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How to Hike the Appalachian Trail

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  • Introduction

    • The Appalachian Trail, or AT as it's often called, is a magnet for hikers, offering one of the United States' most popular outdoor experiences. Conceived in 1921 and completed in 1937, the footpath spans the nation from north to south, Maine to Georgia. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, more than 9,000 people have hiked the entire trail since its completion.
    • The AT encompasses five different regions: Northern New England, Southern New England, Mid-Atlantic, The Virginias and Southern Appalachia. Between these parts, the terrain changes from mountain trails above treeline, to river valleys and lush forests. Along the way, the AT ranges in elevation from 124 to 6,625 feet above sea level. Hikers can cross numerous mountain ranges, including the White Mountains, the Berkshires and the Green Mountains, not to mention the Blue Ridge Mountains and, naturally, the Appalachians.

  • Are You Ready?

    • When you mention "hiking the Appalachian Trail," it sounds like a major endeavor, but it isn't necessarily so. Do not attempt a thru-hike (taking on the entirety of the trail in one pass) if you're not ready!

  • Health

    • In order to determine your level of readiness, the first thing you need to assess is your health. What kind of shape are you in?
    1. The American Red Cross recommends discussing your hiking plans with your health care provider.
    2. Make sure to address any chronic or recurring health problems you may have.
    3. Ask your care provider for a full physical.
    4. If you take prescription medication for any chronic health problems (physical or mental), ask for enough medication to last you through your hike!
    5. Tailor your hiking plans to your state of health. It's great to challenge yourself, but don't trifle with your well-being.
    6. If you're considering bringing your dog along for the hike, be sure to schedule a vet visit. Ask if your dog is capable and healthy enough to not only survive the trip, but enjoy it as well. Also ask what special precautions to make, and/or medication and equipment to take, for your canine pal.

  • Experience

    • Though hiking seems straightforward enough, there's more to it that putting one foot in front of the other. If you're new to the sport (and it is a sport) try not to get in over your head.
    1. Remember, hiking is hard work and creature comforts are few on the trail.
    2. The ability to make the most of the supplies that can be fit into a backpack is definitely an acquired trait.
    3. This accounts for the fact that about 15 percent of hikers planning to thru-hike quit the first week.

  • Finances

    • Another decision you'll have to make before hiking the AT is a financial one. Even though the AT is a wilderness adventure, don't plan on being entirely self sufficient. You do not want to end up like Christopher McCandless.
    1. First-time thru-hikers may spend anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 to travel the entire AT, not including the cost of gear. Obviously, a shorter hike will cost only a portion of this figure, depending on how much of the AT you cover.
    2. A very rough estimate for hiking expenses is $200 a week. If you're on a tigh budget, use that figure as a guideline, but allow for unexpected and emergency expenses as well.
    3. What can drive up the cost of any hike are the expenses incurred in town. While the AT is one of the greatest wilderness experiences, there are also many towns within easy hiking distance of the trail that offer creature comforts such as hotels, restaurant meals, taverns and entertainment.
      • The best way to avoid these temptations is to keep yourself well-fed on the trail—with supplies you either pick up along the way, or ship ahead of time to post offices along the trail, so they'll be waiting for you when you arrive.
    4. In addition to the actual costs of your hike, there is the question of lost income. If you are going to take time off to enjoy the great outdoors, you are going to need to leave your everyday existence behind for awhile, including your job. Can your bank account take the hit?
      • Weigh the cost of leaving your job behind, and add that to the actual costs of the hike. If that total is within your recreation budget for the year, then proceed with your plans.

  • Companions

    • It's always safer to hike with a companion. If you have one in mind, coordinate your plans, and make sure your hiking buddy considers all the issues above before committing to the trip.

  • Choose a Hike

  • Day and Weekend Hike

    • There's no shame in starting small. If you have time constraints, health issues and/or financial concerns, a short hike could be all the adventure you need at the moment.
    1. Day hikers spend an afternoon covering two or three miles.
    2. Weekend hikers take off with a pack and several days of provisions.
    3. A day or weekend hike could help you to assess whether or not you're ready for a more challenging endeavor.

