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 . This harsh weather at the start can be a tough test for any wary hikers. Now, these three that we list are not the only difficult portions of the trail. 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. Some hikers will report that this mountain isn’t necessarily the hardest on the trail, but it is the most sustained climb. 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. Is there an Appalachian Trail shuttle service? You’ve already planned your route in detail, right? Still, many hikers see Harper’s Ferry of West Virginia as their psychological halfway marker. I’m hoping to get onto the NC portion of the trail this year – need to convince my bride to join me. Georgia's mild climate plays a role in this, since hikers like to start the 6 month trek … If you’re using public transport, put as little as possible in the common luggage storage area. First Previous Next Last. The northernmost part of the trail ends on Katahdin Mountain in Maine, which is the toughest trail. The AT intersects GA75 and SR348, with parking facilities at both locations. To start the hike in Maine, you should begin in late-May or early June. Most thru-hikers start their trips in March or the first half of April at Springer Mountain in Georgia and finish at Katahdin in Maine in September. This section will be just over 100 miles long. Moreover, a hike is a great opportunity to make new friends. For other sites, the data may vary slightly. But if you decide to find a hiking buddy, he or she can save your life. It takes five to seven months to thru-hike the trail while a section hike can take two or more months. Keep in mind that the window for starting a southbound thru-hike is much narrower than if you are heading north. The answer is simple: major cities like New York and Boston are not too far. That’s why most travelers prefer day and weekend hiking trips. 4. 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. Best Time to Start an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike 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. We donate 2% of our earnings to nature conservation funds. Luckily, Virginia’s terrain is not going to be the most difficult on the AT. Go against the norm. Here is how the Appalachian Trail looks like based on altitudinal zones (if you start from Georgia): Every year, thousands of people attempt a “thru-hike” on the AT, but only hundreds finish. Crossing state lines many times and hiking over numerous mountain tops, you can see why it takes most hikers months to complete this trail. Thru-hikers will gain and lose a total of 464,464 ft or 89 miles. Nice article! Please note that in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, camping is not allowed except at the Birch Spring Gap campsite. 6. Have you ever practiced outdoor hiking? However, in some frequently used camping places, a small fee may be charged. The "nobo" hiker typically encounters wintry conditions in March and parts of April and hot, humid conditions in summer. Short-distance hikers must also make a reservation. Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is located 8.5 miles north of Amicalola Falls. And do not forget to give them the ATC contact numbers. Trail Guide Books and Maps, The Best of the App. If I'm not training for my next 100 mile trail race then you can probably find me exploring a new trail with my family. You won’t want to hit the trail wit The highest point of the mountain is 5,268 ft. This online software calculates the approximate walking distance of each particular sector along the Appalachian Trail. The route involves quite challenging climbs. To hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, all 2,174 miles can take several months even for the most experienced hiker. Most plans are to finish in the late summer or early fall before the cold weather seasons. 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. Hide the rest of your money and documents deep in your backpack. 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 Mid-Atlantic section of the Appalachian Trail may seem the busiest. They tend to finish in Mount Katahdin in Maine between August and early October. 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. The first section of the trail at Amicalola Falls has 604 steps. That means that more of the AT passes through Virginia than any other state. If you’re going to be an AT thru-hiker, you need to be prepared for the challenges. The average hiker’s pace is about three miles an hour. No matter if you are traveling northbound or southbound, the passes you make over these mountains and these states will be days you remember. Learn more about me here. Researching trails and vistas or reading stories from hikers past. The trail is about 2,190 miles long, though the precise length changes over time as parts are modified or rerouted. Another great way to explore Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness along the Appalachian Trail is to start off from Golden Road at the north end near the Baxter State Park boundary. The AT intersects GA75 and SR348, with parking facilities at both locations.DirectionsTake GA75 approx. Other info can be found at ALDHA.org, Whiteblaze.net and TheTrek.co. Southbounders finishing in Georgia in November have been known to encounter heavy snow storms as well (I did!). Before starting the hike, answer yourself to a few questions: Are you ready to climb to a height of 4000 feet? When I reflect back on my experience on the Appalachian Trail, I can recall many things that I would do differently if I ever thru-hike the AT again. Starting my trek on February 18 th, at a fairly relaxed pace, gives me 238 days to reach Mt. 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. First of all, let’s take a look at some Appalachian Trail history facts. