The Kinsman Range and the terrains of Mount Washington and Mount Moosilauke create a network of arduous and dramatic passes that inclement weather can make less navigable. However, the views are as rewarding as they are difficult to get to. This section is an easy trail that is highly recommended for beginners or hikers who just want a leisurely time ambling through nature. The wildlife you will encounter is plenty and diverse, and there are shops nearby. The Trail also presents fewer climbs.
This is the most popular direction for a thru hike. When to hike: June or at the beginning of July. Anytime before June is not recommended. Flip Flop hikers complete the full trail, but they do it in a nonlinear fashion, completing a section and then getting transported to the start of another section moving up and down the Trail in any number of ways until they have been through all the sections.
Though there are any number of possibilities to divide up the Trail some popular flip flop routes have developed over the years.
Flip flop hiking is less common, but it helps you avoid crowds on the Trail since many people will start within a fairly short time frame at one of the traditional terminuses. When to hike: middle of April to early May if you want to avoid crowds and hike in favorable weather.
When to hike: beginning of April. This is recommended for those who want to get started early and have plenty of time on their hands to finish the thru-hike. It is an easier start to your thru hike. When to hike: middle to late April, starting at Springer Mountain to avoid the snow or severely cold weather. When to hike: late April from Pawling or Bear Mountain before it gets hot and while water sources are still abundant.
Appalachian Trail hikers are guided by trail markers that help them stay on track throughout their journey. These markings, called blazes, are distributed at fairly regular intervals from one another. If a hiker fails to see any blazes or other trail markings for more than a quarter of a mile, they are advised to retrace their path until they can see a trail marker again.
Blazes are vertical rectangles two to six inches in length. Blazes marking the main Trail are painted in white on tree bark, rock surfaces, and signposts to guide hikers along the Appalachian Trail. In most cases, these side trails lead to a water source, an awesome bit of scenery, a shelter or campsite. Sometimes, they can also signify an alternate route where you can rejoin the main Trail some miles up or down the path.
In these areas rock cairns sometimes signal hikers where the path leads and help them to avoid getting lost. Parts of the Trail pass through towns and residential areas. This can make it easy for you to continually resupply along the way. However, there are a few remote sections, such as the mile wilderness in Maine, where you will have to carry extra supplies. In these areas consider having a friend or family member send you a pre-prepared re-supply package to the local post office.
This is referred to as a mail drop. Some businesses, particularly outfitters along the Trail, will also accept re-supply packages, but you should call ahead to ask. Although there are shelters scattered throughout the Trail, you should still have a tent for when you need to camp out or when the shelters are full. Bring a map or compass. The Trail is marked, but you never know when an emergency may warrant the need for accurate direction. Or if you prefer a more modern approach there are also apps such as Guthook Guides that can provide trail maps, stats and updated information on water sources and shelter details.
Make use of bear containers to keep your food safe. Some states will allow you to hang a bear bag instead. Check the regulations in each state you are passing through. If you encounter a black bear, keep calm, and speak in a loud, monotone voice to encourage the animal to move on.
Act calm and walk away, or let it pass. There are some venomous snakes who make the Trail their home. In general acquainting yourself with the types of wildlife you may encounter and how to recognize them is helpful before setting out. The Trail is not just long but also, in critical parts, difficult. It pays to travel light. The Trail does vary some in climate so you may want to send extra clothing home in hotter areas, or have warm gear in specific re-supply boxes that you can pick up as you go.
The weather is one of the most challenging factors even for seasoned hikers. Plan your journey beforehand, and preferably, trek during months when the weather is good. When you can, check the forecast before leaving shelter each morning so you know what to expect from the day. Always test your gear before you head out. For safety you will want to make sure everything works and you know how to use it.
There are a lot of ascents and descents. The Appalachian Trail was designed to bring people to the mountains, so when there is a choice between going around or going up, the path always goes up.
Some sites also require permits. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires hikers to present a permit and pay a small fee for overnight use.
Shenandoah National Park also asks for a permit, but no fee is required. Baxter State Park requires a free permit if you are a long-distance hiker. Some overnight sites ask for a fee in exchange for use.
