1) Where does the AT go?
Georgia to Maine, see the map at the bottom of this post. It starts at Springer Mountain in NW Georgia but most people take an 7.8 mile approach trail that begins at Amicalola State Park. Otherwise you have to get dropped off at a parking lot and head south for 2 miles to reach the official AT terminus at Springer Mountain, then turn around to begin the thru hike. I’m going to be hiking just under 2,200 miles, what’s another 7.8? Fun fact: since, geologically speaking, the Appalachian mountain range continues up into Newfoundland, over the artic into Europe, and even down to Africa… nations are slowly adding trails to the International Appalachian Trail which spans thousands of miles from Mount Katahdin, up over the artic, and all the way down into Morocco. Large sections of this are just paved roads, logging roads, or require boat rides and puddle jumper planes…just a fun fact, I do not plan to hike this.
2) How long does it take?
There are tons of variables to consider but the short answer is about five months. If you stay focused and don’t take many zeroes (days in which you hike 0 miles, usually spent relaxing in trail towns) you can make it in four months. Or you can take your sweet time and do it in six or seven months but it may be starting to get pretty chilly up North. The fastest record is held by Karl Meltzer who completed the effort in 45 days, 22 hours, and 38 minutes…but it was an assisted journey. He essentially ran a marathon or two through the woods every day and then had a support van meet him where he could gorge on calories and sleep. I find the unassisted record to be much more impressive, held by Heather "Anish" Anderson who completed the journey in 54 days, 7 hours, and 48 minutes. It was only nine days slower but she carried all of her own food and gear. I have no desire to attempt either of these records as I’d rather have a good time and relax in my hammock. Which is a great segway to the next question!
3) Are you going to sleep in a tent or hammock?
A hammock. It is a quicker set up and take down. The rainfly is more versatile and roomier than a tent. There is certainly never a shortage of trees on the AT. I don’t have to worry about finding nice flat and dry ground as I’ll always be hanging above it. I’ll admit that once the NOBO (term for NOrthBOund hikers) crowd dies down I may switch to a tent but since I am starting right in the middle of the bubble (peak time for NOBO’s to start) I have a feeling that all of the good tent spots will fill up quickly. Having a sleeping pad will allow me to cowboy camp out under the stars when the weather and terrain permits in the summer months. There are also shelters along the AT, usually 3-walled structures with plywood bunkbeds, but they are commonly overrun with rodents and loud snorers. I am a light sleeper so I won’t be staying in the shelters very often.
4) What else do you take?
A small stove to boil water, a water filter, minimal toiletries, a rain shell, only 1 change of clothes known as “camp clothes” but some consider even that a luxury, extra socks, small first aid and repair kit, food, and in my case, some extra camera gear. A backpack base weight < 20lbs is what most thru hiker’s strive for and this includes all of you gear that isn’t being worn, eaten, or drank. If you have any specific questions on my gear just let me know! My full pack breakdown is on https://lighterpack.com/r/6wnppi
5) How many miles a day do you plan to hike?
I hope to average at least 15 once I get into the hiker’s rhythm…but again there are a lot of variables; elevation change, weather, trail condition, etc
6) Who are you going with?
I am going all by myself. It is hard enough to have everything in my own life line up so I can leave for 6 months and trying to coordinate that with another person would be a pretty difficult feat. However, there are TONS of people on the trail. I probably won’t ever go an entire day without passing by other hikers. You eventually sync up with people who hike about your same pace and have a similar game plan and they become your trail family. So while I will be starting alone, I won’t be finishing alone and I will be making tons of friends along the journey.
7) How/what do you eat?
Every couple/few/several days the AT passes directly through a “Trail Town” or close enough to one you can hitch a ride in and go to a grocery store. I did some research and found 6-7 recommended spots to send a mail drop with food because there is no grocery store for miles around and it is difficult to catch a ride. Since the weight of your backpack is highly scrutinized and every single ounce makes a difference, it is wise to get food with a high calorie:weight ratio such olive oil, tuna, mac-n-cheese, beef jerky, trail mix, dehydrated meals, etc. It is never remote enough that one would have to live off the land and go squirrel hunting. The daily meals usually involve boiling some water in the morning for oatmeal, heavily snacking throughout the day, and then boiling some water in the evening for a dehydrated meal or other hearty dinner.
9) When will you be passing through Maryland? I’d like to join you!
Being my hometown I’ve had a lot of friends ask me this and it’d be awesome but I must remind you of a few things: I have no clue when I’ll be passing through and it very well may be during a couple of weekdays. As I get closer I will get a better idea of the time frame but it’d be hard to give a definite date with enough notice for everyone to take off work and plan accordingly. Also, after roughly 2.5 months of hiking I will be a machine who can hike faster and longer than most and, while I hope not to be in this position, I might need to really start racking up daily mileage in order to finish the hike. I’m not saying no, but just want to paint a realistic picture for meeting up to hike with me. Thru-hikes are very fluid and it might be easier to hike with me for a short stretch one day and then enjoy a campfire for the night.
10) What are you doing with work, your house, your stuff?
Work was generous enough to give me a 6 month unpaid leave of absence. I guess it can be both a positive and a negative of working for a huge company, everyone is replaceable. I rented my house out. I got rid of a TON of my furniture and clothes, am storing tools at my brother’s place, some stuff in my stepmom’s basement, and a few things in a small storage locker.
11) OMG! Don’t you think you are going to ruin your life?
I’ve talked to some other thru-hikers that have told me “Yes, thru hiking will most likely ruin your life…but ruin it in a good way.”