What’s included in the thru-hike?

Included: Logistics planning 10-day orientation package (more on that in the “What’s included in the 10-day orientation?” section) Support vehicle (for storing extra gear, food, clothes, and supplies) — you’ll meet the support vehicle every 1-3 days Transportation to town for resupplies & doing laundry Occasional snacks and drink at the support vehicle Celebratory dinner on the last day Drop-off from the trail’s ending to Millinocket or nearest bus station Not included: Flights to Atlanta at the beginning of the thru-hike and back home at the end of the thru-hike Shuttles to airports (unless you’re doing the 10-day pre-trip orientation, then you’ll get picked up from Atlanta Airport) Food during the thru-hike Lodging during the thru-hike Travel and medical insurance — mandatory

What’s included in the 10-day orientation?

The 10-day pre-trip orientation is a fantastic way to prepare for your thru-hike. An experienced thru-hiker will give you insight into how to do resupplies, shuttles, hitchhiking, hostels, and all the ins-and-outs of the logistics and planning. You will also gain experience using gear and equipment out on the trail. Hikers who choose to do the thru-hike, be it the whole way through or just a month-long section, have this 10-day orientation already included in the price. Included: 10-day orientation package (3 days of orientation + 7 days of hiking) Lodging during the 3-day orientation (hotels or a bunk at a hostel) Lodging on the last day of hiking before you continue on your own (included for thru-hikers that are continuing on their own only) Food during the 3-day orientation Food on the last day of hiking before you continue on your own (included for thru-hikers that are continuing on their own only) Shuttles Pick-up in Atlanta at the airport or bus station Shuttle to Amicalola Falls SP and Springer Mountain Not included: Flights to Atlanta Lodging once on the trail Food once on the trail Shuttle back to the airport (in case you’re only doing this 10-day orientation and not continuing with the thru-hike) Travel and medical insurance

Why do a supported thru-hike?

After much research, you’ve made up your mind and decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail , but what now? There are many decisions and preparations ahead—logistics, gear, resupplies, just to name a few—but you don’t know where to get started? The whole trail measures 2,190 miles (3,524 km) in length, so carrying all your belongings, camping gear, and food every single day for 5 months is no walk in a park. So, imagine this: you’re carrying a light backpack, doing longer mile days, not stressing about the food and resupplies , all the while getting the classic thru-hike experience of pitching a tent in the woods every night. This is where we come in! Apart from a 10-day, pre-trip orientation to ensure everyone’s comfortable hiking on their own , a support vehicle will follow you all the way through . You’ll hike at your own pace and meet your support vehicle every 1-3 days. Here you’ll have lots of space for your extra food, gear, clothing, and toiletries . About once a week, you’ll be transferred to a near-by town where you can resupply and do laundry. This way, you don’t have to hitchhike or pay for expensive shuttles into town. This is a fantastic trip for solo travelers , as the support vehicle also serves as security—each hiker needs to check in every time they reach the vehicle or a crew member will hike back until they find them. Apart from the support vehicle serving as storage and security, you can also take showers, clean up, or take a break if you have a slight injury. It’s also worth noting that if there’s ever been the time for a supported thru-hike, 2025 is the year. Due to severe flooding, many of the southern trail towns were decimated, and hikers will have to find their way to get further away from the trail for resupplies—having a support team on your side means that you’ll get transferred to potentially more distant towns for resupplies and lodging. As of November 2024, there are about 225-300 trail miles still closed. Lots of volunteers and hiking clubs are on the damaged sections trying to clear the trail and asses the damages to shelters and tent sites.

Is slackpacking the A.T. an option?

What we’re offering is a supported thru-hike, and you can read more about it above. However, it’s also possible to slackpack (basically day hikes) most of the A.T., but there will be extra costs. This covers extra fuel costs, maintenance costs, and everyday shuttles in the morning and the afternoon. Apart from that, you will have to pay for lodging and food while in town. Another thing to keep in mind if you decide to slackpack is that you must be willing to pay for the driver’s lodging for the night if there is nowhere else for them to sleep. Slackpacking the A.T. is doable, but expensive. Hikers must understand the costs involved for this type of hiking—if you want to slackpack for more than 50% of each month, the price is $1,500 per person, per month , plus all the lodging and food costs while you’re in town.

