Which way do most people hike the Appalachian Trail?

Which way do most people hike the Appalachian Trail? Northbound (NOBO) A northbound hike, often referred to simply as NOBO, is easily the most popular choice for most A.T. thru-hikers. Northbound hikers start their adventure at the AT's Southern Terminus on Springer Mountain and hike north toward the Northern Terminus atop Mount Katahdin in one continuous trip.

How long does it take the average person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail?

What to Expect. Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T.

How many miles a day can you hike on the Appalachian Trail?

According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, most hikers take between five and seven months to complete the AT end to end. According to our data, that translates to an average pace of 14 to 20 miles per day for most hikers.

Can you camp anywhere on the Appalachian Trail?

Hikers are required to stay at designated campsites or shelter sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, the Triple Crown/McAfee Knob area of central Virginia, and many areas from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia northward.

Can a beginner hike the Appalachian Trail?

Despite how intimidating that may sound, beginners can scale the Appalachian Trail's numerous mountains and treat themselves to some of the most gorgeous views on earth.

What can you not do on the Appalachian Trail?

Is it better to go north or south on the Appalachian Trail?

A northbound hike, often referred to simply as NOBO, is easily the most popular choice for most A.T. thru-hikers. Northbound hikers start their adventure at the AT's Southern Terminus on Springer Mountain and hike north toward the Northern Terminus atop Mount Katahdin in one continuous trip.

What is the best month to start the Appalachian Trail?

To avoid crowds and winter conditions, the optimal time to start a northbound thru-hike is the window between April 15 and the first week of May.

What is the most popular section of the Appalachian Trail?

McAfee knob is a clear favorite and arguably the most iconic place along The Appalachian Trail. There is a shelter before and after the knob making sunrise or sunset on the knob an easy planning logistic. The two common places to start and end this are in the towns of Catawba and Daleville.

What is the roughest part of the Appalachian Trail?

1. Southern Maine. For hikers heading north, hitting Maine is a significant milestone, and they are rewarded with this section that's arguably the most challenging on the trail.

How much does it cost to walk the Appalachian Trail?

How much does it cost to hike the Appalachian Trail? The average cost of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 for a 5- to 7-month hike; that amount includes gear, trail resupply, and town expenses. Expect to spend about $1,000 a month per person.

Where do you sleep on the Appalachian Trail?

Shelter life Not only are they the best places to stay dry, but they reduce hikers' impact on the Trail environment. A typical shelter, sometimes called a “lean-to,” has an overhanging roof, a wooden floor and three walls. Most (but not all) are near a creek or spring, and many have a privy nearby.