posted
This summer, I'm planning on hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound. For those of you who don't know, the Appalachian Trail is about 2,175 miles long, stretching from Maine to Georgia. It's going to be a blast! I've hiked some on the Trail before, but (obviously) never anything near this magnitude. Have any Hatrackers had any experience with long distance hiking? If so, I'd love to hear your advice, especially on gear. But any advice would be wonderful.
Posts: 2827 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
No advice on gear, but I'm thinking a segment of that comes through the series of state parks just north of town (Greenville, SC). If I can work the timing, I'd love to do that portion of the trail with you. Or at least bits and pieces of it. Posts: 3846 | Registered: Apr 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
That would be nice to have some company, Jim-Me. Generally speaking, very very few people do Southbound hikes. Something about it being tortorously hard or something. so company would be nice. Might be hard to work out, but we can try.
Posts: 2827 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Very cool thing to do, Dr. Strangelove. Hey, maybe some Georgia Hatrackers could meet you for "End of the Trail Con."
Posts: 3149 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
I'm going to write about my motivations, reasons, etc when I write my landmark, which should be in a bit less than a month.
Posts: 2827 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
If you were doing it a couple months earlier, I would have been happy to hit the South Carolina portion of the trail with you. As it is, I'll be in PA when you hike it, so perhaps I could work it out to hit that section of the trail with you, though it will be more difficult.
posted
My roommates parents did this last year. They started in hmm... February from Georgia. When are you planning to start? And how long are you thinking it will take you? I'll have to ask her to reremember the details. I think they finished in the later part of July or early August. The part you are starting at is actually goign to be some of the toughest part of the hiking you'll be doing.
Let's see as far as gear. I'm assuming you know that you can have food sent for you at towns along the trail. Also, they took a very very small digital camera that they put in a altoids tin. Basically when you think of gear thing in lbs. Anything you can do to get rid of weight is important.
If you want I can ask her some questions for you.
Posts: 872 | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Checking the Appalachian Mountain Club's website would be a good place to start. Since I'm in NH and have hiked a bunch of the Presidentals and all of Franconia Ridge.
Posts: 14745 | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
sarahdipity: I'm planning on starting sometime around the end of May, and I'm thinking it should take me about 6 months. I told my parents I'd be home for Christmas. I'm probably not going to go the mail-drop route, at least not for the majority of my food, as it seems to be a lot of hassle, figuring that wherever there is a post office there also would be a place to restock such as a convenience store or hostel or something. One of the reasons I'm SOBOing it (southbounding it) is because I know the way I think, and I could not bear the shame of giving up and coming home in the first two months. So I figure that I'll get the worst hiking out of the way when my mind is at its strongest. Presumably. Also, Baxter State Park, the north end of the trail, closes October 15th and there's no way I'd be able to make that with my start date. And yes, I'm well aware of the weight issue. If you might could ask for advice concerning the backpack itself, hiking poles (if they used them), and boots, I would greatly appreciate it.
mack: Do you have an url handy? Edit: nvm, my tempramental google-fu availed me.
Posts: 2827 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Dr Strangelove: Have any Hatrackers had any experience with long distance hiking?
There's a somewhat recent book about through-hiking the appalachian trail called "A Walk in the Woods" by the venerable travel writer Bill Bryson. I believe it is the only travel book out there about the AT. Check it out. It doesn't contain alot of technical info, but it is an amusing account of what your likely to experience on the AT, as well as some good history about the trail.
I did an Outward Bound trek when I was 18. Best experience of my life, in Southern Colorado. Basically: treat your water, pace yourself, drink alot, bring diverse tasting food, and bring BOOKS with you or you'll go insane.
Posts: 9912 | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dang you, Strangelove. You stole my thunder!
I leave southbound the second week in June. Maybe I'll catch up to you.
A note about A Walk in the Woods: It's very entertaining. But please, for your sake (and the sakes of those around you), DO NOT use it as a how-to. There are plenty of books (and websites) that have very good information about the Appalachian Trail and backpacking in general. The AT must be the most documented trail in existence. If you want, I'll compile a list of good resources and email them to you.
