How long does it take the average person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail?

What to Expect. Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T.



People Also Ask

In our experience, especially if you're new to thru-hiking, your body will only be up for so much initially. Thru-hikers generally start in a lower mileage range, hiking 8 to 10 miles per day, then increase their miles as their bodies allow, generally between 10 to 16 miles per day.

MORE DETAILS

How much does it cost to hike the Appalachian Trail? The average cost of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 for a 5- to 7-month hike; that amount includes gear, trail resupply, and town expenses. Expect to spend about $1,000 a month per person.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

In general, ATC discourages the carrying of firearms on the Trail for the reasons noted below. On federal lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), possession of a firearm must be in compliance with the law of the state in which the federal land is located.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This loop takes on the Mahoosuc Notch, known as the hardest mile on the entire 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail.

MORE DETAILS

Keep in mind that the trail changes over time, so mile markers will vary slightly year to year.
  1. Southern Maine. ...
  2. White Mountains, New Hampshire. ...
  3. The Roller Coaster, Virginia. ...
  4. Northern Pennsylvania. ...
  5. Mt. ...
  6. Southern Virginia.


MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

Showers. 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.

MORE DETAILS

Where do you use the bathroom on the Appalachian Trail? All of the campsites and shelter areas have “privies,” which are basically outhouses. Volunteers typically build and maintain the privies. Oftentimes there is information posted about how to best use the privy.

MORE DETAILS