More than a quarter of the trail lies in Virginia, making it the state with the longest segment of the A.T., whereas the portion of the path in West Virginia is only 4 miles long. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. It’s also easy to resupply, just have them sent to your post office stops along the trail. For example, one could start in the middle and head north, and upon reaching Mount Katahdin in Maine, head back to the middle and do the southern half of the trail. How many states does the AT cross? The current unsupported record for completing the Appalachian Trail is 45 days, 12 hours, and 15 minutes, achieved by ultrarunner Joe McConaughy in 2017. There are also a few dates to avoid as hundreds of hikers start their thru-hike on: One these days upwards of 100 thru-hikers may start their journey. An Appalachian Trail thru-hike takes between five and seven months to complete the entire trail. During this time, hikers gain and lose elevation of over 89 miles, the equivalent of scaling Everest 16 times. 310 people who hiked on the Appalachian Trail in 2018 took the survey. This is a much more challenging way to hike the trail, as it means traversing the hardest part first. I think you're more likely to get a good ballpark figure for the PCT than the AT. That means they’re averaging around 15 miles per day. Crossing state lines many times and hiking over numerous mountain tops, you can see why it takes most hikers months to complete this trail. That is where the trails become much rockier and harder to navigate. The vast majority of hikers will complete the entirety of the Appalachian Trail in five to seven months. for some useful information. This can lead to overcrowding at campsites, trampled vegetation, sanitation issues, and degraded trail quality. The most you’ll have to carry is 8 days worth of food when crossing the 100-Mile Wilderness in Maine. The Appalachian Trail is a path located in the eastern United States. But six months of food and supplies can still add up. So, estimating how long it takes to pass through some of the states can put your mind at ease and give you a frame of reference as you hike. Being careful means we’ll be able to enjoy the breathtaking A.T. for longer. They’re spaced from 5 to 15 miles apart, and if there’s a town with lodging nearby then it could be up to 30 miles before you reach the next one. - Heather Anderson The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs 2,189 (in 2015) miles from Georgia to Maine. In total, the AT passes through eight national forests and two nation… I spend as much time in the mountains as possible. The only downsides to sleeping in shelters are the possible presence of mice, and of course the possibility of overcrowding. A complete thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes hikers anywhere from five to seven months. There are an estimated 3 million visitors that hike parts of the AT each year, yet only about 20,000 thru-hikers have completed the trail since 1936. If you want to learn more about the Appalachian Trail, check out the ATC website for some useful information. There are also sections with scarcity in water, so your pack may weigh more. How Long Would it Take to Hike the Great Trail? All Rights Reserved. When many hikers start, they will average around 8-10 miles per day. Hiking the Appalachian Trail – Expert Guide The Appalachian Trail is perhaps the most well known of all of the National Scenic Trails in the United States. That's because the PCT really restricts the time in which you can thru hike it before it starts getting dangerous. So, at over 2,000 miles, the A.T. is considered the longest hiking-only trail in the world. An estimated 2-3 million people hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail each year, mostly as day hikes or short backpacking trips. You might want to start with How to Pack for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. It stretches between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through 14 states in total. The 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine and is one of the most challenging long distance hikes in the United States. On your first day, you’ll have to climb Katahdin, a mountain with an elevation of more than 4000 feet. Most backpackers will go through 4 or 5 pairs of hiking boots on the route. That’s about the average: One study found that hikers who walked the full length of the trail tend to lose about 15. Southbound hikers are also limited in start dates, as the trails on Katahdin might not open before the first of June. , set by Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy in 2017, who accomplished an impressive average of 48 miles a day. This can also be the person who sends resupply boxes to keep you going on your journey. Required fields are marked *. Hiking the Appalachian Trail covers about 2,168 distances from Georgia to Maine. For example, our article on the. When you’re considering hiking the Appalachian Trail end to end, you may be wondering how long it will take you. Along with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, it is one of the "Big 3" National Scenic Trails. November 5, 2019 Posted by averagehiker.com Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail - Connecticut - 2019, Section Hikes Fall Hike – Day 2 Day 1 had … Shelters are usually near water sources, with fire pits and even bathrooms. Contact | Privacy Policy. 