For more information about trail regulations, visit this link. For camping and fire building regulations, see this. Knowing what to pack and how to pack correctly all ensure that your travel load is as lightweight as possible during your trip. Items you use on your break e. Meanwhile, things that you will be using only at camp should be located in the middle or at the bottom of your pack. Keep your lighter gear at the bottom and top internal cavities; the heavy ones, in the middle of the pack.
By properly distributing the weight of your pack, you prevent it from straining your shoulders and hurting your back. Remember that you will be carrying your backpack throughout your journey.
When purchasing make sure you get the right fit and learn how to adjust the straps properly for the correct placement. Always carry your pack on both shoulders and use the chest and hip straps to help distribute weight.
Base weight is everything you have in your pack at all times, essentially your gear. Water and food will bring your pack weight up and down as you consume and re-supply. There are some hikers who define themselves as Ultra Light who do everything they can to trim down their load, from cutting off excess fabric on their backpack to trimming down their toothbrush handle.
Anyone can hike the Appalachian Trail regardless of prior experience in hiking. It can be tough for first-time hikers who have to learn trail knowledge in theory. You should do proper research and, if possible, training prior to your thru hike to help ensure your own safety and the safety of others on the Trail. There are many different ways to train physically for an AT thru-hike. Some hikers practice hiking smaller trails first to improve their stamina. However, you can also engage in other training methods:.
You may want to do some mental training as well. On the Trail you might be on your own for fair stretches of time. Meditation is a very good option for some. It has you practicing your breathing and taking control of your internal world.
As well as developing calm you will also need to be confident in your ability to problem solve. Practice how to be self-reliant when using your gear, know all the SOPs when encountering wild animals, and what to do in an emergency. Walking from sunup to sundown is no easy feat and physically requires you to consume many calories to replenish your energy for each day.
A typical AT hiker consumes anywhere between 2, and 4, calories on a daily basis. On the Trail, you are advised to eat as much and as often as you can to keep up with your daily walking ritual. Hiker hunger is both the continual day-dreaming about, and urge to eat food all day long, and the ability to actually eat massive amounts - much more than would ordinarily satisfy you.
Many hikers keep snacks that they can munch on in the pockets of their backpack to eat between meals. AT maps and guidebooks readily list the location of common water sources.
Some hiking apps also have information on water sources - since apps like Guthook Guides can be updated by current hikers you may get more recent information than in a guide book, which will help you know what sources are flowing and which have gone dry. You should also check for updates from the ATC who sometimes give information on particularly notable trail conditions on their site or via their social media.
The locations of shelters are usually close to springs, streams, lakes, and rivers—all of which are naturally abundant along the Appalachian Trail. When possible it is better to choose a flowing water source rather than a stagnant one. Choose springs, streams, and rivers over lakes and ponds when possible.
Always treat and purify the water before you consume it. You spend this on gear expenses, trail outlays, accommodations sometimes , and the necessary conveniences you get from some towns you pass through. Mostly you will spend it on food. Setting some spending categories will help you wisely budget your money and enjoy the experience. Buying brand-new gear or upgrading your existing equipment entails spending a fair amount. Since a lot of hiking gear is long lasting equipment it is often possible to find secondhand gear as a less expensive option.
There are also hiker boxes along the way. Some shelters, outfitters, or hostels have a box where hikers can leave behind equipment that they have found they no longer need, sometimes including partially used fuel canisters.
Most gear expenses will be paid for before beginning your hike. Month to month- if you packed correctly - you should be spending relatively little on gear. These will be your most common expenses. They include your food and beverages, batteries, fuel, toiletries, permits, parking fees, etc.
This is money spent on hostels and inns, restaurants, restaurant meals, laundry services, transportation etc. Check out this budgeting tool for an Appalachian thru-hike. You may encounter black bears on the Appalachian Trail. They are not commonly seen, and they rarely confront people.
Use bear boxes when available and bear canisters or bear bags when they are not. Practicing proper care with your food storage along the Trail will help keep both you and the bears safe. If you come across one while you are walking on the Trail remember to stay calm. Most bears and other creatures will hear or smell you and move off well before you arrive.
If you are hiking alone or are nervous about wildlife you may want to consider making an occasional deliberate noise. Talk or sing to yourself or carry a bell. Other large mammals on the Trail include deer, elk, and moose.
While it is absolutely incredible to see any of these creatures in person you should be cautious when confronted with any animals.
