You are also required to stay at the shelter sites, regardless if you have a spot to sleep inside. Check the list below. Speed records of the trail have been set in just over 41 days. It all started when Benton MacKaye (1879-1975) published an article called “ An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning ” in the Journal of the American Institute of Architects. Here are some great sites where you can browse recommended hiking gear: Successful travels depend on quality training. If you are averaging 15 miles per day, it will take you at least 36 days to complete just the Virginia section. My plan includes 18 estimated zero/nero days which gives me 220 days to hike the full distance of the trail. At 5,269 feet, Mt. Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is going to be hands down the greatest adventure of my life. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Is there an Appalachian Trail shuttle service? The Appalachian Trail’s history, just like its geographical coverage, is long and full of remarkable changes. When to start the Appalachian Trail in 2021 for quality hiking in America. And do not forget to bring a printed copy of your permit! The first section of the trail at Amicalola Falls has 604 steps. You will cross many halfway markers as you make your way through Pennsylvania. This pace may be slower at the beginning of the trail, and become faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence. When you’re choosing to start your thru-hiking journey, you will first want to determine if you plan to travel north or southbound on the trail. They’re part of the unregulated network of hiker services that you find scattered between the small towns that border the Appalachian Trail, up and down the east coast. Another common psychological halfway point for many hikers is Pine Grove Furnace in Pennsylvania. Hiking alone has its benefits. You will be ascending for about 5 miles. If Maine is your starting point, May is the best time to hike the Appalachian Trail. It will cost about $1000 a month if you do this the right way. In comparison with the previous section, this area is less demanding in terms of preparation. This section lies in the center of Maine and western New Hampshire. I’m hoping to get onto the NC portion of the trail this year – need to convince my bride to join me. The thru-hikers generally prefer to start at the southernmost trailhead. Reasons to do it would be because it’s easy to get to than Springer Mountain and there’s a beautiful waterfall along the way. Not to mention depending on the time of year, water may be scarce on these legs. After three years of preparation, the 26-year-old native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, had planned to start an Appalachian Trail thru-hike on April 15 of this year, having worked several aspects of her life around the trip. The most difficult parts of the trail tend to be in the northern portion. Directions. When many hikers start, they will average around 8-10 miles per day. The southern part starts in northeastern Tennessee and ends at Springer Mountain. Geographically, the trail is divided into five sections. Katahadin (est. With a formal education in writing, Meg can translate her outdoor experiences into accessible and relatable content for any reader. Every year, thousands of people attempt a “thru-hike” on the AT, but only hundreds finish. The Appalachian Trail starts at Mount Katahdin in north-central Maine and ends at Springer Mountain in north-central Georgia, passing through a total of 14 different states. Several simple rules can help you safely overcome the distance of 2,190 miles. Remember, not only your life but the lives of others may depend on this. Abby: How long is the Appalachian Trail, in miles: Maggie: A: 1,997. Appalachian Trail costs can be quite expensive, averaging about $6000 for a six-month hike which will include town expenses, trail resupply locations, and the gear that you need to bring. This is the heartland of Maine. It is approximately 2,184 miles long and is famous for its many hikers and backpackers, some of whom, called thru-hikers, attempt to hike it in its entirety in a single seas… Many of the hikers you may encounter on the trail are just hiking sections; they’re not thru-hikers. In Shenandoah National Park, all hikers must apply for a permit, regardless of the duration of the hike. The usual start of Appalachian Trail is at the Southern Terminus in Georgia. Non-thru hikers get the priority shelter spots with their reservations. Note that cotton socks would cause blisters when wet. The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a National Scenic Trail extending from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine, and protected by federal- and state-owned lands as well as public rights-of-way. **OR** Take SR348 approximately 7 miles to the parking lot. On the trail, you will meet a lot of strangers. The speed at which it takes to cross Virginia will once again depend on your hiking speed and average mileage per day. A huge contribution to the trail-building project was made by Myron Avery (1899-1952). It takes five to seven months to thru-hike the trail while a section hike can take two or more months. Take GA75 approx. Along this section is situated the highest point on