Hiking the Appalachian Trail

This is the granddaddy of all American hikes

Consider the numbers: this is a 2,200 mile trail that meanders through 14 states, 6 national parks, 8 national forests and on average takes 6 months to hike. The trail traditionally starts in Georgia at Springer Mountain, and ends at Mt. Katahdin, Maine. Sure, there’re the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, but the AT makes the first, and greatest claim to American wanderlust. While you can always hike sections of the trail, it’s thru-hiking the trail that remains the pinnacle of the American hiking experience.

Before you go, you have to decide how to go

While the numbers alone may seem daunting, they don’t need to. Planning for this trip is akin to the hike itself - slow and steady, go at your own pace. It’s not a race after all. While the number of people who thru-hike the trail is much smaller than those who set out, a lot of hikers enjoy the AT in sections, which makes for a very attractive option if you don’t do it all in one go.

For thru-hikers, the very first consideration is whether you want to hike the trail northbound (NOBO), or southbound (SOBO). Each has its merits. For example, do you want a chillier New England spring or a warm Georgia one? There’s lots to consider, but thankfully, there’s a ton of resources out there to help you get on your way. Regardless of how you proceed, make sure to Leave No Trace and have good Trail Karma.

Our favorite adventure partners for the Appalachian Trail

Complete Appalachian Trail Thru-hike - $1500 per month
Get a guided thru-hike for the entire trail with the comfort of small group. The guides at Wandering Boots Adventure Tours want you to succeed on your tour and are there with you every step of the journey. From an introductory period with your fellow hikers to a photo op while atop Mt. Katahdin, this guiding service helps take care of lots of the details during your trek. Learn more at Wandering Boots Adventure Tours

Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut-Hiking Presidential Peaks - 4 days - $869 per person
Discover the Appalachian Trail - but in New Hampshire! This guided trip will take you into the stunning White Mountains of New Hampshire while closely following the state's section of the AT. The hiking itself requires physical fitness, but, paired with an expert guide, you and your small group will learn about the history, geology and botany around you. It’s a great way to get started on one leg of the AT. Learn more at REI

Appalachian Trail - 4 days - $645 per person
Walk a guided section of the Appalachian Trail’s highest section through Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. With moderately paced days of 5-10 miles, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover one more gem of the AT’s many over a short period of time. As ever, with any section of the AT, physical fitness and comfortable walking shoes are a must! Learn more at Smoky Mountain Guides

Who should hike the Appalachian Trail?

The camaraderie, trail magic and sheer number of hikers all make the trail accessible for just about anyone. People of all ages, from 5 to 86 have hiked the trail. Doing a thru-hike, though, requires a great sense of your own physical capabilities and mental stamina. Most people who stop on the trail do so because of injury, as people often set unrealistic paces and their bodies can't keep up. For those who have successfully thru-hiked, you'll find that they were all patient and didn't really push themselves until they'd found their trail-legs. Take your time, set realistic goals and manageable expectations.