“Tough-as-Nails” Appalachian Trail Hiker Found Dead in Tent in Virginia
No foul play suspected in the death of section hiker Michael Charles Lombardo.
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Appalachian Trail Conservancy Says Hikers Should Carry Bear Canisters
Voluntary policy change follows increase in reports of human-bear incidents along trail.
Are Winter Hikes of the Appalachian Trail the Next Thing?
Scott Benerofe finished a rare and daunting southbound winter thru-hike of the AT. His self-proclaimed normalcy about the endeavor suggests such treks might not stay so rare for long.
Appalachian Trail Hiker Dies After Falling from McAfee Knob
Paul “Grandmaster” Classen suffered severe injuries in plunge; cause of incident still unclear.
Fixing the AT’s Overcrowding Crisis
A group of dedicated trail lovers are working to protect America’s favorite wilderness footpath from the hordes of people who walk it each year
A.T. Phone Home: Backpacker Wants Your Appalachian Trail Stories
Have a tale from the AT? We want you to give us a call—literally.
“Unable to Stand or Walk”: Sick Hiker Airlifted Off Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains
Ill backpacker rescued in 90-minute mission.
The Appalachian Trail’s Most Famous Viewpoints Are More Popular Than Ever—and the NPS Is Looking for a Solution
The National Park Service will hold public meetings this month to determine how it should manage McAfee Knob, the Dragon’s Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs.
What It’s Like to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail as a Transgender Woman
“The world and how it interacts with me changed the day I came out as trans”
Delaware Water Gap Could Be the Appalachian Trail’s Next National Park
It's a well-known waypoint for thru-hikers—and if local government gets its way, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area may be on its way to becoming something more.
Court Blocks Pipeline From Crossing Appalachian Trail
The fate of the mostly-complete Mountain Valley Pipeline is up in the air after a federal appeals court threw out a key permit that would have allowed it to cross Jefferson National Forest.
The Great Eastern Trail Could Be the Next Appalachian Trail. Here’s How to Hike Part of It Now.
When it's finished, this in-progress long trail will let hikers take a stroll up the Appalachians without battling the AT's crowds.
100 Years Ago, the Appalachian Trail Was One Man’s Dream. Now, It’s Everyone’s.
Benton MacKaye's original proposal for the Appalachian Trail came out 100 years ago. While the trail may have changed, the appeal hasn't.
The Appalachian Trail is Officially 1.2 Miles Longer
In 2022, expect just a little more mileage on the East Coast’s fabled thru-hike.
What’s in a 5-Time Appalachian Trail Hiker’s Pack?
With over 30 years of thru-hiking and section-hiking long trails all over the country (but never the PCT), Andy Niekamp is definitely the voice of experience. Backpacker sat down with him to find out his tips, tricks, and favorite gear.
Why This 5-Time Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Will Never Attempt the PCT
With over 30 years of thru-hiking and section-hiking long trails all over the country (but never the PCT), Andy Niekamp is definitely the voice of experience. Backpacker sat down with him to find out his tips, tricks, and favorite gear.
“All Good Things Come to an End”: The Appalachian Trail’s Oldest Thru-Hiker on His Last Long Journey
After becoming the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail at age 83, M.J. “Nimblewill Nomad” Eberhart reflects on the trip that got him there.
“Nimblewill Nomad”, 83, Becomes the Oldest Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker
M.J. Eberhart finished his third AT hike in Dalton, Massachusetts.
Beavers Flood Part of the Appalachian Trail
A group of the crafty rodents rerouted a creek onto the path in Massachusetts.
Hikers Are Leaving Garbage at One of the Appalachian Trail’s Most Famous Spots—and It’s Attracting Bears
Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club posts warning that litter is leading bruins to McAfee Knob.
Preview: Was the First Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker a Fraud?
The hiking community has long praised Earl Shaffer for being the first person to complete the iconic trail in a single push. But one man wants us to take a closer look at Shaffer’s claims.
Was the First Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker a Fraud?
The hiking community has long praised Earl Shaffer for being the first person to complete the iconic trail in a single push. But one man wants us to take a closer look at Shaffer’s claims.
This Family Just Hiked The Appalachian Trail With A Preschooler—Here’s How You Can, Too
In August 2021, five-year-old Harvey Sutton became one of the AT’s youngest successful thru-hikers. Here’s how mom and dad helped him pull it off.
While the Rest of Us Talk About Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail, a 5-Year-Old Just Did It
He averaged about 10 miles every day, but still had the energy to play freeze tag at night.