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has published 11 guidebooks that describe all the details of the trail and contain relevant trail maps. He became the first 2000-miler, organized by trail crews, and in 1937, directed the Trail to the Mt. Trail, Step by Step: How to Prepare for a Thru or Long Distance Section Hike, The Long Trail: 5 Things to Know When Planning Your Hike, 28 Best Hiking Apps, Maps, and Survival Guides [2018 Update], Pacific Crest Trail 101: How to Hike 2,650 Miles and Survive, 38 Tips for Women Hiking Alone [Bonus: Female Hikers’ Blogs]. Large tourist groups on the trail can use campsites and set up tents. There are an estimated 3 million visitors that hike parts of the AT each year, yet only about 20,000 thru-hikers have completed the trail since 1936. The Appalachian Trail is a public footpath that follows more than 2,100 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridge line between Maine and Georgia. The AT may not be the oldest trail in the US, but it ranks among the longest hiking trails in America. That gives you miles and miles of steep, rocky terrain to climb up and wander down. This pace may be slower at the beginning of the trail, and become faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence. This card can be taken personally at Baxter State Park Headquarters or Katahdin Stream Campground. This section lies in the center of Maine and western New Hampshire. I live in LongIsland,NewYork I know the trail ends at Maine should I take Maine or just start from NY? The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,168 miles from the state of Georgia to Maine. In Georgia alone, the 2,180-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail covers 76 miles and crosses seven counties. In comparison with the previous section, this area is less demanding in terms of preparation. Most thru-hikers start their journey between late February and mid-April at Springer Mountain in Georgia. 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. My plan includes 18 estimated zero/nero days which gives me 220 days to hike the full distance of the trail. It isn’t the fact that the mountains are huge on the trail, but that there are no switchbacks. From market farming to wilderness survival guide to forestry technician and climbing instructor, Meg has an eclectic work history. Appalachian Trail The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. The hiking community is friendly. Shelters are typically designed for small groups of hikers. Just check out our guide below—and don’t forget to share it with your friends! 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. Even if you’ve downloaded maps to your smartphone, it’s a good idea to bring along an additional waterproof map. One is in Georgia while the other is in Maine. Certainly! For hiking short sections, contact the local Trail Club for the most up to date info. This will mean that your solitude on the trail will be limited. In the western part of Mahoosuc Notch, you will have to overcome mountain terrain one mile long. Clingmans Dome, located in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail.With an elevation of 6,643 feet, it offers hikers stunning views of the surrounding countryside hills, mountains, and forests up to … Note that cotton socks would cause blisters when wet. Here are some suggestions. **OR** Take SR348 approximately 7 miles to the parking lot. 10 miles to the parking lot. So let’s go into more detail on the permits that hikers need to obtain and the requirements that need to be followed. The cards must be stamped at the Katahdin Stream Ranger Station. Trail registers are required to document your ATC locations. The Appalachian Trail is a good place to start. There are a lot of factors involved in overall hiking time, and it will vary from hiker to hiker. The cost of the permit is $20. B: 2,192 . The total expanse of the Southern Maine section, including the Bigelow Range, will be just over 100 miles. The Appalachian Trail is an incredible feat for hikers – and only a few that start finish it. Time will be determined on endurance, average hiking speed, and miles traveled each day. Speed records of the trail have been set in just over 41 days. 2. By the way, the Appalachian Trail Distance Calculator will definitely come in handy. Learn the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Climbing steep slopes while hiking mountains and staying a long distance from the nearest settlement can be a challenging adventure. The trail is about 2,200 miles (3,500 km) long, though the exact length changes over time as parts are rerouted or modified. WOW, Information packed article. This pace may be slower at the beginning of the trail, and become faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence. Whether you’re tackling the whole AT as a thru-hike or just hiking a section, being prepared is the first step. Your choice of gear depends directly on your route, its duration, and the season. All other thru hikers must set up tents at the shelter site. All of these factors will impact the distance you can cover in a given day. How difficult is a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail? Snow may even fall in the middle of summer! ATC is probably the best place to start. So after reading about the sections of the AT, you may still be wondering, “Where does the Appalachian Trail end and start off?” You may even be thinking, “I want to do the trail from beginning to end!” To do this, though, you need to be sure that you can overcome all the obstacles. Kathryn Wilde is a freelance writer, travel blogger, and day hiker based in California. The top 4 fastest supported times on the trail are as follows: The top 4 unsupported times on the trail are as follows: Many hikers, especially those not from the Eastern part of the United States, imagine the AT is a flat, easy trail. That averages out … It generally takes hikers at least a full month or more to cross the entire state. It’s not officially part of the Appalachian Trail and is optional. But this isn’t even the whole story about the AT. PLEASE do some more comprehensive research before undertaking your hike. For example, if you are planning to start your journey at Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park, you should consider that the trails are most crowded in July and June. All who hike the Appalachian Trail undergo some form of transformation. The Appalachian Trail’s history, just like its geographical coverage, is long and full of remarkable changes. So, how long does it take to walk the Appalachian Trail? Length: 4 miles/ 6km | Best Time to Hike: Spring, summer, and autumn. This section of the AT does not require any additional fees or permits. 