A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T. After deciding when and where to begin and then registering your thru-hike, you will need to plan your resupply points and know the camping regulations along the A.T.

The voluntary thru-hiker registration is a tool that helps prospective thru-hikers share their start dates with other thru-hikers and plan their itinerary in order to avoid the social and ecological impacts of overcrowding on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).

Nov 30, 2021 · If you’re getting ready to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, make sure you complete everything on this checklist before you go. 1. Pick a start date and register your hike. 2. Practice your bear hang. 3. Learn to identify poison ivy and deer ticks. 4. Brush up on Leave No Trace principles. 5. Figure out section-specific gear. 6.

How to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail. Everything an aspiring thru-hiker needs to know prior to embarking for a 2,200 mile journey from Georgia to Maine.

What are A.T. hangtags? The A.T. hangtags distributed by the ATC are designed to hang from a hiker’s backpack during their attempts to complete all 2,190+ miles of the Trail, whether in one continuous thru-hike or over a series of section hikes. The …

Thru-hiking, or through-hiking, is the act of hiking an established long-distance trail end-to-end continuously. The term is most frequently used regarding trails in the United States, such as the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Appalachian Trail (AT), and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).

Essentially, a thru-hike is an end-to-end backpacking trip on a long-distance trail like the A.T. or the PCT. More than 2,100 miles long, the A.T. runs from Georgia to Maine, while the PCT, at more than 2,600 miles long, runs from Mexico to Canada.

Mar 21, 2025 · Read through our 2025 Hiker Prep Series whether you'll be on the Trail for one night or six months! The prep series has important information about preparing for an A.T. hike, permits, and how best to Leave No Trace on the A.T.

Oct 14, 2024 · Many flip-flop and southbound AT thru-hikers this year have already thrown in the towel, accepting that finishing the whole trail in 2024 is unlikely. But what is the outlook for thru-hiking the AT in 2025?

Aug 5, 2024 · Thru-hiking the AT can be a rewarding and powerful experience. Overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning, and dedication, so we put together this guide to help get you started. Below, you’ll find tips about choosing when and where to start, buying gear, what to expect on the trail, and so much more.