Duncan Ridge Trail, Georgia
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Hypothermia Caused Second Hiker’s Death on Katahdin, Medical Examiner Finds
Baxter State Park officials believe Esther Keiderling, one of two hikers found dead near the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in early June, likely slipped and slid into a boulder field in snowy conditions.
Comparing Your Thru-Hike to Other People’s Is a Toxic Trap. So Why Do We Keep Doing It?
On a journey up the Appalachian Trail, Maggie Slepian learned just how hard it can be to weather other people's judgement—and how difficult it is to stop worrying about it.
Blind Faith: Leaving the White Cane Behind
With the help of a dog named Orient and a lot of determination, Bill Irwin became the first blind person to complete the Appalachian Trail.
The AT’s Biggest Annual Party is Still On, Helene Be Damned
Appalachian Trail Days will continue as planned in 2025. This is the largest event hosted each year in Damascus, Virginia, which is currently recovering from significant Hurricane Helene damage.
Close Call of The Week: Almost Hit By A Falling Tree
A seemingly healthy tree nearly crushed Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Beth Feret's tent—but some rhododendrons saved her life.
First Day Hikes 2025: Where to Hike on New Year’s Day in All 50 States
From candlelit rambles in the snow to epic treks on the Appalachian Trail, this is how hikers and parks in every state are ringing in the new year. Pick one and start 2025 off in style.
National Park Service Says Arsonists Set Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire
The Rich Mountain Fire burned 60 acres, just days after another blaze in the park closed part of the Appalachian Trail.
Park Service Seeks Public Comment on AT Landmarks
The draft management plan proposes preservation methods for the Appalachian Trail's Triple Crown in Virginia.
Meet the Family of 7 That’s About to Finish the Triple Crown
In 2020, Danae “Queen Bee” and Olen “Spreadsheet” Netteburg set out with their four kids on the Appalachian Trail. Three years (and one more baby) later, they’re about to complete the Triple Crown.
The Forest Service Closed Max Patch to Camping Until 2026. Will it Ever Open Again?
One of the most popular mountains on the Appalachian Trail closed to overnight visits after visitors trashed it in 2020. Now, those temporary restrictions are starting to look permanent.
Thru-Hiking Legend Heather Anderson Just Set Another FKT
After a five year hiatus, thru-hiking legend Heather “Anish” Anderson just set another FKT, the 250-mile section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Pennsylvania. In this essay, she explores how her relationship with the sport has evolved over the past decade since her ground-breaking Pacific Crest Trail record in 2013.
Thomas Gathman Believes He Can Do It All
Completing a winter journey on the Appalachian Trail convinced the fun-loving thru-hiker that he can accomplish whatever he dreams up
Two Years After the “Massacre on Max Patch,” the Mountain Is Healing
One of the most popular spots on the Appalachian Trail, Max Patch, is better off now than it has been in years.
After a Spinal Cord Injury, He’s Determined to Finish the AT
Paralyzed in a cycling accident, endurance athlete Jared Fenstermacher begins an Appalachian Trail comeback quest rolling, stepping, scooting, being carried, and crawling—but never giving up.
Diarrhea Wrecks Backpacking Trips. Don’t Let it Wreck Yours.
More than half of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers reported dealing with a bout diarrhea along the trail. Here's what you need to know to avoid the trots.
Here’s What It’s Like to Hike the Triple Crown as a Couple
Liz and Collin Blunk already checked off the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Now they're on-route to complete their Triple Crown with this summer's hike of the Continental Divide. They share the wisdom they've won over nearly 8,000 miles together.
After Visitors Trashed it, the Forest Service Has Closed Max Patch to Camping for Two Years
Forest Service hopes new restrictions will help the popular Appalachian Trail peak recover from visitors' impacts.
Virtual Event: What Would You Ask the Best Hiker of All Time?
Join on us March 5, at 3:30 p.m. MT for a conversation with Heather "Anish" Anderson about endurance, thru-hiking, and her new book "Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail."
Liz “Snorkel” Thomas Is Our Hiking Icon
Thomas has thru-hiked more than 20 long trails, including the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide and Appalachian Trails (the Triple Crown). On top of that, she set a fastest known time on the AT for an unsupported woman and has completed dozens of urban thru-hikes as well. Now, she's joining Backpacker as a contributing editor. Here’s some of Thomas’s best advice and insight fed by more than 20,000 trail miles.
Empty Your Pack: Liz "Mercury" Anjos
Inside the pack of a record-holding Appalachian Trail speed hiker.
