Tips for Hiking the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 American states and extends over 2,100 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Thousands of hikers undertake this challenging trek every year, typically traveling for around 6 months.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail requires thorough preparation. Only 25 percent of hikers complete the trek. Weather conditions, gear, and physical fitness play significant roles in successfully navigating the Appalachian Trail.

Hikers who begin their journey in winter would benefit from picking the Georgian end as their starting point. In the summer, hikers can start their hike in Maine to enjoy the cooler temperatures.

The Appalachian Trial tests hikers’ stamina. To optimize their outdoor experience, hikers should use ultralightweight gear, including tents and sleeping bags. Instead of tents, some hikers prefer to use the free huts available on the trail. However, these huts may be less than ideal because of their small size and possible infestations of mice and spiders.

Hikers who buy new gear before embarking should test it to ensure there are no faulty items. New boots can be risky, since their first use may result in blisters. Breaking in boots a few weeks before a hike will help hikers avoid discomfort on the long-distance trail.

In the weeks preceding the hike, hikers can test their stamina by carrying their full gear while walking local trails. To boost cardiovascular fitness, hikers can schedule regular runs. They can also go cycling to increase their leg muscle strength.

A tricky aspect of the Appalachian Trail is its diverse terrain. The trail has several heights reaching up to 6,000 feet. The alternating elevations can be physically taxing for hikers. They should also consider developing their balance on balance beams before the hike.

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial. Hikers should plan their meals ahead of time to get an idea of the amount of food to carry or buy on the trail. The smell of food attracts bears, so keeping food safe from bears is also vital. Special bear-proof canisters and bear-resistant sacks can help hikers keep their food safe. When going to sleep, hikers can hang their packed food from high tree branches or tie them to immovable objects on the ground.

Encountering wildlife along the trail is part of the experience. Hikers should not run from bears, since running may result in a bear chase. Instead, they should try to exit the area by walking sideways at a slow pace. If the bear starts moving closer, staying calm and waiting until the bear leaves is the best course of action. Upon encountering moose, hikers should hide, as moose are some of the most dangerous wild animals in North America. Hikers should also be wary of snakes in the summer, when some venomous species may hide and strike passersby.

While setting distance milestones is tempting, it may hinder rather than motivate trekkers. Hikers might consider gradually increase mileage over a few weeks instead of racing against themselves. Trekkers usually start slow and optimize their mileage within a month. By the second half of the trail, they can generally make up for their initial slower pace.

Another factor to keep in mind is budgeting. As hikers move north along the trail, food and lodging costs increase, so saving extra money to account for price changes is important.