the Appalachian Trail: Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Completing an Appalachian Trail thru-hike is both draining and rewarding, mentally and physically. The AT intersects GA75 and SR348, with parking facilities at both locations.DirectionsTake GA75 approx. On average, the journey can take you about 6 months to complete. Over the next decade, volunteers built the trail. Georgia's mild climate plays a role in this, since hikers like to start the 6 month trek … The AT intersects GA75 and SR348, with parking facilities at both locations. Reportedly tricky due to elevation gain per each mile, intense weather, regulations for camping, rocky trails, and steep terrain. As the location of halfway moves, those that upkeep the trail will relocate a marker as well. Snowstorms, weeks of rain, humid mid-Atlantic summers: Your gear goes through a lot on a thru-hike of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. In the end, like any other device, your smartphone might just break down. We donate 2% of our earnings to nature conservation funds. The trail is about 2,190 miles long, though the precise length changes over time as parts are modified or rerouted. To start the hike in Maine, you should begin in late-May or early June. The majority of thru-hikers hike northbound, beginning in Georgia anytime from late-March to mid-April. This section will be just over 100 miles long. I live in LongIsland,NewYork I know the trail ends at Maine should I take Maine or just start from NY? You’ve already planned your route in detail, right? If you are planning for extended hiking trips, then you should choose shoes that are a half-size larger because your legs will swell under the weight of your backpack or on the rocky terrain. Hiking over this section of the Appalachian Trail, you’ll see Shenandoah National Park, famous for its beautiful views and untouched wildlife. Hi Kathryn – great article and appreciate the detailed information. The path passes by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Wall of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is a prolific trek, covered by the travel writing greats (cc: Bill Bryson) and attempted by outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. As far as terrain, Georgia is a fairly easy to moderate section of the AT. The Katahdin trail does not open until the last week of May or early June. Hide the rest of your money and documents deep in your backpack. How to Train for Hiking the Appalachian Trail - … Our team also develops, Appalachian Trail 101: The Complete Guide For Beginners, An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning, Marvin and Glenn Powell Crawford Notch General Store & Campground, Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s interactive map, Appalachian Regional Commission’s printable map, Backpacker’s interactive Appalachian Trail map, Appalachian Trail Interactive Map by Google, Appalachian Trail app by HikerBot for Android, Appalachian Trail app by SPORz for Android, Permits for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park permissions and regulations, Baxter State Park Day Use Parking Reservation (DUPR), How to Hike the Appalachian Trail: A Comprehensive Guide to Plan and Prepare for a Successful Thru-Hike, Complete Set of App. You will overcome the Berkshires’ glacial mountains, climb the picturesque Green Mountains, and then go down into unblemished river valleys. In 2005, the Appalachian Trail Conference became the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. From start to finish, its length is 2,178 miles. After getting a Master’s degree in Public Relations and spending 3 years working in an office as an internet marketer, Kathryn completely changed her lifestyle. Her fastest time was in 2011, taking her 46 days 11 hours and 20 minutes (Southbound). Just keep reading, and you will find the ultimate AT trail guide. The third step is to choose your destinations and expected overnight stays (if you’re planning multi-day hikes). Not to mention, you’re likely looking for a bit of solitude on your journey, and with 100 other hikers by your side, you won’t have that. If you were to hike 10 miles per day for the entire length of the trail, it would take you about 217 days or approximately seven months. The Trail is well marked and well maintained. The reviews always stay objective and take 100+ working hours for each category. For hiking short sections, contact the local Trail Club for the most up to date info. Katahdin in Maine on the U.S. East Coast. When you’re considering hiking the Appalachian Trail end to end, you may be wondering how long it will take you. The Appalachian Trail is a microcosm of American culture but with far higher stakes. While I know there are so many great aspects to look forward to on the trail, there are a few things that I am not particularly looking forward to. The Appalachian Trail offers a variety of scenery, is well maintained by volunteers, has established campsites for hikers, and is centered around a hiking community that’s like no other in the world. Northbound hikers typically start in late March or early April ending their hike between late August and early October. That’s why most travelers prefer day and weekend hiking trips. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the proposal for the hiking trail was first presented in 1921, but the Trail was not technically completed until 2014 when a final major stretch was formally acquired and received permanent protection. There are so many important logistics to consider when planning a big thru-hike that it can be easy to forget some of the smaller ones – like just how you’re going to get there! Serious hiking trips start with serious planning. Consider starting on a weekday, versus a weekend, as the trails will be less crowded. Covering everything from general information and how to plan your hike to the best resources and most important regulations, this ultimate handbook about hiking the Appalachian Trail will make it easy for you to find the answers to all your questions! Kathryn, While I’m not an expert (or even a neophyte, really) on web design or the AT, I appreciate your sharing this terrific piece of work with us at NC State Parks! The trail is about 2,190 miles long, though the precise length changes over time as parts are modified or rerouted. Planning a thru-hike can be part of the excitement of the trip. Find more information about permits and regulations at the links below: The AT is a reasonably safe place, especially if you consider how many people conquer the trail every year. In an emergency that requires a medical or law-enforcement response, you should call 911 or the local emergency number. Besides, weapons can be used against you or accidentally discharged. Required fields are marked *. Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy, an American ultrarunner based in Boston, completed the trail in 45 days 12 hours and 15 minutes in 2017 (Northbound). Then, as their strength and stamina build during their journey, they will begin to push 12-16 miles per day. Renting or buying used camping equipment will save you some money. There will be portions that are harder than others, as well as some high elevation crossings. Each shelter holds between 12-14 people, four 4 spots per night are reserved for thru-hikers. As a result, it is recommended by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and many conservationists for hikers, if at all possible, to consider alternate options to heading NOBO. In mid-March, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail started shutting down sections and services to hikers of all ambitions. A complete thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes hikers anywhere from five to seven months. Hike & Cycle benefits from affiliate programs (including Amazon’s). You have to start in March or April, and you will probably finish in September. This can be a vital aspect, as many hikers have set up drop points and only carry enough food to get them from one drop point to another. When to Start. Northbound hikers typically start in late March or early April ending their hike between late August and early October. Should I bring light equipment? Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. From market farming to wilderness survival guide to forestry technician and climbing instructor, Meg has an eclectic work history. Hiking half the Appalachian Trail can, therefore, take around three months. The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,168 miles from the state of Georgia to Maine. Do not leave your things unattended. Guns should be left at home. How Long Would it Take to Hike the Great Trail? “15 miles per day = 145 days or @ 5 months”. There are a lot of factors involved in overall hiking time, and it will vary from hiker to hiker. And you’re struggling to find up-to-date information regarding this trail…. The AT may not be the oldest trail in the US, but it ranks among the longest hiking trails in America. A thru-hike can start at either of the trail’s termini. When to start the trail? 10 miles to the parking lot. In some areas of the AT trail, carrying and using weapons are strictly prohibited. When you’re hiking, leave the sexy clothes at home. The highest point of the mountain is 5,268 ft. The income from these fees is used to equip field facilities and perform routine trail maintenance. Major William Welch (1868-1941) served as its first chairman. However, during emergencies, your phone can be your salvation. WOW, Information packed article. But, the earlier one starts, the more severe the weather. There are also sections with scarcity in water, so your pack may weigh more. This can help hikers to have a physical reminder as they pass a sign telling them they are indeed halfway. As we mentioned in the first chapter, the Appalachian Trail is divided into five sections. But this isn’t even the whole story about the AT. The Appalachian Trail is a public footpath that follows more than 2,100 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridge line between Maine and Georgia. We have gathered the best sections on the Appalachian Trail for a weekend or week long backpacking trip. An Appalachian Trail thru-hike takes between five and seven months to complete the entire trail. Test your knowledge! Appalachian Trail Shuttles are hiker taxis that will ferry you to and from the trail when you need to leap-frog to the end of a section or need a ride to a nearby town, hostel, train or bus station. 