Each itinerary was created to experience a different part of the AT or to traverse it in a different way. Due to that, some itineraries have different things included in the cost of the trip. Please make sure to check out each itinerary before picking the one most suitable to you. What you’ll generally get in most adventures is: A local Appalachian Trail hiking guide Campsites fees Hostel accommodation for one night Permits Transportation throughout the adventure Transfer back to your vehicle after the hike What’s not included: Meals Travel insurance Flights and flight taxes Sleeping bags, tents, and personal items Camping gear Hotel upgrades or extra days Shuttle back to the vehicle in the middle of a hike if the hiker is quitting

How fit do I need to be?

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 6 to 10 miles (9.7-16 km) per day for a total of 50 miles (80 km) each week. The terrain can be challenging—you can expect some scrambling even on the easiest trails. 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. If you are joining hikes starting from Damascus, VA, or Erwin, TN, be ready for a more challenging terrain and pace. You will hike for 10 miles per day on average for 7-8 days, depending on the speed of your group.

Does age matter on the trail?

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

What do I need to bring?

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 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 Water filter Camp stove and fuel — can be rented from the guide Trekking poles — can be rented from the guide Tent — can be rented from the guide Sleeping bag Food you can eat on the go and camp food Camera — optional (but recommended) Your exact gear list will be dependent on the itinerary you choose and will be provided after booking by your guide. For all week-long and custom hikes, you can rent any hiking or camping gear from your guide for an added fee of $200 per week.

Can I rent backpacking gear?

You can rent a gear package for $200 per week. This package includes the following: Backpack (55 -65L capacity) Rain cover for pack (covers a 60L pack when full) Tent (2 person recommended per tent) Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Waterproof compression sack for sleeping bag Water filter Camp stove Cooking pot Fuel canister Hiking poles

Why should I hike the Appalachian 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. 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.

What about group sizes?

Groups for week-long hikes usually consist of two people for southern sections and four people for northern sections. The maximum number of hikers is 5. All pricing is per person. A deposit of $200 per person is needed to secure your spot. Full amount should be paid one month prior to departure. You can arrange a private trip with a guide, if you’re traveling alone or with a larger party.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Dogs are allowed on the trail, but most hostels are not pet friendly. While some hostels may allow dogs inside, others will let you put up a tent on the premises and spend the night with your beloved pet outside.

Deposit and cancellation policy

Secure your spot for next year with a $200 non-refundable deposit. This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out! 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 any time in case the dates don’t suit you. Once the dates for 2024 are set, 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. Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies. In case you need to cancel the adventure, the following cancellation costs would be incurred: The deposit is non-refundable once the trip has been confirmed 70% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 59 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed 50% of the adventure price is refundable if canceled 31-58 days or more before departure, once the trip has been confirmed Full price of the adventure is transferrable to another Appalachian trail hike if canceled less than 30 days before departure All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure.

Getting there and meeting locations

Your exact meeting location and transportation to the trailhead will be dependent on the itinerary you choose and will be discussed after booking with your guide. 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. If there is a complete thru-hike scheduled, you must be able to join the group wherever they may be unless you wish to hike outside of the hiker season. If no thru-hike is scheduled, there will be week-long group hikes offered each month from different locations. Each month there will be several week-long hikes offered: one starting from Amicalola Falls State Park in NE Georgia to Neels Gap, and another one further north along the trail. Several hikes will begin at Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, and end at Pen Mar in Pennsylvania. The thru-hike usually begins around mid-March to the beginning of April at Amicalola Falls State Park near Atlanta, Georgia, and officially ends on top of Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine. Transportation from Baxter State Park to the bus station or Bangor International Airport will be included. Additional transportation back to Atlanta can be arranged for an additional cost.

Covid measures on the Appalachian Trail

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!

Hiking 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! Many more nature lovers unwrap the wonders of the Appalachia by tackling smaller sections—climbing mountains, exploring colorful valleys and waterfalls, and enjoying awe-inspiring views along the way.

There are numerous river crossings on the Appalachian Trail.

A group of hikers posing in front of the waterfalls in the Appalachian Trail.

The Appalachian Trail goes through eight national forests, which consists of 47% of the trail.

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.

The Appalachian Trail is marked clearly, so it’s very hard to get lost on the trail.

Over 5 million steps from the beginning to the end

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.

Just one of the many rocky paths on the Appalachian Trail.

A lovely layered sunset view of the Appalachian Trail forests.

EXPLORE THE WILDERNESS AND YOURSELF

The trail that links the peaks of the Appalachians is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, including 2,000 rare and endangered species.

As you pass through diverse topography and ecosystems you’ll encounter moose, deer, foxes, coyotes, bears, and a host of other animals. Remember, you are a guest in their home so tread lightly!

Whether thru-hiked or done in sections, the A.T. provides both a challenge and sense of freedom. Hikers break from the routine, connect with nature and meet other adventurers often leaving them eternally fascinated by the trail and a different pace of life. Although it is mentally and physically demanding, the rewards for reaching the end are infinite.

