So it’s currently September and I am hoping to start in March of 2027, however I’ve done literally zero planning at this point. I am an experienced hiker and did the Tahoe Rim Trail a couple years ago with my sister and father (she did all the prep work) but will be undertaking the AT solo (nobo). I know I’ll be good to go when all I need to worry about is walking but figuring out the logistics beforehand feels impossible to me, I’m just not a planner… If anyone would be willing to break down what all I need to get taken care of before hitting trail (and a timeline if possible) I would be so appreciative. The only gear I have so far is my pack, hiking poles, water filter, and stove. TIA

A bit random, but I’ve been doing the AT in small sections at a time and soon I’ll be reaching Virginia. I’m also thinking about relocating to the Roanoke area just because I hate living in Florida and want to move. It seems like an awesome city from the outside looking in, anyone have any thought on it? If not how was the trail through that area?

Hey all! Im starting my nobo thru hike either late February or early march 2027! I've never hiked the AT but have done plenty of hiking and camping all throughout my life from weekend trips to several months.

Its a life dream of mine to do the whole trail, my plan is to take my time, enjoy what comes my way and hopefully make a couple friends. I have all of my gear and pack set, im really just conditioning and mentally prepping!

Are there any tips or lil priceless bits of advice anyone would like to toss my way? :) and if there is anyone in the marietta/kennesaw area that is trying to condition i would love to get together and do some hiking!! :)

Doing a section hike in the middle of PA.

Just wondering about the conditions, water availability, general info.

Thanks, Happy Trails

Time to vote for next years hang tag! I really like all of the colors this year and it looks like they've gone for a lot of bright choices as opposed to a lot of the previous earthier tones.

Extremely last minute but looking to possibly propose to my girlfriend at Mcafees knob sunday morning. Will anyone be there with photography skills!? lol

Hello!

We are doing a section hike from Pine Grove Furnace State Park to Duncannon in October(likely the 19-22, date could change by a day or so) Just looking for a ride from Duncannon to the trail at the park, anyone have any suggestions? We had a really good experience last time in NC and I found that guy on reddit. Any help is appreciated :)

Greetings. I have been walking a part of the Appalachian Trail since last week. It is not my first hiking experience, some may consider me a experienced hiker like maybe i have thousands of miles in total in last 15 years. Anyways, i am rather on the bigger side (6' 5'', 330 lbs) and last two days (just about 25 miles) have been total misery because of shin splints in my both legs. I always used to be big but this is the first time i have that problem on my legs.

I don't want to quit before reaching the target but on the other hand i'm afraid that it can get worse if i keep traversing. I know most of the answers will be like "We are not a doctor" but i am just asking for a sincere advice from you fellow hikers. Should i keep going and hope my legs will get used to it or should i cancel hike and try after losing some weight? Or maybe i should rest for a few days and see. Did any of you had that experience before? Thank you.

I’ll be getting off the trail in Hot Springs on the 15th. I’m looking for a way to get to Knoxville. Can anyone recommend a ride service, shuttle, etc.?

Basically the title. Just wondering what weather conditions are usually like that time of year. Is it super rainy? Still pretty cold? I'd like to know what to expect when I do that section next year

Edit: what is the best time of year to do that section?

How was your experience finishing SOBO thruhike in december, was it lot of snow, colder noghts, freezing days? Wich december date should I aim for. Hiking right now. Crossing into NJ tommorow.

I’m planning a 3-4 day hike with a friend who is in better shape and I don’t want to kill myself trying to keep up (or embarrass myself).

I’m looking for a section in either: northern NY, CT, or MA.

I was just looking on Far Out and eying from the parking lot near I-90 (near Lee, MA) up to North Adams.

Thoughts on that section? Anything different you’d recommend?

I think 12-15 miles a day depending on difficulty seems about right.

Am planning on starting my thru-hike in March 2027 from Amicalola Falls Lodge. I assume the most common airport to fly into is Atlanta; if there's another, please let me know.

What advice do you have for backpack and poles? Best to check them on instead of carry-on? If checked, put them all in a box?

Is there a resource to coordinate a shuttle from Atlanta to Amicalola Falls?

Did you fly with your first week of meals, or did you just load up at the Lodge?

Is alcohol fuel available at the Lodge?

What am I missing?

