The Ultimate Appalachian Trail Packing List
Get ready for your AT thru-hike with this gear checklist from expert thru-hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of America's most legendary hikes.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately 2,184 miles long and is one of the premier long backpacking trails in the United States. The trail 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. The path is maintained by 30 trail clubs and multiple partnerships, and managed by the National Park Service and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The majority of the trail is in wilderness, although some portions traverse towns, roads and cross-rivers.
The Appalachian Trail is famous for its many hikers and backpackers, some of who, called thru-hikers, attempt to hike it in its entirety in a single season. Many books, memoirs, web sites and fan organizations are dedicated to this pursuit.
An unofficial extension known as the International Appalachian Trail, continues north into Canada and to the end of the range, where it enters the Atlantic Ocean.
The Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail form what is known as the Triple Crown of long distance hiking in the United States.
10 Threatened Hiking Trails That Need Your Help
Hit these endangered trails to vote with your feet and send a message that protection pays off.
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, he knows why.
Hike a Long Trail—Even if it Takes a Lifetime
It takes most thru-hikers around five months to finish the Appalachian Trail. It's taken Casey Lyons sixteen years—and counting.
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.
Paralyzed Hiker Tackles the Appalachian Trail
Stacey Kozel tackles the east's premiere long trail with an electric assist.
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.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What's the Triple Crown of Hiking?
Ticking these three prestigious trails off your list is worth the time—but it'll take a lot of it.
8 Badass Older Hikers
A little creak in the joints didn’t stop these 50+ year olds. Emotional maturity, discipline, and life experience helped these eight badass older hikers thru-hike as well as—if not better than—any young buck.
11 Cheap Gear Alternatives Thru-Hikers Love
It sounds silly, but you can lighten your pack a lot by trading out heavy gear for garbage. Here are 11 cheap accessories thru-hikers swear by.
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.
7 Signs You're a Thru-Hiker
Long distance hiking is awesome, but becoming a thru-hiker can have some…side effects.
Cheat Sheet: Prep For a Thru-Hike
Start planning and training for next year’s long trail now.
Warrior Hike's Sean Gobin Nominated for CNN “Hero”
Network to announce winner on December 6
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.
9 Reasons to Join the Summer's Biggest Hiking Party
Register for our 24-hour thru-hike AT in a Day on August 20, 2016 and be part of something huge.
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.
Appalachian Trail Gear List
Our contributor compiles gear for a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.
Appalachian Trail: Leading Up To the White Blazes
Our contributor prepares to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