How fit do I need to be?

This supported thru-hike will roughly take 5-6 months, during which time you’ll get stronger and fitter. However, you still need to be prepared for such a demanding experience of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Even if you’re doing a month or two, great fitness is still a must. No experience is universal—among many other things, your age, health, and current fitness level determine how ready you are for the hike. Going on this supported A.T. thru-hike has lots of benefits that will put less strain on your body and shorten your time on the trail. Apart from carrying a significantly lighter backpack, you’ll also meet your support vehicle to resupply and have frequent access to amenities. There’s no shortage of books, guides, and diaries about the AT, so it’s best to go through some of them and find out just how much preparation you will need—the internet is your friend here. Check out how to prepare for the thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail and don’t miss out on these 15 tips for a thru-hiking first timer !

Does age matter on the trail?

The camaraderie, trail magic, and the 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. The hiking community varies in age, occupation, experience and fitness levels. While there are hikers in their 20s and 30s, there are even more hikers in their 50s or even 60s. The only criteria you have to fit is to have a desire to be outdoors! Everybody over the age of 16 is welcome on this hiking adventure. If you’d like to make your experience even easier—meaning that you won’t be carrying a backpack every day and that you’ll have arranged lodging every night—a slackpacking option is available as well for an additional fee. Let us know prior to booking if you’re interested!

What do I need to bring?

There are many gear lists for thru-hiking the AT available online. However, there may be some items here that you consider unnecessary or some that didn’t make the list, but you’d still like to take them. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions or dilemmas regarding the equipment, we’re happy to help! Obligatory equipment Backpack large enough to carry all the items you need for the day, or a couple of days until you meet the support vehicle (55-65L bag) Rain cover for backpack Hiking poles Tent (should be under 3 lbs) Sleeping bag (try to stay under 2 lbs, keep in mind that temperatures can drop to 0°F during the night, Therm-a-Rest recommended) Sleeping pad (under 2 lbs, Therm-a-Rest recommended) Waterproof compression sack for the sleeping bag (Sea to Summit eVent recommended) Water filter (Katadyn Vario or Katadyn BeFree recommended) Hydration bladder (2L capacity) Camp stove (PocketRocket or Jetboil recommended) Cooking pot (titanium recommended) Fuel canister (5-7 oz propane / butane blend) Clothing Baselayer clothing, fleece layer, insulating jacket Waterproof rain jacket (and pants if you prefer it) Hiking (wicking) clothing Hiking socks and underwear Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Camp shoes (flip flops, Tevas, Crocs — something to walk around camp) Gaiters Gloves Bandana Sunhat or some sort of head cover Personal gear Physical guidebook (in case your phone fails you) Drawstring sack to place your food in (needs to have some sort of tie at the top so it can be hung by a rope) Compression sack for your clothes Ziploc bags (quart & gallon) for food and valuables Camp food (resupplies every couple of days) Headlamp Ear plugs Lighter Cooking gear (utensils, spices, cup, small knife) Sunglasses Camera — optional but recommended Charger, cable, and a power bank Pepper spray — optional Toiletries and first aid supplies Sunscreen and SPF lip balm Personal medication Toilet paper Wet wipes First aid kit (ibuprofen, bandaids, blister prevention…) Biodegradable soap and deodorant Toothbrush and toothpaste Hair ties, comb Bug spray

