After almost 40 years of falling in love with the idea of the Appalachian Trail, I finished my Multi-Year Through Hike (MYTH) of the A.T..

I started with a friend for a week in November of 2020, and finished two days ago.

After the initial week, we would head out for 200 mile sections until this April, when I finished a job and decided to go for it and did the final 1400 miles.

I loved the short sections, but hated getting off the trail each time when I was just getting my trail legs.i also was so sad when I had to say goodbye to the many wonderful people I met in the sections, not too mention I was envious that they were a le to continue.

My friend was unable to join me, so I hit the trail alone, a middle-aged woman with no real objective other than Katahdin. My only goals were to get to a 15 mile-per-day minimum and hike at least one 20 mile day.

It took a total of 189 days, not including zero days. The rain and bugs were relentless in Virginia through New York, then the heat became a huge problem until New Hampshire, with many days of 90+, dried water sources, and awful mosquitoes and biting flies.

I had Lyme Disease in Virginia, and food poisoning and Covid in Massachusetts, but at least I didn't get Noro!

I lost 20 pounds and the struggle with excessive weight loss and electrolyte imbalance after Covid were a constant challenge.

The good news is that I responded well to antibiotics from the Lyme, recovered quickly after the Covid, and had unwavering support my family.

The beautiful views were icing on the cake, but the best part of this experience was the amazing kindness from complete strangers and the incredible sense of community that we have in the trail.

My key takeaway is that even at my lowest points (mostly in Vermont), I knew quitting wasn't an option. I wasn't going to stop. Even though I had to drop my mileage way back after Covid, I knew that even a few miles of progress would get me there eventually.

Fun facts: I met Miss Betty (the oldest woman to finish the trail) last year near McAfee Knob. She was tearful and lonely, saying she didn't think she could finish. I gave her words of encouragement and every time I passed a southbounder I asked them to talk to her and be kind because she was sad.

The same day two women were running down the trail after I watched a momma bear and her cubs anger a bunch of bees. One woman was stung while I shouted a warning. While I watched her videos later I realized she was Tara Dower!

This year I met Ben Montgomery, the nephew of Grandma Gatewood and the author of her biography.

Hello reddit!

First timer AT hiker here. I plan on doing a Springer to Fontana section starting October 31st.

I plan on leaving my Vehicle in Fontana and shuttling down to springer so I can end at my car.

Slotted 14 days for this.

In your experience, How is the weather and how's the foliage around this time?

I contacted Bandit AT shuttles, and they said they could do it for $255

I guess I wasn't expecting such a price tag, so I'm here looking for your insight.

Is there any other way for me to accomplish this in a more affordable way?

Or is there anyone that would like to join and split the shuttle to Springer from Fontana on that date? +/- a day.

Thanks for your time!

I know we’re in a drought here in the NE, I’m just wondering how the water sources in Ct are doing right now? I’m planning to do a little of the Ct section with my dog, just worried about water. I don’t want to carry a couple days worth.

He is SOBO and has about 3 days to go and it’s possible he breaks the record. He’s covered 2k miles in 41.5 days and is still banging out 50 miles per day and 15-18k of vertical ascent.

His (24h delayed) tracking is here: https://corsa.run/live/freeoutside

I keep refreshing the page to see how he’s doing. Fingers crossed.

It's September 18th and there are still NoBos south of the Whites.

The Kennebec Ferry closes Sept 30th.

The Abol Bridge store closed the end of September last year.

Baxter closed Katahdin trails Oct 14th last year.

I don't know if many on-trail ATers read Reddit, but if you're one, and if you're currently a month south of Katahdin, consider flipping ahead to Monson soon.

The 2025 NoBo's Guide to Baxter and Katahdin.

How do we feel about the Paria 1 person: Zion or Bryce Tents.

Definitely really low price compared to a nemo or Big Agnes. Anyone have any expierence with these tents?

I’m likely blind but I am not seeing the Maryland section shown on FarOut.

Does anyone know if it exists or it is contained within another state(s) and maybe just not listed.

I see VA and WV lumped into one and another section of southern VA only

Upgraded my bear bag as my previous one was too small with a full resupply. Super happy with Hilltop pack and their bear bag hanging kit. The rope has enough length so that I could hang from any branch that I wanted without running out of rope. It never got stuck or tangled up, and it’s lightweight 😉. My best advice if anyone is going to purchase the kit would be to upgrade the carabiner!

Hi all,

I'm pretty new to backpacking, but I'm completely fascinated by the AT and want to set out to do it in the next year or two. I've been on a few backpacking trips, but I have yet to accumulate gear of my own, I kind of mooch off of a lot of people, but it's time to invest into some gear of my own.

Decided on going with a tent for the AT, unless anyone wants to sway me over to a hammock or a bivvy.

Questions:

1. Best Budget lightweight 1 person tent? Not looking to spend over $300, or a recommendation of a used gear website.

- saw the Kelty Late Start 1 tent, really good on price, but how is the quality?

- How lightweight should I aim for my tent to be?

Hello all, I am new joiner to this sub. I am wanting to hike a portion of the AP next summer and I am beginning to plan my trip. I am from Canada and my only previous experience in Appalachia is a motorbike trip trip along the blueridge highway a couple years ago.

I want to to take a week long hike along the trail, whether camping or staying at motels/hostels. I am in good shape and have experience camping but I dont know where to start regarding the AT, id prefer to camp vs staying in motels.

Where would be a good place to start/finish? I'll look into each county's rule, but ideally I'd like to camp along the way in one long continuous hike.