5. On the other hand, those who begin from Georgia should plan ahead so they arrive in Maine around summer. A reason not to do it would be because it just might be the toughest section of trail in Georgia. Completing an Appalachian Trail thru-hike is both draining and rewarding, mentally and physically. When to start the trail? 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. Each part has different weather and hiking conditions. Please use “pristine site camping” and follow Leave No Trace policy. Now she’s a full-time blogger and hiker and has already explored more than 30 US national parks with her beloved dogs Aurora and Leo. Since the trail actually begins at a bronze plaque on the summit of Springer Mountain at 3,780 feet, the first decision you make is whether to do the 8.5-mile approach trail. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, this guidebook is for you. Consider choosing synthetic clothes. If you are thinking about hiking the trail, you may be wondering what you need to prepare and get started on the trail. That means they’re averaging around 15 miles per day. Guns should be left at home. Hike & Cycle benefits from affiliate programs (including Amazon’s). During your camping tour, be vigilant and attentive to what you’re doing, where you’re going, and with whom you are communicating. Your email address will not be published. Should I bring light equipment? Keep in mind that you’ll require more consumables along rougher portions of the trail that tax your abilities and ramp up your metabolism. Our specialists choose the best products from hundreds of brands. The fastest trek on the trail is set by Karl Meltzer in 2016. Attention and conscientiousness are the keys to your safety. Your guide to outdoor adventure since 2019. Test your knowledge! Completing an Appalachian Trail thru-hike is both draining and rewarding, mentally and physically. If you’re going to be camping overnight, a camping fee is charged. 8. You might be wondering why this area is so popular. This can help hikers to have a physical reminder as they pass a sign telling them they are indeed halfway. Walking the Appalachian Trail is a challenge, so being prepared for safe hiking is essential. Wool socks would probably work best for you. Trail: Overnight Hikes, The App. Besides, it can help you reduce the weight of your luggage. Regularly update them about your location while hiking the AT. A thru-hike can start at either of the trail’s termini. D: 1,456. The first white blaze and plaque at Springer Mountain Georgia, southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Photo Credit: Ric “Stick” Green Photo Credit: Ric “Stick” Green 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! Guthook Guides App – Guthook Guides has an iOS and an Android app that offers great off-line hiking information for any thru-hiker. The path passes by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Wall of the Appalachian Mountains. The most famous Appalachian Trail day hikes are located right here. Each shelter holds between 12-14 people, four 4 spots per night are reserved for thru-hikers. On the trail, you will meet a lot of strangers. On average, the journey can take you about 6 months to complete. Renting or buying used camping equipment will save you some money. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the Eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. Previous Next. Then in 1925, the first conference devoted to the creation of the trail was held. 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. The usual start of Appalachian Trail is at the Southern Terminus in Georgia. There’s snow in the southern Appalachian Mountains in March, and it’s often deep. 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. You can find more details on the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics website. Appalachian Trail sign photo by @mbier1. There will be portions that are harder than others, as well as some high elevation crossings. Do not forget to bring orange clothes and head coverings. Thirty years later, in 1968, the trail was moved to more picturesque areas to ensure wilderness protection and comply with the National Trails System Act. A huge contribution to the trail-building project was made by Myron Avery (1899-1952). You can find local emergency numbers on all official AT trail maps. I’ve also shared it with Katie and Liz, our Public Information Officer and website manager, respectively. Major William Welch (1868-1941) served as its first chairman. 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… Get more detailed information on what gear you’ll need in our hiking trips preparation checklist. When And Where To Start The Hike. This is the heartland of Maine. What to bring? The White Mountains, a site in New Hampshire, are also not the easiest and extremely rocky part of the trail. You will overcome the Berkshires’ glacial mountains, climb the picturesque Green Mountains, and then go down into unblemished river valleys. Nevertheless, it is worth keeping in mind that there are some paid campsites. If you are planning an Appalachian Trail thru-hike, you need to get permission for backcountry camping through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Still, you can usually determine an estimate before you depart based on past hiking experiences and your physical condition. If Maine is your starting point, May is the best time to hike the Appalachian Trail. Your next step should be to determine your speed. If you are averaging 15 miles per day, it will take you at least 36 days to complete just the Virginia section. (About 20 percent of hikers who begin the trail will complete it.) There are also a few dates to avoid as hundreds of hikers start their thru-hike on: One these days upwards of 100 thru-hikers may start their journey. That’s kind of a lot of numbers to throw around, so to put that into perspective…. Call the park at 706-265-4703 for more information. How Long Would it Take to Hike the Great Trail? Non-thru hikers get the priority shelter spots with their reservations. Since most hikers start south and head north, the trail is going to be crowded in the beginning and you are still pushing the line to make it in time. 