Group sizes, pricing, and is it guaranteed to run

Group size The maximum group size for this supported AT thru-hike is 10. It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate. Pricing & guarantee to run for… The month-by-month supported thru hike (choice to hike a month, two, or however many you wish) A 30% deposit is required upon booking. The rest of the balance is due 90 days prior to departure. There are no refunds after January 1, 2025, so as to make sure hikers are absolutely certain about doing the thru hike. The supported thru-hike (lasting 5 to 6 months, price remains the same) A 30% deposit is required upon booking. The rest of the balance is due 90 days prior to departure. There are no refunds after January 1, 2025, so as to make sure hikers are absolutely certain about doing the thru hike. Since this is a big 5 to 6-month undertaking, we will collect entries for the trip for up to 20 people. First 10 people that confirm their booking by paying a $5,000 deposit will get to go, and the other 10 will join a waitlist in case anyone has to cancel their participation. Pre-trip, 10-day orientation package A 30% deposit is required upon booking. The rest of the balance is due 90 days prior to departure. There are no refunds after January 1, 2025.

Getting there and meeting location

You’re doing a northbound thru-hike of the A.T., meaning that your adventure starts in Georgia. As you have a 10-day orientation prior to getting on the trail (included in the price of the tour if you’re doing the full thru-hike or the month-by-month thru-hike), most people fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) . You will be picked up at the airport around 1pm on Day 1 of the orientation. A.T. ends in Baxter State Park, Maine. You will be picked up and transferred to Millinocket or the nearest bus station. Shuttle to the nearest airport is also available, but at an additional fee.

Safety measures and insurance

Medical and travel protection is mandatory . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Deposit and cancellation policy

The month-by-month supported thru hike (choice to hike a month, two, or however many you wish) A 30% deposit is required upon booking. The rest of the balance is due 90 days prior to departure. There are no refunds after January 1, 2025, so as to make sure hikers are absolutely certain about doing the thru hike. The supported thru-hike (lasting 5 to 6 months, price remains the same) A 30% deposit is required upon booking. The rest of the balance is due 90 days prior to departure. There are no refunds after January 1, 2025, so as to make sure hikers are absolutely certain about doing the thru hike. Since this is a big 5 to 6-month undertaking, we will collect entries for the trip for up to 20 people. First 10 people that confirm their booking by paying a $5,000 deposit will get to go, and the other 10 will join a waitlist in case anyone has to cancel their participation. Pre-trip, 10-day orientation package A 30% deposit is required upon booking. The rest of the balance is due 90 days prior to departure. There are no refunds after January 1, 2025. We understand that the length and cost of this trip might make paying in just two installments challenging. If you’d like to explore the option of dividing the total into three payments, please reach out to us before booking to discuss details and available options.

Thru-Hike the Historical Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is the original long-distance challenge for American wanderlust. Part of the Triple Crown of Hiking, it is the shortest, oldest and most famous of the three, boasting unforgettable scenery and an amazing hiking culture.

Over 5,000 backpackers attempt to thru-hike the A.T. each year, traversing the nearly 2,200 miles that link Georgia to Maine. Only about a quarter succeed, but no matter the distance traveled, it makes for one hell of an adventure! You’ll scramble across van-sized boulders, climb steep ridges boasting stellar views, or trudge below impenetrable foliage. And every night, you’ll pitch your tent under the stars.

Clingman's Dome highest point on the A.T.

A hundred years of history & adventure

The idea for the Appalachian Trail was conceived by forester and conservationist, Benton MacKaye, in 1921. By 1937, the original footpath was completed and hailed as “A Great Trail from Maine to Georgia!” In the 100 years since, the accolades and hikers have been streaming in.

This spectacular journey presents some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Appalachia, tours Civil War monuments, and explores remnants of Appalachian mountain culture, with much more enchantment to be found along the way. The trail magic is real on the A.T. — the camaraderie between hikers and local communities is one of a kind. Its iconic status has inspired the creation of long-distance trails around the world.

IMMERSIVE SCENERY
2,193 MILES LONG
CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
CROSSES 14 STATES
100 YEARS OF HISTORY

The sunset on the Appalachian Trail will always feel mesmerizing.

Over 5 million steps

THE PINNACLE OF AMERICAN HIKING

If you are still not sure why the trail gains so much attention, consider the numbers: the 2,193 miles long trail traverses an impressive 14 states, 8 national forests, 6 national parks, and takes an average of 6 months to hike.