A Family Thru-Hike in the Year of Covid
Hiking the Appalachian Trail with four kids is tough; figuring out how to do it safely and legally in a pandemic year might seem insurmountably so. But for Olen and Danae Netteburg, two physicians who have spent the last decade working in Chad, it was just another challenge.
Explore a Frosted World on Roan Mountain, North Carolina
Winter on the Appalachian Trail is blessedly crowd-free. Enjoy it on this classic day hike.
A Crowd of Campers Trashed Max Patch
After campers left garbage strewn across one of the Appalachian Trail's most popular sites, guides, educators, and social media influencers ponder how we can do better.
Featured Member: Yvonne Edgett
This Appalachian Trail thru-hiker (2010) balances luxe and light on her long-distance jaunts around the East.
The 5 Habits of Highly Successful Thru-Hikers
Out of every 100 people who attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, 73 will give up. Beat the odds—and save your budget—by following these rules from a gear shop owner who sees thousands of hikers every season.
Meet the Artist: Heidi Nisbett
As she thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Nisbett grew to love long stretches of hiking through green tunnels.
Navigate Like a Pro
Navigation tips from an Appalachian Trail pro.
How to Hike Farther
Few devour distance like Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy, who holds the overall speed record on the Appalachian Trail. Here are his tips for wringing more miles out of the day.
Great Smoky Mts NP Readies for Overcrowding in Thru-Hike Season
Last year the park hosted a record-breaking number of Appalachian Trail hikers.
Kindergarten Can Wait
When five-year-old Christian Thomas set out with his family to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, some skeptics said he couldn’t—and shouldn’t. But like a lot of kids, he wasn’t listening.
Lost and Blind in the Woods
Kenneth Knight, 42, survived for six days alone near the Appalachian Trail.
A.T. In A Day
We’re throwing a 2,180-mile party from Georgia to Maine! Join us on August 20th for our record-setting attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail in 24 hours.
Baltimore, MD: Harpers Ferry to Weverton Cliffs
Follow the white blazes at the symbolic halfway point of the Appalachian Trail and soak in some history.
Quiz: Which Thru-Hike Should You Do?
Dreaming of a truly long hike someday? Don't limit yourself to the famous options like the Appalachian Trail. Take this quick quiz to find out which trek is really right for you.
Interview: Nick Nolte and Bill Bryson on A Walk in the Woods
Hollywood takes on the Appalachian Trail in the cinematic adaptation of a hit travelogue
Q&A: Scott Jurek on Support, Suffering, and What's Next
Scott Jurek talks about what it took to set a new Appalachian Trail record and how to enjoy wild places on the run
A.T. in a Day 2015
BACKPACKER readers covered a total of 1,626 miles along the Appalachian Trail.
Scott Jurek Sets Sights On A.T. Speed Record
The ultrarunner will attempt to complete Appalachian Trail in just 44 days.
Asheville, NC: Mount Rogers via Massie Gap
Mount Rogers via Massie Gap: A state high point, the Appalachian Trail, and wild ponies all in one hike—jackpot!
11 Key Tips for Female Thru-Hikers
Thinking about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or other long-haul route? Don't miss these tips for lady backpackers from a Colorado Trail thru-hiker.
Three Ridges Loop, Virginia
See colorful wildflowers and big views on the Appalachian Trail.
How Do I Train for a Thru-hike?
Prepare for the long haul with advice from Appalachian Trail speed record-holder Jennifer Pharr Davis.
Baldpate Mountain, Maine
The Appalachian Trail in Maine will take your breath away, both as you climb 3,662 feet to the summit and then your 360-degree view.
Atlanta: Tesnatee Gap
Traverse a dramatic high ridge via 5 miles of the Appalachian Trail, ending at thru-hiker hangout Walasi-Yi Center.
New York City: Hurd Corners to Morgan Stewart Shelter via the AT
A massive oak, a sprawling wetland, an atomic lake-this classic weekend trip packs it all into a 19.2-mile out-and-back on the Appalachian Trail. Bonus: Save the Earth by taking the train to the trailhead.
New York City: Bear and West Mountains via the AT
This 10-mile out-and-back climbs a summit with far-reaching views and ends at a rustic Appalachian Trail shelter.
Harpers Ferry: Loudoun Heights via the AT
Hop a train for a weekend on Blue Ridge trails near the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
New York City: High Point
This 11.8-miler traces the Appalachian Trail along an idyllic ridgeline to New Jersey's highpoint, 60 miles from Manhattan.
White Mountain National Forest: Thoreau Falls
Gaze down the barrel of a waterfall and visit a secluded pond on this 10.2-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail.