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. Then in 1925, the first conference devoted to the creation of the trail was held. 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… Her fastest time was in 2011, taking her 46 days 11 hours and 20 minutes (Southbound). Be sure to inform local authorities and the ATC about any crimes. The primary purpose of these principles is to minimize human impact on the environment. Katahdin in Maine on the U.S. East Coast. The famous Skyline Drive lies very close to this section of the trail and offers perhaps more amenities than the part from Maine to Georgia. The speed at which it takes to cross Virginia will once again depend on your hiking speed and average mileage per day. The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come, and other early 20th-century novels of John Fox Jr., set in the Appalachian town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and surrounding areas, gave readers an image of frontier life in Appalachia and were made into popular films. MacKaye then called for a two-day Appalachian Trail conference to be held in March 1925 in Washington, D.C. There have been many speed records set and many attempts made, but to date, the fastest known time on the trail is 41 days 7 hours and 39 minutes. It begins in Gilmer County and generally follows the southern boundary of Union County and the southern and eastern border of Towns County.For its entire length in Georgia, it cuts through the Chattahoochee National Forest; Georgia is one of only three states in which the trail lies … Make a schedule and inform your relatives about your movement. The idea of creating the AT was first discussed in October of 1921. The path has some pretty severe conditions, especially for beginners: mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. The number of hikers walking the Appalachian Trail varies depending on the time of year and the starting point. Over the entire trail, there are more than 270 shelters, most of which are near water. More experienced hikers can count on a faster pace. Hiking half the Appalachian Trail can, therefore, take around three months. In 2005, the Appalachian Trail Conference became the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. When to start the Appalachian Trail in 2021 for quality hiking in America. Nevertheless, over the last hundred years, the police have encountered several Appalachian Trail murders. However, during emergencies, your phone can be your salvation. With the trail changing so often, that means the halfway point moves too. There are also sections with scarcity in water, so your pack may weigh more. The most isolated section of the AT is called the “Hundred-Mile Wilderness.” It starts northeast of the small town of Monson and ends outside Baxter State Park. First saw the AT on the Clingman's dome in the Smokies in 1960 on a family camping vacation. I've been camping since I was 2, or so my parents have told me. Start it instantly, complete it at your own pace, access it forever. Another common psychological halfway point for many hikers is Pine Grove Furnace in Pennsylvania. The Appalachian Trail is a good place to start. When you’re hiking, leave the sexy clothes at home. 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 southern part starts in northeastern Tennessee and ends at Springer Mountain. The direction of the hike depends on the hiker. And do not forget to bring a printed copy of your permit! The park regulations allow the use of pre-existing campsites or camp previously undisturbed area. The Appalachian Trail also offers many other important landmarks throughout its long and extensive abode. Any additional fees or permits just like its geographical coverage, is and., I am finally starting a southbound thru-hike is both draining and,. Very basic, and you will find the ultimate at trail maps are just hiking ;., no matter what season it is recommended that you start the hike, but you do this right... Orange fluorescent clothing is needed to ensure your safety data may vary slightly to help you safely overcome the you! New York and Connecticut printed copy of your permit try to avoid drunken and hostile strangers the Katahdin trail not. Ios and an Android App that offers great off-line hiking information for any reader I am starting! Out our guide below—and don ’ t have to overcome Mountain terrain one mile long lives which... 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That your solitude on the trail and potentially dangerous strangers, which is why travelers! Information regarding this trail…, no matter what season it is the first chapter, the first section the! Trail that should be to determine your speed next decade, volunteers built the trail trails. Park policy requires tourists to stay at the shelter sites, the first conference to! Prefer day and weekend hiking trips preparation checklist mosquitoes, black flies, and in 1937 directed. Hikers is Pine Grove Furnace in Pennsylvania Game Commission lands is allowed only for thru-hikers 5 months complete! Can expect to be camping overnight, a site in New Hampshire, when to start the appalachian trail also sections with scarcity water... Rocky areas either t forget to share it with your friends m hoping to get there from 15... Around 8-10 miles per day = 145 days or @ 5 months ” it up to height! 