Because of its elevation, the trail is sometimes called the “long green tunnel.” It rarely tops the tree line and as a result the fantastic views are fewer and farther between, which you could say enhances your appreciation of them. Still, due to its constant elevation change, once you reach the end, you will have climbed the equivalent of 16 Mt. Everests.

Supported thru-hiking

MAXIMIZE YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS

Only 1 in 4 of aspiring thru-hikers makes it through. Having a support system, though, changes things. A lot. Your backpack is significantly lighter, you never have to worry about resupplies, and you don’t waste any time or money hitching rides into town.

This is all made possible with a trusted team and a support vehicle meeting you every 1-3 days. And by doing longer mile days, you get to reach the iconic Mt. Katahdin faster. But there’s no rush.
The journey itself is the destination.

Whether you decide to do the full supported thru-hike or just month-long supported sections, we’ve got you covered.

Landscapes for every taste

Following the pathway across mountains, valleys, and forests, you’ll explore all the crowd favorites, like the famous McAfee Knob in Virginia or Unicoi Gap in Georgia.

Along the way you’ll enjoy spectacular sunsets that turn mountains into violet and indigo hues, observe the spring awakening as you hike along the colorful meadows, and witness the majesty of the Appalachian Mountains.

Amicalola Falls State Park, GEORGIA

Nestled in North Georgia’s mossy, waterfall-filled Chattahoochee National Forest, the vibrant green Amicalola is the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail.

Amicalola Falls is the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail, located in Georgia.

Clingman’s Dome, TENNESSEE

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On clear days, the view expands over a 100 miles!

Clingman’s Dome provides views that extend to almost 100 miles on clear days!

FONTANA DAM, NORTH CAROLINA

The trail crosses the Fontana Dam — the tallest dam in the Eastern US! Enjoy breathtaking views of the deep gorge, Fontana Lake, and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains.

The Appalachian Trail crosses the tallest dam on the East Coast - the Fontana Dam, that offers amazing views.

McAfee Knob, VIRGINIA

Located at 3,197ft, the Knowb offers jaw-dropping 270-degree vistas of the surrounding valley and mountains. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most photographed spots on the AT!

McAfee Knob provides jaw-dropping 270-degree vistas of the surrounding valley and mountains.

Harpers Ferry, WEST VIRGINIA

Almost heaven! Climb the steep slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and visit the industrial and political hub of the early United States that has been protected since 1963 as a national park.

Harpers Ferry is like a time-machine to the early days of the United States.

First Washington Monument, MARYLAND

The first completed monument in the U.S. dedicated to George Washington stands 34 feet tall today, but it was only about 15 feet tall when it was completed on July 4, 1827.

The First Washington Monument is 34 feet tall today.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania proves that this trail really does have a whole community with its own traditions. A traditional challenge for thru-hikers reaching Pine Grove Furnace is to down an entire half-gallon brick of Hershey’s ice cream in one sitting!

Pine Grove Furnace State Park impresses with its vistas.

High Point Monument, NEW JERSEY

Make time for this 220-foot tribute to war veterans and take in the extraordinary vistas of the Pocono and Catskill Mountains from the top. If you find the time, make sure to visit the Stairway to Heaven trail!

High Point Monument is located on a 220-foot hill that serves as a tribute to the war veterans.

Harriman State Park, NEW YORK

Harriman State Park is a mountainous oasis featuring 32 lakes and waterfalls such as the magnificent Cascade of Slid.

GREAT FALLS, CONNECTICUT

This beautiful 50-foot waterfall is located within Falls Village, which used to be the site of a large ironworks. The trail runs right through town that will make you feel like you’ve been transported back to the mid-1800’s.

The beautiful Great Falls in Connecticut are 50-foot tall.

Mt. Greylock Summit Historic District, Massachusetts

Mount Greylock is located on the highest mountain in Massachusetts at 3,492 ft. The spectacular views from the summit have been an attraction for visitors since the 19th century. On a clear day, you can see dramatic views up to 90 miles away!

