It takes five to seven months to thru-hike the trail while a section hike can take two or more months. Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy, an American ultrarunner based in Boston, completed the trail in 45 days 12 hours and 15 minutes in 2017 (Northbound). A typical shelter on the A.T. is just a floor, three walls, and a roof, accommodating 6-12 people on average. Bonus tip: Check out this video on planning your first thru-hike! As a northbound hiker, it is usually best to start your hike in March or at the very latest, the first half of April. There is an abundance of water sources on the Appalachian Trail, with one at almost every shelter, and plenty of streams along the path. With the trail changing so often, that means the halfway point moves too. You can expect to spend around $1,000 a month per person, so planning well and budgeting is advised. The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,168 miles from the state of Georgia to Maine. Mileage wise, this will be past halfway, but as a hiker, it can be significant for one location to signify you’re halfway there. This section will be just over 100 miles long. On average, the total cost of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is $5,000-$7,000. The Appalachian Trail (or the A.T.) is one of the longest footpaths in the world. So, estimating how long it takes to pass through some of the states can put your mind at ease and give you a frame of reference as you hike. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T. You’ll pass through 14 different states on your journey, so who knows what new experiences the trail has in store. The terrain will be steep, rocky, sustained, and will involve some stream crossings. 16 - Amount of times an AT hiker would have climbed Mt. Hiking the Appalachian Trail – Expert Guide The Appalachian Trail is perhaps the most well known of all of the National Scenic Trails in the United States. "The trail has a way of answering the questions you most need answered, even if you are afraid to ask." There are also sections with scarcity in water, so your pack may weigh more. However, on average, people cross 10 to 15 miles every day. Average miles per day on Appalachian Trail, Most thru-hikers will complete the Appalachian Trail in 5 to 7 months, with 165 days being average. This year, 2015, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Data Book, the AT is 2,189.2 miles. Or, you could become a section hiker, and complete the trail in small chunks over a period of years. Completing the entire 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. You might want to start with How to Pack for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. That gives you miles and miles of steep, rocky terrain to climb up and wander down. This will mean that your solitude on the trail will be limited. Those who complete the Appalachian Trail are known as “2,000-milers”, which is a coveted title amongst hiking enthusiasts the world over. To be a bit more exacting, according to the most recent available statistics (from 2015), the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Data Book says that the average completion time is “a week or two shy of six months”. It is recommended that you start the trail no earlier than June 1st if you are starting in Maine. Planning a thru-hike can be part of the excitement of the trip. This was set on the northbound route, which is the most popular choice for the A.T. Where to sleep while thru-hiking the A.T. When you’re choosing to start your thru-hiking journey, you will first want to determine if you plan to travel north or southbound on the trail. Since the entire Appalachian Trail is so long, many choose to complete it over the years by doing something called section hiking. The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in the World. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It’s also a good idea to register your through-hike. ... To finish the trail in 3 months you would require to average miles per day on Appalachian Trail 24. In order from south to north, the A.T. passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Some hikers will report that this mountain isn’t necessarily the hardest on the trail, but it is the most sustained climb. The average hikers pace is about three miles an hour. Speed records of the trail have been set in just over 41 days. “10 miles per day = 217 days or @ 7 months.”. Adding in a tight budget just means that you have to be a bit more skilled. Hiking the Appalachian Trail covers about 2,168 distances from Georgia to Maine. Trail life is often cheaper than “real” life. These are the trails which thru-hiking is commonly associated with, but the term could be used to describe other end-to-end long-distance hiking as well. Instead, so-called “flip flop” thru-hikes entail hiking the entirety of the trail in different sections. The time required to complete the AT depends on the hiker’s physical abilities. On average, most thru-hikers end up spending about six months on the AT traveling from end to end. A complete thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes hikers anywhere from five to seven months. Increasingly, A.T. hikers are opting for a different approach, foregoing both the northbound and southbound routes. The specific part of the trail that should be called the hardest is hard to pinpoint. Hikers ranged in age from 18 to 74. As the Appalachian Trail passes through plenty of towns, resupplying with food is easy. An Appalachian Trail thru-hike takes between five and seven months to complete the entire trail. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute over 175,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail, an effort coordinated largely by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy(ATC) organization. I think you're more likely to get a good ballpark figure for the PCT than the AT. Your equipment must be durable when hiking the Appalachian trail, so high-quality materials like stainless steel are a good choice. Thru-hiking is hard, it requires great physical and mental strength, there’s no point going around it. There is no such restriction for the AT. The Appalachian Trail Conservatory has asked aspiring thru-hikers to consider other route options and other times of the year, as the huge amount of traffic the A.T. sees northbound at the start of April is very damaging to the wildlife. The Trail travels through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Range, from its southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine. When you’re going over a mountain on the AT, you can expect to be taking a straight shot at it. It’s also easy to resupply, just have them sent to your post office stops along the trail. As the location of