  • Section Hike

    • Section hikers, hit the wilderness for weeks or months at a time, taking in portions of the trail piece by piece, and conquering the AT in stages over many years.
    1. If you are a relatively experienced hiker with a few overnight adventures under your belt, a section hike could be the perfect challenge.
    2. Section hikers have a variety of options for tackling the AT. The most important factor is your physical condition. The difference between a 20-mile hike and a 50-mile hike can be like the difference between night and day.

  • Thru Hike

    • Finally, there are the thru-hikers, who hike the trail from end-to-end, all at once.
    1. The thru hike is a major endeavor and a life-changing experience. You'll need thousands of dollars in supplies and around five months (average) at your disposal.
    2. Only a seasoned hiker, in excellent shape, and comfortable with planning an outdoor experience on a grand scale, should tackle the trail in one fell swoop.

  • Train

    • If you're planning a section hike, or a strenuous weekend hike, start training at least two to three weeks in advance. If attempting a thru-hike, train for at least several months.
    1. Start a walking regimen and stick to it. Start off slow, with a half-mile hike, and build up.
    2. Don't let anything derail you. Even if it's raining outside, you can work on a stationary bike or treadmill to get that day's workout in.
    3. If your dog will be coming with you on the AT, you'll need to train him as well. Start off slowly, bring plenty of water, keep her toenails clipped and bring dog booties if you'll be hiking over rough terrain.
      • One everpresent hazard is heat stroke. If you overexert your dog (or your dog is especially susceptible), he may overheat and die. To find out the risk factors and precautions, read PetPlace.com's guide to heat stroke.
    4. Practice vigorously walking up outdoor flights of stairs. This will give your legs some of the power they will need for a mountain adventure.
    5. After you've gotten comfortable hiking a few miles at a time, find a local hike, preferably with some elevation involved.
      • Most suburbs and urban centers have public parks or semi-wilderness nearby. Look for trails with varied terrain, including steep uphill grades.
      • You should also get used to hiking with a pack on, containing enough supplies for an all-day hike.
    6. Sometime before your departure, start training with the pack you will be using on your hike, at full weight.
      • Your pack will eventually have between 30 and 50 lbs. of gear and supplies as you set out on your hike along the AT.
      • Your feet, knees, shoulders and hips need to get used to prolonged, regular strain.
      • Your skin—especially spots where straps will rub, etc.—will need time to adjust to the wear and tear, so begin by packing light, and increase the weight.
    7. If you don't already run or jog, think about starting.
      • Although you (presumably) won't be running around on the Appalachian Trail, it's a great way to get yourself in shape before a hike.
      • As with any form of exercise, gradually increase your endurance. No one goes straight from couch potato to decathlete without incurring undue physical stress. When you finally hit the trail, the last thing you need is a fresh injury.

  • What You'll Need

    • Nothing teaches an outdoorsman like a bad back—either from carrying around heavy, unneeded items, or neglecting to bring a foam sleeping mat. The keys to optimal hiking are experience, trail wisdom and shrewd packing. Trail Journals and the American Red Cross each offer a list of crucial items for your hike. Here are some basics:

