Date: 2010-10-26
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For all those reading along whom have some questions about the AT (appalachian trail)What is the Appalachian Trail?The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a continuously marked footpath in the Appalachian Mountains that spans 14 states in the eastern U.S. Its northern terminus is Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Its southern terminus is Springer Mtn. in Georgia. The AT is the most popular hiking trail in the world.How long is the trail?The trail is approximately 2,165 miles (3,500 kilometers) long. How many people have hiked its entire length?Approximately 5,000 people have hiked all of the AT. About 1,500 - 2,000 hikers attempt to hike the AT each year, approximately 12% (200 - 300) succeedHow long does it take to hike all of the trail?For those who hike the entire length of the trail in a single trip, most require 5 - 7 months for the entire journey. What is "thru-hiking"?Thru-hiking is hiking the entire length of the trail in a single year. What is "section-hiking"?Section-hiking is hiking the trail over a longer period of time, usually 2 or more years. How do hikers get food while thru-hiking?The eastern portion of the U.S. is heavily populated, and there are many towns close to the trail. Most hikers carry 4 - 7 days worth of food at a time. When they need food, they get off the trail, go into a nearby town, and either buy food at a grocery store, or pick up a food box that has been mailed to them. Is it dangerous to hike the trail?Statistically, the trail is a very safe place. However, reasonable caution should be exercised, especially when going into towns, and when hiking or camping near roads. Concerning animals, mainly they just want to be left alone. Most hikers will see a bear or a poisonous snake at some point, but actual incidents or injuries are rare. Poison Ivy is very common, and hikers should learn how to identify it. Ticks and mosquitoes are also common during hot weather, and there have been a few cases of Lyme disease (from the ticks). The Hantavirus has been found in some mice that inhabit trail shelters, and on a few occasions, the virus has been passed on to humans. Bees, and bee stings, are fairly common during the summer months. What are "trail shelters", and can I use them?There are approximately 200 shelters along the AT, spaced about a day's hike apart. Most of them have a water source nearby. They are used on a first come, first served basis. It is not possible to reserve space, but most also have camping areas nearby. The shelters are usually 3-sided, with an open front, a roof, and a raised platform (floor) for sleeping. The smaller ones sleep 6 - 8 hikers; the larger ones can accommodate18 - 25. Do I need permits to hike?Generally, no permits are needed. However, they are required in order to hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina / Tennessee, and also in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Thru-hikers can pick up their permits when they enter the parks. How far do hikers walk each day?Most hikers hike 8 - 10 miles each day at the beginning of their hike, then slowly work up to 12 - 16 miles per day. Most hikers will eventually have a few 20 - 25 mile days. How do hikers get water while hiking?Occasionally, water is scarce on the trail. In the areas where it is scarce, hikers have to pay more attention to water sources listed in the Data Book (available from the Appalachian Trail Conference). Serious dehydration is rare, however, and in most areas water is plentiful. The mountains are usually drenched with rainfall. Almost all trail shelters have a water source close by. It is highly recommended that all water obtained while on the trail be purified with either chemicals or a water filter. Do I need to carry maps?The trail is very well marked. Maps are not essential, but some hikers carry them. Most hikers carry the Data Book and the Thru-Hiker's Companion. These publications are available from the Appalachian Trail Conference (see "Links" in the navigation box above). How much does a thru-hiker's pack weigh?For a normal mid-March to early-April start, the average weight of a loaded pack (minus food and water) will usually be in the 12 - 22 pound range. In addition, most hikers carry 1 - 2 liters of water and food for 4 - 7 days. Water weighs 2 pounds per liter; food normally weighs 1 1/2 - 2 pounds for each day's supply. What kind of weather can I expect on the trail?The temperatures in the spring and fall can be quite cold, and it can get very hot and humid during midsummer. For a normal mid-March start in Georgia, temperatures in the low teens (F) can be expected, and it can (and does) get colder than that. A wind chill of well below zero is not uncommon at that time of year at the higher elevations. Snow is fairly common in early spring, and late fall. During mid-summer, it can get very hot, sometimes exceeding 100 degrees (F). Rain is common. Does it matter if I start my hike in Georgia or Maine?Spring comes much earlier in the south than in the north, so north-bounders can begin their hike earlier in the year. About 90% of thru-hikers begin their hike in Georgia. However, to avoid the "crowds", or because they must begin their hike later in the year, a few hikers begin in Maine and hike south. How much does it cost to hike the trail?The trail is on public property, and there is no actual charge for hiking. However, in a few areas, there are charges ($3 - $8 US) for shelter use and camping. Concerning expenses while hiking (food, lodging in towns, restaurant meals, etc.), most hikers state that they spent an average of $1.50 - $2.50 per mile.Where can I get additional information?A good place to start is the Appalachian Trail Conference in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Their website has a lot information, and also contains links to many other sites. (See "Links" in the navigation box above).