halfway moves, those that upkeep the trail will relocate a marker as well. An estimated, 2-3 million people hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail each year. , set by Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy in 2017, who accomplished an impressive average of 48 miles a day. We hiked an average of just under 20 miles a day with backpacks that weighed up to 40 pounds! Only 20% of aspiring thru-hikers actually finish their journey. How Long Would it Take to Hike the Great Trail? More than a quarter of the trail lies in Virginia, making it the state with the longest segment of the A.T., whereas the portion of the path in West Virginia is only 4 miles long. Knowing which gear to bring along and how to pack lightly is essential to hiking the A.T. There’s a lot of preparation which goes into an undertaking of this magnitude, it’s not for the faint of heart. However, these parts of the trail tend to be the most strenuous, rocky, repetitive, and steep. As a thru-hiker, it can also be daunting to cross 14 states. We took many breaks during the trip to relax, but when we hiked, we took it seriously. There are a lot of factors involved in overall hiking time, and it will vary from hiker to hiker. Since you will be spending almost half a year on the trail, the weather will change as you hike, this makes planning your start and estimated end time imperative to a successful journey. How many states does the AT cross? Most thru-hikers will complete the Appalachian Trail in 5 to 7 months, with 165 days being average. Over 5 months this amounts to $2250, which may seem like a shocking figure. 165 - Average number of days it takes to complete an AT thru-hike. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recommends $1,000 per month for the average hiker thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. For more information, read our whole review of the best paracord bracelets. If you were to hike 10 miles per day for the entire length of the trail, it would take you about 217 days or approximately seven months. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, measuring roughly 2,190 miles in length. Thru-hiking (or through-hiking) is the practice of hiking an established long-distance trail, from end to end. Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. The average miles per day for a hiker on the A.T. is 12-16. Most A.T. thru-hikers burn out in the first week, which is why it’s important to train in advance. On average, you can expect to lose 30 pounds during your 6 months on the trail. Find some different terrains in different conditions to test out, because in 2000 miles you can expect lots of new and challenging terrains. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. The current overall and supported record for hiking the Appalachian Trail belongs to Karel Sabbe, a Belgian dentist and ultrarunner who finished the path in 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes in August 2018. If you are averaging 15 miles per day, it will take you at least 36 days to complete just the Virginia section. Keep in mind that the window for starting a southbound thru-hike is much narrower than if you are heading north. 465,000 - Approximate elevation gain and loss in feet of the AT. The trail stretches for 2,190 miles through 14 states and takes approximately 5 to 7 months to hike in its entirety. Before you go, get used to carrying all your gear on your back, test out the weight regularly and have overnight practice hikes. You will cross many halfway markers as you make your way through Pennsylvania. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. Time will be determined on endurance, average hiking speed, and miles traveled each day. If you want to learn more about the Appalachian Trail, check out the ATC website for some useful information. Your equipment must be durable when, This bracelet makes an excellent addition to any backpack, helping the trek across the backcountry to be just a little easier. This means the majority of those who complete the trail end-to-end finish just before the 6-month mark. When he's not writing, he's probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains. This would put your end date somewhere in December. Matt Kirk, an American ultrarunner based in North Carolina, completed the trail in 58 days 9 hours and 40 minutes in 2013 (Southbound). The usual start time for the fairest conditions on the entire trail is anytime in June or as late as mid-July. You can search for good deals, but don’t compromise on quality; for the Appalachian Trail you need high-quality lightweight equipment, or else you risk not being able to complete it. The highest elevation on the trail is Clingmans Dome, 6643 feet above sea level. Your email address will not be published. Dehydrated backpacking recipes are popular with thru-hikers, as they provide more calories while not being as expensive as shop-bought dehydrated meals. “First let's talk about time,” said Tommy Bailey, an avid hiker and outdoorsman and author of The Appalachian Trail, Step by Step: How to Prepare for a Thru or Long Distance Section Hike. The number of hikers walking the Appalachian Trail varies depending on the time of year and the starting point. Town visits are very appealing after an extended period on the trail, offering luxurious comfortable beds, plumbing, and television. This allows hikers to hike the entirety of the trail without having to do it in one push. Since the creation of the Appalachian Trail in 1936, nearly 20,000 people have hiked all 2200 miles end-to-end. Many hikers prefer these shelters to tents as it’s much easier without the setup time and the added weight. Then, as their strength and stamina build during their journey, they will begin to push 12-16 miles per day. Last year, it was 2,185.3. The top 4 fastest supported times on the trail are as follows: The top 4 unsupported times on the trail are as follows: Many hikers, especially those not from the Eastern part of the United States, imagine the AT is a flat, easy trail. The Appalachian Trail’s history, just like its geographical coverage, is long and full of remarkable changes. “15 miles per day = 145 days or @ 5 months”. The current, record for completion of the A.T. is 45 and a half days. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. For example, one could start in the middle and head north, and upon reaching Mount Katahdin in Maine, head back to the middle and do the southern half of the trail. Because of the magnitude of this undertaking, every hiker should have a designated support person at home. Even section hikers should carry survival gear, as it’s always better to be prepared. Park rangers, along with thousands of volunteers, work tirelessly to keep the Appalachian Trail in top condition. However, the amount of, Fun facts and FAQs about the Appalachian Trail. Obtaining these is easy, as the best way is to simply pick one up when you arrive. Maybe you could challenge the current record holder- think you can do it in 45 days? Luckily, Virginia’s terrain is not going to be the most difficult on the AT. You should always treat any water you drink, wash dishes, or cook with, using a water purification filter or tablet. Everest after finishing a thru-hike. They’re spaced from 5 to 15 miles apart, and if there’s a town with lodging nearby then it could be up to 30 miles before you reach the next one. To hike the entirety of the Appalachian Trail is a huge undertaking. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, more commonly known as the Appalachian Trail or just the A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the eastern US. You’ll need to let them know where you’ll be and when to make you easier to locate in case of an emergency. Around $15 a day of trail expenses covers buying food and shipping resupply boxes. The most you’ll have to carry is 8 days worth of food when crossing the 100-Mile Wilderness in Maine. My plan includes 18 estimated zero/nero days which gives me 220 days to hike the full distance of the trail. The trail is protected along more than 99% of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by right-of-way. All Rights Reserved. Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey Demographics. Don’t expect to hit your target every day, but make sure you set a goal to reach every month. Every year, trail modifications such as reroutes are made, mainly for preservation reasons. Consider why you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail- if it has anything to do with peace and solitude, you’re better off avoiding these crowds. What do I need to take on the Appalachian Trail? The trail is, at 2,190 miles (3,510 km) long, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. This means the exact length of the trail is constantly changing, for example in 2015 the A.T. was a total of 2,189 miles. Trail-Time Expenses. The highest point of the mountain is 5,268 ft. Learn more about me here. Another common psychological halfway point for many hikers is Pine Grove Furnace in Pennsylvania. Appalachian Trail Weather charts pertaining to average low and high temps, average precipitation, and hours of daylight along the Appalachian Trail are shown below. However, due to the growing popularity of thru-hiking the A.T., the northbound route becomes very crowded at certain times of the year. The optimal start date for hiking northbound is mid-March to early April, and you can expect to see many other hikers of you decide on this option. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. Less than 25% of all those who set out to complete this trek succeed. It’s a strong and durable cord used for parachutes, and it’s vital to carry in case of emergency survival situations. All of these factors will impact the distance you can cover in a given day. Still, many hikers see Harper’s Ferry of West Virginia as their psychological halfway marker. However, especially with increased traffic on the A.T., these water sources are becoming more likely to be contaminated. Permits are required for The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee ($20), Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (free), and Baxter State Park in Maine (free). The current record for completion of the A.T. is 45 and a half days, set by Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy in 2017, who accomplished an impressive average of 48 miles a day. Cost isn’t the only factor in determining who succeeds in completing the AT, […] Crossing state lines many times and hiking over numerous mountain tops, you can see why it takes most hikers months to complete this trail. That is where the trails become much rockier and harder to navigate. Ballpark Estimate: $2,000 to $9,000. Speed records of the trail have been set in just over 41 days. However, this trail is most famous as a thru-hike. There are 70 towns along the Appalachian Trail, but we recommend visiting only a handful. features Beartown State Forest Campground, situated perfectly for a stopover off the A.T. are popular with thru-hikers, as they provide more calories while not being as expensive as shop-bought dehydrated meals. One of the significant battles that a thru-hiker will encounter is knowing how far they can hike each day. At least this way you won’t have to take 6 months off work. This information will be especially useful for northbound thru-hikers. On average, the length of the Appalachian Trail is 2,200 miles or 3,500 kilometers. That is very far from the truth. Only 20% of 2,000-milers (people who have successfully completed the trail) are women. I gathered that the normal time to perform the whole trail is 5-7 months. Contact | Privacy Policy. There are also a few dates to avoid as hundreds of hikers start their thru-hike on: One these days upwards of 100 thru-hikers may start their journey. November 5, 2019 Posted by averagehiker.com Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail - Connecticut - 2019, Section Hikes Fall Hike – Day 2 Day 1 had … Southbound hikers are also limited in start dates, as the trails on Katahdin might not open before the first of June. But six months of food and supplies can still add up. So, at over 2,000 miles, the A.T. is considered the longest hiking-only trail in the world. This bracelet makes an excellent addition to any backpack, helping the trek across the backcountry to be just a little easier. Still, you can usually determine an estimate before you depart based on past hiking experiences and your physical condition. For example, if you are planning to start your journey at Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park, you should consider that the trails are most crowded in July and June . 310 people who hiked on the Appalachian Trail in 2018 took the survey. Now, these three that we list are not the only difficult portions of the trail. Her fastest time was in 2011, taking her 46 days 11 hours and 20 minutes (Southbound). The only downsides to sleeping in shelters are the possible presence of mice, and of course the possibility of overcrowding. Different conditions to test out, because in 2000 miles you can expect of... Or, you may encounter on the at, you may want to keep in that..., regulations for camping, rocky terrain to climb Katahdin, a number sure to fill your friends. Are also plenty of campsites along the entire Appalachian trail, you’ll plenty... When you arrive all 14 states and takes approximately 5 to 7 months to complete this trek succeed seven... 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