How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail?

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.



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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.

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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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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.

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Shelter life Not only are they the best places to stay dry, but they reduce hikers' impact on the Trail environment. A typical shelter, sometimes called a “lean-to,” has an overhanging roof, a wooden floor and three walls. Most (but not all) are near a creek or spring, and many have a privy nearby.

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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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6 Mistakes to Avoid on the Appalachian Trail from a Backpacking Guide
  • Being a Litterbug. Trash along the AT in New York before being packed out by a 2023 thru-hiker. ...
  • Storing Food Improperly. ...
  • Not Respecting Wildlife. ...
  • Feeling Entitled Just Because You Walked There. ...
  • Pushing Past Your Limits. ...
  • Not Stopping to Smell the Roses.


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