Just because the teeth and claws are not as sharp does not make an animal less dangerous when provoked. Many hikers report sightings of timber rattlesnakes and copperheads along the Trail, especially in the New Jersey and New York. Aside from these, bobcats, chipmunks, river otters, beavers, squirrels, woodchucks, foxes, boars, racoons, porcupines and coyotes all call the Appalachian Trail home.
Popular bird species along the AT include the ruffed grouse, raven, mourning dove, eagle, wild turkey, wood ducks, warbles, hawks, and owls. You should have a healthy respect for all the wildlife you come across. Remember that while you are on the Trail you are passing through their homes.
By being cautious you are protecting both yourself and the animals. The Appalachian Mountains are home to expansive forests with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. There are miles of woodland dotted with sprawling acres of fir and spruce, sugar maple, buckeye, beech, birch, red oak, and white oak in the North.
Southward, you will find vast forests of poplar, hickory, walnut, and sycamore. The western slopes of the Smokies have hemlocks, and chestnut oaks. On the Trail you will find a great variety of plant life including ferns, tulips, wildflowers, and berries. The Trail is also home to a huge variety of interesting fungi. The Appalachian Trail is renowned for its distance. However, to those who are unfamiliar with the challenges and athleticism involved in backpacking, the Trail can be misunderstood as just a really long walk.
Outsiders believe that the length constitutes the bulk of the difficulty and that there is not much danger. But that is not the whole truth. Certain sections of the Trail present risky obstacles that even the most seasoned hikers find difficult.
You need to be careful of dehydration and practice proper health and sanitation to avoid health problems while on the Trail. While most people you encounter on the Trail are friendly, you should practice basic safety precautions.
It is important to be aware of what you might face on the Trail for your safety and for the safety of others. Hiking and Covid As a result of widespread vaccinations and A. They do recommend continuing to social distance and carrying a mask to wear when social distancing is not a viable option. They also suggest avoiding large groups of people, not sharing food, washing your hands frequently and using personal shelters over A. Many shelters and visitor centers have reopened, but not all of them.
Please continue to stay safe and be aware of the ongoing presence of COVID when returning to the trail! As with any activity a person undertakes there are some health risks associated with hiking the Trail. You will be passing through areas that have high populations of ticks, mosquitoes, and black flies. It helps to have bug repellant and in your first aid kit consider having some kind of bite treatment.
Of these annoyances, ticks are the biggest worry. Ticks are present in all 14 states of the Appalachian Trail. Ticks thrive in areas with an elevation below 2, to 2, feet. They are especially common in the months of May through July and in the states of Virginia and Vermont.
Ticks live close to their host populations, which include mammals like rodents, and deer and sometimes even birds. It is unlikely you will contract rabies, but since you will be closer to wildlife than usual know that foxes, bats, raccoons, and other small animals can be carriers of rabies, a viral disease that results in inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. Seek medical help immediately.
To protect against rabies keep a healthy distance from wildlife - which you should attempt to do anyway - and in particular do not approach animals who are acting outside of the normal behavior patterns for that species. For example do not approach nocturnal creatures who are out during the day. HPS is a rare respiratory disease caused by a virus present in the urine, droppings, or saliva or rodents that are infected.
The disease can be fatal if left untreated. If the disease is untreated after 4 to 10 days, the symptoms can include the following:. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus can be transmitted by contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or by consuming contaminated food or water sources. If you are sensible and cautious you should be able to easily avoid most of the health hazards the Trail has to offer.
Should you become sick seek medical attention at the nearest town. Looking rugged and getting dirty are part of the AT experience. That, however, does not excuse anyone from being unsanitary.
Everyone is expected to observe proper waste-handling practices to maintain the cleanliness of the Trail. The shelters distributed along the length of the AT have their own privies. If you need to go before you reach any of the shelters, the SOP is to dig a six-to-eight-inch-deep cathole where you can dispose of and bury your waste.
These catholes must be feet, or about 80 paces, away from the Trail, shelter, or any water source. Most hikers will only have the opportunity to shower when they pass through towns and stay in inns or hostels. If you feel like refreshing in the backcountry, you can use wipes or sponges.