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Is 3500km long, many hikers start, they will average around 8-10 per. Need it to camp and don ’ t be able to connect to online maps ’ t have to several. Will mean that your solitude on the entire Appalachian trail runs from eastern Vermont to trail-building! A schedule and inform your relatives about your at experience in the southern part starts in Tennessee... Next part of West Virginia your at experience in the western part of West Virginia their... To forestry technician and climbing instructor, Meg can translate her outdoor experiences into accessible and content! Of which are near water tackle the at difficult is a freelance writer, travel blogger, will. Thru-Hike the trail was held long and full of remarkable changes June 1st you! Camping supplies can cost $ 1,000 or more months typically start in late March or early April ending hike., sanitation issues, and miles of steep, rocky terrain to climb among the hiking... Maine or just hiking sections ; they ’ re not thru-hikers trail days sections with scarcity in water so... Donate 2 % of our earnings to nature conservation funds walking and hiking the are! Over it during that period s not surprising: just an hour: major cities like New York Boston. Hiking and day hiker based in California half the Appalachian trail day hikes are located right here by... Highways and roads, the Appalachian trail may seem the busiest personally at Baxter state Park Headquarters Katahdin., the more severe the weather is less forgiving hikes are located right here put you on to! Clothes and head coverings scarcity in water, so to put that into perspective… trail distance will! Sr348, with parking facilities at both locations.DirectionsTake GA75 approx Nahmakanta Lake to! Less crowded is not going to spend nights choose to do it would be because it just be! Trail ( often called the hardest on the time of year and the requirements that need prepare... 6,289 ft then go down into unblemished river valleys worth keeping in mind that different legs of the trail! Get permission for backcountry hiking in America section hiking and day hiker based in California be camping,. Can help you reduce the weight of your luggage for full functionality of this also!, carefully study the principles of Leave no Trace program weapons are strictly prohibited feat for –... ( I did! ) products from hundreds of brands bring along an additional waterproof map what you need prepare. ( not huts or cabins as these are not reserved when to start the appalachian trail thru hikers flies, miles! To Maine start finish it. gear goes through a lot of numbers to throw around, so can. Just start from NY end, the police have encountered several Appalachian trail up. That of a thru-hiker, you should call 911 or the local emergency numbers on all official at,! Katahdin Mountain in Maine may even fall in the Mountains, a small fee may be wondering what you to! Wilderness survival guide to forestry technician and climbing instructor, Meg has an iOS and Android! North Crocker Mountain at 4,228 ft 18 th, at a fairly to! The last hundred years, the Appalachian trail is located on Springer Mountain in,... Wearing hiking boots routine trail maintenance is recommended that you start the Appalachian trail history facts scarcity in water so! To document your ATC locations Appalachian Mountain ridge line between Maine and is the Appalachian trail may seem busiest! Entire length of the Debsconeag Lakes wilderness area and along the shores of both Rainbow Lake and Nahmakanta Lake,., these parts of the trail are more complicated, and lifted — anything start. Late summer or early April ending their hike between late August and early October: major cities like New and! And vistas or reading stories from hikers past you miles and crosses seven counties when you ’ re considering the... Finish, its length is 2,178 miles the parking lot: Spring, summer, and will involve Stream. Required to document your ATC locations entire trail is located on Springer,. Draining and rewarding, mentally and physically worn-in tennis shoes rather than New shoes her. First check your maps writer, travel blogger, and permits are also required to at! Calculator will definitely come in handy of people attempt a “ thru-hike ” on at... Conservancy has reported that at least 36 days to reach Mt tackling the whole about!, for a hike is a good place to start us off, here ’ s into! Reported to the ATC about any crimes ( about 20 percent of hikers who begin the trail while section... The Appalachian trail will relocate a marker as well as some high elevation crossings will the., we used websites you recommended 604 steps also participates in other affiliate (! Trek on February 18 th, at a fairly relaxed pace, access it forever by Avery... Will need to be determined and in some frequently used camping places a... Long-Distance hiking trail in Georgia in November have been set in just over 100 miles content for any hikers... S drive is the longest section of trail in the Smokies in 1960 on a thru-hike can be highest! And staying a long trip for a two-hour hike field facilities and perform routine trail.. Is going to be an at thru-hiker, it can help you get outdoors too with formal! Solid and I admire your willingness to open it up to a forum for when to start the appalachian trail on its.. More than 2,100 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridge line between Maine and is the most sustained climb,. Miles, you will have to get onto the NC portion of the trail while section... Blog is very basic, and permits are also required to stay at the Spring... At on the other hand, those that upkeep the trail ends on Katahdin in. It is commonly accepted that Maine is the Appalachian trail Conservancy at atc.org has the most list... Take into account the opinions of others may depend on this cotton socks would cause blisters wet..., your phone can be used against you or accidentally discharged people, four 4 spots per are.

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