The Appalachian Trail (AT) is the longest hiker-only footpath in the world, full of iconic vistas, historical sites, and native wildlife. The AT runs through the Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine, approximately 2,200 miles. Thousands of hikers take on the full distance each year as a thru-hike, while millions more head out for shorter day trips, weekend overnights, and longer section hikes. If the AT is on your bucket list, here are some tips to get you ready. And if you’d like a little more guidance, check out our Beginner Backpacking trips and guided section hikes.
Tip #1: Start Small
The AT is a rugged trail, with many steep inclines and descents and rocky and rooty terrain. Some sections even have rock scrambling, ladders, rebar steps, creek crossings, and exposed ridgelines. If you’re new to the AT, it’s a good idea to start small and test your stamina before going for the big miles. Go for an out-and-back day hike to get a sense of the terrain, and make sure to carry a day pack with the essentials. When you’re ready for an overnight trip, choose a route with 5-8 miles each day, and keep it to 2-3 days. By keeping the miles shorter, you’ll reduce your risk of injury and be able to really take your time and enjoy the trail.
Tip #2: Get the Right Shoes
While hiking boots used to be the standard for backpackers, most hikers are now choosing trail runners for the AT. That’s because trail runners are much lighter and dry faster. The AT is known for its rainy days and misty peaks, so if you’re out for a few days, there’s a good chance you’ll see some precipitation. Waterproof hiking boots and shoes are only waterproof for so long, and after they start to let water in, they take forever to dry! Opt for a non-waterproof shoe instead, and pair them with a wool hiking sock for maximum comfort and blister prevention.
Remember that everyone’s feet are different. So if you prefer a boot for the added support and sole protection, that’s great! Or if you’d rather have a lightweight, quick drying trail runner, that’s great, too! Just make sure to wear a shoe that fills well and feels comfortable on your feet. Note that when you’re backpacking and carrying extra weight, your feet will swell during the day. So make sure you have a little extra room to account for swelling, but not so much that your feet slide inside the shoe.
Tip #3: Pack Light
This is probably the hardest part for beginner backpackers. When you’re getting all your gear ready, remember to bring only the essentials. Everything else must go! Your total pack weight (including food and water) should be under 20% of your body weight. Getting under that 20% can be tricky, but we find that most hikers are comfortable carrying up to 30 pounds in their pack. So once you’re packed, grab a scale and weigh your gear! If it’s too heavy, start whittling it down. The LighterPack website is a great tool for putting together a lightweight packing list. Our guided Beginner Backpacking trips include a full gear rental, so you can get to test some of the best lightweight gear on the market. And your guide will help you “shakedown” your pack before you head out to get rid of the extra weight and only bring what you need.
Tip #4: Test Your Gear
Whatever you do, do not head into the backcountry with gear that you’ve never tested before! You’ll be putting yourself in an unnecessary and risky situation. Does your tent have all the parts, including stakes and rainfly? Do you know how to inflate your sleeping pad? Does your stove actually work? Do you know how to use your water filter? Can you quickly set up and tear down camp in case it’s raining? You can test all of these things easily by just setting up camp in your own backyard or a nearby park. Run through the whole set-up and tear-down several times to build up some muscle memory. You don’t want to be fiddling with things and forget how it all works when you’re out there.
Tip #5: Know Your Route
The AT is huge! Almost 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, and that can be a little daunting when you’re just starting out. Try choosing a trailhead that’s close to home or a well-traveled section with some awesome views. A quick Google search will give you some popular routes, or you can check out our Max Patch trip or Roan Highlands trips, two of the best sections on the whole AT!
If you’re keen on planning your own route, there are a couple of excellent guide books and apps available to help you get started. The A.T. Guide Book is a great resource for finding campsites, water sources, road crossings, mileage, and elevation profiles. It’s available in both print and PDF versions. And the FarOut App is a favorite among thru-hikers, for it’s easy-to-use on trail navigation. Whichever you use, make sure you make a plan and share it with a close friend or family member before you head out. Bring your navigation tools with you, know your route before you go, and always have a backup plan in case you need to make changes.
Ready to take on the Appalachian Trail?
Check out our guided beginner backpacking trips to learn the ropes or our Smoky Mountains Section hike for a more challenging adventure. And if you decide to go out on your own, share your story with us on Facebook or Instagram! We’d love to hear about it!