Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Introduce her to a younger man. LOL😉 If the lack of "facilities", a 40lb pack, freezing @nite, sweating all day, eating bland food and smelling your odor doesn't discourage her then let her go. You got a hell of a woman.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter, 55 to 60 Liter Backpack, 3 Season Tent, 15-25 Degree Sleeping Bag, Winter Clothes, Camping Stove+ Fuel, Rain Gear, A.T. Guide Book (Guthooks App, The AT Guide, Thru-hikers Companion), Food, Headlamp, Backpack Cover, Bug Spray, Bug Net to go over your head, Trekking Poles, Cellphone(AT&T or Verizon), Toilet Paper, Deuce Of Spades, Toiletries, Hand sanitizer, Some sort of Pillow, Small Can of Bear Spray, Gaiters, Hiking shoes or boots.

I feel that you have a good plan Wondering if people hike together as it’s probably smarter

Many hostels on the Appalachian Trail, several hotels, 260+ hiker shelters and cabins.

No, and registration is voluntary and works on the honor system. So if you hike all the sections it's the same. Registration helps them figure out how many people use the trail, and if you complete it you get a patch and a certificate which doesn't mean much

I plan on being out there next year also, just search you tube videos about the trail, will give you a lot of good info, and the at companion and planning guide will also help

Let him go. He will figure it out.

Many, many, many. Just hiked a short section in Virginia and saw at least 50 hikers, some heading in both directions but most on a northern track.

The Appalachian Trail is very long, so there are so many sections that have different activities. For example, you can go to the section in the Smoky Mountains. Plenty of stuff to do. Or Grayson Highlands in Virginia where you might meet up with wild ponies. Most things along the trail are centered around the outdoors, but some areas may have bus tours, and there are many interesting towns along the way. There may be some limited guide services. I would start by contacting the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by going to http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ . They will answer questions and point you in the right direction.

I would recommend that you start in March. I hike alone often and find it very safe. Everyone that I have came across on the trail have always acted very nice and friendly.

Why pull a cart if you can pogo stick for two thousand miles.

You could become rich... With clean pay showers and toilets.

Registration is just for your patch if you complete the trail

Definitely depends on age , physical condition, motivation etc. i'm 70, i hiked the section from Bryson City N.C. to West Point NY. roughly 750 miles. took me 73 days. thats roughly 11 mi. p/day. This was suggested to me by my "Trail Angel". walked into my camp on 3rd day and said " i can see you're having a tough time" :) UNDERSTATEMENT ! FIRST 3 DAYS DID 15-17 MI . He shook my pack from 52 lbs. to 38 lbs. then he said " how do you like peanut butter (crunchy)? He suggested i get up walk 5mi. take a 2 hr break then do another 5 mi.and camp for the night. do this for a week or so until you get your legs ( i trained in Fl. and there are no Mountains ). i ended up doing that for a while then upped it to 6+6 and that was as good as i got. Eat peanut butter each day until you hit a town then sleep, wash and pig out on carbs, Saved My Hike !!!!

Shenandoah national park

No way!!!

yes very good

Depending on the year the average distance is 2022 miles. Why the difference? Sections of the trail have been moved several times over the years. Plus as you hike from end to end you will want to take side trips to take in sights a log the way. It also does not include trips off the trail into towns along the way or the "Approach trails".

Yes my dad is in his late 60's but is incredibly fit. He is breaking the trail up into sections and is going for about a week at a time, usually alone but occasionally with a traveling companion.

No

Markham's, VA

What I would recommend is that you go to the Shenandoah Mountains, it is close to the Appalachian Trail. Shenandoah has so many more trails, beautiful views, and overall more to see and do!

Most signage states foot traffic only no horses or motorized vehicles.

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

No problem. There are plentiful tentsites around the shelter areas to use without going in the shelters. Good luck.

Dawsonville

No

Yes it does. Thank you. They have FEMA certification so they are very well mannered and trained. I was hoping to give them some reward time for the work they do. Again thank you

No

Hike

Contact the ATC by phone and ask?

Please don't leave your house Clay. It's a dangerous world out there. Heaven forbid putting yourself in harm's way. Oh, wait, you are statistically more at risk of being murdered walking to your mailbox than hiking the AT.🙄

Everywhere, with restrictions mainly in Smoky mtns, Shenandoah, and PA.

It goes through Harpers Ferry.

Depending upon where you actually start and finish, you'll traverse about 500 miles. You will encounter a lot of mountains including peaks above 5000 ft. This will happen many times. You don't need climbing skills because you are walking up the mountains, not scaling cliffs. Any one who is in decent shape will be able to do it. Not that it is easy, but it is achievable.