    1. Guidebook/Map(s). While you could conceivably download and print out all the information you'll need with you on your hike, it's much more efficient to procure a guidebook and maps from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's online store.
      • A good guidebook will give you all the info you need, in one compact package.
      • If not included in the guidebook, get a macro view map of the complete trail as well as maps of trail sections.
    2. Food. You'll need to carry at least a week's worth of food at a time, allot 1.5 to 2 lbs. for each day's worth of food, and count on consuming 3,000 to 7,000 calories each day, depending on your size and the hike's length and difficulty.
      • This means you'll have to pack light, favoring dry goods over canned.
      • Thru-hikes and long sectional hikes will require either buying food along the trail, or making mail drops—mailing supplies ahead to stores along the trail, so you can minimize backpack weight.
      • Along a hike, dogs can eat as much as twice their usual amount, so pack dog food accordingly. Also consider bringing concentrated energy dog food with more calories—it will save space.
      • Resources for planning mail drops are available from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Resupply and Mail Drops page.'.
    3. Water Filter (certified). Giardiasis is an illness that can be contaminated water, and the resulting acute stomach problems are sure to put a damper on your trip. The most reliable way to kill it is to boil the water, but a properly certified water filter will work as well.
    4. Water container(s). You can go with a traditional canteen, or a form-fitting, flexible hydration pack.
      • What's important is to have water easily accessible while hiking.
      • Consider getting a large, flexible water tank for transporting larger amounts of water between the creek and the camp, or keeping it overnight.
    5. Leash. Bring two 6 to 9 foot leashes for your dog, as well as a long tie-out for frolicking at camp. If you let your dog run free on the AT, he may get lost and die of starvation or worse.
    6. Stove. Especially if it's cold weather, however, make sure to bring a lightweight Camping Stove.
      • Campfires are permitted in certain designated areas (consult your maps and guide books), but Appallachian Trail Conservancy discourages their use, due to the negative environmental impact and potential for forest fires.
      • If you're going on a Summer hike, consider lightening your load by eating food that does not require cooking.
    7. Cook pot/utensils. Utensils and cooking gear come in all varieties.
      • A dedicated camping pot will be lighter weight than a standard kitchen pot.
      • Eating ware and cooking utensils that are meant specifically for camping are easy to carry and less likely to be lost.
      • Don't forget you doggie's dining needs!
    8. First aid kit. Pick up a readymade kit specifically for hiking. It should include sterile dressings, antibiotic and burn ointments, adhesive bandages, solutions for flushing eyes, a thermometer and other crucial items.
    9. Prescription medications. Make sure you pack these in your first-aid kit.
      • If your dog needs prescription meds, bring those along too!
    10. Matches/candles. Also, a waterproof container and waterproof matches.
    11. Cell phone. Though reception is spotty along the trail, a cell phone could just save your life in an emergency.
      • To conserve the battery, you'll keep it off most of the time, but you make want to bring along some extra juice in the form an emergency cell phone charger.
    12. Radio. Try to acquire a hand-crank model that receives National Weather Service alerts.
    13. Clothing. It's an art to pack enough clothes without weighing yourself down.
      • Windshirts are lightweight and make the most of your base layers.
      • Wool socks. High-tech wool socks are lightweight and don't itch.
      • Bandannas. Very versatile: you can use them for covering your head, or as a sieve for straining pasta.
      • Dog booties. For dogs on the trail, foot injuries are common and disabling. Bring a pair of protective shoes for rough terrain.
      • Other tips: Pick items with multiple uses, like a poncho that can double as a tarp, and see if you can share clothing with your hiking partner (if you have one).
    14. Tent. Dome and tunnel tents are two popular styles of tent. Nylon and polyester models are preferable to cotton for their light weight.
      • There are some ingenious tent designs on the market today and you can outfit yourself for a few hundred bucks.
    15. Pocket knife. The classic Swiss army knife can range from a basic model to the state-of-the-art.
    16. Prescription glasses. If you wear them, bring an extra pair.
    17. Toilet paper. Go green with your TP, using Bio-Wipes, or a similar product.
    18. Footwear/flip flops. Don't forget a comfy pair of sandals for hanging out around the campfire.
    19. Sleeping bag/mat. Something to put between your sleeping bag and the hard ground can make a big difference to your back.
    20. Flashlight/batteries. LED flashlights are a great option, and some of them also double as lanterns.
    21. Cellophane bags. You will find innumerable uses for these.
    22. Trash bag. Can be used as a poncho if needed.
    23. Nylon rope. Get a few lengths of nylon rope for everything from hanging laundry to holding up the tent.
    24. Pocket mirror. Can be used as an emergency signaling tool.
    25. Insect repellent. Whether you want to cover your entire campground or just spray it on yourself, it's a great way to get relief.
    26. Compass. The age-old Compass navigation device is a must-have.
    27. Sun cream. Use something with an SPF of 15 or above.
      • And remember, the sun is strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
    28. Hat. The bigger the brim, the better. You want to make sure the back of your neck is covered, too.
    29. Earplugs. The trail is home to some noisy nocturnal creatures. You can go plastic or pick up a container of foam earplugs at any drug store.

  • Planning the Trip

    • Depending on the kind of hike you intend to take and the sorts of attractions you want to enjoy, your hike will require some specific preparations.

