Tips for Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Hiking a long-distance trail in one trip is known as thru-hiking, and is often an arduous task. Various trails in the world fit this long-distance classification, including the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada (over 2,600 miles), the Continental Divide Trail along the crest of the US Rocky Mountains (over 3,100 miles), and the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine (over 2,100 miles).
The Appalachian Trail is the most popular thru-hiking trail in the United States and winds through 14 states near the East Coast. Most hikers take approximately 5 to 7 months to complete the entire trail. Because of this lengthy time commitment, hikers need to plan accordingly for the seasonal weather they will encounter during the hike. In particular, the mountainous terrain on the trail in Maine requires hikers to avoid the colder months that bring snow and dangerous conditions.
There are three different starting points for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. The first option begins in Georgia and heads north to Maine. This is considered the most popular place to start, but can also be very crowded in the spring months. Hikers beginning in Georgia will start the trail at Mount Springer and may encounter cold and snowy conditions there if starting in March.
Other hikers choose to start thru-hiking in Maine at Mount Katahdin. Starting there and going south is considered a much more strenuous way to begin the Appalachian Trail. The first day of the hike begins with a steep ascent of Mount Katahdin and over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Climbing the terrain on the mountain is considered a scramble, which involves climbing over large boulders and outcroppings using both the hands and feet. Starting in Maine is less desirable for most people, as many hikers have not yet developed the fitness level required for this strenuous climb. Hiking this portion of the trail also includes fording cold rivers of snow-melt water and encountering a number of pesky insects.
The last set of starting options is known as the flip-flop thru-hike, named by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). There are seven options of mid-points where hikers can begin their journeys and complete one half of the trail first, then go back to the mid-point and hike the other direction. The ATC considers flip-flop hikes to be some of the most appealing options, because hikers will encounter less extreme seasonal weather and varying the starting points reduces crowding on the popular southern end of the trail.
Hundreds of hikers set out to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail each year, but many end up quitting. Some fall behind schedule and run out of time to hike the entire trail before inclement seasonal weather sets in. Others do not plan well financially and run out of funds before reaching the end. Still others fall ill or succumb to injuries sustained on the trail.
One of the final preparations before setting off is packing gear properly. Hiking packs should be as light as possible to improve efficiency and reduce physical strain. There are many towns along the Appalachian Trail that expect hundreds of visitors during hiking season. These towns have food and gear supply stores with necessary items. Hikers should budget appropriately and plan ahead to determine when they will need to resupply. This keeps the hiking pack as light as possible. Overall, thru-hiking requires not only physical and mental stamina, but also a great deal of planning before setting out on the trail.
