mean everything, prep, food, travel.

[Something]

whats the cost of a trip? and i mean everything, prep, food, travel.

you can read this which states approximately $1.50 per mile.
http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/trails/at/at-faq.cfm

I did it for much cheaper. I'm sure many did it for cheaper than me...and likewise, I'm sure many have spent upwards of $5,000 on their trip.

Some people stay in lots of hotels, eat in town and live it up when possible. I wasn't totally against that but I only stayed in two hotels which added about $150 to the trip.

My equipment was about $1000...biggest costs being tent, pack, shoes, poles.

[weezerbot]

Superu I'd be interested in your treadmill hiking workout...for us in Phoenix its more of the summer months when I hit the trails less and less.

Also, not that I'm doing this hike next week, but does anyone have a good book they do recommend?

[Something]

Superu I'd be interested in your treadmill hiking workout...for us in Phoenix its more of the summer months when I hit the trails less and less.

Also, not that I'm doing this hike next week, but does anyone have a good book they do recommend?

I really like Ray Jardine's books. They're the most informative.

[nismo4x4]

I love the AT! Bill Brysons book is hilarious...it is the kind of whit that only a hiker could get! If you are going to thru hike, the shelters are the way to go but a word of caution...there may be some days where the 20 miles between shelters isnt doable...at least take a tarp to hide from rain under!

Me and my dad have been section hiking for about 5 years now, done most of virginia...its alot of fun!