Don’t forget the rain gear for the Appalachian Trail!

Hikers resting on the rock with an amazing vista over the Appalachian Trail.

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

Discover the beauty of the Appalachian Trail with a guide

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

GET A TASTE OF THE A.T. WITH A WEEKLONG HIKE

The usual week-long hikes cover 6-10 miles per day, taking you through accessible terrain and crossing around 40 miles total. The more challenging hikes will cross about 10 miles per day. 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 AT and maybe even give you the motivation to do a longer hike.

View dates and prices

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

PREPARE FOR A THRU-HIKE

Preparation is the key to success! Intended for those who want to do the complete thru-hike, this 10-day preparation course, held at the beginning of the hiking season, will ease your body and soul into one of the most rewarding hiking experiences. Learn how to conquer the traverses and move along rocky ridgelines or over open summits while your guide helps you out with everything from booking accommodation along the way, planning out your itinerary, the bureaucracy and more. After ten days of preparation, set out on your own for the 6-month long journey of a lifetime!

View dates and prices

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

CUSTOM ADVENTURES ON THE A.T.

Custom backpack and slackpack section hikes let you experience the beauty and the challenges of backpacking as you learn all about geology, explore wildlife, and make life-long friendships!

The hikes offer a myriad of options and variations, from different locations, duration, directions, accommodations, and add-ons.

Send an inquiry

Become a part of the community

Many set their mind and body to achieve this challenge, so don’t be surprised if you see numerous other adventurers passing the same routes as you. 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 hiking experience accommodates from three to six travelers looking for an adventure.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
STRONG COMMUNITY
EPIC FOOTPATHS
UNIQUE GEOLOGY
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

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.

Your guide for the Appalachian Trail is Michelle Michaud, the primary guide at Wandering boots.

Your guide for the Appalachian Trail, Michelle, has amazing hiking and backpacking skills thanks to her experiences traveling around the US.

Michelle helped make it a great experience on the trail. She was flexible and adapted the trip to meet the needs and differing abilities of all hikers within our group. Highly recommend Michelle for those looking to learn more about backpacking and to experience the AT.

She was amazing! Literally will do everything she can to make your trip exciting and fun and safe! She is a joy to be around and I recommend her if you want to do any sort of AT backpacking or hiking. It was the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on. Lots of views and was able to just breathe from life a little. Definitely a must if you need a break!

Amazing guide and teacher! 10/10 recommend Michelle and would love to adventure with her again

Super knowledgeable, well prepared and encouraging! Michelle is A+++!

Michelle was an excellent guide, knowledgeable, fun and able to work with our group to meet the hiking speed at which we wanted to go. She made the adventure great.

Michelle is an awesome guide. She has been hiking the AT for 25 years and points out creatures and natural sites along the way. She also was flexible and change up the itinerary to better meet our capabilities.

A great hike on the the approach trail and the GA beginning of the AT – beautiful landscape, incredible plants and wildflowers, all along the trail. Michelle was energetic, knowledgeable and FUN. Very willing and able to adjust plans, and hiking speeds, when needed. So kind and helpful when we met other hikers on the trail. We always felt safe, knowing Michelle was in charge.

Fyrfly is knowledgeable, professional, and super hard working from arrival to departure. It’s obvious she’s doing what she loves. Michelle went above and beyond for me & my kids each day. Recommending this experience to everyone who will listen. And I’m also very thankful for the relationship formed with Michelle that is likely to last a long time – she’s a huge asset to 57hours.

The first 40 miles of the AT are picturesque, serene, and exactly the adventure I was looking for. Cant wait to hike more of it. After this week, I feel experienced enough to safely set out for section hikes on my own. Thanks so much!!

FANTASTIC!!! The AT is much more challenging than I expected which gave me extra satisfaction in completing mt first hike on it. It is stunningly beautiful. Michelle is extremely experienced and knowledgeable. She is fun to be with and easy-going. She is helpful and makes the experience achievable – even for a beginner like me. She is a logistics genius as well – everything went according to plan. She makes excellent suggestions to avoid any potential discomfort or setback. She is great physical hiker. Michelle can tell stories and facts about the trail which was wonderful. I would have not been successful on the AT without Michelle.

Outstanding!

As an outdoor enthusiast, attempting backpacking has been high on my bucket list. Michelle was a wonderful teacher/guide explaining backpacking necessities and how to navagate the trail. My husband and I had a wonderful experience/trip. We are confident that we could attempt a backpacking trip on our own (if we choose- the guide and group were quite fun to be with). Thank you Michelle and fellow backpackers. The Appalachian trail will not disappoint. Especially to break away from society for a little bit.

Extremely knowledgeable guide and knows the AT like the back of her hand!

Extremely aware of the capabilities of the group and balance this to ensure everyone had a great experience

Hard, but have a great sense of pride to complete this section

Michelle was very knowledgeable about the trail, wildlife and the environment, she would pass this information to us as we hiked along the trail. The view was brilliant, mountains were enormous!