  • Planning a Thru-Hike

    • Thru-hikers on the AT will want to start in March or early April. March hiking sometimes means snow, however. You need to time it well, because if you start too late, you'll be dealing with cold weather by hike's end.
    1. Thru hikers prefer to hike south to north, beginning in Georgia and following the warm weather as they make their way up to Maine.
      • "Southbounders" beginning in Maine face the hardest challenges at the beginning—this state has the most difficult climbs. Also, they must wait until the northernmost peak on the trail, Katahdin, opens in June—ensuring a late start.
    2. Those who begin at the southern terminus, Springer Mountain in Georgia, can fly in to Atlanta Airport, or travel there by train or bus and hire a taxi or shuttle to get to Springer Mountain.
      • The cost runs roughly between $50 and $100 for transportation to the mountain. At the other end, when you climb down Katahdin, a certified "2,000 miler," you're going to get your shuttle there and head to Bangor International Airport, unless you're traveling home by train or bus.

  • Planning Section Hikes

    • Section hikers have many options when deciding how to approach their hike. The first question you need to answer is geographical: What do you want to see? Since the AT goes through a number of regions, the trail also winds through everything from mountainscapes to low-altitude forests. Popular section hikes along the AT can traverse multiple states and take about one to two weeks, with lengths of approximately 100-250 miles.
    1. Asheville, North Carolina to Roanoke, Virginia. This 200-mile trek takes you past Cherokee, Pisgah and Jefferson national forests.
    2. Roanoke to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is also about 200 miles. You'll see George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park.
    3. Harpers Ferry to Harrisburg, PA is about 100 miles, the perfect section hike if you want an adventure, but perhaps not an epic adventure.
    4. Reading, PA, to Hartford, CT, is a little over 200 miles. Hikers along this section will follow scenic riverside trails as well as the Hudson River.
    5. Hartford to Montpelier, VT, will pass through Massachusetts and Green Mountain National Forest.
    6. Montpelier to the northern terminus at Katahdin offers the most challenging terrain of the entire AT, as well as White Mountain National Forest.

  • Planning by State

    • Section hikes within individual states have their particularities as well.
    1. Maine features beautiful fall foliage in September, but black flies in June can be a nuisance.
    2. New Hampshire has challenging terrain, much of it in high altitudes. Consequently, there is some awesome scenery.
    3. Vermont has lower- to mid-altitude hikes, and is home to the Long Trail, which runs along the edge of the Green Mountains. April and May it's muddy here.
    4. Massachusetts features some easy hiking on the whole, including the scenic Berkshires. Visit May through early October.
    5. Connecticut has moderate hikes, many of which run alongside rivers. The Housatonic River Valley is one of the more scenic portions of the AT.
    6. New York has easy hikes and passes through the Trail Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain.
    7. New Jersey includes a wildlife sanctuary along the AT, not to mention Sunfish Pond, which attracts many campers and hikers, so try to visit mid-week or in the off-season.
    8. Pennsylvania features the Susquehanna River and the Great Appalachian Valley.
    9. Maryland passes along South Mountain for about 40 miles, perfect for three- or four-day trips.
    10. West Virginia has Harpers Ferry, which is a good place to begin or end a hike, as it's served by commuter trains into Washington D.C.
    11. Virginia is home to Shenandoah National Park, perfect for novice hikers and filled with great views.
    12. Tennessee features The Great Smoky Mountains, including Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT.
    13. North Carolina is known for the Nantahala section of the AT, remote and scenic with 5,000 foot peaks.
    14. Georgia ranges in elevation along the AT from 2,510 feet to 4,461. Plenty of wilderness hiking makes this a great portion of the trail if you want to really get away.

  • Setting Out

    • When you depart for a hike along the AT, you'll have to make many of the same last-minute arrangements as you would for a run-of-the-mill vacation, in addition to some unique concerns.
    1. Find the right person to take care of your pets.
      • Before you depart, invite the pet sitter over for a bonding session.
      • In your absence, some of the greatest stress your animals will endure will be psychological, so be sure to choose a loving, dependable sitter—and be sure he or she has all the resources needed to care for your pet.
    2. Once you have decided on a hike and a schedule, send this information along to a family member and a friend or two just in case.
      • Because you are going to be in some remote areas, make sure that several people have your itinerary.
      • Also, you might want to let them know you will contact them every few days so that several parties are aware of your location at any time.
    3. Notify your local post office that you will need your mail stopped.
    4. If you subscribe to a newspaper, call and have delivery stopped.
    5. It's a good idea to shut off the gas, not to mention the shut-off valve for the water line to your house.
    6. Double check your pack to ensure that all of the items on your supplies and equipment list are accounted for.
    7. Make sure that all your travel plans to and from the AT are correct.
    8. Check the weather for the location where you will be hiking.
    9. Don't forget your cell phone!