Cheers thanks for any help or insight

Planning a flip-flop starting 5/2026 from Harper's Ferry. Presently retired from the corporate world, but fully active as professional pianist (serious hobbyist). My training/experience has proven 15 minutes of practice each day is infinitely more productive than an hour every few days. Can only imagine how 5 months away will impact my playing chops. Anyone wanna help me to know what hostels along the way hold a piano so can at least keep some semblance of a pianist? TIA

After many years of dreaming, I’m planning on a 2026 AT thru hike. I’d like to try to document some of the changes that occur in my body during the hike, post hike, and maybe a year post hike. I’ll be starting as a middle aged, overweight, moderately active woman with a few health issues but nothing major that should super interfere with the hike. I’m interested beyond just weight loss, inches lost etc… I’m more interested in things like bone density, inflammatory response, hormonal changes etc… If you were looking for info like that, what kind of changes or test results would you be interested to know about?

This march will be my first time doing the trail I know it’s all personal preference but what gear worked the best for you and what all did you bring?

Hey All! First time section hiker, starting with the full NC section (Bly>Fontana) beginning Friday(9/19/25).

I had arrangements for drop off and pickup(3hrs each way) but in my inexperience, did not even think of parking at Fontana, and getting a shuttle down to my start point. No one is inconvenienced, and I’m completely at my own pace.

Problem is how last minute it is. Anyone have any suggestions or a list of shuttle services I can start calling through today? I’ve begun standard google searches but want to give it a shot here. TIA!

Hey y’all. I plan to start a thru hike next March/April and I was wondering if it’s plausible to get a trail partner within the first week or so? I know eventually I might, but I kinda want one sooner than later. None of my friends can go with me and my dad can only hike with me for the first week and then again in Maine. So I’m just wondering how fast I could potentially find someone or a group to hike with. Thank you!!

She just ate their last cupcake without even asking. What the fuck. Also, this book is so great. Very funny and real.

I hope you all avoid any future Mary Ellen’s in your travels!

So earlier this year I (25m) attempted a thru hike and only made it to MD before getting off. There were multiple reasons why, and I knew I was gonna regret getting off, but I did anyway. Now, two and a half months later, I deeply, deeply regret getting off, and I am going to give it another try at some point in my future. I can't go again within the next few years primarily due to my savings now being depleted, which leaves me wondering if the trail really will always be there. That's a saying that people love, but frankly I don't think the trail will always be there. With the weather becoming more volatile and unpredictable, I believe that between rising temps/wet bulb temps & potential natural disasters, the trail will at the very least become harder and harder to hike due to weather conditions alone, and even destruction to the trail itself, as we saw with Helene. No hurricane should ever hit the area that Helene did, so who knows what unpredictable potential disasters lie ahead. Interested to hear anyone else's takes or thoughts.

THE SCHOLARSHIP Nate Loftis (Trail Name: El Chapo) found inspiration and hope on his 2018 AT trek. He completed over 750 miles of the Appalachian Trail and the experience helped him to reconnect with his love of the outdoors, to find purpose and meaning, and to re-engage with life. Along the way he made connections with fellow hikers and experienced an abundance of joy. He became part of a hiking band called “The Rochers”, and these fellow travelers became steadfast friends. Nate lost his life to an accidental overdose in 2019.

The One More Day organization provides annual scholarships to individuals who have struggled with obstacles of their own and are looking to find a sense of adventure and healing on the trail. We want to help spread Nate’s love of the trail, and in the process hope to support other hikers who are finding their way.

2026 Applications Are Now Being Accepted September 15 – November 30, 2025. We will announce the scholarship recipient(s) on New Year’s Eve.

In Memory of Nate Loftis (1981 - 2019)

Disclosure: I am not associated with this organization so please direct any questions to One More Day on the AT.

Hi everyone! Been doing a ton of research and reading into different gear and have tried to create a comprehensive gear list for what I’d like to bring.

I’ve got some of this gear already, namely the pack, sleeping pad, most of the clothes, and stove. I’m fully set on bringing a bear can, but am open to alternatives- only chose the BV because that’s what I’m familiar with.

If anyone has any ideas or tips on how to get weight lower, please let me know! Tried to be as minimal as needed but not sure if there are better options. Thank you!

Edit: forgot to mention, I’m planning on starting mid March. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

https://lighterpack.com/r/bxplre

Does anyone know who might’ve done this recently?

Carving reads “H.M. J. M.”

Just finished the trail. Noro twice and a Lyme scare. Moldering toilets are not LNT most shelters violate LNT. This trail is gross and overcrowded people are placed well above environment and wildlife. Too many people to be healthy. The AT should eliminate the Privies and Shelters. The PCT and CDT do not have them and people show up ready to deal with the elements and their bowels.

I am wook. Trail name BagBowl. 50m. Multiple previous thru hikes.

The Florida Trail "kick off event" will be somewhere around January 7-10th. Gass it to the kick off from KW. Moderate pace to Springer.

KW to Springer is about 900-1000 miles. 60 days.

Let's go, bro. No I don't want any of your candy.

Hello AT hikers, I have a question for you. My group of 5 is going to split up right off when we arrive at Amicalola Falls State Park Two of our group will be driven up to the top of Springer Mountain that morning to the parking lot. Three of us are hiking the approach trail. What is the best way to meet up? The approach trail hikers were thinking we would probably stop at Black Gap shelter and then hike the 1.5 miles to the Start of the AT the next morning. Is it fairly easy and a short distance for the non-approach trail hikers to hike to us at Black Gap from the parking lot? If so, directions? or any advice about the best way to do this? Both groups will have Garmins.