Covid measures in Atlanta, GA

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 Dinner on Day 1 One night at the hostel on Day 5 Entry and campground stay at Amicalola Falls SP Shuttle from trailhead to vehicles on Day 5 What’s not included: Personal items Camping food Dinner at the hostel Camping gear (can be rented at $200 for the week) Shuttle from and to the airport Lodging on Day 6 at the hostel — optional

How fit do I need to be?

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 40 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.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 30-40L bag) Rain cover for the backpack Sleeping bag and sleeping pad Compression sack for the sleeping bag Tent Water filter Camp stove Cooking pot Fuel canister Camp food Utensils Lighters Ursack or just a bag to place your food in Zip lock baggies Hiking poles Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Camp shoes Gaiters — optional Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Compression sack for your clothes Sunhat Sunglasses Headlamp or flashlight Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Biodegradable camp soap First aid kit Ear plugs Camera — optional (but recommended) Camp chair or piece of rubber or plastic to sit on — optional (but recommended) You can rent any basic hiking and camping gear from your guide for $200 per week. These items include backpacks, rain covers, compression sack for the backpack, tents, sleeping bags and pads, hiking poles, water filter, stove, cooking pot and fuel canister.

Group sizes and age requirements

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.

Getting there and meeting location

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 more info on transportation from the airport to Amicalola. Once you get to Amicalola Falls SP, you’ll meet the guide at the Visitor Center. If you are flying in, your guide can arrange a shuttle from the airport to the park for an additional fee. You’ll typically meet up with your group on Sunday for a day of preparation ahead of the hike. On Monday morning, you will hike out from Amicalola to the Approach Trail or be shuttled up to Springer Mt., depending on the group’s abilities.

Leave No Trace policy

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.

Hiker on a mountain trail at overlook viewing the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Walking path in North Georgia Mountains with new, wooden hand rail. Photo taken at Amicalola Falls

Backpackers hike past a white stripe on the Appalachian Trail

With views like this you may never want to come down, or back to normal life.

Amicalola Falls SP

Hiking Tour of the Appalachian Trail for Hikers Over 50

5.00 ()

Season

April through October

Nearest city

Atlanta, GA is 1.5 hours away

Duration

6 days

Difficulty

Guides

Michelle Michaud, Wandering Boots Adventure Tours

From $1,100 () / 6 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Over 3 million wanderlust-consumed hikers explore sections of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail each year. By joining this 6-day hiking tour dedicated to anyone over 50, you will have the chance to unwrap the wonders of the Appalachia and get the feel for the long-distance life. Although there are many 50+ people on the trail, this tour joins you with a group of your own peers, letting you form long-lasting friendships. Starting from Amicalola Falls State Park, you’ll explore the remnants of Appalachian mountain culture, discover the beauty of the wilderness, and challenge yourself by hiking over 40 miles in less than a week. With an experienced guide and a motivating group by your side, gain more confidence and feel the thrill of hiking along one of the most famous trails in the US!

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Well-maintained trails and a great community in the wilderness
Sweeping views from iconic balds and iconic stops along the way
Gain more confidence by hiking over 50 miles in less than a week

Available itineraries

Co-Ed Appalachian Trail Hike for the Active and Over-50

Explore a section of the Appalachian Trail with a group of your peers and an experienced guide! Your days will be filled with exploring interesting sites on the trail, and nights will be spent around the campfire and under the stars. This section hike will show you the beauty of the A.T. and maybe even give you the motivation to do a longer hike. With each mile, you’ll feel more confident and get a more refined sense of self than you had before. Learn all about geology, explore the wildlife, and make life-long friendships!

The first day of your week-long hike is dedicated to arrival and orientation. Once you meet your guide at the agreed meeting point around 1:00PM, you’ll register for the hike and go over the itinerary and what to expect, including discussing gear and food. After a short 2.5-mile hike to stretch the legs, you’ll head to town for a lunch and a beer. The evening will be spent sleeping in tents. If you drive to the meeting point, your car can remain parked there for the entire duration of your hike.
In the morning, you will start hiking to the first shelter. It’s a six-mile uphill hike under the beautiful forest canopy providing shadow. Filtering water along the way, you’ll camp and cook food. If the shelter (a basic, three-sided building) is open, you can opt to sleep there rather than in your tent.
After a climb to the top of Springer Mountain, you will officially be on the Appalachian Trail! An easier day of hiking, it’s eight to ten miles depending on the skill level of the hikers in the group. Another night spent in tents.
Hiking between six to eight miles, this is one of the challenging hiking days, with several steep uphill climbs and descents. Enjoy nature and wildlife along the way and spend the night under the stars.
Depending on the mileage of the previous day, this day is an easier hike in terms of terrain. You’ll get your first real view of the mountains. After hiking out of the woods you’ll get to your vehicles and head to the hostel for the night for a break.
To maximize the fun on your final day on the trail, you will be slackpacking today. This means that you’ll only carry a daypack with just water, snacks and daily provisions. There are two options for hiking. The first option is to hike the 11 miles up and over Blood Mountain, a trip highlight with amazing views. This is a full day of hiking from 9am to 5pm. The other option is a shorter six-mile loop up and over Blood Mountain. It’s a later start with more time spent on top of the mountain enjoying the views! Once you return to the hostel, pack up and head back home.

Please note: Typical itinerary includes hiking between 6 to 10 miles per day over the course of a week. Your exact itinerary will be discussed with the guide after booking.

