Anyone have experience with hiking the Appalachian Trail?

[Muss Muggins]

This is my only remaining true “bucket list” item, and I want to thru hike the trail before my 60th birthday, in 2023. The earliest I can do it is 2022. I used to think I had plenty of time, but it’s creeping up on me. I’ve started to put back cash in an AT fund, because I understand the expenses amount to about $1k a month or better, and I’ve started to test and buy some gear. A very good friend of mine dumped his law practice and thru hiked the trail a couple years ago, and we talk all the time about it.

Anybody got any real, relatable experience with this? Off topic comments will be met with snark and belittling responses . . .

 

[Bob L]

No experience, just envy. I would like to do it as well but my drop dead (I know, poor choice of words) will be my 75th birthday. We'll see and I wish you all the luck and am looking forward to reading your responses.

 

[misswired]

A former work buds brother was/is a full time hiker. Couple of the afraid for your life stories: laying in his tent shelter a couple of days doing isometric exercises hoping he wasn't freezing to death; decided to cut through a swamp for the scenery when about chest deep the water erupted and a full racked moose stood up bringing them face to face..... one sweep of that rack and he was a goner. Told of seeing huge trout and all kinds of wildlife.

At the time I was hearing these stories that fellow had been walking well over a decade..... college educated owning only his clothes and gear. Had to wear fatigues as pants or jeans would not fit his bulging legs.

His hiking diet was rich in rice and dried beans.

 

[hsguy]

If you haven't already watch this movie or read the book, the author relates the experience of his attempt and is quite entertaining to read. Looks like a great adventure! [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NjYUr1k8rA[/ame]

 

[Jessie]

I’ve done a couple of section hikes in Virginia and can’t recommend it any higher.
No way would I try a through hike now, but would have a few years ago.
Tap the knowledge of that friend. Those who have done it know, the others only think they do.
I know that I’ve done enough to recommend it.
If you’re able

 

[doublesharp]

Have fun, good luck, take a lot of pictures and stay safe.

I can sleep on the ground and cook on a campfire but my bum right ankle makes off road walking miserable. I'd adventure on a 4 wheeler or a boat I don't have to paddle but distance walking is out.

Only thing on my bucket list is to take a river cruise on the Delta Queen (thanks to a recent forum thread ). I'm on the mailing list for when they start up in 2020. Now I've got to pick rburg's brain as he is a veteran river cruiser and knows which cabin locations are the best.

 

[soFlaNative]

I've done GA and NC, the approach from Amicalola Falls to Springer is a good break in hike.
A good plan and ability to live within yourself should see you through.

 

[pharmer]

I've done a bit on the North end. The views are amazing because the trail takes you right up the side of every mountain. Joe

 

[Golddollar]

This is my only remaining true “bucket list” item, and I want to thru hike the trail before my 60th birthday, in 2023. The earliest I can do it is 2022. I used to think I had plenty of time, but it’s creeping up on me. I’ve started to put back cash in an AT fund, because I understand the expenses amount to about $1k a month or better, and I’ve started to test and buy some gear. A very good friend of mine dumped his law practice and thru hiked the trail a couple years ago, and we talk all the time about it.

Anybody got any real, relatable experience with this? Off topic comments will be met with snark and belittling responses . . .

Good for you and go for it.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I have hiked parts of it in upstate New York but never had the time to try it all. I have a local friend here in Iowa who did the whole trail in segments over a few years(his wife divorced him but I don't know the cause). You need to realize this is NOT an easy stroll on pristine, manicured trails. You encounter and stumble over roots and rocks. Also, areas of the trail are accessible to local yokels who have been known to harass hikers. Don't go alone cuz if you break a leg you need help. Cell phones are good; you just have to figure how to keep them charged. Lots of planning required.

 

[vigil617]

Only done a couple of day hikes on it in North Carolina and Virginia and have a friend who started from Springer Mountain in Georgia and made it to the Smokies in North Carolina one summer. He was in excellent shape and was an experienced hiker, but he found the endeavor taxing, and a leg injury during the trek reduced the enjoyment significantly. (He had not intended to through-hike but had hoped to get into Virginia.)

He hiked with a friend, and I recall him telling me that they played a prank on some southbound hikers along the way who were gullible enough to believe that instead of ending at Springer, the AT ended in the Everglades.

So with these bona-fides aside, I remind you that you're going to need a trail nickname. Not to early to be thinking of a good one.

My suggestion is "Dooley."

 

[MurphyPr]

I haven't thru hiked the AT and have no desire to do so (bad knees) but I have hiked most of the AT in Maryland, all in West Virginia, and various places in Virginia.


Unless prohibited by law (MD) I would advise anyone doing a multi-day hike to be armed. The AT can be a dangerous place. (I know, preaching to the choir on this forum).

 

[Muss Muggins]

My understanding is that trail nicknames, like most nicknames, are given, regardless of what a hiker would like it to be . . .

So with these bona-fides aside, I remind you that you're going to need a trail nickname. Not to early to be thinking of a good one.

My suggestion is "Dooley."

 

[Jessie]

My advice on water ( weight) is to carry no more than a quart or so and invest in a quality, light but high volume filter.
What water I do carry is a camelback type bladder. It’s lighter than hard plastic and takes up less space.
There are plenty of springs along the route, at least in Va., so that’s why I suggested carrying no more than a quart.
Get comfortable camping with a tarp shelter. It’s lighter than a tent, quicker to set up and provides a shelter in the rain to cook etc.
Look for gear that can multi task as much as possible.
When you get all the gear together lay it out and get rid of half of it to start with and do some week/weekend trips to fine tune what you need.
It’s a challenge but it’s all worth it

 

[gkuhlen]

Read David "AWOL" Miller's book. Great read. His trail guide is considered the thru hikers Bible.

 

[Jessie]

The funny thing about backpacking is when I’m slogging up a mountain wondering “ Why am I doing this?” I reach the top and am flattened by the view.
No matter how tough the hike is and how much I tell myself No More, it’s not long after getting home that I’m planning and looking forward to the next one.
If you do the thru hike I imagine it will be something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

 

[sheepdawg]

I did about 50 feet of it at it's beginning in Georgia.

 

[dockmurgw]

I have done sections in Northern New England. My vote for the most beautiful section goes to Maine. You didn't mention if your goal was to do a section or the entire trail. Whichever you chose, try to time Northern New England in the fall, foliage season. Breathtaking is the only way to describe it. And these guys can serenade you to sleep at night if you get there early enough in the fall.



[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ENNzjy8QjU[/ame]

 

[Rule3]

Yes, "Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans"

My only experience was many, many years ago in New York State. Still have all my patches from BSA patch jacket. It was brutal even as a kid, so my experience is not relevant now.
Throwing out some questions that you do not need to answer.
Wish I could do it, but anything above 5 feet of sea level and I get nose bleeds now.

How much time are you allowing?
Are you in outstanding physical and mental shape?
You plan on a solo trip?
How much do you hike now?
Perhaps do a section near you to get familiar with it, (Baby steps)

Water is heavy!

Pack all your gear and then get rid of 1/2 of it!
As a retired LEO I guess you can carry a gun, but then what is the best caliber for Bears??



Read the book it is way better than the movie.

 

[bill2000]

Don't know if you've heard the Bill Irwin story. Didn't do much...was the only totally blind person to thru-hike the trail. I can't imagine the fortitude it took to accomplish that. I can only imagine what he felt like standing on top of that Maine mountain at the finish.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV3ZDIPIMUQ[/ame]

Best of luck to you. Hope you get to live your dream too.