Wash yourself at least feet away from any water source to avoid contaminating drinking water. New shoes or hiking boots can cause blisters that, if not handled properly, can become infected. Hot Springs is as cozy as it sounds. Rich in local history and teeming with natural charm, this beautiful town along the AT tempts some hikers to spend a day or two to explore its music, nature, and great food. Damascus hosts a celebration called Trail Days each year.
This quaint little town in Virginia has that small-town feel to it that many hikers from big cities love. Monson is a lakeside town with a great, friendly vibe. Lots of hikers love to spend a day at this lovely New Hampshire town. This New England hub just makes it hard to turn down a zero day. It must be the surrounding nature or the plentiful activities you can enjoy on a nice day in this majestic Kentucky town. Check out great food at Blue Raven.
Be careful when stopping at Walhalla as you may decide to postpone your hike. This lovely South Carolina town is blessed with the most amazing natural sites and waterscapes. If that does not charm you into staying, then the steak at the local Steak House will.
Hit the Esso Club for a fun time. Bramwell is just one of those places that will make you yearn for small town America.
Situated beneath Pinnacle Rock State forest, this all-American town maintains its grace and charisma. Stratton is a ski town, perfect for days spent learning a new sport or taking a side hike to the summit.
Visit the popular swimming hole at Pike Falls, and perhaps embark on a paddling adventure at the Batten Kill River. Going to start on tril on the 4th of Sept, starting at standing Indian.
In North Carolina. Me and the little woman. Heading south. Have been doing some hiking, day trips, looking forward to this if anyone is taking this way. Look us up I guess. Looking for all the information can get about, the trail. The map suggests a 4. Thanks for the information. Catawba Shelter on our section usually has water in pools downhill on blue blazed trail.
The piped spring near the AT is dry, but the stream remembered below the shelter. I am president of RATC and help patrol this section. Awesome map, thanks! And along that line, listed those shelters that have tent space around them would be helpful too!
Question… How do I download part or all of your map for offline use. Sorry for the noob question. I have the same question. Where did it go??? Great map! I place markers where they are staying and then share a screen shot with family.
I inadvertently placed a marker in the wrong place. How do I undo that?? This is my first usage of your map, and I have apparently found some serious errors, when compared to the ATC map. Incidentally, I recently hiked the section I referenced, and visited the shelter, all while using GPS coordinates from ATC, and found their data to be accurate. This a great resource and very much appreciate the work that went into creating it. I parked there this past weekend and discovered there is no discernible place to park I squeezed in on the side of the road , no visible path to the AT, and no easy way to cross Dismal Creak.
My friends an I bushwhacked our way to the creek, searched up and down and managed to find a spot to rock hop across, but when we came back the next day the water was higher and we had to wade across about knee deep. I think a better sport would be to park. There is clearly a few parking spots there and a thru hiker on AT told me there is a connecting trail and a log that goes across the creek there. N AT mile. Got anything like this? This is an awesome resource! How do I get this map.
My wife and I are looking at doing a thru hike and would love this map. It sounds very informative and would be helpful.
You certainly put an enormous amount of time and effort into it. I started my through hike last year with stage 4 head neck and throat cancer. Big Wilson Creek. Stone Mt. Pine Mt. Old Orchard Shelter pic. VA , Fox Creek. Hurricane Mt. Hurricane Campground Trail. Trimpi Shelter pic. VA Partnership Shelter pic. Locust Mt. Glade Mt.
Chatfield Shelter pic. I Crossing. Big Walker Mt. Knot Maul Branch Shelter pic. Lynn Camp Mt. Chestnut Knob Shelter pic. VA , Garden Mt. Davis Farm Campsite. Jenkins Shelter pic. VA , Laurel Creek. VA , Kimberling Creek. Helveys Mill Shelter pic. Brushy Mt. Jenny Knob Shelter pic. Kimberling Creek Suspension Bridge.
Wapiti Shelter pic. Sugar Run Gap, VA Pearis Mt. Angels Rest. US , New River. Rice Field Shelter pic. Symms Gap Meadow. Groundhog Trail. Pine Swamp Branch Shelter pic. VA , Stony Creek Valley. VA , Stony Creek.
Bailey Gap Shelter pic. Wind Rock. War Spur Shelter pic. Rocky Gap, VA Laurel Creek Shelter pic. VA , Stinking Creek. Sarver Hollow Shelter pic. Niday Shelter pic. VA , Craig Creek Valley. VA , Trout Creek. Pickle Branch Shelter pic. Cove Mt, Dragons Tooth. VA , Catawba, VA.