Jenny Jurek Comes Full Circle On The Appalachian Trail
In 2015, while crewing for her husband, Scott’s, successful Appalachian Trail speed record, Jenny Jurek began healing from the grief of two traumatic miscarriages. In 2021, she returned to the trail with their two young children in tow.
Scott Jurek Halts Appalachian Trail FKT Attempt
Injury forces ultra legend Scott Jurek off the trail.
Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Everything You Need to Know
The Appalachian Trail is the adventure of a lifetime. Make it yours with our ultimate guide to the country's most famous footpath and the prep, gear, and knowledge you'll need to go the distance.
My Boyfriend Had Never Backpacked—Until We Hiked the Appalachian Trail Together
Some hikers prepare for years to thru-hike the AT. Others do it on a whim.
Experience Deep Backcountry on the Appalachian Trail’s 100-Mile Wilderness
Hike some of the East Coast's wildest wilderness on the AT.
Massachusetts’ Largest Wildfire in More than 20 Years Scorched a Forest Near the Appalachian Trail
Firefighters are still monitoring the East Mountain Fire, which is the state’s biggest since 1999.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Will Recognize Your Thru-Hike Again
After a pandemic pause, AT hikers will be able to register their thru-hikes again starting this week.
Court Rules Appalachian Trail Killer Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity
James Jordan will be be confined indefinitely at a psychiatric facility.
Two Days, Three Rescues on the Appalachian Trail
Chilly temperatures and icy trails left three hikers injured and in trouble along the AT this weekend.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Won’t Recognize Your 2021 Thru-Hike for Now
With Covid cases hitting all-time highs, the nonprofit is still urging thru-hikers to stay home.
A Pipeline Planned to Cross the Appalachian Trail Just Got Cancelled
Citing cost of litigation, builders call off project just three weeks after Supreme Court ruled in its favor.
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Appalachian Trail Pipeline
Justices allow permit to stand in 7-2 decision.
PODCAST: Tragedy on the Appalachian Trail, Part 2
The thru-hiking community knew that "Sovereign" was bad news. Why wasn't anyone able to stop him?
PODCAST: Tragedy on the Appalachian Trail
Of all the risks of hiking a long trail, running into a dangerous person is one of the least likely. But as our next story shows, you never know exactly what–or who–is coming down the trail.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy: Postpone Your Thru-Hike
Citing risk of spreading coronavirus, CEO Sandra Marra urges hikers to postpone or cancel their 2020 hikes.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Just Released its Coronavirus Plan
As COVID-19 spread across the US, the ATC is limiting group sizes on trail projects, shutting down its visitor center, and asking hikers who contract the virus to contact them.
Supreme Court Hears Opening Arguments on Proposed Appalachian Trail Pipeline
On their first day in court, lawyers for environmental groups and a pipeline developer debated a central question: Is the Appalachian Trail land?
Explore the Appalachian Trail in 3D
See the peaks, parks, and hotspots of America's most storied long trail in this interactive 3D map from BACKPACKER.
The Ultimate Appalachian Trail Packing List
Get ready for your AT thru-hike with this gear checklist from expert thru-hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas and BACKPACKER Gear Editor Eli Bernstein.
Yet Another Court Has Ruled Against an Appalachian Trail Pipeline
Dominion Energy suffers another setback in its quest to run a natural gas pipeline under the AT
Share Your Appalachian Trail Story, Win Gear
We're collecting readers' favorite memories from the AT. Share yours for the chance to win a new sleeping bag or pad.
The Appalachian Trail is Going to the Supreme Court
The nation's highest judiciary will decide whether a new pipeline can cross the AT as planned.
How Did the Appalachian Trail Murder Suspect Slip Through the Cracks?
Before deputies arrested him for the slaying of a veteran, James “Sovereign” Jordan was well-known to law enforcement and hikers along the Appalachian Trail for his erratic and threatening behavior.
FBI Agent: Appalachian Trail Murder Suspect Threatened to Burn Hikers Before Attack
Alleged killer played guitar, argued with victims, affidavit says.
One Hiker Killed, One Injured in Attack on Appalachian Trail
Suspect arrested as section of Appalachian Trail closed through Sunday morning.
Excerpt: A Wild Encounter on the Appalachian Trail
For early thru-hikers, steep hills and long distances were only part of the challenge.
