Most people find that a thru-hike will cost, at the bare minimum,
$2 per mile
, plus the cost of gear and travel to and from the trailhead. Another calculation puts it at $1,200 per month, plus travel and gear.
How much does it cost to thru-hike 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.
Is thru hiking expensive?
REI Co-op employees say
on-trail costs can range from $3,500 to $6,000
—and that doesn’t include gear, which can cost between $700 and $5,000. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), most hikers spend about $1,000 a month, and the majority take nearly six months to complete their hike.
How do people afford a thru-hike?
Can you hike the Appalachian Trail with no money?
Reason 5: Because you don’t have any money.
Let’s face it, you need money to hike the Appalachian Trail—
It costs about $6,000 to support yourself on the trail, and that’s likely without any income
. And that doesn’t even cover the cost of your gear.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is hiking the Appalachian Trail worth it?
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
will help your resume stand out post-adventure
. While this is not a reason in itself to take on a 2,000-mile journey, it is a bonus that helps make an easier transition to the post-hike real world.
What is the hardest hiking trail in the US?
- The Maze. …
- South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail. …
- Kalalau Trail. …
- Mist Trail – Half Dome. …
- Muir Snowfield Trail. …
- Huckleberry Mountain. …
- Barr Trail.
How much should I budget for the Appalachian Trail?
Setting budget percentages
That rule suggests you should spend
50% of your after-tax pay on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings and paying off debt
. While this may work for some, it’s often better to start with a more detailed categorizing of expenses to get a better handle on your spending.
How do I get sponsored for hike?
- Figure out what you need: what gear has worked for you in the past? …
- Get involved in the online hiking community; learn from others. …
- Start looking early: brands that you would think have a preexisting brand ambassador/sponsorship/donation department probably do.
- Figure out what you (as a brand) can offer the company.
How many days does it take to hike 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.
How much does it cost to do the AT?
Given it takes 5 – 7 months to complete an AT thru hike, you can expect to spend
between $5,000 and $7,000
during your time on the trail. You also need to consider the cost of gear before you even begin your hike, which can easily exceed $1,500 if you want quality products.
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.
How much water should I bring on the Appalachian Trail?
Hydration: Whether you use water bottles or a tube hydration system, have the capacity to carry
at least 2 quarts
.
How far can I hike in one day?
Taking this average pace and applying it to an 8-hour hiking day (not including rest breaks), it is possible for an average person to hike between
16 – 24 miles
per day. There are some people in the “super fit” category that are capable of hiking between 30 – 50 miles per day.
How many days does it take to hike the 100 mile wilderness?
The 100 mile wilderness is a section of the Appalachian Trail in northern Maine, USA. Seasoned backpackers can complete the trail in
four or five days
, whereas others will take it at a more leisurely pace at aim to complete it in ten.
What is the scariest 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.
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.
Can you get lost on the Appalachian Trail?
It’s possible to lose a trail, even if you only step off of it by thirty feet
. This is particularly true in dense woods. Take a map if you have one. Let someone know where you will be going and what time you should be expected back.
Are there showers on the Appalachian Trail?
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.
Does the Appalachian Trail have Internet?
Internet access, WiFi, and Cell Phone coverage
WiFi and 4G coverage is going to be available in most towns along the trail
. Some hostels provide this service and most town libraries. Cell coverage is going to be spotty in the valleys and will probably be fine on the ridges and in most towns.
Can you camp on the Appalachian Trail?
Camping at or near day-use shelters is prohibited
. Huts are available to long-distance hikers (those spending at least three consecutive nights in SNP) as space is available. Tenting at huts is permitted in designated campsites; all huts within the park have campsites available.