The summit of Mt. Greylock provides spectacular views at 3,492 feet.

Stratton Pond, VERMONT

Stratton Pond is the largest body of water on the Long Trail, and the most visited location on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. The magnificent 3,936-foot Stratton Mountain can be seen across the water.

Stratton Pond is the most visited location on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont, and for a good reason!

Lonesome Lake, NEW HAMPSHIRE

One of the most beautiful parts of the A.T. in New Hampshire is the Franconia Notch State Park and its Lonesome Lake. This astonishing 12-acre lake will fill you with awe.

Lonesome Lake is one of the most beautiful parts of the Appalachian Trail.

Mt. Katahdin, MAINE

Located 2,193 miles from the starting point in Georgia, Mt. Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The final climb presents an exhausting challenge, but the feeling of pride makes it all worth it!

Mt. Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, is the end point of the Appalachian Trail.

A spectacular adventure awaits

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is an adventure of a lifetime!

WATCH THE WHOLE STORY IN OUR WEBINAR

Set your foot on the iconic Appalachian Trail

Enjoying the sunset with an epic viewpoint will be one of your favorite resting activities on the Appalachian Trail.

Month-by-Month Supported Thru-Hike of the A.T.

Thru-hiking the A.T. (or sections of it) has been at the back of your mind for a while now? 2025 might just be your year! Maybe this itinerary is what you’ve been looking for if you’re not yet ready to commit to thru-hiking the A.T. the whole way through. You’re the one that chooses how many months you’d like to spend on the trail, and a fantastic support system makes things a lot easier. Your backpack is lighter, you never worry about resupplies, and you don’t waste any time or money hitching rides into town. Intrigued? We know. Keep on reading and see if it’s your perfect fit.

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Sometimes, you just have to take off your backpack and admire what you’ve been through on the Appalachian Trail.

Supported Thru-Hike of the Whole A.T.

The Appalachian Trail needs no introduction. Thru-hiking its 2,190 miles is on top of many bucket lists, but actually embarking on this journey is something only the bravest do—and only a portion of thru-hikers finish it. But with this supported thru-hike, your chances of succeeding significantly increase. You’ll have your support vehicle—a motorhome where you store all your extra food, gear, clothing—meeting you every 1-3 days, and this will also serve as a security check. Once a week on average, you’ll be transferred into town, where you can resupply and do laundry. Make your thru-hike as carefree as possible!

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A hiker admiring one of the many views of the Appalachian Trail.

10-Day Pre-Trip Orientation Package

The 10-day pre-trip orientation is a fantastic way to prepare for your thru-hike. An experienced thru-hiker will give you insight into how to do resupplies, shuttles, hitchhiking, hostels, and all the ins-and-outs of the logistics and planning. You will also gain experience using gear and equipment out on the trail. Hikers who choose to do the thru-hike, be it the whole way through or just a month-long section, have this 10-day orientation already included in the price. If you’d just like to do the 10-day orientation and then continue on your own, this is the perfect itinerary for you!

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Become a part of the community

Many set their mind and body to achieve this challenge, so don’t be surprised if you see lots of other thru-hikers and section-hikers along the way. Your fellow hikers might be one of the best aspects of hiking the Appalachian Trail. From the moment you set foot on the trail, you become a part of a “community in the wilderness,” sharing the experience with everyone you meet along the way.

This is a fantastic adventure for solo travelers! Indeed, a great majority of thru-hikers hike (or at least start hiking) alone.

The support vehicle also serves as security—each hiker needs to check in every time they reach the vehicle or a crew member will hike back until they find them.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
STRONG COMMUNITY
EPIC FOOTPATHS
UNIQUE GEOLOGY
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
SOLO TRAVELERS

The signpost on the northern part of the Appalachian Trail.

Your guide

Michelle Michaud is the founder and primary guide at Wandering Boots who has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since 1998. She completed the trail in sections from ’98 to ’08 and then did 2 thru-hikes 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 excellent hands.