Hike of the Week: Hogpen Gap to Low Gap, Appalachian Trail, Atlanta, GA
Visit Georgia's best section of the Appalachian Trail in winter for a crowd-free experience and Blue Ridge vistas frosted in white.
Court Strikes Down Permit for Pipeline Crossing Appalachian Trail
Judges quote Lorax, slam Forest Service in ruling questioning project’s impact and safety.
Karel Sabbe Breaks Appalachian Trail Speed Record
Finishes supported hike in 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes.
Trail Conference Celebrates Appalachian Trail's New York Origins
The original stretch of the AT in Bear Mountain State Park turns 95 this year.
The Fight Against a Pipeline Along the Appalachian Trail
Opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which would run near the AT for almost 100 miles and be visible from its most famed lookouts, are headed to court to attempt to stop it. But with construction slated to begin soon, that may not be enough.
Appalachian Trail Short Film Series Kicks Off Season 2
"A Lasting Legacy" profiles a legendary trail volunteer.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Names New President
Suzanne Dixon will head the 42,000-member volunteer organization dedicated to the AT.
Meet the Hardest Partiers on the Appalachian Trail
Has the AT’s party culture gone too far? Bill Donahue joins the trail’s biggest blowout to find out.
How Unsupported Runner Joe McConaughy Broke the Overall Appalachian Trail Record
Fifty miles a day for 45 days. No crew. Joe McConaughy’s AT thru-hike was one for the record (and history) books.
The Time I Almost Lost an Eye on the Appalachian Trail
An AT thru-hiker invites friends along for a comedy of horrors.
Dan “Knotts” Binde Claims a New Self-Supported Appalachian Trail Record
Malfunctioning SPOT device complicating confirmation
Local Man Hiking Appalachian Trail for ALS
Winchester's Rick Marks is tackling the last 600 miles of the AT to raise money to fight his degenerative disease.
From Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail to the Long Haul of Parenthood
In a season of change, a new mom finds comfort on the trail.
Ultrarunner Karl Meltzer on Breaking the Appalachian Trail Speed Record
When one of the winningest ultrarunners in the sport set out to break the AT's supported record, the path's elder statesmen gave him one piece of advice: respect the trail. Eight years later, a new documentary shows why.
The Pipeline That Could Change the Appalachian Trail Forever
The Mountain Valley Pipeline would run along the Appalachian Trail for almost 100 miles. Trail advocates say it’s a disaster in the making.
How Do You Track Down Your Appalachian Trail Buddies? Check The Hiker Yearbook.
By putting real names to trail names, The Hiker Yearbook is helping AT hikers keep in touch.
Paul Evans Never Hiked the Appalachian Trail. But His Boots Did.
They say you can learn something by walking in another man’s boots. On the Appalachian Trail last summer, hikers learned what happens when you carry them.
Carrying a Guitar on an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
Six months on the AT means a whole lot of time for singalongs under the stars. But as Case Conover discovered, taking along an instrument on America's most famous walk isn't easy.
Karl Meltzer Breaks Appalachian Trail Speed Record
Betters Scott Jurek's supported mark by 10 hours
Paralyzed Hiker Tackles the Appalachian Trail
Stacey Kozel tackles the east's premiere long trail with an electric assist.
Appalachian Trail Gets New Section
New stretch opens in Bear Mountain State Park
Three Hikers Rescued from Appalachian Trail
Trapped by flooding
Anish Breaks Appalachian Trail Unsupported Speed Record
Finishes hike in less than 55 days
Police: $8.7M Embezzlement Suspect Hid on Appalachian Trail
Kentucky man evades recognition for six years
Could the Appalachian Trail Lose Katahdin?
Rowdy hikers and an ultrarunner's clash with park rangers have officials threatening to move the northern terminus of America's most famous trail.
Appalachian Trail Braces for Increasing Number of Hikers
The ATC predicts an increasing number of hikers will hit the trail after the movie "A Walk in the Woods" premieres, and they're shoring up their defenses.
Scott Jurek Sets Appalachian Trail Speed Record
The vegan ultra-runner completed the 2,189.2-mile Appalachian Trail in just 46 days, 8 hours, and 7 minutes, beating the previous record by 3 hours.
Appalachian Trail Photos To Inspire You
Catch wanderlust, then get out there.
Field Scout's Final Update on the Appalachian Trail
Our contributor makes the tough decision to step off the Appalachian Trail.
Field Scout's Update on the Appalachian Trail
Our contributor checks off the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail—69.6 miles in.