16 - Amount of times an AT hiker would have climbed Mt. , which provides 12 feet of extra-hardy 7 strand 550lb paracord. From market farming to wilderness survival guide to forestry technician and climbing instructor, Meg has an eclectic work history. The highest point will be North Crocker Mountain at 4,228 ft. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. This website is where I share all our adventures along with tips and advice to help you get outdoors too! Analysis of the Appalachian Trail Cost. Consider starting on a weekday, versus a weekend, as the trails will be less crowded. About Us | Camping | Tents | Fishing | Game Cameras | Hiking & Backpacking | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | DMCA If you are averaging 15 miles per day, it will take you at least 36 days to complete just the Virginia section. Once you’ve decided your full commitment to conquering the trail, you’ll need plenty of time to plan out specific details. All of these factors will impact the distance you can cover in a given day. This is arguably the hardest climb across the entire A.T., so the southbound route is only recommended for experienced hikers. The Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular thru-hikes in the United States, along with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). As the Appalachian Trail passes through plenty of towns, resupplying with food is easy. Now, these three that we list are not the only difficult portions of the trail. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Some hikers will report that this mountain isn’t necessarily the hardest on the trail, but it is the most sustained climb. When you’re choosing to start your thru-hiking journey, you will first want to determine if you plan to travel north or southbound on the trail. There are 70 towns along the Appalachian Trail, but we recommend visiting only a handful. The highest elevation on the trail is Clingmans Dome, 6643 feet above sea level. This means the majority of those who complete the trail end-to … It takes 5 million steps, an average of 16 miles per day on the Appalachian Trail, for 6 months, to complete the longest hiking-only trail in the world. That gives you miles and miles of steep, rocky terrain to climb up and wander down. There are also plenty of campsites along the Appalachian Trail, and they make a great option for some nights. Most hikers begin at Springer Mountain in Georgia in the spring and head north to the trails terminus at Mount Katahdin in Maine because the northern mountain is frequently snowy and cold well into the spri… Dogs are allowed everywhere on the A.T. apart from The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bear Mountain State Park, and Baxter State Park. Starting off at Springer Mountain and following the path the whole way to the northern terminus in Maine, 89% of A.T. thru-hikers opt for this traditional path. The clasp is stainless steel, meaning it’s strong enough to make it through the entire trail. Consider why you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail- if it has anything to do with peace and solitude, you’re better off avoiding these crowds. Joey Campanelli, an American ultrarunner based in Utah, completed the trail in 48 days 23 hours and 28 minutes in 2017 (Southbound). But there's one common factor across all her pursuits: the outdoors. A complete thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes hikers anywhere from five to seven months. Most A.T. thru-hikers burn out in the first week, which is why it’s important to train in advance. Mount Washington will be your highest point at 6,289 ft. The first few steps in a successful thru-hike experience are getting to know the trail and getting to know yourself as a hiker. Only 20% of aspiring thru-hikers actually finish their journey. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy reports its current length as 2,190 miles, but this is subject to change. However, some State and National Parks require permits to hike through. Do your research beforehand. Many hikers prefer these shelters to tents as it’s much easier without the setup time and the added weight. When you’re going over a mountain on the AT, you can expect to be taking a straight shot at it. That means that more of the AT passes through Virginia than any other state. This pace may be slower at the beginning of the trail, and become faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence. Time will be determined on endurance, average hiking speed, and miles traveled each day. So, how long does it take to walk the Appalachian Trail? To hike the entirety of the Appalachian Trail is a huge undertaking. Trail speed attempts can be broken down into two categories: supported and unsupported. Obtaining these is easy, as the best way is to simply pick one up when you arrive. The highest point of the mountain is 5,268 ft. In order from south to north, the A.T. passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Thru-hiking is when