Edit: A quick list of some good places to check out.
WhiteBlaze.net - Some good articles and a very nice (and helpful) community.
Appalachian Trail Data Book - Very small handbook updated annually with mileages between things on the trail (like shelters, water sources, roads, peaks) and distances to possible resupply points.
posted
I guess I was taking that as a 'DUH.' It isn't a guidebook of course.
BTW Miro, as if he would have bought the book and showed up at the trailhead, only to curse me for recommending it to him since it contains no useful information? If he did that, he would deserve it.
Posts: 9912 | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I know. I suppose I should have put in a smilie. It's just that the AT community has something of a love/hate relationship with that book. In it, Bill Bryson is the kind of hiker you really don't want on the trail, yet for many people A Walk in the Woods is their main exposure to what thru-hiking is.
Posts: 2149 | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've always wanted to do this! Doesn't it take six months, though? You speak as though you plan to hike the whole thing in a single summer? Good luck with your hike, however far it takes you! This sounds like a wonderful adventure! Posts: 6246 | Registered: Aug 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I believe it takes most people between five and six months. There are many exception, though.
There is a guy who's attempting to do the whole thing in 40 days this summer. If he makes it, it'll be a new speed record. Of course, he isn't actually backpacking, more like trail running. He has a support team that'll deal with all the pesky stuff like carrying his food/shelter/etc.
Posts: 2149 | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Wow. I just checked out the sites linked above. I had only the vaguest idea what a monumental decision hiking the whole thing is. I'm impressed Dr. S. Best of luck.
Wave east when you cut through PA. I'll be watching for you. Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't have any advice re: equipment other than to follow the great links Miro provided. Other general advice is PLAN AHEAD--lest you run out of food or money halfway through. But you'll know that if you visit any of the sites.
Also, keep us posted on your progress. I LOVE section-hiking the trail with thru-hikers, and would love to spend a few days on the trail with you when you get to Virginia (which, if I may be allowed to boast, has the longest section of the AT--almost a quarter of the whole trail.)
Oh, and when you get to MacAfee's Knob near Roanoke, be sure to time it so you can see the sun rise from the top of the knob, overlooking the Roanoke and Catawba valleys. There's a shelter about 1.5 miles from there, and it's worth getting up early and/or backtracking. It's one of the most magnificent views I've ever seen.
Posts: 786 | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Arrgghhh. My sister somehow told the local newspaper that I'm going and now they want to do an article on me. She just called asking when a good time for an interview and pictures would be. Posts: 2827 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well, you know the journey just won't be as genuine without being hounded by crazed fans wanting your autograph.
Seriously, though, that's an awesome idea! (The hiking, not so much the article, although that's also nice.) I've never done any serious hiking, but I'd like to start sometime - I recently found out that there are some trails here on Long Island, so I'm hoping I can check them out this summer.
I don't suppose you'd be able to check in on Hatrack from time to time along the way?
Posts: 952 | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I think I'll have internet access every once in a great while. When I do, I'll be sure to update on here. Miro, when are you thinking about starting? My start date might be pushed back a little.
Posts: 2827 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
You going solo, Dr. Strangelove? Or with a group? Someone tracking you so they will know if you don't show up for several days just where on the trail you might be? (I'm assuming all safety precautions). Have you hiked other portions of it before (if you answered this previously, I must have missed it)
posted
I'm going solo. I'm not averse to meeting up with people and hiking with them, but I won't change my pace to match theirs (whether that be speeding up or slowing down). My parents will be keeping track of me. I'll check in with them whenever I get a chance. Yes, I've hiked some of the southern portions, usually going for around a week at a time. I've never hiked any of the northern portions though, and from what I hear, it's supposed to be a whole different ball game.
Posts: 2827 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I haven't made my reservations at Baxter yet, but the current plan is to start sometime during the second week of June. Around the 10th or so.
Posts: 2149 | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
My friend Kyle hiked the AT last summer. Northbound. He started in Georgia and went until time ran out.
