What is the success rate of the Appalachian Trail?

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy estimates there are over 3,000 attempts to traverse the entire trail each year, about 25% of which succeed.



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People always ask me: “Is it safe to hike the Appalachian Trail alone?” I respond that yes, it is, but it's important to know how to protect yourself. Hiking the trail with a partner can serve that purpose, but if you're alone, consider carrying something for protection. A gun isn't the best choice.

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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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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.

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1. Southern Maine. For hikers heading north, hitting Maine is a significant milestone, and they are rewarded with this section that's arguably the most challenging on the trail.

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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.

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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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Hikers are required to stay at designated campsites or shelter sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, the Triple Crown/McAfee Knob area of central Virginia, and many areas from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia northward.

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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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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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