MichelleMichaud is an extremely knowledgeable, honest and compassionate Appalachian Trail Guide. She openly shares her extensive hiking knowledge, in a way that everybody can understand. She gently encourages you how to be a successful and happy sectional or thru AT hiker. She keeps you updated on all of the trip details and while you are out on the trail. Her extensive experience and knowledge helped this 69 Y/O first time backpacker accomplished her dream. I highly recommend Michelle Michaud as you guide for all of your AT adventures. I definitely will be booking another AT adventure with her.
Michelle AKA Fyrfly is the genuine magical steward of the AT trail

One of the best backpacking adventures I have experienced. Outstanding guide.

Our guide, Michelle Michaud, was terrific! Her experience as an AT thru-hiker was the main reason we booked this trip with 57Hours. She was a wealth of knowledge and was great at calibrating how to interact with the range of abilities and experiences represented in our group. She was lots of fun, always encouraging and inspiring. She was able to make the trip fun for those who had no experience hiking as well as those who were very experienced hiking – truly a talent! I would definitely take another trip with Michelle! She also knew the AT so well, she could be very flexible about how far to go each day, what shelters and campsites we should target as our endpoint each day, etc. Also, the info she provided before the trip, like the gear list, suggested food, etc. was extremely helpful! The first 40 miles of the AT were fabulous. We had great weather for hiking under the canopy each day, and the rain we had a couple of nights didn\’t slow us down.

Michelle is an awesome guide. She is friendly, witty and super knowledgeable about the AT. I\’m a longtime backpacker and still learned many things from her. She took care of the group and was very flexible about aspects of our trip. Looking forward to my next walk in the woods with her! Everything I thought the Green tunnel AT was going to be it was indeed. Not easy but not show-stopper either rather a must do. Michelle is the right person to get your feet wet in AT style. This is the real deal as far as backpacking goes. Lots of up and down in a fun and beautiful way.

Great time great people knowledgeable guide

Michelle was amazing. I wanted someone who I could learn from and who would teach me how to backpack the trail, without doing it for me. Michelle is passionate about the AT, and thoroughly loves what she does. She was was positive and relaxed on the trail. She cheered us on, congratulated us at the end of the day, and made fun conversation on rest and meal breaks. I am so grateful for my experience with Michelle. I am recommending Michelle to all of my friends and colleagues. Backpacking the AT with my guide was everything I had hoped it would be a more. It was beautiful, challenging, and quiet. I can\’t wait to go back!

Michelle was awesome and fantastic !! A great trail guide !! It was the best !!

Michelle is AWESOME!!!!! I can\’t possibly formulate the absolute correct words/ phrases to express my sincere appreciation for her knowledge, guidance and expertise. Michelle gave me the opportunity and the gift to fall in love with the AT. I now feel confident that I can hike the trail solo. Michelle is a treasure. I 100% recommend Michelle as a guide along the AT! -SABRA KIRKPATRICK

Literally LiFE CHANGING! Hiking the AT was the most exhilarating and challenging thing I have ever done. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for a reset. It is difficult at times but 100% worth upper back pain (directly related to the 40 pound back pack weight). I am already planning my next trip and I just got off the trail. DON\’T THINK TWICE! BOOK THIS ADVENTURE!

Michelle was an awesome and knowledgeable guide! Sooooooo much fun!

Where to start? Michele was the perfect guide for my (& Lu’s) backpacking adventure. She was incredibly knowledgeable, calm, encouraging, caring, tough, former firefighter, with OODLES OF PATIENCE – everything we needed for that week on the trail. She guided us through a week I will never forget. Thank you for being such a beautiful soul, Michele. See you on the trail sometime! Unforgettable.

Michelle M. made this whole experience possible. Her knowledge of the trail, backpacking, and the human experience took a challenging (for me) activity and made it a do-able reality. Her sense of humor, empathy, and intuitiveness is equaled by her generous work ethic. I highly recommend Michele as a guide no matter your age or experience level. Backpacking on the AT has been a longtime dream of mine, and I came to the realization that as I approach 67, it is now or never! Thanks to our guide Michelle, this dream became a reality, and I was not disappointed. Solitude, forest sounds, challenging trails, camp life, teamwork, the beauty of creation, and the ability to push my limits and see what I am truly capable of was priceless.

Michelle was an amazing and very knowledgeable guide. I was a newbie and was able to learn so much from her patience, encouragement and support along the way. Michelle knows the trail, she is an exceptional hiker, she’s very in tune with nature and genuinely concerned about her surroundings and her hikers. I was able to do a very challenging trail with a very good guide along the way. Wow, what can I say!?! It was a very beautiful, very challenging, awe inspiring experience. We went through some treacherous weather and fog but Michelle outdid herself by taking us back to the views and hikes we missed because of the weather. I would love to do it again when the forests of rhododendrons are in bloom!