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Throwing caution to the wind and hiking a trail that is 2,179 miles long is not something you do lightly. The Appalachian Trail was conceived of by Benton MacKaye in 1921, finally completed in 1937 and is now the narrowest national park in the United States.
Crossing 14 states, the trail's southern terminus is Springer Mountain in Georgia and the northern terminus is at Katahdin, Baxter State Park in Maine. Earl Shaffer, having returned from World War II, is the first person to have thru-hiked the entire trail in one year. Almost as famous is Grandma Gatewood, the first female to hike the entire trail in one year and the first person to hike the trail twice. An estimated 2,000 people begin the trail each year (either in Georgia or Maine) with only 500 to 600 completing the trail. There are many reasons for one to thru-hike, but most people are in a transition state when beginning.
So, you want to hike the trail? Here's how:
Money: It can cost approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per person to hike the trail in the average six month time span. Many people do it on less and many do it on more. This cost includes your food for the trip, lodging along the way as well as any other gear and essentials. This does not cover your initial expenses of obtaining gear. Some people have done it on far less, but don't enjoy the amenities of town as much.
Time: Unless you are retired, just out of college or blessed with at least six months of vacation, more than likely you will have to quit your job just as we did or get lucky and take a leave of absence. The majority of people who hike the trail are in the late teens and early 20s or at retirement age because of this important issue. Some people take as little as four months to hike the trail and some as many as seven months, but the average runs five to six months. There are also folks who section hike the trail over a series of a few years to more than 20 or 30 years, doing bits here and there until they are done.
Gear: People have hiked the trail with oversized, antiquated external frame Kelty packs to light daypacks that carry only essentials. Most meet somewhere in the middle with a pack that can hold a small backpacking tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water purification system, backpacking stove and pot, at least one change of clothes, wool socks, hiking boots, winter clothes such as fleece and light down jacket, rain gear, a small medicine bag, an Appalachian Trail companion book, and at least 3-5 days worth of food. Gear is highly person specific and it can easily change along the way, getting rid of and gaining things as desired. Outfitters are common in the most popular trail towns so finding the right items is not difficult. You can read more about gear here.
Training: Some people start hiking the trail by getting off the couch and putting one foot in front of the other. That isn't the best way to start. One should at least start walking around your neighborhood, if not in a state park or somewhere with a good trail system. If you live in a flat area, go for longer distances, but if you are around mountains, start climbing them to build your muscles and lungs up. Get your feet accustomed to your boots and get your body used to carrying a full 25-30 lb pack. You will be sore and working out kinks for things such as blisters is essential. The better trained you are the less torture Georgia (or Maine) will be to you.
Food & Water: Thinking of taking a can of spaghetti o's to heat up? Think again! Your best bet is to buy freeze dried meals such as Mountain House or Alpine Aire if you can afford them. They offer the best nutrition and calories and are actually quite tasty. But, if you can't manage that, many people live on Ramen noodles or Knorr sides with packages of chicken, tuna or salmon. Breakfast begins by eating packets of oatmeal and can easily morph