Shenandoah National Park: Beahms Gap to Thornton Gap
Mature oaks, overgrown homesites, a mountain hut, and a scenic viewpoint highlight this 3.6-mile dayhike on the Appalachian Trail.
Shenandoah National Park: Sugarloaf Loop
A fantastic four-season trek, this 5.5-mile hike near the Appalachian Trail roams around Hogback Mountain in Shenandoah National Park.
Atlanta, GA: Blood Mountain
This 5.5-mile loop in Chattahoochee National Forest follows a leg of the Appalachian Trail and provides long views across the Blue Ridge peaks.
Asheville, NC: Nantahala Headwaters Loop
Hike 24.8 miles around the source of the Nantahala River on the Appalachian Trail and camp atop Albert Mountain for night-sky views. On night two, pitch your tent on 5,498-foot Standing Indian, a treeless bald with front-row sunset vistas.
White Mountain NF: Mt. Adams and Mt. Madison Loop
Ascend two White Mountain peaks on this 8.5-mile sneak route to the Appalachian Trail's best view in the state.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Clingmans Dome
This paved, half-mile (one-way) trail leads to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail and 100-mile views of seven states.
Asheville, NC: Max Patch Loop
Use the Appalachian Trail as the backbone of a 2.8-mile loop over and around Max Patch, a high-elevation bald that provides a grassy perch for observing the Black Mountain Range’s 6,000-foot behemoths.
Grand Traverses: Roan Highlands
Gorge on views that don't quit on a high stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
Online Exclusive: Readers' Choice 2012: Peter Rives's Suggested Packing Lists
Suggested packing lists from our prolific map contributor, who has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and notched more than 90 bag nights while scouting routes for BACKPACKER.
Readers' Choice 2012: Top 3 – Southeast Hikes
Our prolific map contributor has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and notched more than 90 bag nights while scouting routes for BACKPACKER.
Madman Walking?
Warren Doyle has hiked the Appalachian Trail 16 times, and he has a no-fee plan guaranteed to help others complete the 2,180-mile trek. The hardest part? Hiking with Warren Doyle.
Megahiking: The 12,500-mile All-in Trek
Sam Gardner plans to hike the North Country Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail back-to-back-to-back-to-back.
Hike of the Day: PA's Delaware Water Gap
Trek to the border of New Jersey along PA's finest section of the Appalachian Trail.
Help The AT Win A Million Bucks
Febook users can vote for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to win a charitable contest from Chase Bank
Readers' Choice Northeast Hikes: Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness
Explore the Appalachian Trail's wildest stretch.
Hike of the Day: Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness
Explore the Appalachian Trail's wildest stretch.
Outdoor Retailer: Dollars for Socks
Darn Tough Vermont Socks donates cash to maintaining Appalachian Trail
Thru-Hiking Away The Recession
A bum economy and a dearth of jobs drives more hikers to tackle the Appalachian Trail
SC Gov in…Argentina?
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford wasn't on the Appalachian Trailhe was in Argentina. Ooooookaaaay.
Governor Goes On AT Walkabout
South Carolina's governor scares staff, wife after disappearing on the Appalachian Trail for four days without contact.
BACKPACKING LIGHT editor missing on AT
Ken Knight, avid hiker and contributor to BACKPACKING LIGHT, goes missing near Punchbowl section of the Appalachian Trail.
Smarter Than the Average Bear
Six-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail closed due to clever and hungry bear
Hiking England's Pennine Way
Explore Great Britain's answer to the Appalachian Trail.
AT Shelter Photo Gallery
A few of the shelters and lean-tos found along the length of the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow
Save Your Feet: How to Prevent Foot Problems
You think thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a long walk?
Hiking The Mahoosuc Range
The short but stunning Mahoosuc Range has major-league attractions, like the toughest mile on the Appalachian Trail and conditions that discourage the faint of heart.
Bill Foot 1946-2000
The Appalachian Trail community lost a prominent supporter, volunteer, hiker, and maintainer.
Maine's Bigelow Preserve
Follow the Appalachian Trail to new heights in the rugged New England high country.
Virginia's Three Ridges
Hike this gorgeous, mountainous section of Virginia's Appalachian Trail.
A Hiking Retreat Will Help You Reinvent Yourself—If You Can Afford It
A year ago, I flew to British Columbia for a week in the woods punctuated by scenic hikes, gourmet food, and treatments ranging from massages to sound baths. It fundamentally improved my life, but it's a shame we’ve let that kind of wellness become a luxury.