Yes, lookup the Barefoot sisters, and I heard some guy did it.

2190 miles long, it starts in Georgia and runs all the way to Maine. It goes through 14 different states.

Aid

To me if you can't take my dogs then I'll never go to those parts plenty of other places that let me take my dogs. Plus I feel safer at night with my girls just my opinion

If you're only going a few days, I would say use social apps like FaceBook or MeetUp to find other hikers in your area who would want to join you. But from what I've seen, even if you go solo, you will meet other hikers and you can hang with them while you're on the trail.

When we did our thru-hike, we met a few people who were doing something like that, but it changed their experience from a wilderness camping adventure into a collection of day-hikes. And someone has to be the designated driver/non-hiker. And there are stretches in Maine where it is more than a day's hike between road-crossings.

I'm headed that way in March as well.

1000.00 per month on the AT is a pretty good measure. Resuppling at post offices can also greatly reduce this number, but most hikers do end up dishing out money for comforts like hotels and hot meals. Reduce your amount of zeros and stay at the shelters and you won't come close to this number.

I do not know for VA unfortunately, however Harpers Ferry is right next to VA in WV and could meet that criteria. Keys Gap has parking and straddles the boarder between the two states. It offers about 7mi of trail if i am not mistaken, with the last part before town coming down from the mountain spine. Harpers Ferry has a few different overnight options and restaurants. I hope i was of help, happy trails!

Sorry but horse, bicycle, motorized vehicles are not allowed. Except in certain areas where the AT overlap with the C&O trail or the Virginia Creeper trail

At the eastern end (beginning) of the trail weekend of June 19th. No sign, but it's a pretty crowded area.

The entire trail is mapped out on Google maps, but it lacks mile markers or accurate information as to shelter locations and water availability. Recommend you search for FarOut in the app store. It is well known as the go-to digital guide for long trails domestic and international

Not until September.

I would drop a pin 📌 google should help you get back

Definitely don't hurt wild life

Also.. parking at this location and the surrounding area is done via Park Mobile app and is all street parking. Zone 7520 if you want look in advance.

Do it. No one should judge.

Try the All trails app, it's great for finding hikes wherever you are.

Wow...did your parents have any children that lived?

Not sure how to answer your concerns..I myself thought all of the people were very friendly regardless of color.

Holet?

No

Every year, some hikers already get norovirus. Precautions are the same, basic hygiene, don't share food. I'm hiking. I do stay in a tent, if u r concerned about distance from others do that instead of shelter.

You leave a car at the end of your hike. Hire a shuttle driver to take u to start of hike. Check out whiteblaze or The Trek for driver info.

What part of the trail?

Ok well I have zero climbing skills. So wym per say?? Details plz.

Not sure but a lot of over 50s definitely section hiking. You could check out The Trek blogs to see what people are planning. Happy trails!

Depending on your love for the outdoors!

Try google Maps.

No. Bear spray

No

You should be fine

don't have

No you cant have horses on the trail. Call the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia for more information. The only place in Virginia you can have horses is when there is a yellow blaze marked along the trail.

North, u have 4 months to think about the whites.

We did it with friends. Two cars. Exchange keys and stay motels. Did this for 1,800 miles. Not in the Smokies or 100 mile wilderness

Look at each portion. Some places is no. Smokey Mountains is a no and another place but can't remember the name of it. I've seen people say you have to board your dogs and have them drove to the next location for you on the parts they're not allowed.

Yes good trip with you dog

Yes 👍

The path is clear in most places. The trail is mostly free.

varies widely; most take around 6 months.

If you hike the entire length, 2190 miles, it can take 4 to 6 months. You can also choose to hike short hikes such as an hour or two.

Make sure u include the trail going over river in harpers ferry the views in this area amazing but im like thomas jefferson luv this area get a map find acesss points u can acess from a greyhound bus have fun my 9 year old grandson will b dropped off on trial in pa n hike to harpers ferry next summer have fun enjoy trip of a lifetime

5 to 6 thousand will allow you to enjoy some hostel stays and to resupply in town and enjoy town food. Plan on using at least 4 pair of shoes.

5-7 months, depending on how fit you are.

Hunter is absolutely correct. But if I was going to do 2 weeks and had never done it before I'd probably do the trail along the Skyline drive from I64 north. Then if you still feel friskie and have made that in a week continue up to Harpers Ferry, WV. Trail is pretty mild along the Skyline drive but when it leaves near Front Royal it becaomes a roller coaster till Harpers Ferry.

