FAQs

What is the Appalachian Trail?

The Appalachian Trail, also called the A.T., is the longest hiker-only footpath in the world.  It runs through 14 states through the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States from Georgia to Maine.  The trail is approximately 2,190 miles long and crosses through two national parks: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Shenandoah National Park.  Most of the trail passes through wooded forests, but some parts travel through small towns, farmland, roadways, and over rocky mountain peaks.  The A.T. is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the American black bear and the Eastern timber rattlesnake, as well as many bird species, squirrels, beavers, porcupines, chipmunks, raccoons, and more! Much of the forests are blanketed in beautiful springtime wildflowers.  Each year, more than 3 million people visit some section of the A.T. and over 3,000 people attempt to "thru-hike" the entire trail from end to end, with only 20-25% completing the entire trek.  

What kind of gear do I need to go backpacking?

To go backpacking, you'll need a backpack, a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, trekking poles, water filtration and cooking supplies, hiking clothes, comfortable shoes, and food for your trip.  Your guide will provide you with a detailed gear list and recommendations before your trip.  You'll also have a chance to ask questions and get advice during your Pre-Hike Virtual Orientation. 

What if I don't have all the gear I need?

No worries! Our Beginner Backpacking Trips include a gear rental package with high quality backpacking gear.  Our longer trips don't include gear rental, but you can add it on to your purchase if needed.  We offer backpacks, tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags, trekking poles, water filtration, and cook kits.

Do I need to be in good shape to go hiking?

Backpacking is a challenging sport! You'll need to carry a backpack that weighs 25-30 pounds over mountainous terrain for most of the day.  Some parts of the trail include long uphill and downhill sections.  To be able to hike comfortably and lower your risk of injury, you should be able to walk around your neighborhood for several miles without taking breaks and climb several flights of stairs.  However, we welcome all fitness levels, and will adjust mileage and break times to fit the needs of each hiker.  If you're new to backpacking, check out one of our Beginner Backpacking Trips first.

What can I do to physically prepare for a backpacking trip?

If you want to prepare for your backpacking trip, here are some ideas:

• Go for long walks in your neighborhood
• Walk to work or school instead of driving
• Get on some of your local hiking trails
• Load a backpack with some heavy items and walk with it
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Spend some time on a stair climber at a gym

Will I see a bear? How do I protect myself from bears?

Black bears are common in the Appalachian Mountains, and it's possible to see one on your hiking trip.  However, black bears are generally afraid of humans and will run off before you ever get to see them.  If you encounter a black bear, you can wave your arms and make loud noises to scare it off.  You generally don't need to carry bear spray or weapons to protect yourself from black bears. 

To be safe, leave scented items at home (such as deodorant and scented lotions) and properly store all food at camp each night.  Bear canisters are recommended by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, but you can also hang a bear bag with your food at night.  Your guide will help you decide the best way to store food and scented items on trail.

What if I get lost or injured while hiking?

Your guide will be familiar with your hiking route, and will be using a map and/or a digital GPS to keep you on track.  The Appalachian Trail is very well marked, with painted white blazes on the trees along the trail.  All of our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid and carry an emergency GPS beacon if something should happen.

What kind of food do I need to bring?

Food choices are very personal and will depend on the length of your trip and time of year.  You will generally want to bring foods that are non-perishable, lightweight, and calorie-dense.  Your guide will provide you with a detailed list that includes sample menus and ideas for what to pack.  You'll also be able to ask questions and get advice during your Pre-Hike Virtual Orientation.

What if it rains?

We hike rain or shine! The weather can change quickly in the mountains, especially at higher elevations.  You'll want to be prepared with rain gear and dry layers to put on at camp.  Your guide will give you ideas and recommendations during your Pre-Hike Virtual Orientation. 

In the case of severe weather, such as heavy thunderstorms or snowstorms, your guide may need to adjust your trip itinerary or reschedule a trip.  More details about this are in our cancellation policy. 

What is the cancellation policy?

• Your trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable booking fee.  
• Participants may cancel a trip up to 60 days before the start date of the trip for a refund, minus the 15% booking fee.  
• If a participant cancels a trip between 59-30 days before the start of the trip, a 50% refund will be offered.
• If a participant cancels a trip between 0-29 days from the start of the trip, no refund or trip credit will be offered.
• We hike rain or shine! Backpacking is a challenging endurance sport, and it can be uncomfortable during inclement weather.  We do our best to make sure hikers are adequately prepared for adverse weather.  However, safety is our biggest priority.  In the case of severe weather that could affect the safety of our hikers, our guides have the discretion to cancel a trip.  In this case, a full refund or transfer credit will be offered.

What if I need to change the date of my trip?

• A participant may request 1 transfer from one trip to another according to the Transfer Policy.  A second transfer request will be treated as a cancellation according to the cancellation policy.
• A participant may make a transfer request more than 60 days from the start of the trip with no additional fee.
• A transfer request made from 30-59 days before the start of the trip will incur a $100 per person transfer fee.
• No transfer requests can be made from 0-29 days prior to the start of the trip.  This will be treated as a cancellation, with no refund or transfer credit offered, according to the cancellation policy.

 

Should I tip my guide?

Tipping is not required, but is much appreciated by our guides!  If you feel that your guide did an excellent job, you may offer a tip at the end of your trip.  The industry standard for tipping backpacking guides is 10-20% of the cost of the trip.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes!  We offer 15% teacher discounts and 15% military discounts for our backpacking trips.  If you are interested in receiving a discount, contact us for a discount code. 

 

Have other questions?

Send us an email and we'd be happy to help!