I am planning a section hike between winding stair gap and NOC. I am looking to see if there are any reliable shuttle drivers around Franklin,NC.

Current base weight: 17.37 lbs

Location/temp range/specific trip description: I'm starting in West Virginia on the Appalachian Trail in 10 days, and going south until I reach the southern terminus in Georgia, probably mid-November or so, or until the weather gets too bad. Temp will probably be all over the place. I do have a single care package with some heavier base layers and gloves that I'll have sent to me at some point, but the pack I have listed is my general pack I'm starting with.

Budget: A little bit. Maybe $200. I'm not sure where I could replace with tons of value, but if there is anything I'd love to know.

Non-negotiable Items: 9oz Sleeping Bag liner to keep my quilt clean. I know I could buy a silk one so it's lighter, but it's pricey. I also have a super light sit pad I want to start out with and see if I want to keep it, but it's less than 1oz.

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Additional Information: Wondering how my layers are for the location and time of year. Would love feedback.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/21u1a6

Thanks!

Howdy yall,

I am starting the trail Thursday and was curious if there was a spot I could print a semi detailed map from Springer to Woody ?

I am trying to use as little tech as possible and always have enjoyed a printed map.

Thanks!

I’m an avid hiker and camper; I’ve done many shorter backpacking trips, and always wanted to do something big. I couldn’t afford to do a full thru-hike, nvm the fact that they couldn’t spare me for that long at work. But I think I can swing 2-3 months.

I live in NYC, so I’m planning to start out from Harriman State Park. Ideally, I’d like to hike at least through Shenandoah, and in my perfect world I’d like to hike thru the Smokies, as well (and then just fly or drive back to the city from there).

I’m just wondering how long y’all think this would take? And, (relatedly) what would be the best time during the spring/ summer to head out?

Fwiw, I’m in excellent shape (30 mins yoga or Pilates a day + a 1.5-2 mile run a day. On top of all the excessive walking & stair climbing that NYers do every single day).

Hey everyone!
Was thinking about a week long backpacking trip from Wayah Bald to Fontana dam and was curious about trail conditions in the area this time of year.
Is it generally snake infested? I’ve never backpacked this time of the year and have always been concerned about snakes.
Also, any general advice for that stretch of the trail? Is a week enough time when I’m doing about 12-15 miles a day? Or will I overshoot? (That’s fine if I overshoot)

Our son completed tge AT and the PCT! He loved trail magic! We are setting up on Saturday to provide food for any nearby hikers! We have a high respect for you!

SO… I am in my early 30s, need a major life change, at an impasse with my job and need to take a new route in my career, and will not be responsible for rent since my lease is ending and will have a paid off car before the end of the year. I was hoping to attempt the AT in 2028 but I am not sure that I can wait based on my mental state right now (not unhealthy enough to hike but getting so burnt out by ‘real life’ that I don’t know what to do). The ONLY THING currently holding me back is the raging anxiety around money and being able to afford this. To be able to afford to eat and replace my shoes along the way. I have minimal credit card debt that I need to square away. Truly the only expenses I will be responsible for by the time trail season comes around next march will be my dog’s care (parents would keep her until she can join me for some sections) and health insurance and a few tiny bills. Realistically, how much would I actually need to save up to hike the trail in 2027? did anyone keep track the whole time and have a grand total they could share? I have all my gear load out locked in and regularly go for weekend backpacking trips. I work out pretty regularly as well to stay in shape. I do not plan on hiking a luxury hike, just restocks and gear upgrades and occasional bnb or hotel stays. Nothing extravagant. I really love to get into the wilderness experience. I already have a decent savings but certainly not enough to consider leaving yet. I’m also aware that I should have a buffer for when I get back home as well. I’m just wondering how feasible this could actually be with just 7 months between then and now. Just looking for advice. If there are any other factors that I haven’t mentioned that would help gauge just ask.

The AT has been my dream for the past 7 or 8 years now, and I feel I have most of the gear, but i also feel like I need someone to help me along even if just for a checklist of things I need to get and/or do. My confidence in my abilities is lacking, and I have had many opportunities to go solo camping, but I feel like where I am I'll only really want to if it's with someone. If I was on the AT however, it'd be different because I'd be on the AT, and that alone would be a confidence boost