2. Keep in mind that you’ll require more consumables along rougher portions of the trail that tax your abilities and ramp up your metabolism. If you are just a beginner, you should not expect the results of Karl Meltzer, who conquered the 2,190 miles in just 45 days and 22 hours. Then in 1925, the first conference devoted to the creation of the trail was held. What to bring? 7 Tips for Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail | There is a lot of planning involved with a thru-hike, and it can be intimidating to know where to start. Now pursuing freelance writing full-time, Meg has found a new base in Pheonix, AZ where she splits her time between writing and new desert adventures. All long-distance hikers must obtain a mandatory permit card. Maine But if you decide to find a hiking buddy, he or she can save your life. So you want to know when to start the Appalachian trail for quality hiking in America? Still, you can usually determine an estimate before you depart based on past hiking experiences and your physical condition. I'm in physical therapy, healing fast, getting stronger every day, and have … The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. That means they’re averaging around 15 miles per day. When preparing for hiking, carefully study the principles of Leave No Trace. If you are a hiker of average speed, that will put you on pace to finish the trail in Maine by September. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, out of the 1,500 to 2,000 hikers who try to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail every year, only 200 to 300 hikers succeed. The cards must be stamped at the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station. One of the significant battles that a thru-hiker will encounter is knowing how far they can hike each day. If you can start in early spring it is best to start in Georgia as the mountains of the Northeast are very cold and snowy at that time. Southbound hikers generally begin late May to mid-June.Some hikers start heading north, then realize that they will not make it to Katahdin before B… Contact info for each club can be found at the ATC website. Each shelter holds between 12-14 people and only 4 spots per night are reserved for thru hikers. Depending on the ability of the hiker, some will go up to 20-25 miles near the end of their trail days. Take care of hiking equipment and clothes. This card can be taken personally at Baxter State Park Headquarters or Katahdin Stream Campground. An Appalachian Trail thru-hike takes between five and seven months to complete the entire trail. Learn the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Millions of people set foot on the Appalachian Trail every year. Wet cotton can lead to hypothermia—one of the most serious threats lying in wait for hikers. You can find local emergency numbers on all official AT trail maps. Over the entire trail, there are more than 270 shelters, most of which are near water. Thanks again – I’ll be referring back to this article for help. The Appalachian Trail is a continuous footpath stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. When To Start a Sobo Appalachian Trail Thru Hike I started a northbound (nobo) hike in Georgia on the spring equinox, and hiked 114 miles before leaving the trail with an injury . After a few weeks of being on the AT, I could distinguish a "thru-hiker" (someone traveling the trail’s full length) from a "day hiker" with a single glance. Your guide to outdoor adventure since 2019. Walking the Appalachian Trail is a challenge, so being prepared for safe hiking is essential. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. For other sites, the data may vary slightly. The answer is simple: major cities like New York and Boston are not too far. Various types of transportation are available for tourists of the trail. There are two trailheads on the Appalachian Trail. Matt Kirk, an American ultrarunner based in North Carolina, completed the trail in 58 days 9 hours and 40 minutes in 2013 (Southbound). The main thing you have to decide is when and where to start hiking the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail thru-hike is equivalent to 16 climbs and descents of Mount Everest! And do not forget to give them the ATC contact numbers. Moreover, the mountain ranges on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee have weather conditions very similar to Northern New England. When you drive alongside it, you'll get to experience the same landscape and take part in the exhilaration of the best part of some hiker's lives. Mileage wise, this will be past halfway, but as a hiker, it can be significant for one location to signify you’re halfway there. Your next step should be to determine your speed. Then it’s time to take care of the necessary permits. That's enough to fill several weekend trips or a solid week of hiking. There’s snow in the southern Appalachian Mountains in March, and it’s often deep. The Appalachian Trail is a good place to start. So, how long does it take to walk the Appalachian Trail? Southbounders finishing in Georgia in November have been known to encounter heavy snow storms as well (I did!). Your smartphone may die or you may get no signal—meaning you won’t be able to connect to online maps. The park regulations allow the use of pre-existing campsites or camp previously undisturbed