Trail life is often cheaper than “real” life. But six months of food and supplies can still add up. Most people spend
between $1 and $2 for every mile of trail
—that’s anywhere from $2,190 to $4,380. And remember, pacing has a lot to do with how much you’ll spend.
How much should I budget for the Appalachian Trail?
Most hikers spend an average of
at least $1,000 a month
during the hike itself. Disciplined, frugal hikers willing to forego motels, restaurants, and other amenities can get away with less; those who like to stay in motels and eat at restaurants when they have the opportunity can easily spend much more.
How much does it cost to hike the whole 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.
How do I plan food on the Appalachian Trail?
- Research! …
- Plan a high-calorie diet. …
- Make sure you eat a nutritious meal before going to sleep. …
- Snack regularly and often throughout the day. …
- Don’t pack too much food. …
- Pack a variety of food choices. …
- Plan to carry food items that are quick and easy to prepare.
How do I resupply the Appalachian Trail?
Resupplying. Long-distance
hikers leave the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) periodically (typically every 3-5 days) to resupply in nearby towns
. In remote areas, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee/North Carolina and the “100 Mile Wilderness” in Maine, hikers may carry food for 6-8 days or more.
What do you need money for on the Appalachian Trail?
If you aim to save $3,000 for your thru-hike, you’ll be set up to have money for
all of your food resupplies
, spend the night in town once a week, treat yourself to the occasional meal at a restaurant, buy new hiking shoes and gear when needed, and have a little extra fun money for beers or special treats.
What is the best month to start hiking 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
.
Can you hike the Appalachian Trail with no money?
Appalachian Trail costs typically net around around $6,000 for thru-hikers. However,
you can easily spend far more, usually because of a lack of budgeting, or less, if you maintain self-control and have a setback-free hike
.
How do I get paid through hike?
- Start a Hiking/Travel Blog.
- Become a Park Ranger.
- Write a Book About Your Adventure.
- Lead Guided Hiking Trips.
- Become a Wildland Firefighter.
- Get Sponsored by a Gear Company.
- Start a YouTube Channel.
- Write for a Hiking Publication.
How do people afford a thru-hike?
How many miles a day should you walk 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.
How much water should you carry on the Appalachian Trail?
A general estimate is that hikers will have to carry anywhere between
1-2 liters
of water. It’s unlikely most hikers need to carry more than 2 liters at a time, except in special circumstances. Hikers new to the trail will likely need more water than seasoned backpackers until their bodies adapt to the trail.
Where do you sleep on the Appalachian Trail?
Where do you sleep along the Appalachian Trail?
There is an extensive system of campsites and shelters
along the Appalachian Trail. Shelters are built and maintained by local volunteers and usually have a water source and additional campsites nearby.
Is there water on the Appalachian Trail?
Although
finding water on the Appalachian Trail generally is not a problem
, water purity is the concern. Most shelters are situated in close proximity to a spring, and many hikers rely on the fact that if the water runs directly from the ground, it is usually safe to consume.
Do I have to register to hike the Appalachian Trail?
The Appalachian Trail is free for all to enjoy.
No fees, memberships, or permits are required
to walk on the Trail.
What are hiker boxes?
A hiker box is
a physical box or area where hikers may leave or take items
. They are typically found in towns near long-distance trails. Outfitters, hostels, motels, and other stores that hikers frequent may keep hiker boxes in a convenient, public area.
How do you get food and water on the Appalachian Trail?
Can you carry a gun on the Appalachian Trail?
In general,
ATC discourages the carrying of firearms on the Trail
for the reasons noted below. On federal lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), possession of a firearm must be in compliance with the law of the state in which the federal land is located.
Where can I shower on the Appalachian Trail?
Showers. Showers are rarely available right on the A.T. Hikers usually shower while at
hostels or hotels in towns; less common are campgrounds with shower facilities
. To bathe in the backcountry, carry water 200 feet from the water source in a container and rinse or wash yourself away from streams, springs and ponds.
What is a bounce box?
The definition of a Bounce Box, in my own words, is
a parcel that thru-hikers send ahead to various resupply points on a long distance trail, usually containing extra gear, food and some luxury items to enjoy while in town
.
What is the hardest part of the Appalachian Trail?
Mount Katahdin
From the perspective of a northbound thru-hiker, the Appalachian Trail saves the most epic for last. That is to say, the trail’s northern terminus, Mount Katahdin, is not only one of the most challenging ascents of the entire trail, it is also one of the most spectacular.
What is the roughest part of the Appalachian Trail?
- Southern Maine. nazdar.britches. …
- White Mountains, New Hampshire. whitemountains. …
- The Roller Coaster, Virginia. Mile Marker : 995 Distance : 13.5 miles. …
- Northern Pennsylvania. Mile Marker : 1,150 Distance : Roughly 150 miles. …
- Mt. Katahdin, Maine. …
- Southern Virginia.
How many days does it take to walk the Appalachian Trail?
A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes
between five and seven months
, although speedsters have done it in less than 50 days. The average hiker’s pace is about three miles an hour. This pace may be slower at the beginning of the trail, and become faster as hikers gain muscle strength and confidence.
Is it safe to hike the Appalachian Trail alone?
If you hike alone,
you will be fine and probably better off alone than with someone else
. Don’t let your lack of a hiking partner get in the way of you starting a thru-hike.
How long does it take to section hike the Appalachian Trail?
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 much money do you need to hike?
For a normal thru-hike with standard stops every week for resupply you are looking at
around $1000 per month, typically $6000 total for six months
. The AT though can be far more social which can lead to longer extended times in town and ballooning expenditures and costs if you lack discipline and self-control.
