How long does appalachian trail take

In an emergency, a map and compass may be your most reliable source of information on how to get off the Trail to find help, locate an alternate route, or describe your location and access points to potential rescuers.

Cell phones and navigation apps can both can be extremely valuable but are dependent on battery life; cell service is not available in many locations on the A. Satellite messengers and personal locator beacons can fill the gap in emergencies when cell service is not available those with two-way communication capability are most useful to rescuers.

Hiking the entire A. It requires great physical and mental stamina and determination. The terrain is mountainous for its entire length, with an elevation gain and loss equivalent to hiking Mt.

Everest from sea level and back 16 times. The treadway in many places is rocky or filled with roots or mud. Maine, and sometimes other states, requires fording of streams that can be hazardous after heavy rains.

Sections that could be described as flat or smooth seldom last long. Those who are physically fit may have an edge, especially in the beginning, but ultimately completing the A. The A. Walking the entire A. Thru-hiking enables you to immerse yourself deeply in the natural world and view some of the most beautiful, wild and pastoral landscapes in the United States. Thru-hiking will also give you the opportunity to form friendships with people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from around the world.

A detailed day-by-day itinerary is not necessary for a successful thru-hike. In fact, it can set you up for a lot of discouragement and frustration. There are many things out of your control that can alter your plans on a thru-hike, such as weather or injury. Sometimes you may find an opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that sets you back. An outline of when you expect to reach specific milestones will be helpful to friends and family back home.

It can help keep you on track, too. Be mindful that family members will worry if you do not check in on schedule. Make sure they know you cannot entirely predict your schedule and that cell phone reception is spotty. Also inform them that you may keep your phone turned off much of the time to save your batteries and protect your phone from inclement weather.

Northbound thru-hikers are advised to start out hiking only eight miles a day the first week, and very gradually increase mileage over the next several weeks. In the extremely rugged terrain of New Hampshire and Maine, northbound hikers can expect their mileage to drop as much as 30 per cent, even though considerably more effort is required.

One in four thru-hikers report completions to ATC. The most common reasons for a hiker leaving the Trail sooner than planned is due to an injury, running out of money, family matters at home, or finding the experience was not what was anticipated.

The smartest thing you can do is to take a practice hike that includes at least two nights on terrain that approximates the part of the Trail you plan to start on. This will help you evaluate gear, physical conditioning, and mental readiness. Disciplined, frugal hikers willing to forego motels, restaurants, and other amenities can get away with less; those who like to stay in motels and eat at restaurants when they have the opportunity can easily spend much more. Get ready for the long walk by taking practice hikes of increasing length carrying a loaded backpack.

Select clothing you can layer for cool mornings and warm afternoons, but leave the cotton at home. It gets wet and heavy in inclement weather. Follow leave-no-trace practices on the trail. Think of the creature comforts of home, and discard any notion of carrying them on your hike. Safety on the A. Wide-open views, crisp air and solitude make for a cool hike, but when winter hiking, being prepared is key. The adventure of a lifetime Thru-Hiking. Thru-hiking the A. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.

After deciding when and where to begin and then registering your thru-hike, you will need to plan your resupply points and know the camping regulations along the A. Learn the camping regulations along the A. In addition to these logistics, physical and mental preparations become important factors in a successful thru-hike. Learn more about all these subjects below. Voluntary thru-hiker registration The voluntary thru-hiker registration is a tool that helps prospective thru-hikers share their start dates with other thru-hikers and plan their itinerary in order to avoid the social and ecological impacts of overcrowding.

Explore the Trail Interactive Map You can explore many locations along the trail including shelters, A. Launch Map. Explore Maps and Guides Thru-hiking guide and planners, official A. Visit the Store. Where to Start Starting in Georgia Northbound Starting in Georgia has long been the most popular place to start a thru-hike.

Starting somewhere in the middle of the Trail Flip Flop Increasingly, hikers are choosing to start somewhere in the middle of the Trail. This route is only recommended for advanced hikers, or hikers that have significant experience hiking the A. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy gives several compelling reasons why this may be a great route option for some. Generally, these alternative itineraries offer a gradual progression from easier to more difficult terrain and more frequent resupplies.

You can also avoid crowds and the party atmosphere, follow favorable weather conditions and reduce crowding and minimize resource damage to the Trail. The ATC also mentions that using a flip flop route will likely take about six and one-half months to complete the entire trail. This is weeks longer than the average completion time for the traditional northbound route. At least that added time should come with added conveniences; like more resupply stops, better weather, and a more favorable progression of difficulty.

Ultimately, the straightforward answer of five to seven months is the best peek at how long it takes to hike the Appalachian Trail.