Well-known and romanticized, the Appalachian Trail stretches 2,200 miles across 14 states from Georgia to Maine. People from all over the United States and the world come to the base of Springer Mountain with the hopes of following the path all the way to Katahdin (or the other way around if they go southbound).
No matter how much (or little) of the trail you hike, you’re bound to come away a changed person, with a better understanding of who you are, who you want to be, and a much deeper respect for mountains and people of Appalachia.
AT Trail Journal
On a warm (surprisingly) February afternoon, my sister Church Mouse and I started off from Springer Mountain, and faced one of our biggest challenges yet: 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. This is our story.
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Resources to do your own thru hike
Despite the title of Bill Bryson’s book (A Walk in the Woods), the Appalachian Trail is no easy walk. It takes dedication, planning, a willingness to throw the plan out the window, and grit.
If you’re daydreaming as you’re reading through my trail journal or have ever wondered, could I do an AT thru hike?, then this is the right place for you! I’ve collected many hard-earned lessons from the AT into a handy resource for you.
You’ll learn…
- The correct answer to that NOBO/SOBO/flip-flop debate
- Some of my favorite highlights from each state
- How much it costs to do a thru hike
- How to mentally prepare
- How to answer the “but isn’t it so dangerous” question
- And so much more
Is the Appalachian Trail dangerous?
A month before I set off on my Appalachian Trail thru hike, the security team at my office walked through our wing and calmly ushered our entire department into the designated sheltering area. An agitated man with a gun was outside of our wing, and the cops were on their way. Thankfully, everything was deescalated…
How much does it cost to hike the Appalachian Trail?
Hey, you know what would be fun? One person asked another. Not having an income for six months while we walk in the woods. How much does it cost to hike the Appalachian Trail anyways? It can’t be that expensive. The truth is that funding a thru hike can often cost much less than you…
Your Guide to Appalachian Trail Permits
There’s no Appalachian Trail permits required to thru hike, unlike the PCT. However, there are a couple of parks that require permits to hike through them. They’re not hard to get but make sure you know where they are, how to get them, and when you need to get them as your planning your Appalachian…
Appalachian Trail States: A state-by-state guide to the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail winds through 14 diverse states, traversing a range of landscapes and showcasing the natural beauty of the eastern United States. Discover the offerings of each Appalachian Trail state, from the rolling hills of Georgia to the rugged terrain of Maine. Whether you’re planning a thru hike or a section hike, these states…
5 practical lessons from my Appalachian Trail thru hike
Life is full of lesson, or so I believe. And when you complete an Appalachian Trail thru hike, you get a lot of them. Many of my lessons were regarding hiking. How to pitch a tent and not wake up to water in your sleeping bag. When to use Body Glide. The perfect time frame…
How to mentally prepare for a thru hike
Thru hiking is an incredible journey. It’s full of trailside sunrises, incredible sunsets, mountain views, trail families and trail magic, and so much more. Don’t get me wrong: it will be one of the best things you ever do in your life. And it will also be one of the hardest. As someone who thru…
How to complete an Appalachian Trail thru hike
Perhaps you saw a documentary. Maybe you stumbled across a quiet footpath leading into the Eastern US undergrowth. Or perhaps you met a hiker somewhere, and got to hear their stories from living day-to-day on the trail. However you were introduced to it, you now want to complete an Appalachian Trail thru hike. My friend,…
The best AT backpack for your hike
Whether you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail for a section or the entire trek, your backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear you have. Before you set out on your adventure, make sure you have the best AT backpack for you. Review policy My review policy is simple: If I wouldn’t trust it…