Hiking the Appalachian Trail for People in Their 50s and Up

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Atlanta, Georgia, please refer to the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
• Six days of hiking 
• One night at the hostel
• One dinner at the hostel
• Shuttle from and to the airport
• Group camping gear

What’s not included:

• Camping food
• Personal camping gear
• Personal items
• Additional night at the hostel if you need a shuttle back to the airport (around $60 per night with dinner)

The best thing about this Appalachian hiking tour is that it was created with people above the age of 50 in mind. Each day you will hike up to 8 miles per day, taking you through accessible terrain and crossing around 50 miles total. There might be some scrambling and balancing along the way, but the hike is beginner-friendly. Take shorter hikes to prepare, and pay attention to what your body can handle. And don’t worry—you’re not alone. Plenty of people hike the trail after 50. If you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days or weeks of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely. 

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35-45L bag)
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Tent
• Camp food
• Hiking poles
• Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
• Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
• Spare clothes for layering
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Sunhat
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
• First aid kit
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sunglasses
• Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

You can rent any hiking and camping gear from your guide for $100 per week.

Group sizes and prices:

• For this hiking trip, the usual client to guide ratio is 5:1. 
• The cost does not decrease as the group grows. All prices are per person.
• Singles over 50 are always welcome on this hiking trip! You will join a group of other hikers with a similar experience and skill level to ensure that everyone gets the most out of their experience.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• This hiking trip was created specifically for people over 50 years old. Although many people that cross the A.T. in their golden years, this trip will follow the less challenging parts of the trail.

A deposit of $200 per person is needed to secure your spot. Full amount should be paid one month prior to departure. If you cancel the trip over 48 hours after booking, the deposit is not refundable.

With 57hours, you benefit from both our own cancellation policy as well as that of the individual guiding service that delivers your adventure. All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure, but rest assured that our own cancellation policy will work on top of what is provided by your guide.

In light of the current situation, we’re working to handle all trip cancellations appropriately. Cancel within 48 hours of booking your trip and get a full refund minus the deposit. If you need to change your plans up to 31 days ahead of your scheduled adventure, we offer a full refund on most trips. Within 31 days we offer free date changes or the option to convert your booking to credit to use on any 57hours adventure at a later date.

To get to Amicalola Falls State Park, most people fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 1.5 hours from Atlanta. After booking, your guide will give you all the info on transportation from the airport to Amicalola.

You’ll typically meet your guide on Sunday for a day of preparation ahead of the hike. On Monday morning, the guide will bring you to The A.T. trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

While you’re on the trail, follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). In the last few years there has been a rise in usage of the trail with several negative corresponding results: more trash which leads to bears becoming used to food lying around, shelters getting closed because they’re overwhelmed with rodents and garbage, and overall degradation. Do your part to leave the trail as you found it.