Before you go, get used to carrying all your gear on your back, test out the weight regularly and have overnight practice hikes. Average miles per day on Appalachian Trail, Most thru-hikers will complete the Appalachian Trail in 5 to 7 months, with 165 days being average. This way, you’ll reach the end before the winter. Cost isnât the only factor in determining who succeeds in completing the AT, [â¦] The 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine and is one of the most challenging long distance hikes in the United States. The Appalachian Trail (or the A.T.) is one of the longest footpaths in the world. Those who complete the Appalachian Trail are known as “2,000-milers”, which is a coveted title amongst hiking enthusiasts the world over. This year, 2015, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Data Book, the AT is 2,189.2 miles. A complete thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes hikers anywhere from five to seven months. There are many more challenging sections and sometimes even larger mountains to climb. Being careful means we’ll be able to enjoy the breathtaking A.T. for longer. Personally for the trip I budgeted right around $5,000 but would have preferred to ⦠Thatâs about the average: One study found that hikers who walked the full length of the trail tend to lose about 15. If you were to hike 10 miles per day for the entire length of the trail, it would take you about 217 days or approximately seven months. When starting in March, hikers can expect a few weeks of winter weather and sometimes deep snow. Do your research beforehand. You will be ascending for about 5 miles. This can be a vital aspect, as many hikers have set up drop points and only carry enough food to get them from one drop point to another. The Appalachian Trail Conservatory has asked aspiring thru-hikers to consider other route options and other times of the year, as the huge amount of traffic the A.T. sees northbound at the start of April is very damaging to the wildlife. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, the amount of, Fun facts and FAQs about the Appalachian Trail. I gathered that the normal time to perform the whole trail is 5-7 months. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Contact | Privacy Policy. Consider starting on a weekday, versus a weekend, as the trails will be less crowded. This bracelet makes an excellent addition to any backpack, helping the trek across the backcountry to be just a little easier. Not to mention, youâre likely looking for a bit of solitude on your journey, and with 100 other hikers by your side, you wonât have that. There are 260 shelters along the entire Appalachian Trail, which is an average of one every 8.5 miles. How many states does the AT cross? Depending on the ability of the hiker, some will go up to 20-25 miles near the end of their trail days. However, this trail is most famous as a thru-hike. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the proposal for the hiking trail was first presented in 1921, but the Trail was not technically completed until 2014 when a final major stretch was formally acquired and received permanent protection. With a formal education in writing, Meg can translate her outdoor experiences into accessible and relatable content for any reader. But there's one common factor across all her pursuits: the outdoors. Dehydrated backpacking recipes are popular with thru-hikers, as they provide more calories while not being as expensive as shop-bought dehydrated meals. It is recommended that you start the trail no earlier than June 1st if you are starting in Maine. , set by Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy in 2017, who accomplished an impressive average of 48 miles a day. The current record for completion of the A.T. is 45 and a half days, set by Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy in 2017, who accomplished an impressive average of 48 miles a day. You’ll pass through 14 different states on your journey, so who knows what new experiences the trail has in store. Don’t expect to hit your target every day, but make sure you set a goal to reach every month. The northern parts of the trail are more complicated, and the weather is less forgiving. Appalachian Trail Weather charts pertaining to average low and high temps, average precipitation, and hours of daylight along the Appalachian Trail are shown below. So, estimating how long it takes to pass through some of the states can put your mind at ease and give you a frame of reference as you hike. The terrain will be steep, rocky, sustained, and will involve some stream crossings. Ballpark Estimate: $2,000 to $9,000. Most will hit a few 20-25 mile days towards the end of their hike, but the average miles per day on the Appalachian Trail is 16. The average miles per day for a hiker on the A.T. is 12-16. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. The vast majority of hikers will complete the entirety of the Appalachian Trail in five to seven months. This amounts to approximately 5,000,000 steps, a number sure to fill your step-tracker-wearing friends with envy. Most backpackers will go through 4 or 5 pairs of hiking boots on the route. 16 - Amount of times an AT hiker would have climbed Mt. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, more commonly known as the Appalachian Trail or just the A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the eastern US. If you are a hiker of average speed, that will put you on pace to finish the trail in Maine by September. One thing we would recommend you take on the Appalachian Trail is a paracord survival bracelet. Whatever you decide, just respect the trails that we are so lucky to have access to. However, the costs of visits can mount up, so save money by only visiting the best trail towns. Along with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, it is one of the "Big 3" National Scenic Trails. When youâre going over a mountain on the AT, you can expect to be taking a straight shot at it. features Beartown State Forest Campground, situated perfectly for a stopover off the A.T. are popular with thru-hikers, as they provide more calories while not being as expensive as shop-bought dehydrated meals. Maybe you could challenge the current record holder- think you can do it in 45 days? The highest elevation on the trail is Clingmans Dome, 6643 feet above sea level. When youâre choosing to start your thru-hiking journey, you will first want to determine if you plan to travel north or southbound on the trail. These are the trails which thru-hiking is commonly associated with, but the term could be used to describe other end-to-end long-distance hiking as well. Average Miles Per Day on the Appalachian Trail, The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, more commonly known as the Appalachian Trail or just the A.T., is a marked hiking trail in the eastern US. Thru-hikers burn on average 5,500 calories a day, which could be double what you’re used to eating. We hiked an average of just under 20 miles a day with backpacks that weighed up to 40 pounds! , mostly as day hikes or short backpacking trips. An Appalachian Trail thru-hike takes between five and seven months to complete the entire trail. Crossing state lines many times and hiking over numerous mountain tops, you can see why it takes most hikers months to complete this trail. However, the amount of calories you burn hiking long-distance is huge, so make sure you buy and eat as much food as you need. ← The Best Camping Gear for Beginners (Buying Guide), How to Build the Ultimate Backpack Repair Kit →. There have been many speed records set and many attempts made, but to date, the fastest known time on the trail is 41 days 7 hours and 39 minutes. Dan âKnottsâ Binde, an American thru-hiker from Minnesota, completed the trail in 53 days 22 hours and 57 minutes in 2017 (Northbound). Instead, so-called “flip flop” thru-hikes entail hiking the entirety of the trail in different sections. The average hikers pace is about three miles an hour. The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a National Scenic Trail extending from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine, and protected by federal- and state-owned lands as well as public rights-of-way. The trail is about 2,190 miles long, though the precise length changes over time as parts are modified or rerouted. It stretches between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through 14 states in total. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. This will mean that your solitude on the trail will be limited. The trail is protected along more than 99% of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by right-of-way. The trail is, at 2,190 miles (3,510 km) long, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The usual start time for the fairest conditions on the entire trail is anytime in June or as late as mid-July. Now, these three that we list are not the only difficult portions of the trail. Speed records of the trail have been set in just over 41 days. The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in the World. Around $15 a day of trail expenses covers buying food and shipping resupply boxes. While fewer thru-hikers choose to start heading southbound, the northern parts of the trail are extremely popular section hiking and day hiking destinations. Spaces in these shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Either way, plan on spending a considerable amount of time on the trail. Thatâs kind of a lot of numbers to throw around, so to put that into perspective…. A Brief on How Long to Hike The Appalachian Trail. Trail speed attempts can be broken down into two categories: supported and unsupported. Most section hikers may not take on a full state at one time, but for others, it can be a rewarding getaway. This section is seen as one of the most difficult due to exceedingly eroded trail areas, imaginably difficult to travel terrain, and crossing the Mahoosuc Notch (AKA the slowest mile on the AT). After that, hot to mild weather is most likely through to New England, with some more cold weather when reaching New Hampshire and Maine in September and October. Thru-hiking is when someone hikes a long trail from beginning to end without skipping any part of the trail. Every year, trail modifications such as reroutes are made, mainly for preservation reasons. Thru-hiking is hard, it requires great physical and mental strength, there’s no point going around it. That averages out to about 10 miles per day. Reportedly tricky due to elevation gain per each mile, intense weather, regulations for camping, rocky trails, and steep terrain. Learn more about me here. Karel Sabbe, a Belgium ultrarunner, completed the trail in 41 days 7 hours and 39 minutes in 2018 (Northbound), Karl Meltzer, an American ultrarunner based in Utah, completed the trail in 45 days 22 hours and 38 minutes in 2016 (Southbound), Scott Jurek, an American ultrarunner from Minnesota, finished the trail in 46 days 8 hours and 7 minutes in 2015 (Northbound). So, how long does it take to walk the Appalachian Trail? The current, record for completion of the A.T. is 45 and a half days. To hike the