Hiking he Appalachian Trail

[Smurlene]

Has anyone here hiked the AT? I have been thinking about it for a very long time, but I just could not figure out the particulars of my journey. Now that I have lost some weight on the Beach and exercise regularly, I really think that making a two week trek on the AT my fitness goal is a good idea. I want to begin training now for my journey, which I think will take place in June 2008.

I am pretty much out of shape, but certainly do better than most people I know that are half my size. However, I think that 14 months is enough time for me to get into good enough shape to do okay on the AT.

I would love to talk with someone who has made such a journey or who plans to.

[Jeff H.]

Are you talking the entire length? We have hit day sections in Shenandoah National Park and some of the stuff they called moderate had us huffing and puffing. That is just with a day's supply of food and water. I wish you luck if you decide to try it, the logistics of setting it up must be a real chore. I wouldn't know the first place to start.

[Smurlene]

I plan on plotting a small section of the trail that would take about two weeks to cover. I plan on picking a somewhat easy section for my first attempt. I don't think I could ever walk the whole thing. Less than 20% of the people who attempt it, make it all the way.

[littleg]

DH and I hike sections of it frequently in NY and MA. We'd both love to hike longer sections but it is tough to take the time off from work. Have you read Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods? I think that is a must read for anyone who'd like to hike the trail. I'm sure there are also tons of "real" books out there to help you plan it. Do you have specific questions? What state's section would you be thinking of hiking?

[Smurlene]

littleleg--I am planning on hiking through WV. I have order Bryson's book and have started collected other info on the trail. I am one of these read every single thing possible, then go type of persons.

Did you camp out?

Did you find the trail physically challenging?

Did you feel safe on the trail?

[maltby_gardner]

Wow, that sounds like fun. Out here, we have the Pacific Crest trail. I would love to do a multi-day hike over part of that. We also have the Wonderland Trail, which goes around the base of Mt. Rainier. I'm afraid of bears, though, since the wildlife folks thoughtfully reintroduced the grizzly bear to Washington and they're doing really well.

[kariatari]

DH and I hike sections of it frequently in NY and MA. We'd both love to hike longer sections but it is tough to take the time off from work. Have you read Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods? I think that is a must read for anyone who'd like to hike the trail. I'm sure there are also tons of "real" books out there to help you plan it. Do you have specific questions? What state's section would you be thinking of hiking?

I was just going to recommend that book by the fellow Iowan! Definitely start out reading it - he also has an appendix w/ all kinds of other book recommendations. It's a fast, fun read!

[littleg]

We didn't camp b/c we do day hikes. This spring (actually hopefully in a few weeks) we'll do a few one-nighters. I'll make sure and let you know how it goes. From what I understand, the lean-tos are usually pretty busy during the peak hiking season, so it seems it is rare to be the only person at a site. That kind of leads into question 3. I think I'd feel safer hiking alone on the AT than I would other places b/c of the other people. We also hike in the Adirondacks a lot and I wouldn't hike there alone, just because it is so remote. However, I would hike the AT alone, I think The demanding-ness varies a lot. We did one day hike (to the summit of Greylock) that was about 12 miles. We gained about 1200 ft in the first mile or so. THAT was hard. It took us about 6 hours to do those 12 miles. Another day we did an almost totally flat section and covered about 15 miles in 5 hours... so it totally depends on the terrain you are covering. I don't know much about the WV section, so I have no idea about how hard it would be. The trail is very easy to follow, well marked, etc though. Having hiked in the ADKs a lot, there is a bit of "mental" stress that takes a toll when you aren't quite sure if you've lost the trail. I think you wouldn't have to worry about that much on the AT.