Hiking the Appalachian Trail

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Cars can’t go where you’re headed. Why view the breathtaking landscape in the eastern U.S. passively through a window, when you can walk past historic Civil War landmarks and over purple mountains majesty in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Hiking is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy striking terrain and experience the nature around you.

What you get in this adventure:

• A local Appalachian Trail hiking guide
• Campsites/lodging accommodations
• Permits
• Transportation throughout the adventure
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Option to have gear transported from each lodging location

What’s not included:

• Flights and flight taxes
• Meals*
• Sleeping bag & personal items
• Travel insurance

*Some meals are included depending on the trip you book.

Hiring a local guide offers you the chance to experience the Appalachian Trail’s beauty to the fullest. Local guides know all the hidden gems the area has to offer, will explain the history and geology during the hike, and will transport you to and from the destination. Your guide will also know just what to do if the weather takes a turn or something unexpected happens.

Your exact gear list will be dependent on the itinerary you choose and will be provided after booking. Here’s a list of the general equipment you need to bring:

• Backpacking pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40-60L bag)
• Water bottle
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking boots
• Spare warm clothes
• Down or synthetic jacket
• Rainproof jacket
• Compass & map
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, first aid kit, toilet paper, etc.)
• High quality sunglasses
• Head lantern
• Trekking poles
• Camera — optional (but recommended)

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is completely customizable based on your skill level and goals. The full A.T. thru-hike extends 2,189 miles along the eastern U.S. between Springer Mountain, GA and Mount Katahdin, ME. In order to complete the entire trail, you’ll need to carve out six months. You can also accomplish sections of the trail, including one-week, one-month and three-month hikes aimed at traversing the Smoky Mountains. Groups can also avoid mountain traverses by starting the route in West Virginia, which is also focused on Civil War history.

Typical itineraries for beginners include hiking between six to 10 miles per day over the course of a week. Your exact itinerary will depend on your chosen hike, but a week-long A.T. backpacking camping trip looks like this:

Day 1:
The first day of your week-long AT hike is dedicated to arrival and orientation. You will land at the Atlanta Airport, or if you’re driving, you’ll meet your guide at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia around 1:00PM where you’ll register for the hike, set up camp, and go over over the Appalachian Trail 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 pizza and beer. The evening will be spent sleeping in tents. Please note, if you drive to the park, your car can remain parked in the lot for the entire duration of your hike.

Day 2:
In the morning, you will start hiking to the first shelter. It’s a six-mile uphill hike under the forest canopy. 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.

Day 3:
After a climb to the top of Springer Mountain, you will officially be on the Appalachian Trail from this point on. 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.

Day 4:
Hiking between six to eight miles, this is one of the challenging hiking days, with several steep uphill climbs and descents.

Day 5:
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 shuttle back to the park to get vehicles, have a meal, and then make way back up to the trailhead to camp.

Day 6:
To maximize the fun on the final day of hiking, 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 (weather permitting).

If hikers finish before 5pm, there’s time to explore the Outfitter store that supplies AT hikers, take pics, have a pizza, and buy souvenirs if desired. Once done, transportation is provided back to your vehicle or to the Atlanta Airport. Once back at the park, hikers can take a shower at the campground before heading home.

You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a full daypack or backpacking pack. Each day you will hike between four to six hours or between six to 10 miles per day for a total of 50 miles each week. The terrain can be challenging and the weather unforgiving. That said, 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.

Everybody over the age of 16 is welcome on this hiking adventure.

Groups for week-long hikes usually consist of two people for southern sections and four people for northern sections. For the three or six-month hikes, a minimum of five hikers are required for the trip to take place. You can arrange a private trip with a guide, if you’re traveling alone or a larger party. All pricing is per person.

Appalachian Trail tours are scheduled to fit with the seasons and ideal hiking conditions. That said, you’ll pack to prepare for the elements while on the trail. When the weather does not cooperate, your guide will know the correct course of action to take. Whether that’s shifting the schedule or postponing until conditions approve, your guide will know just what to do. In the event of predictably dangerous weather, you will be contacted prior to the trip to discuss suitable alternatives.

It’s highly recommended that you cover all your bases with travel and medical insurance. While hiking might seem like a low-risk outdoor activity, accidents can happen anywhere and we recommend insurance to avoid paying out of pocket for costly medical expenses. And as we’ve recently seen, travel plans can be abruptly halted, so it’s a good idea to have cancellation insurance that also covers lost baggage. It’s tried and tested and it works.

All policies regarding cancellation, rescheduling and trip insurance will be clearly laid out by your guide prior to booking your adventure. Contact us if you’d like more information on a specific adventure.

Your Appalachian Trail guide will pick you up from the Dulles, VA or Atlanta, GA airport, depending on your itinerary and section you will be hiking. You’ll typically meet your guide on Sunday for a day of preparation ahead of the hike. After your stay overnight, the guide will bring you to The A.T. trailhead. Your guide will transport you back to the airport upon your departure.