It’s no mystery why hikers in the midst of a grueling long-distance journey love trail magic. Whether you’re having a great day or feeling ground down, hot, cold, tired, or sore, an unexpected treat or random act of kindness by a stranger — food, a ride to town, sage advice, a clean privy — can provide an instant jolt of joy and gratitude. But here’s a secret: The people who provide all that generosity and serendipity will tell you that they get just as much out of it as hikers, ...
Until Earl Shaffer actually did it, experts believed that a hike of the entire Appalachian Trail in one continuous trip was impossible.
Irene MacAulay of P.E.I. heard about the Appalachian Trail only six months before she decided to hike the entire 3,523 kilometres in 2017, and even then she didn't train for the epic walk.
For the third year now, we surveyed long-distance hikers who completed a section or thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2016. This year, we expanded the survey to include questions not only about main gear items, but also more detailed demographics, the timeline of their treks, their favorite sections of the Trail, the sections they found the most difficult, their hiking partners, and their adherence to Leave No Trace practices. Demographics 187 people who hiked on the Appalachian Trail in 2016 took the survey. ...
If you ask twenty people how to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, you’re likely to get twenty different answers. So- that’s exactly what we did. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to long distance backpacking, we wanted to pick the brains of an array of past thru-hikers to offer a smorgasbord of advice. If you’re a soon-to-be thru-hiker, not everything below will click, but certainly some of it will. Physical Preparation 1) “You probably won’t be prepared no matter how much training you do. ...
I could tell from his comment that he must have read at least four of my previous writings. I screen shot the text and added a heart to keepsake it to my photo favorites folder on my phone. I archived the email that first alerted me to the comment to a folder that contains all my writing aclamades. By the time I lay my weary head down to go to sleep that night I could have recalled his comment word by painfully pointed word from my obsessive memory. ...
For the third year now, we surveyed long-distance hikers who completed a section or thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2016. This year, we expanded the survey to include questions not only about main gear items, but also more detailed demographics, the timeline of their treks, their favorite sections of the Trail, the sections they found the most difficult, their hiking partners, and their adherence to Leave No Trace practices. Demographics 187 people who hiked on the Appalachian Trail in 2016 took the survey. ...
Almost one week in, holla! Little recap for ya friends and some tidbits of info I’ve learned now that I’m super experienced. Day 1 – Mile 8.1 It’s a blue heading because it was wet. After flying into Atlanta the night before, a mix up with the amount of people for the shuttle, I ended up in an uber ride with a nice gal from West Virginia. Our uber driver was Indian and had a lot of good stories about his immigration to America. ...
The 8 Best Hikes in the Smokie. Read this to learn the best routes to hike, no matter your level when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains.
The national voice for America’s hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails, surrounding natural areas, and the hiking experience.
Here's the gear that helped me walk to Canada (or became a burden).
Learn more about us! The ATC oversees the protection and management of the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Modern interior design inspired by ocean waves is powerful and charming
Appalachian Trail shelters are structures are open for all hikers to use for free. Most shelters can accommodate 8-12 hikers at a time.
Here's the gear that helped me walk to Canada (or became a burden).
I love the simplicity of knots. One maxim my Scoutmaster taught me was that “a good knot is easy to tie and easy to untie.” I’ve tied my share of “bad” knots when I wa…
Prior to leaving for a long-distance hike there is a lot to do—you have to buy gear and supplies, pack maildrops, organize maps and guidebooks, etc. But it is important that you are physically, as well as logistically, prepared for your hike. This page explains how I condition myself for my long-distance hikes. “Training” or…
If you ask twenty people how to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, you’re likely to get twenty different answers. So- that’s exactly what we did. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to long distance backpacking, we wanted to pick the brains of an array of past thru-hikers to offer a smorgasbord of advice. If you’re a soon-to-be thru-hiker, not everything below will click, but certainly some of it will. Physical Preparation 1) “You probably won’t be prepared no matter how much training you do. ...
Wilderness is no joke for SOBOs
Historic and decorative, the c1937 Distressed Appalachian Trail Wall Art has a rustic look. A great gift for outdoorsy types, hikers and trail buffs, this vintage looking print will be a unique addition to your living room, office, or bedroom. 32" x 11" x 1" Details GTIN (UPC/EAN): 808230098756 Ship Alone No Shipping W
What a wonderful feeling it was to hit, first 500 miles, and then the 1/4 of the way marker in the space of a week! The trail continues to be amazing and beautiful and to teach me things every day. We’re actually in Pearisburg, VA (mile 635), right now, but I thought I’d celebrate such significant milestones by sharing the most significant practical things I wish I’d known before I came out here, and also a quick round up of the places we stayed during that first stretch, ...
What worked? What didn't? Find out.
When we hike we often rely on colored squares on the trees to guide us. But what do we really know about trail blazes? Thanks to NYNJTC for Trail University: Maintenance 101 for the insight on local New York trails.
Ranked #1 of 20 attractions in Dawsonville. Been here too? Add it to your map!
Information on going no cook on the trail during backpacking trips. Reasons for leaving the stove at home and how to get started.
Our Combed Cotton is a lightweight cloth that is easy to work with. This versatile fabric is perfect for sewing projects including quilting and appliqué. Content: 100% cotton Thread count: 210 inches (82cm) Dimensions: 28”w x 18”l Stretch: None Weight: 3.82 oz per square yard Shrinkage: < 1% Suitable for: Quilting, appliqué, and crafts Care Instructions: Machine Wash Separately, Cold Water, Gentle Cycle, No Bleach, Tumble Dry Low Heat, Cool Iron Print Technique: A direct print process that uses colorfast, pigment inks. Our state-of-the-art finishing process produces beautiful fabric prints with great clarity and a soft finish that will not fade over time or in the wash. Inspiration is at the heart of every DIY project. Whether you are creating a beautiful quilt, refreshing your home décor, or making crafts, our custom fabrics are uniquely designed to inspire you. Our high quality fabrics are fully customizable and printed on demand with eco-friendly inks, creating fabrics that are ‘sew’ perfect for any project. Select from 7 fabric types; learn more about each fabric type here Available as swatches, fat quarters, or by the yard Fabric widths vary by fabric type. See details of each fabric type below Fabrics by the yard print on 10 continuous yards All Zazzle fabrics are Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) compliant Eco-friendly fabrics, printed with water-based inks. Contain no added chemicals or toxins Not suitable for children’s sleepwear or crib use Amount of selvage on each piece of fabric will vary Printed in U.S.A.
There are truly are way more reasons not to hike the Appalachian Trail, or any long trail, than there are to hike! So, why do people end up hiking the Appalachian Trail? The reason may
With these 22 backpacking lessons from my journey on the John Muir Trail, your next outdoor adventure is guaranteed to be a blast.
I know that planning a thru hike can be overwhelming no matter how experienced you are. I had those same questions everyone has about the AT (how do you deal with the rain? which towns require a re…
Few of us have time to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Here are 15 scenic day hikes in Virginia when you're eager for a slice of this epic trail.
With over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, there are plenty of opportunities to hop out of the car and explore the outdoors along the Appalachian Trail.