  • Life on the Trail

    • You're entering a different world. It's important to treat it with respect, and also to take in the richness of all that you encounter.

  • Practical Matters

    • Part of the AT's allure is it's sheer wildness, but you're not stepping into Lord of the Flies—you still need to follow the rules.
    1. Safety.
      • It's best to hike with a companion.
      • Be certain to have your maps and compass available.
      • Cell phones are not always option along the trail, so be sure that if you diverge from the trail at all, you can find your way back to it by dusk.
      • Carry plenty of drinking water, and be aware of the nearest water source (listed in guide books).
      • Again, do not let your dog off the leash if you want her to survive the trip.
      • For other crucial guidelines, read the National Park Service's guide to safety on the AT.
    2. Hiking.
      • U.S. hiking trails use painted markers called blazes, in the shape of a triangle, to let hikers know they are still on the beaten path.
      • While the main trail may be marked in one color, spikes, or detours that diverge from the main trail, may appear in a different color to guide hikers in other directions.
    3. Camping.
      • If you're roughing it in a campground, you should arrive well in advance of sunset so that you can choose your spot and pitch a tent if you have one.
    4. Rules of the trail.
      • Don't litter. Remember, it's important to always minimize your footprint.
      • Leave wildlife alone. Think of yourself as a guest in someone else's home, but feel free to observe from a distance.
      • Use common sense and courtesy. ABC-of-Hiking.com has an excellent guide to hiking etiquette.

  • Stop and Smell the Granola: What to Look For

    • The Appalachian Trail hosts many plant and animal species, many of them endangered. Forests offer a wealth of trees of all varieties, colorful wildflowers and wild plants. Fauna along the trail runs the gamut from salamanders to black bears. And the views!
    • Plants
    1. Oak trees. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy lists oaks, both red and white, as one of the most populous type of tree along the southern Trail.
    2. Striped maples. One of the common "understory" trees—so-called because of their stature, shorter than the oaks and hickories.
    3. Beech trees. These are evident in the northern sections of the southern AT.
    4. Birches. Located predominantly in the Southern Appalachian Forest, which extends from Georgia to central Virginia and features more tree species than any other in North America.
    5. Pines. These can be found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
    6. Fir trees. Featuring needle-like leaves, firs are in the pine family.
    7. Dogtooth violets. These graceful wildflowers bloom in winter and early spring.
    8. Dwarf irises. Another beautiful wildflower that blooms along the trail (see photo at right).
    9. Flame azalea shrubs. Bubblegum scented, this wildflower features blooms of orange.
    10. Catawba Rhododendrons. Check these out in the Roan Highlands on the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
    11. Bug-Trapping Sundews. A white petaled, carnivorous plant.
    12. Wood Nettle. Discover this flowering plant in the mid-Atlantic portion of the AT, but don't touch its stinging fuzz!
    • Animals
    1. Elk are found in the central AT.
    2. Black bears are found throughout the trail.
    3. Feral ponies. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a large herd of ponies in southwest Virginia's Grayson Highlands State Park.
    4. White-tailed deer. Shenandoah National Park is a great place to see herds of these prolific creatures.
    5. Wild boars. You'll find these in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
    6. Bobcats. These deceptively cute predators feed on deer, squirrels and other small mammals.
    7. Porcupines. These spiny creatures are nocturnal—you'll probably see more evidence of their destructive gnawing than you will actual porcupines.
    8. Bullfrogs. Bullfrogs are actually carnivorous and can grow up to eight inches(!).
    • Vista Points
    1. The trail is full of scenery, but some specific, long-range views are absolutely breathtaking. You'll run into some by chance, and others by consulting your guide book.
    2. Baxter State Park Authority has information on Baxter Peak, the highest point along the AT in this state. At 5,267 feet, it is a wonderful spot to linger.
    3. Mount Washington in New Hampshire and Clingman's Dome in North Carolina are just two more points along the trail that rise 6,000 feet high or higher.
    4. Consult your guidebook for more gorgeous views.

  • Conclusion

    • If you want to hike the Appalachian Trail, your state of mind will be nearly as important as the planning and preparation. Be prepared to take in nature's entirety: its beauty, its inconveniences, its comforts and dangers. It could be the adventure of your life.

  • Resources for How to Hike the Appalachian Trail


 


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