I'll see if i cannot get some advice from him for you. He ran out of time at the end of summer and was 800 miles shy. He is hoping to makeup the miles in the next few years.
if you have any questions he encourages you to email him at kylerhayes AT yahoo DOT com.
or email me and i'll give you more specific contant info for him. He loves talking to people who are considering doing the AT
Posts: 1572 | Registered: Jan 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Miro: I know. I suppose I should have put in a smilie. It's just that the AT community has something of a love/hate relationship with that book. In it, Bill Bryson is the kind of hiker you really don't want on the trail, yet for many people A Walk in the Woods is their main exposure to what thru-hiking is.
Bryson is kind of a jerk, and a bit of a twit. I take everything he says with a grain of salt because I so often recognize how much of a dope he can be. His other books are the same way, you sometimes ask yourself if he is really the kind of guy that really enjoys travelling, although he writes very well. Posts: 9912 | Registered: Nov 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Jim-Me: No advice on gear, but I'm thinking a segment of that comes through the series of state parks just north of town (Greenville, SC). If I can work the timing, I'd love to do that portion of the trail with you. Or at least bits and pieces of it.
Woo-hoo for Greenville, SC people.
I had some friends who were going to do part of the trail for their honeymoon! They did some but decided to come home early.
Posts: 1214 | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've been planning on a long hike for a long time.
Maybe Colorado to Mexico?
Part-hike/part hitchhiking! Yeah, that's the idea.
Make sure, when yer in the great outdoors, that yer prepared. I don't mean shotguns and beercans either. Your best friend of all in the woods: THE MAP! Tasslehoff would never be Tasslehoff without THE M.A.P.S. MAPS are your best friend. MAPS are your best friend. MAPS are your best friend.
Small hikes lead to bigger hikes. Take it easy. Don't try to cross the continent on the first try.
BTW: The best way to prepare is to check the section on Equpiment and supplies of your D&D gamebooks. Those guys know a thing or two! (kidding!)
(raised in Greenville/Spatenburg. 111% Hillcrest High Ram!!!)
...
just some general notes:
1. keep your equpment to a minimum.. dead weight is dead weight. consider weather conditions first and foremost, and water supply.
2. Don't worry about food. There's plenty of food, even in the desert, if you know where to look. A cactus can be a feast if your hungry. WATER is your main concern. Make sure you follow a route that has plenty of fresh water available, and make sure if you don't trust the water that you can have a way to process it. Boiling always works somewhat. Snowmelt is mostly trustworthy. Rivers you gotta be more cautious. Lakes and ponds forgeddaboutit.
3. Wildlife can be fun to watch, but if yer up to yer armpits in bear droppings, do use some caution!
4. Safety first. One of the most important tools will be your military-style sleeping bag. This will keep most snakes and deadly insects away from your toes at night, and belive me, in the woods, that's important.
5. Be gentle to the environment. Please clean up after yourself. (Otherwise, the woodland spirits and true druids will crush you, human!)
[ June 17, 2006, 03:18 PM: Message edited by: Robin Kaczmarczyk ]
Posts: 379 | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
1. Hat. 2. Walking Stick. 3. Wineskin or non-metal canteen. 3. Backpack/rukesack.
In the rukesack:
1. MAPS/Documents, info, money etc. 2. Food for one day. 3. 1 change of clothes. Pants/shirt/socks. 4. Sleeping bag. 5. Portable poncho. 6. Knife. 7. Rope or fishing line. 8. Heavy Jacket (unless weather conditions are hot) 9. Fire-making technology. Matches/lighters/flint. 10. As much weed as possible. 11. Corncob pipe and rolling papers. 12. Rudimentary first-aid kit: Pharmacies sell these kits. Again size does matter. Don't carry more than you need.
Depending on the trail, I might pack more food. But really, if you are not too choosy, you can eat stuff that God made right outta the earth. Finding it is half the fun.
Regarding firearms: If I happen upon an enraged bear or wildcat, I am probably not going to survive. It's not happened yet, and I hope it never does. But I am basically opposed to firearms, because I figure that I need to be smarter than a bear or cat. A knife is enough. A few firecrakers might do the job (and then again, they might just piss off the bear more than he was)
Posts: 379 | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