Appalachian Trail Hike for Active Women Over 50

Boost your confidence and admire the wonders of the Appalachian Trail with a group of like-minded ladies in their prime. With the right attitude and an experienced guide, the Appalachian Trail can be enjoyed by everyone—especially when it includes making lasting friendships with fellow hikers. Reconnect with wilderness, learn about the surrounding landscapes and sleep under the stars in this extensive one-week hiking adventure that will leave you craving for more!

The first day of your week-long hike is dedicated to arrival and orientation. Once you meet your guide at the agreed meeting point around 1:00PM, you’ll register for the hike and go over the itinerary and what to expect, including discussing gear and food. After a short 2.5-mile hike to stretch the legs, you’ll head to town for a lunch and a beer. The evening will be spent sleeping in tents. If you drive to the meeting point, your car can remain parked there for the entire duration of your hike.
In the morning, you will start hiking to the first shelter. It’s a six-mile uphill hike under the beautiful forest canopy providing shadow. Filtering water along the way, you’ll camp and cook food. If the shelter (a basic, three-sided building) is open, you can opt to sleep there rather than in your tent.
After a climb to the top of Springer Mountain, you will officially be on the Appalachian Trail! An easier day of hiking, it’s eight to ten miles depending on the skill level of the hikers in the group. Another night spent in tents.
Hiking between six to eight miles, this is one of the challenging hiking days, with several steep uphill climbs and descents. Enjoy nature and wildlife along the way and spend the night under the stars.
Depending on the mileage of the previous day, this day is an easier hike in terms of terrain. You’ll get your first real view of the mountains. After hiking out of the woods you’ll get to your vehicles and head to the hostel for the night for a break.
To maximize the fun on your final day on the trail, you will be slackpacking today. This means that you’ll only carry a daypack with just water, snacks and daily provisions. There are two options for hiking. The first option is to hike the 11 miles up and over Blood Mountain, a trip highlight with amazing views. This is a full day of hiking from 9am to 5pm. The other option is a shorter six-mile loop up and over Blood Mountain. It’s a later start with more time spent on top of the mountain enjoying the views! Once you return to the hostel, pack up and head back home.

Please note: Typical itinerary includes hiking between 6 to 10 miles per day over the course of a week. Your exact itinerary will be discussed with the guide after booking.

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Download Hiking Tour of the Appalachian Trail for Hikers Over 50 Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Michelle Michaud

Michelle Michaud is the founder and primary guide at Wandering Boots who has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since 1998. She has completed the trail in sections from '98 to '08 and then did 2 thru-hikes with one in 2014 and again in 2017. She has hiked various parts several times, and has traveled across the country hiking and backpacking in many of the country's state and national parks. Hikers are in very good hands.

5.00

Hiking Guides

Wandering Boots wants to take away all the stress and worries of planning a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Their local, knowledgeable and experienced hiking guides are committed to helping you reach your goals.

Read our trip report

Lesson Review by Michelle Michaud

How to Prepare for Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

5.00 (2 reviews)

sarah hoss (source: 57hours )

Michelle was a perfect guide. She knows the terrain, gear required, and has the interpersonal communication to knit together a group of hikers with diverse skills. I learned about the newer electronic maps, compression packs, food + physical strength requirements. I trusted her to handle any situation so I could just walk, relax, improving my confidence, and physical skills. I really love the deep woods but had not back-packing in nine years. This was just perfect to start again.

Victor Reeves (source: 57hours )

Michelle was informative, patient, and sincere as a guide on the AT. I learned so many little tidbits about backpacking efficiently. Overall, Michelle is a wonderful individual and one I enjoyed spending time with on the trail.

Things to know

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
- Dinner on Day 1
- One night at the hostel on Day 5
- Entry and campground stay at Amicalola Falls SP
- Shuttle from trailhead to vehicles on Day 5
What’s not included:
- Personal items
- Camping food
- Dinner at the hostel
- Camping gear (can be rented at $200 for the week)
- Shuttle from and to the airport
- Lodging on Day 6 at the hostel — optional
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 40 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 30-40L bag)
- Rain cover for the backpack
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Compression sack for the sleeping bag
- Tent
- Water filter
- Camp stove
- Cooking pot
- Fuel canister
- Camp food
- Utensils
- Lighters
- Ursack or just a bag to place your food in
- Zip lock baggies
- Hiking poles
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
- Camp shoes
- Gaiters — optional
- Spare clothes for layering
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Compression sack for your clothes
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Biodegradable camp soap
- First aid kit
- Ear plugs
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
- Camp chair or piece of rubber or plastic to sit on — optional (but recommended)
You can rent any basic hiking and camping gear from your guide for $200 per week. These items include backpacks, rain covers, compression sack for the backpack, tents, sleeping bags and pads, hiking poles, water filter, stove, cooking pot and fuel canister.
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.
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 more info on transportation from the airport to Amicalola.

Once you get to Amicalola Falls SP, you’ll meet the guide at the Visitor Center. If you are flying in, your guide can arrange a shuttle from the airport to the park for an additional fee.

You’ll typically meet up with your group on Sunday for a day of preparation ahead of the hike. On Monday morning, you will hike out from Amicalola to the Approach Trail or be shuttled up to Springer Mt., depending on the group’s abilities.
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.
Secure your spot for the following season with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t suit you by the end of the year.
  
  Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  
  The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
For set dates, a deposit of $200 per person is needed upon booking to secure your spot. Full amount should be paid one month prior to departure.

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.