Do you need a tent to hike the Appalachian Trail?

All overnight hikers should carry a tent or other lightweight portable shelter.



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Dispersed camping on the A.T. If dispersed camping is allowed, best practice is to find a site at least 200 feet of the Trail (ideally not visible from the Trail) and 200 feet from water. Dispersed camping is also generally discouraged within 1/4 mile of trailheads, shelters, and established recreation areas.

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The most popular choice of sleeping arrangements is simply just to choose a designated camp site from those listed in whichever guide is being used. Most shelters along the trail have designated camping areas around them.

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Showers are rarely available right on the ?A.T. Hikers usually shower while at hostels or hotels in towns; less common are campgrounds with shower facilities. To bathe in the backcountry, carry water 200 feet from the water source in a container and rinse or wash yourself away from streams, springs and ponds.

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There are usually only two options on the Trail for when nature calls: using a privy or digging a cat hole in the woods.

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Despite how intimidating that may sound, beginners can scale the Appalachian Trail's numerous mountains and treat themselves to some of the most gorgeous views on earth.

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Top 10 Mishaps to Avoid When Hiking the Appalachian Trail
  • Bringing too much food. ...
  • Carrying too much water. ...
  • Carrying too many (or too few) clothes. ...
  • Not practicing with gear before starting. ...
  • Carrying a pack weighing 50 pounds or more. ...
  • Making someone's day turn to crap. ...
  • Sleeping with food in tents and shelters.


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Although the Park may have natural sources of clean, potable water, most springs and water sources along the trails are unprotected and susceptible to contamination by disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps.

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Most of the thru-hikers seemed to be in their 20s and, usually, had just finished university. The rest seemed to be retirees in their 50s and older. So it's a bit misleading when you look up the average age of people who try to thru-hike the A.T. and see the average age is about 36-years-old.

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According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, most hikers take between five and seven months to complete the AT end to end. According to our data, that translates to an average pace of 14 to 20 miles per day for most hikers.

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Katahdin, the mountain you climb on your first day, is arguably the hardest climb on the A.T. It features more than 4,000 feet of elevation gain, the greatest sustained ascent on the entire Appalachian Trail. It is a scramble. Expect to use your hands as you climb over steep boulders and ledges above treeline.

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