Appalachian Trail Frequently Asked Questions

The Trail

What is the Appalachian Trail?

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a National Scenic Trail extending from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine, and protected by federal- and state-owned lands as well as public rights-of-way.

How long is the AT?

The trail measured 2,168.1 miles in 2001. The total distance of the trail changes slightly from year to year as trail maintenance groups reroute the trail as needed.

Time and Cost

How long does it take to thru-hike the entire trail?

An Appalachian Trail thru-hike takes between five and seven months to complete the entire trail. (About 20 percent of hikers who begin the trail will complete it.)

How much does a thru-hike cost?

The average cost of an Appalachian Trail thru-hike is approximately $3,000 (about $1.50 per mile), not including gear.

Direction and Start Dates

Does it matter which direction one hikes in?

A thru-hike can start at either of the trail’s termini. The direction of the hike depends on the hiker. If you can start in early spring it is best to start in Georgia as the mountains of the Northeast are very cold and snowy at that time. The majority of thru-hikers hike northbound, beginning in Georgia anytime from late-March to mid-April. 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 Baxter State Park closes on Oct. 15. These hikers will often leave the trail, take some mode of transportation up to Katahdin, and then hike south back to where they got off the trail. This is a good option for those who are behind schedule but still want to hike the entire trail.

Accommodations and Food

Where do thru-hikers stay at night?

Most thru-hikers stay in the many tentsites and shelters spaced about a day’s hike apart along the trail. Some Appalachian Trail thru-hikers also carry a tent in the event that a shelter is full or there is a perfect little campsite by a mountain pond that is simply irresistible. In areas of heavy use, such as the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Baxter State Park in Maine, there may be a fee assessed to stay at the shelters and backcountry tentsites. When in town (see next question below), thru-hikers may stay in hostels or hotels.

Many thru-hikers stop in at the two AMC centers located on the trail:

AMC also offers eleven backcountry campsites and eight high mountain huts along the AT in the White Mountains. Reservations are required for stays at the huts and a fee is charged. There is a work-for-stay option at the huts available only for thru-hikers on a first-come, first-serve basis, and space is limited. In addition, AMC’s Upper Goose Cabin in the Berkshires is exclusively for thru-hikers and section hikers.

How accessible are towns along the AT?

The trail crosses a road an average of every four miles, making it pretty easy to access trail towns along the way. Although the trail is a wilderness footpath it crosses some major roads and even goes through the middle of many towns along its route. The Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker’s Companion (available online at the AMC Store and from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy offers a wealth of information about towns along the way including where to eat, where to stay, and what else the town offers.

Where do thru-hikers get food and other supplies?

Although it is possible to purchase groceries and other supplies in towns along the trail, many towns along the AT are quite small and the opportunity to resupply is limited. Many thru-hikers set up a series of maildrops, sending packages to themselves in predetermined towns along the route. These packages, on average, contain about a week’s worth of food and supplies to last until the next town where one can resupply.

Wild Animals

Is there danger from wild animals such as bears and snakes?

Although there are many wild animals on the trail including bears, snakes, and wild boars, the fear of these animals is unnecessary. All hikers should take certain precautions to protect themselves and their food, such as hanging food in bear bags, but there is little worry of these animals causing any serious harm.

Resources

What are some other helpful books and maps for thru-hikers?

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) publishes a complete set of 11 guidebooks and map sets covering the entire Appalachian Trail. The ATC also publishes the Appalachian Trail Databook, which gives the mileage from point to point along the trail and notes availability of campsites and water sources. All of these publications can be purchased online at the AMC Store, at many outdoor retailers, at some local bookstores, and directly from the ATC (see contact information below). We also provide these resources online. For more information, check out our Thru-Hiker brochure.

What are some organizations for potential Appalachian Trail thru-hikers to contact?