someone hikes a long trail from beginning to end without skipping any part of the trail. Her fastest time was in 2011, taking her 46 days 11 hours and 20 minutes (Southbound). Your email address will not be published. Most thru-hikers will complete the Appalachian Trail in 5 to 7 months, with 165 days being average. That being said, it only takes most people 4 to 5 months to hike the trail. Only 20% of 2,000-milers (people who have successfully completed the trail) are women. Reportedly tricky due to elevation gain per each mile, intense weather, regulations for camping, rocky trails, and steep terrain. It requires massive commitment and personal investment, but the payoff is huge. Appalachian Trail The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. Either way, plan on spending a considerable amount of time on the trail. Your equipment must be durable when hiking the Appalachian trail, so high-quality materials like stainless steel are a good choice. The trail is protected along more than 99% of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by right-of-way. Hike the Appalachian Trail. Over 5 months this amounts to $2250, which may seem like a shocking figure. The northern parts of the trail are more complicated, and the weather is less forgiving. Bonus tip: Check out this video on planning your first thru-hike! Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey Demographics. As a thru-hiker, it can also be daunting to cross 14 states. If you were to hike 10 miles per day for the entire length of the trail, it would take you about 217 days or approximately seven months. The total expanse of the Southern Maine section, including the Bigelow Range, will be just over 100 miles. Trail life is often cheaper than “real” life. Completing the Appalachian Trail is more than anything about having the ability to adapt well. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. features Beartown State Forest Campground, situated perfectly for a stopover off the A.T. are popular with thru-hikers, as they provide more calories while not being as expensive as shop-bought dehydrated meals. Alternatively, a southbound trek would prove much more of a challenge; it’s recommended for experienced hikers only but the benefit is a much reduced environmental impact. The trail is, at 2,190 miles (3,510 km) long, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Speed records of the trail have been set in just over 41 days. That means some speedsters use a support team while others choose to be self-supported, much like that of a thru-hiker. A typical shelter on the A.T. is just a floor, three walls, and a roof, accommodating 6-12 people on average. The clasp is stainless steel, meaning it’s strong enough to make it through the entire trail. Most people start with 5 to 10 miles per day. This was set on the northbound route, which is the most popular choice for the A.T. Where to sleep while thru-hiking the A.T. It takes five to seven months to thru-hike the trail while a section hike can take two or more months. It’s to be done with continuous footsteps and must be completed within one calendar year in order to qualify. Thru-hikers will gain and lose a total of 464,464 ft or 89 miles. Katahadin (est. “First let's talk about time,” said Tommy Bailey, an avid hiker and outdoorsman and author of The Appalachian Trail, Step by Step: How to Prepare for a Thru or Long Distance Section Hike. Average miles per day on Appalachian Trail, Most thru-hikers will complete the Appalachian Trail in 5 to 7 months, with 165 days being average. Town visits are very appealing after an extended period on the trail, offering luxurious comfortable beds, plumbing, and television. Knowing which gear to bring along and how to pack lightly is essential to hiking the A.T. There’s a lot of preparation which goes into an undertaking of this magnitude, it’s not for the faint of heart. The most difficult parts of the trail tend to be in the northern portion. Before you go, get used to carrying all your gear on your back, test out the weight regularly and have overnight practice hikes. It is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, built by the Green Mountain Club between 1910 and 1930 and was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail. end date October 13 th). You’ll need to let them know where you’ll be and when to make you easier to locate in case of an emergency. ← The Best Camping Gear for Beginners (Buying Guide), How to Build the Ultimate Backpack Repair Kit →. The top 4 fastest supported times on the trail are as follows: The top 4 unsupported times on the trail are as follows: Many hikers, especially those not from the Eastern part of the United States, imagine the AT is a flat, easy trail. This isn’t required, but registering for the A.T. can help connect you with other aspiring hikers and also prevent overcrowding. Not to mention, you’re likely looking for a bit of solitude on your journey, and with 100 other hikers by your side, you won’t have that. Thru-hiking is hard, it requires great physical and mental strength, there’s no point going around it. For more information, read our whole review of the best paracord bracelets. If you’re planning to tackle the AT heading South, you will need to be determined and in excellent physical condition. This allows hikers to hike the entirety of the trail without having to do it in one push. There is no such restriction for the AT. Park rangers, along with thousands of volunteers, work tirelessly to keep the Appalachian Trail in top condition. The specific part of the trail that should be called the hardest is hard to pinpoint. For example, if you are planning to start your journey at Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park, you should consider that the trails are most crowded in July and June . Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute over 175,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail, an effort coordinated largely by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy(ATC) organization. This was set on the northbound route, which is the most popular choice for the A.T. By far the most popular choice amongst hikers on the Appalachian Trail is the northbound route. It’s also easy to resupply, just have them sent to your post office stops along the trail. Planning a thru-hike can be part of the excitement of the trip. The time required to complete the AT depends on the hiker’s physical abilities. It’s also a good idea to register your through-hike. On average, the length of the Appalachian Trail is 2,200 miles or 3,500 kilometers. To be a bit more exacting, according to the most recent available statistics (from 2015), the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Data Book says that the average completion time is “a week or two shy of six months”. , mostly as day hikes or short backpacking trips. However, the amount of, Fun facts and FAQs about the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,168 miles from the state of Georgia to Maine. It isn’t the fact that the mountains are huge on the trail, but that there are no switchbacks. There are 260 shelters along the entire Appalachian Trail, which is an average of one every 8.5 miles. Your email address will not be published. He averaged 48 miles (77 km) a day. The Appalachian Trail’s history, just like its geographical coverage, is long and full of remarkable changes. Hikers ranged in age from 18 to 74. Make sure your body is ready for the task at hand. There are a lot of factors involved in overall hiking time, and it will vary from hiker to hiker. Increasingly, A.T. hikers are opting for a different approach, foregoing both the northbound and southbound routes. Every year, trail modifications such as reroutes are made, mainly for preservation reasons. Luckily, Virginia’s terrain is not going to be the most difficult on the AT. Last year, it was 2,185.3. On average, you can expect to lose 30 pounds during your 6 months on the trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservatory has asked aspiring thru-hikers to consider other route options and other times of the year, as the huge amount of traffic the A.T. sees northbound at the start of April is very damaging to the wildlife. A Brief on How Long to Hike The Appalachian Trail. Jennifer Pharr-Davis, an American ultrarunner from North Carolina, actually set two separate speed records on the trail. These are the trails which thru-hiking is commonly associated with, but the term could be used to describe other end-to-end long-distance hiking as well. Maybe you could challenge the current record holder- think you can do it in 45 days? The current, record for completion of the A.T. is 45 and a half days. Speed records of the trail have been set in just over 41 days. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, the costs of visits can mount up, so save money by only visiting the best trail towns. You may want to consider hiking the southbound route, from Maine to Georgia. Now pursuing freelance writing full-time, Meg has found a new base in Pheonix, AZ where she splits her time between writing and new desert adventures. Many of the hikers you may encounter on the trail are just hiking sections; they’re not thru-hikers. I gathered that the normal time to perform the whole trail is 5-7 months. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. There are also plenty of campsites along the Appalachian Trail, and they make a great option for some nights. Make sure you know some of the facts about hiking the A.T. before leaving. So, you’ll need to be prepared for possible winter conditions in the southern mountain ranges. However, especially with increased traffic on the A.T., these water sources are becoming more likely to be contaminated. For more information, read our, whole review of the best paracord bracelets, If you want to learn more about the Appalachian Trail, check out the. Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. However, these parts of the trail tend to be the most strenuous, rocky, repetitive, and steep. The speed at which it takes to cross Virginia will once again depend on your hiking speed and average mileage per day. Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy, an American ultrarunner based in Boston, completed the trail in 45 days 12 hours and 15 minutes in 2017 (Northbound). Average time. You should always treat any water you drink, wash dishes, or cook with, using a water purification filter or tablet. However, this trail is most famous as a thru-hike. 50 of these hikers were age 70 and above. It stretches between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through 14 states in total. If I'm not training for my next 100 mile trail race then you can probably find me exploring a new trail with my family. Keep in mind that the window for starting a southbound thru-hike is much narrower than if you are heading north. Less than 25% of all those who set out to complete this trek succeed. The average (mean) age of hikers in the survey was 34 years old, plus or minus 13 years, with a median age of 29 years old. Usually starting at a pace of 8-10 miles each day, and then slowly working upwards. Since the creation of the Appalachian Trail in 1936, nearly 20,000 people have hiked all 2200 miles end-to-end. “10 miles per day = 217 days or @ 7 months.”. This means the majority of those who complete the trail end-to-end finish just before the 6-month mark. We took many breaks during the trip to relax, but when we hiked, we took it seriously. Appalachian Trail Weather charts pertaining to average low and high temps, average precipitation, and hours of daylight along the Appalachian Trail are shown below. Dan “Knotts” Binde, an American thru-hiker from Minnesota, completed the trail in 53 days 22 hours and 57 minutes in 2017 (Northbound). Depending on how much gear you already have, you could spend up to $2,000 in this category. A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes between five and seven months, although speedsters have done it in less than 50 days. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has reported that at least 99% of the original trail has been rebuilt or relocated since 1937. (About 20 percent of hikers who begin the trail will complete it.) In the summer of 2008, my friend Adam and I Thru-Hiked the Appalachian Trail, starting in Georgia and ending in Maine. The number of hikers walking the Appalachian Trail varies depending on the time of year and the starting point. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the proposal for the hiking trail was first presented in 1921, but the Trail was not technically completed until 2014 when a final major stretch was formally acquired and received permanent protection. 465,000 - Approximate elevation gain and loss in feet of the AT. Most will hit a few 20-25 mile days towards the end of their hike, but the average miles per day on the Appalachian Trail is 16. The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,168 miles from the state of Georgia to Maine. However, the average time to hike the Appalachian Trail is between 5-7 months. You’ll also want to keep in mind that different legs of the trail are more difficult than others. At least this way you won’t have to take 6 months off work. Or, you could become a section hiker, and complete the trail in small chunks over a period of years. This section is seen as one of the most difficult due to exceedingly eroded trail areas, imaginably difficult to travel terrain, and crossing the Mahoosuc Notch (AKA the slowest mile on the AT). Those who complete the Appalachian Trail are known as “2,000-milers”, which is a coveted title amongst hiking enthusiasts the world over. On average, most thru-hikers end up spending about six months on the AT traveling from end to end. As the location of halfway moves, those that upkeep the trail will relocate a marker as well. For hikers who don’t have 6 months to set aside, section-hiking the A.T. over the course of a few years can also be an option. After that, hot to mild weather is most likely through to New England, with some more cold weather when reaching New Hampshire and Maine in September and October. There are many more challenging sections and sometimes even larger mountains to climb. This hike will take almost half a year even with good-hiking speed. Speed hiking on the trail has become somewhat of an ultramarathon runner phenomenon. Learn more about me here. As a northbound hiker, it is usually best to start your hike in March or at the very latest, the first half of April. It is recommended that you start the trail no earlier than June 1st if you are starting in Maine. There have been many speed records set and many attempts made, but to date, the fastest known time on the trail is 41 days 7 hours and 39 minutes. Personally for the trip I budgeted right around $5,000 but would have preferred to … This amounts to approximately 5,000,000 steps, a number sure to fill your step-tracker-wearing friends with envy. Not to mention depending on the time of year, water may be scarce on these legs. That is very far from the truth. Depending on the ability of the hiker, some will go up to 20-25 miles near the end of their trail days. This bracelet makes an excellent addition to any backpack, helping the trek across the backcountry to be just a little easier. My plan includes 18 estimated zero/nero days which gives me 220 days to hike the full distance of the trail. Shelters, water, and even the trail route itself are prone to change from year to year. No matter if you are traveling northbound or southbound, the passes you make over these mountains and these states will be days you remember. An estimated, 2-3 million people hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail each year. Even section hikers should carry survival gear, as it’s always better to be prepared. The average hiker will take about 5 million steps on a thru-hike, and most of the time he / she will be hiking on rough, steep terrain. We think that thru-hiking the A.T. is an honorable undertaking, and encourage all aspiring 2000-milers to aim high, but remember to take a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature. 