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I used to say to my husband at least once a month, "let's hike the Appalachian Trail." My husband would sarcastically respond, "you'd better learn to hike first." A totally unfair comment I might add considering that I do know how to hike and I do love to hike, but the fact of the matter is still true, the Appalachian Trail is no day hike. It takes tons on training and planning. It's serious business once you're on the trail, so treat it as such. Here's a few things to think about when planning.
How big is the Appalachian Trail?
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,165 mile hike that spans 14 states starting in Springer Mountain, Ga. and ending up in Mt. Katahdin, Maine. Few people hike its entire length, in fact between 1,500 and 2,000 hikers attempt to hike the AT each year, and approximately 12 percent succeed. It takes between five and seven months to complete the entire length of the trail. You can either "thru" hike the trail (all at once) or portion hike the trail in smaller increments. So first off, be realistic and pick your hike's length.
How much food do I need to pack for the trip?
You couldn't possibly bring enough food for the entire trip even if you were only planning to hike for a month. Hikers usually bring about five to seven days worth of food with them and then stop in towns close to the trail on their way to refill. How do you get gear and food refills? Plan ahead and set up mail drops. Mail yourself supplies to be waiting for you along the way or have a safe mode of transportation into town. You can choose to bring a cell phone or GPS nowadays but many still refuse.
How long do I need to be able to hike each day?
Hikers need to be able to hike at least eight to 10 miles a day, eventually working up to hiking about 20 to 25 miles a day. Obviously, this takes tons of training. You can't just head out on the trail and expect to escape injury because you just won't.
Should I start in Georgia or Maine?
About 90 percent of hikers start in Georgia because spring obviously comes a lot sooner in the south. But temperatures are certainly going to vary throughout the trail and depending on the season that you start.
How do I get to the trail?
Choose where to start. Plan ahead, look at a map, decide your kick-off point and how to get there. It's not the 50's anymore and hitching likely is not your safest bet. You'd better plan for transportation on the trail. The A.T. Shuttle List is a directory of shuttle service providers and public transportation along the trail.
Do your research.
This little FAQ session is certainly not all the research that you need to do ahead of time. So if you're serious about taking the plunge, get planning.
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Need proof that it's possible to balance being green and still be a supportive partner and parent? See how Ed Begley, Jr. does it on Planet Green TV's Living with Ed.
