need to know

The A.T. passes through game lands managed for hunting, so fall is not the best time to go.

All hunters and non-hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined, or a fluorescent orange hat, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 (except on Sundays) on state game lands in Pennsylvania (much of the A.T. between the and Delaware Water Gap (roughly the northern 2/3 of the state). For more information about hunting safety along the A.T. visit www.appalachiantrail.org/hunting.

Only thru-hikers (defined as those "walking the Appalachian Trail from point of beginning to an exit, which is not the place of beginning) may camp on Pennsylvania Game Commission lands, and these hikers must camp within 200 ft of A.T., at least 500 ft from a stream or spring.

In addition, camping regulations vary considerably throughout the state, so be sure to plan ahead for your hike.