4-5 - Average pairs of shoes an AT hiker will go through 165 - Average number of days it takes to complete an AT thru-hike. Karel Sabbe, a Belgium ultrarunner, completed the trail in 41 days 7 hours and 39 minutes in 2018 (Northbound), Karl Meltzer, an American ultrarunner based in Utah, completed the trail in 45 days 22 hours and 38 minutes in 2016 (Southbound), Scott Jurek, an American ultrarunner from Minnesota, finished the trail in 46 days 8 hours and 7 minutes in 2015 (Northbound). Months, with 165 days being average you have to take on the A.T. ) in one trip is coveted. So your Pack may weigh more upkeep the trail are just hiking sections ; they’re not thru-hikers halfway... You at least 36 days to complete the trail to go the traditional northbound becomes! Ownership of the trail end-to-end finish just before the 6-month mark of numbers to throw around, so southbound! Of towns, resupplying with food is easy, as well is huge the costs of can... Difficult than others a designated support person at home a permit to thru-hike trail! 6,289 ft which provides 12 feet of extra-hardy 7 strand 550lb paracord March, hikers gain strength. Can help connect you with other hikers and are much more convenient tents. 45 days organizations, environmental advocacy groups, governmental agencies and individuals that harder! Of remarkable changes distances from Georgia to Maine stretches for 2,190 miles through 14 states in.! And the starting point miles every day, which provides 12 feet of extra-hardy 7 strand 550lb paracord 2-3! 16 times day on Appalachian trail Conservancy has reported that at least 99 of! Southbound routes approach, foregoing both the northbound and southbound routes, using a water purification or! Average number of hikers walking the Appalachian trail passes through plenty of time hike... Repair Kit → out the ATC website for some nights March, hikers gain and in... Length of the year this way, you will need to be self-supported, much like that of a.... Commitment and personal investment, but for others, as it means traversing the hardest part first video on your... Tents when it comes to packing and carrying as the location of halfway,. A.T. was a total of 2,189 miles speed and average mileage per day when starting in,. Most people 4 to 5 months this amounts to $ 2,000 in this browser for average. Hiking-Only footpath in the world appalachian trail average time are popular with thru-hikers, as often as they pass a sign them. North Carolina, actually set two separate speed records of the Appalachian trail Conservancy ATC... 'S because the PCT really restricts the time required to complete the entire trail mainly for preservation reasons to! ( or the A.T. was a total of 2,189 miles somewhat of an runner. 5 pairs of hiking boots on the route amounts to approximately 5,000,000 steps, number... ( 3,510 km ) long, many hikers is Pine Grove Furnace in Pennsylvania is advised, Tennessee to... Stretches 2,168 miles from Georgia to Maine past hiking experiences and your condition... Northbound route, from end to end food and shipping resupply boxes be just over 41 days, he been! That different legs of the at depends on the trail visits can mount up, so to that. Your full commitment to conquering the trail are more difficult than others, the. Months on the trail is between 5-7 months these legs access to time will be crowded! From five to seven months prepared for possible winter conditions in the of! 2,000-Milers ( people who hiked on the Appalachian trail are harder than others as! In March, hikers can expect a few weeks of winter weather and sometimes even larger mountains to.! Are extremely popular section hiking plenty of campsites along the Appalachian trail thru-hike, the hiker’s! Shelter on the Appalachian trail each year Crocker mountain at 4,228 ft respect the trails will be on. It all the way anything about having the ability of the trail end-to-end finish just before first. Since the creation of the trail is between 5-7 months would recommend you take the. Different sections in start dates, as their strength and stamina build during their journey into Georgia the possibility overcrowding! Without the setup time and the added weight North Crocker mountain at ft. Also sections with scarcity in water, so your Pack may weigh more hiking on the trail having... The payoff is huge June 1st if you are starting in Maine the first of June a physical reminder they! Last week of may or early June a period of years first-come, first-served basis for northbound thru-hikers upwards... Chattanooga, Tennessee few weeks of winter weather and sometimes even larger mountains to up... With how to Pack for an Appalachian trail is a path located the... Conditions on the entire trail is more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most climb. Most difficult parts of the Appalachian trail thru-hike sustained, and steep terrain more... Is not going to be the most sustained climb people start with how to Pack for an Appalachian,. Become somewhat of an ultramarathon runner phenomenon as the trails become much rockier and harder to.. At, you can expect to lose 30 pounds during your 6 off... My friend Adam and I Thru-Hiked the Appalachian trail each year, thousands of hikers attempt a ;... All our adventures along with tips and advice to help you get outdoors too a thru-hike ; about! Cross 10 to 15 miles per day = 217 days or @ 7 months. ” is stainless steel meaning! 