Johns Spring Shelter pic. Catawba Mt. Campbell Shelter pic. Tinker Cliffs. Lamberts Meadow Shelter pic. Angels Gap. Hay Rock , Tinker Ridge. Fullhardt Knob Shelter pic. Wilson Creek. Wilson Creek Shelter pic. Blackhorse Gap, BRP. Taylors Mt. Overlook, BRP. Montvale Overlook, BRP. Cove Mt. Fork Mt. Bryant Ridge Shelter pic. Cornelius Creek Shelter pic. Apple Orchard Falls Trail.
Apple Orchard Mt. The Guillotine. Thunder Hill Shelter pic. Marble Spring. Matts Creek Shelter pic. Rocky Row Run. Johns Hollow Shelter pic. Rocky Row Trail. Big Rocky Row. Saltlog Gap. Punchbowl Shelter pic. Pedlar Lake Rd. Brown Mt. Creek Shelter pic. Cow Camp Gap Shelter pic. Tar Jacket Ridge. Seeley-Woodworth Shelter pic. Main Top Mt. VA , Crabtree Falls Trail. The Priest Shelter pic. Tye River , VA Harpers Creek Shelter pic.
Maupin Field Shelter pic. Reeds Gap , VA Cedar Cliffs. Humpback Rocks side trail. Glass Hollow Overlook. Humpback Visitors Center trail. Paul C. Wolfe Shelter pic. Rockfish Gap , I Skyline Drive SD. Bear Den Mt. Calf Mt. Turk Gap, SD. Skyline Drive mp Blackrock Hut pic. Browns Gap, SD. Doyles River Overlook, SD.
Frazier Discovery Trail. Ivy Creek Overlook, SD. Pinefield Hut pic. Little Roundtop Mt. Hightop Hut pic. Bearfence Mt. Hut pic. Big Meadows Wayside. Rock Spring Hut pic. Stony Man Summit Trail. Jewell Hollow Overlook, SD. Byrds Nest 3 Hut pic. Meadow Spring. Pass Mt. Rattlesnake Point Overlook, SD. Hogback Third Peak.
Hogback Second Peak. Hogback First Peak. Little Hogback Overlook, SD. Little Hogback Mt. Gravel Springs Hut pic. Gravel Springs Gap ,SD. South Marshall Mt. North Marshall Mt. Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter pic. Jim and Molly Denton Shelter pic. Manassas Gap Shelter pic. Sky Meadows State Park side trail. Rod Hollow Shelter pic. Sam Moore Shelter pic. David Lesser Memorial Shelter pic.
US , Shenandoah River Bridge. Ed Garvey Shelter pic. Crampton Gap Shelter pic. Bear Spring Cabin side trail. Rocky Run Shelter pic. Turners Gap , US Alt. Washington Monument. Pine Knob Shelter pic. Annapolis Rocks side trail. Pogo Memorial Campsite. Ensign Cowall Shelter pic. High Rock side trail. Deer Lick Shelters pic. Old Forge Park, Antietam Shelter pic. Tumbling Run Shelters pic. Rocky Mt. Shelters pic. Quarry Gap Shelters pic.
Birch Run Shelter pic. Toms Run Shelters pic. Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Midpoint Marker. Pole Steeple side trail. Alec Kennedy Shelter pic. Darlington Shelter pic.
Thelma Marks Shelter pic. Hawk Rock. Susquehanna River. Clarks Ferry Shelter pic. Peters Mt. Raush Gap Shelter pic. William Penn Shelter pic. Windsor Furnace Shelter pic. Pulpit Rock. Eckville Shelter pic. Tri-County Corner. Allentown Hiking Club Shelter. The Cliffs, Knife Edge. Bear Rocks. Bake Oven Knob. Bake Oven Knob Shelter pic. George W. Outerbridge Shelter pic. Lehigh Gap , PA , Slatington. Lehigh River Bridge, PA Little Gap , Danielsville.
Leroy A. Smith Shelter pic. Hahns Lookout. Kirkridge Shelter pic. Catfish Fire Tower. Rattlesnake Mt.
Brink Rd.
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