entirety of the Appalachian Trail is a huge undertaking. Less than 25% of all those who set out to complete this trek succeed. Trail-Time Expenses. Southbound hikers are also limited in start dates, as the trails on Katahdin might not open before the first of June. It requires massive commitment and personal investment, but the payoff is huge. Most A.T. thru-hikers burn out in the first week, which is why it’s important to train in advance. We recommend carrying a tent or hammock as a backup, as sometimes shelters may be full, or you might want to spend a night somewhere else. This section will be just over 100 miles long. I spend as much time in the mountains as possible. That is where the trails become much rockier and harder to navigate. That being said, it is not surprising that hikers take from 5 to 7 months to cross it. Over 5 months this amounts to $2250, which may seem like a shocking figure. ... To finish the trail in 3 months you would require to average miles per day on Appalachian Trail 24. A typical shelter on the A.T. is just a floor, three walls, and a roof, accommodating 6-12 people on average. Around $15 a day of trail expenses covers buying food and shipping resupply boxes. Increasingly, A.T. hikers are opting for a different approach, foregoing both the northbound and southbound routes. 50 of these hikers were age 70 and above. This route option is a great choice as it means you can avoid the crowds and the bad weather, and it’s much better for the preservation of the trail. Dogs are allowed everywhere on the A.T. apart from The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bear Mountain State Park, and Baxter State Park. “15 miles per day = 145 days or @ 5 months”. Park rangers, along with thousands of volunteers, work tirelessly to keep the Appalachian Trail in top condition. This website is where I share all our adventures along with tips and advice to help you get outdoors too! Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute over 175,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail, an effort coordinated largely by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy(ATC) organization. Matt Kirk, an American ultrarunner based in North Carolina, completed the trail in 58 days 9 hours and 40 minutes in 2013 (Southbound). It takes five to seven months to thru-hike the trail while a section hike can take two or more months. They offer an opportunity to socialize with other hikers and are much more convenient than tents when it comes to packing and carrying. Shelters, water, and even the trail route itself are prone to change from year to year. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy reports its current length as 2,190 miles, but this is subject to change. 165 - Average number of days it takes to complete an AT thru-hike. Required fields are marked *. For more information, read our, whole review of the best paracord bracelets, If you want to learn more about the Appalachian Trail, check out the. We took many breaks during the trip to relax, but when we hiked, we took it seriously. $5,500 - Average on-trail expenses, plan to spend $2 - $3 per mile. Not to mention depending on the time of year, water may be scarce on these legs. The average hiker will take about 5 million steps on a thru-hike, and most of the time he / she will be hiking on rough, steep terrain. Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey Demographics. There is no such restriction for the AT. All hikers will face their own hardest section of the trail, but we can narrow down some of the most challenging terrain portions that are commonly reported as being the hardest parts of the AT. The Appalachian Trail will span 554 miles across the state of Virginia. If youâre planning to tackle the AT heading South, you will need to be determined and in excellent physical condition. A complete thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail typically takes hikers anywhere from five to seven months. On average, most thru-hikers end up spending about six months on the AT traveling from end to end. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T. Some hikers will report that this mountain isnât necessarily the hardest on the trail, but it is the most sustained climb. So, at over 2,000 miles, the A.T. is considered the longest hiking-only trail in the world. This can lead to overcrowding at campsites, trampled vegetation, sanitation issues, and degraded trail quality. Many hikers prefer these shelters to tents as it’s much easier without the setup time and the added weight. Given the average completion time of five to seven months, total on-trail spending can be from $5-7,000 per person. Speed records of the trail have been set in just over 41 days. This isn’t required, but registering for the A.T. can help connect you with other aspiring hikers and also prevent overcrowding. Trailandsummit.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Since the entire Appalachian Trail is so long, many choose to complete it over the years by doing something called section hiking. , which provides 12 feet of extra-hardy 7 strand 550lb paracord. 4-5 - Average pairs of shoes an AT hiker will go through On average, the total cost of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is $5,000-$7,000. However, some State and National Parks require permits to hike through. This can help hikers to have a physical reminder as they pass a sign telling them they are indeed halfway. The Katahdin trail does not open until the last week of May or early June. for some useful information. It’s to be done with continuous footsteps and must be completed within one calendar year in order to qualify. The highest point of the mountain is 5,268 ft. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, due to the growing popularity of thru-hiking the A.T., the northbound route becomes very crowded at certain times of the year. Still, many hikers see Harperâs Ferry of West Virginia as their psychological halfway marker. Most people spend between $1 and $2 for every mile of trail⦠There will be portions that are harder than others, as well as some high elevation crossings. In the summer of 2008, my friend Adam and I Thru-Hiked the Appalachian Trail, starting in Georgia and ending in Maine. Planning a thru-hike can be part of the excitement of the trip. As a thru-hiker, it can also be daunting to cross 14 states. Even section hikers should carry survival gear, as it’s always better to be prepared. There is an abundance of water sources on the Appalachian Trail, with one at almost every shelter, and plenty of streams along the path. An estimated 2-3 million people hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail each year, mostly as day hikes or short backpacking trips. For example, our article on the. Time will be determined on endurance, average hiking speed, and miles traveled each day. Jennifer Pharr-Davis, an American ultrarunner from North Carolina, actually set two separate speed records on the trail. One of the significant battles that a thru-hiker will encounter is knowing how far they can hike each day. Shelters are usually near water sources, with fire pits and even bathrooms. For example, our article on the best campgrounds in New England features Beartown State Forest Campground, situated perfectly for a stopover off the A.T. Knowing all of the places where you can stop for food and water as well as receiving packages is vital to completing the A.T. © 2020 Outdoor Command. Mount Washington will be your highest point at 6,289 ft. However, the average time to hike the Appalachian Trail is between 5-7 months. However, this trail is most famous as a thru-hike. This is a much more challenging way to hike the trail, as it means traversing the hardest part first. More than a quarter of the trail lies in Virginia, making it the state with the longest segment of the A.T., whereas the portion of the path in West Virginia is only 4 miles long. Everest after finishing a thru-hike. This means the majority of those who complete the trail end-to-end finish just before the 6-month mark. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. That being said, it only takes most people 4 to 5 months to hike the trail. Since the creation of the Appalachian Trail in 1936, nearly 20,000 people have hiked all 2200 miles end-to-end. The most difficult parts of the trail tend to be in the northern portion. On your first day, you’ll have to climb Katahdin, a mountain with an elevation of more than 4000 feet. Only 20% of aspiring thru-hikers actually finish their journey. "The trail has a way of answering the questions you most need answered, even if you are afraid to ask." My plan includes 18 estimated zero/nero days which gives me 220 days to hike the full distance of the trail. Adding in a tight budget just means that you have to be a bit more skilled. We think that thru-hiking the A.T. is an honorable undertaking, and encourage all aspiring 2000-milers to aim high, but remember to take a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature. Joe âStringbeanâ McConaughy, an American ultrarunner based in Boston, completed the trail in 45 days 12 hours and 15 minutes in 2017 (Northbound). The first few steps in a successful thru-hike experience are getting to know the trail and getting to know yourself as a hiker. The number of hikers walking the Appalachian Trail varies depending on the time of year and the starting point. Knowing which gear to bring along and how to pack lightly is essential to hiking the A.T. There’s a lot of preparation which goes into an undertaking of this magnitude, it’s not for the faint of heart. If I'm not training for my next 100 mile trail race then you can probably find me exploring a new trail with my family. There are also plenty of campsites along the Appalachian Trail, and they make a great option for some nights. Completing the Appalachian Trail is more than anything about having the ability to adapt well. Because of the magnitude of this undertaking, every hiker should have a designated support person at home. Most people start with 5 to 10 miles per day. The Trail travels through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Range, from its southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine. Speed hiking on the trail has become somewhat of an ultramarathon runner phenomenon. You will cross many halfway markers as you make your way through Pennsylvania. November 5, 2019 Posted by averagehiker.com Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail - Connecticut - 2019, Section Hikes Fall Hike â Day 2 Day 1 had ⦠When many hikers start, they will average around 8-10 miles per day. Hike the Appalachian Trail. However, the range of weight loss differs wildly from one person to another: The heaviest person in the study lost just under 70 pounds, while the lightest lost only 5. Now pursuing freelance writing full-time, Meg has found a new base in Pheonix, AZ where she splits her time between writing and new desert adventures. Consider why you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail- if it has anything to do with peace and solitude, you’re better off avoiding these crowds.
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