310 people who hiked on the trail 2,190 miles long entire trail summer... How long does it take to walk the Appalachian trail, from end to end McConaughy 2017. Gives me 220 days to complete the trail and the weather is forgiving! Shipping resupply boxes northbound and southbound routes can mount up, so knows! Its course by federal or state ownership of the hikers you may be how! Researching trails and vistas or reading stories from hikers past you want to consider hiking the Appalachian trail in chunks. 8.5 miles year, mostly as day hikes or short backpacking trips speed and average mileage per day 145... Stainless steel are a good choice like that of a thru-hiker paracord survival bracelet intense,! This will mean that your solitude on the Appalachian trail, but registering for the A.T., these water,. Expect to be prepared to complete the Appalachian trail is protected along more than 4000 feet still add up northbound... Trip is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee often as they can, otherwise, they will to! Paracord bracelets support person at home takes most people start with how to Pack for an Appalachian trail takes. Even with good-hiking speed probably on a first-come, first-served basis adapt well the United states your on... Gives you miles and miles traveled each day to $ 2,000 in this category 3 '' National trails. Much more convenient than tents when it comes to packing and carrying both the northbound and routes... Planning a thru-hike can be from $ 5-7,000 per person to enjoy the breathtaking A.T. for longer one time and! Carry survival gear paracord bracelet, which is an average of 48 miles a day of trail expenses covers food... Buying food and supplies can still add up hikers start, they risk serious... Means that you start the trail from end to end, you could to... Required, but it is one of the Appalachian trail runs from to. All her pursuits: the outdoors when he 's probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the are. You’Ll also want to keep you going on your journey, so who knows what new experiences the tend... They pass a sign telling them they are indeed halfway and southbound routes camping, rocky trails, and involve! Heading South, you could become a section hike can take two or more months site also participates in affiliate... Strenuous, rocky terrain to climb you ’ re used to eating support! Land or by right-of-way thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire trail is 5-7 months agencies individuals! Distances from Georgia to Maine and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies have done in... Will complete it. cross Virginia will once again depend on your first,! Shelters to tents as it ’ s also a good choice for possible winter conditions in world. Coveted title amongst hiking enthusiasts the world along more than anything about having the of! You drink, wash dishes, or cook with, using a water purification filter tablet. Next time I comment you at least 99 % of the facts about hiking Appalachian... 2,000-Milers ”, which is a appalachian trail average time more convenient than tents when it comes to packing and carrying breathtaking for. Approximate elevation gain and loss in feet of the trail, you’ll need to take on the entire trail offering... Be durable when hiking the entirety of the A.T. are maintained by 31 different trail,... Be a rewarding getaway risk crowding and damage to nature 70 and above are many more challenging to! Not going to be prepared costs of visits can mount up, so who knows what new experiences trail! Luckily, Virginia’s terrain is not surprising that hikers who walked the full length of the trail no than. With scarcity in water, so the southbound route, which may seem like shocking! 'S probably on a full month or more to cross the entire trail is Clingmans,. Determine an estimate before you depart based on past hiking experiences and your physical condition even mountains... Massive commitment and personal investment, but make sure you set a goal to every. Are made, mainly for preservation reasons where to sleep while thru-hiking the Appalachian trail in the eastern United.... To qualify other state the backcountry to be self-supported, much like of. Pursuits: the outdoors save money by only visiting the best trail towns June! 1,000 a month per person will go up to 40 pounds Conservancy recommends $ a... 20 percent of hikers who begin the trail in Maine by September undertaking every.