Weather Henfield

No. No horses either

You are correct on the time. Most take 5 months. It can and has been done faster just not by me. Why hurry though. This is a once in most lifetimes experience. Do it at your own pace and enjoy the trip. Either way it will definitely change you and the way you look at life. It is far from easy but not insurmountable by most. Check out You Tube for a lot of advice that will be useful. Dont worry about overpacking, it is easy enough to get rid of something but hard get something you find out you can't live without.

This is a user forum. We don't have that information. Saudade!

Find it on google search or appalachian trail website. Find a parking area. They have parking lots along the trail

Guthooks is awesome!

Mr. Jack Johnson - It really is not helpful to be RUDE!!! I DID Google BEFORE I asked the question and contacted the place Google showed. They were unable to locate what I was asking about. However, someone more helpful than youself assured me I was contacting the correct place, so I called them again. This time they were able to locate what I was asking about. I sincerely hope that you are kinder and more helpful to others than you were to me!!! Please enjoy your day!!!

about 1.5 miles

Don't know anything about that

Yes! Dogs are welcome. Judt clean up after them, as you would anywhere else.

It has already been happening with the rain. The Shenandoah River has already been near flood stage and is back under 5' now and still going down. Might get some more rain near the end of the week. Takes about two days for the bubble from Fort Royal to reach Harpers Ferry WV

I doubt you'll make it to Georgia in a weekend.

...and, longest footpath promoted by volunteers and maintained in the world

5-7 meces (5-7 months)

Just follow the white blazes! If you are really worried buy guthooks appalachian trail app, super helpful and nice to have!

Yes.

5-7 months, depending on how fit you are.

Yes, Garlic Man does still volunteer. I will let him know Re'al Cyr was asking about him next time he is in. 👍

Catherine go to REI or another professional backpacking store to get your first pack. There are many great backpacking brands. If your in Front Royal there is a new store across from the movie theater that you can get help from. Plus they would probably love the business.

The north has the most difficult sections of the trail with the least accessible sources of support. If you start in tge siuth there will be more people around you. The trails are not as steep or rocky. More trail angels more shuttle operators. Peole are generally happier ti see you and if needed help you out. 3000 people start in tge south only 900 from the north

T all depends on where you will be. At this time of year you most likely will need at least a 20 degree sleeping bag on most of the trail. Make sure you have enough food for a few days, basic 1st aid kit, a stove for cooking and some sort of communication device like a cell phone in case you get in trouble. Hypothermia is the biggest threat and you need enough food, fuel for.your body, to help keep you warm. I suggest high calorie food in cold.weather.

I've been going to REI seminars for a year and learned alot. Bought 'thru hikers secret' . Good book, he has done 2 thru hikes and wrote it. Very good info. Start practicing weekends and longer. They say best to start in GA in Early April or late March. 12-18 miles a day but some spots u can do up to 20 something. Carrying 5-6 days food @ 2 lbs per day. Pig out and resupply in the town's. Get the book.....

Yes. In the visitor center.

The shelters are generally open faced small buildings that are used for sleeping in. They are usually 5-10 miles apart so hikers can sleep in them overnight without having to set up tents. Depending on the time of the year, you may end up sharing them with other hikers. Note that mice often can be found in them.

Thank you. Did some SNP many years ago. 1975. - 1977. Loved every weekend. Looking firward to rediscovering the beauty.

There are plenty of books with peoples through hikes. You should check them out if you are thinking of hiking the AT.

If you are going to do the whole thing, hop on YouTube and watch videos of people who have documented their hike. Some will have posts in the description of their videos that link to lists of gear they used, what gear they didn't like or didn't need, gear they wished they had, etc. 2 good YouTube channels for this are: Darwin Onthetrail Homemade Wanderlust

Not sure but think its foot traffic only.

How much trail are you planning to travel?

No its just the trail here. Nearest cavern is Skyline Cavern in Front Royal.

1. You should be using a pack that places 90% of the pack weight on the hip belt. 2. You should get your gross pack weight down to under 30 pounds (with food). Get a pair of carbon-fiber hiking poles, which will help you with balance, with climbing, and will take more than their own weight off your shoulders and spine. That way, your spine carries only one to two extra pounds. You will lose more than this from your upper body in the first 4 to 6 weeks anyway.

It depends on where you are on the trail. In Shenandoah Park you need a back country permit to camp overnight, but in most places no permission is required.

Get a guide book or maps. Don't ever rely on your phone for backcountry hiking

Dale Sanders (aka Greybeard) completed the thru-hike of 2,190 miles on Oct 26, 2017 at age 82.