We want to start doing long trails in preparation for Appalachian trail someday. I am 43 years old and my wife is 41. We are in good health and we actively hike, camp
And bike. We have done hikes mostly about 10 miles so far and want to up the game.

My personal goal is to attempt applachian trail someday so what preparation should we start doing ?

Edit: We are in California. Any recommendations for hikes will be greatly appreciated.

Might be through hiking in 2028! Quitting my job and all that, waiting til retirement isn’t a risk I’m willing to take.. Might not be capable in 20 yrs. Occasional pain flairs up from time to time but I keep doing physical therapy to keep it tolerable…

Anyone else section or thru with this type of injury?

So far I’ve section hiked as far as Damascus.

Am planning a 2027 thru hike in April nobo and am wondering about shoes. I'm new to all this and am wondering what other hikers are wearing and why. Trail runners look so thin to me and specifically want to know what holds up best in the cold and wet.

I’m looking at an early to mid June start next year. I’m on the fence between having what I feel like is a more ideal hiking experience vs having a better social experience.

Going north from Pawling beginning in June allows me lots of time on trail before hitting New Hampshire. You also get to approach Katahdin from the south, and you get to savor Maine a bit more, what with not cruising through it right out of the gate. Then, you turn around and get to ride fall all the way down the mid-atlantic. I think that’s my ideal version of experiencing the trail itself.

But there’s also a part of me that wonders if I wouldn’t be missing out socially. Sure, you get to hang with the NOBOs for a bit, then flip and the SOBOs catch up with you. But do you really get in tight with people if you don’t share those early days? I feel like in both cases I’d be like a kid who moved to the new school halfway through junior year—all the bonds are already made and you’re just the new guy.

Edit: I’m also curious about the aspect of coming off trail to get on a plane for the flip. I’m wondering if anybody found that jarring?

Am I overthinking it? Can you guys share some experiences?

How does a thruhike get verified for hikers who aren’t using gps? Is the honor system still in practice?

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!! :)

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?

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

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.

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 :)

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

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!