Is it better to go north or south on the Appalachian Trail?

A northbound hike, often referred to simply as NOBO, is easily the most popular choice for most A.T. thru-hikers. Northbound hikers start their adventure at the AT's Southern Terminus on Springer Mountain and hike north toward the Northern Terminus atop Mount Katahdin in one continuous trip.



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Damascus, Virginia certainly qualifies as one of the latter. This tiny locale in the southwestern portion of the state has gained the nickname of “Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail,” and you'll quickly discover why. The famous A.T. runs right through town, and the locals love it.

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The PCT has great views from day one. You're guaranteed a pretty panorama every day, and not just at viewpoints. Think about some of the PCT highlights. San Jacinto, Forester Pass, Kings Canyon, Crater Lake, and Goat Rocks, among others.

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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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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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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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The Easiest Sections on the Appalachian Trail
  • NOBO: Starts at mile 863 after Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro. ...
  • NOBO: Cross into Maryland from West Virginia at mile 1,024 at the Potomac River, hit the PA border at 1,065 at the Mason Dixon Line.


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To avoid crowds and winter conditions, the optimal time to start a northbound thru-hike is the window between April 15 and the first week of May.

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Enjoy every step along the way. Most experts recommend averaging at least 12 miles a day while thru-hiking. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you can't let yourself become overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Take each day one hike at a time.

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The Pacific Crest Trail Association estimates that 700 to 800 people attempt to thru-hike it each year, and about 15% to 35% (versus the AT's 25%) actually succeed.

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The PCT is the home of many types of animals and it also traverses bear habitat. In places, animals, including bears, have become adept at gaining access to improperly stored food.

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For most of the Pacific Crest Trail you will be in Black Bear country. The good (or maybe bad) news is, there aren't many. In all of the North Cascade Range, from southern British Columbia in Canada to Snoqualmie Pass (I-90) it is roughly estimated that there may be only 15 to 30 grizzly bears.

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The Appalachian Trail Conservancy encourages backpackers sleeping in tents to camp at designated campsites to minimize the impact on the natural habitat.

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