area. Each part has different weather and hiking conditions. That being said, it only takes most people 4 to 5 months to hike the trail. It’s simple—install apps with helpful maps and download survival hike apps, and you’ll be much more confident about what to bring and what to do. Your email address will not be published. By the way, the Appalachian Trail Distance Calculator will definitely come in handy. If you are thinking about hiking the trail, you may be wondering what you need to prepare and get started on the trail. Short-distance hikers must also make a reservation. Instead, you can start north, in Maine, and go south. On average, brand-new camping supplies can cost $1,000 or more. Have you ever practiced outdoor hiking? Snow may even fall in the middle of summer! Still, many hikers see Harper’s Ferry of West Virginia as their psychological halfway marker. Time will be determined on endurance, average hiking speed, and miles traveled each day. Then keep in mind that mosquitoes, black flies, and beetles plague the AT from May to late August. For me personally, and many other hikers, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail was one of the most difficult things I have done in my lifetime. The fastest trek on the trail is set by Karl Meltzer in 2016. Previous Next. The Appalachian Trail proceeds northeastward from the peak of Springer Mountain. Speed hiking on the trail has become somewhat of an ultramarathon runner phenomenon. Non-thru hikers get the priority shelter spots with their reservations. If you’re planning to tackle the AT heading South, you will need to be determined and in excellent physical condition. Trail registers are required to document your ATC locations. Crossing state lines many times and hiking over numerous mountain tops, you can see why it takes most hikers months to complete this trail. While it is commonly accepted that Maine is the starting point of the trail and Georgia is its ending point. This website is where I share all our adventures along with tips and advice to help you get outdoors too! And thanks for the correction. Information in this blog is very basic, and in some cases not accurate (one quart of water per day?!). “To keep my goal in mind and remember how far I had come, I got a tattoo of the x-ray.” Hiking the Appalachian Trail On March 20, Craig was ready to start his adventure. That includes your water and food. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recently posted the following memorandum as an open letter with cautionary tips for all hikers planning to be on the trail in 2021: “In March 2020, America began to feel the first impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, which would upend almost every aspect of … The Appalachian Trail Conservancy at atc.org has the most comprehensive list of planning guides and maps. Shelters are typically designed for small groups of hikers. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has reported that at least 99% of the original trail has been rebuilt or relocated since 1937. Joey Campanelli, an American ultrarunner based in Utah, completed the trail in 48 days 23 hours and 28 minutes in 2017 (Southbound). Mobile gadgets are tightly integrated into our lives, which is why many travelers prefer to leave their phones at home when outdoor hiking. There is no early limit on when one can start a nobo hike, and a few hearty souls start as early as January and February. The next part of these hiking trails runs from eastern Vermont to the eastern parts of New York and Connecticut. The "nobo" hiker typically encounters wintry conditions in March and parts of April and hot, humid conditions in summer. Since you will be spending almost half a year on the trail, the weather will change as you hike, this makes planning your start and estimated end time imperative to a successful journey. On the other hand, those who begin from Georgia should plan ahead so they arrive in Maine around summer. The cost of the permit is $20. And not many can conquer the great AT about which you can also read in the Walking and Hiking the Appalachian Trail guide. Nevertheless, it is worth keeping in mind that there are some paid campsites. “10 miles per day = 217 days or @ 7 months.”. How difficult is a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail? Nevertheless, along these 280 miles, you will find spectacular landscapes. Quiz question to test your knowledge about this big trail until the last hundred years, the earlier one,! To have a physical reminder as they pass a sign telling them they are indeed halfway pretty severe conditions especially... Most section hikers may not be the next part of the trail, and! Hikers of all, select the section in which you plan to get there are... Websites you recommended of transportation are available for tourists of the hike, answer yourself to a few equipments! To spend nights accessible and relatable content for any thru-hiker be limited hike, answer to. Upkeep the trail when to start the appalachian trail so often, that will put you on pace to finish, its duration and! Anywhere from five to seven months to complete the entire length of the trail this –... It generally takes hikers at least 36 days to complete it over the last years... 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