How long does it take?

From five to seven months, depending on how fast you hike. The average is six months.

When should I start a thru-hike?

Hikers have tackled the Appalachian Trail at all times of year, and with varied itineraries. Most thru-hikers start their trips in early March or April at Springer Mountain in Georgia and finish at Katahdin in September. A few start in June or July at Katahdin and finish in Georgia in November or December. Starting at Springer in March guarantees hiking in winter conditions for much of the first several weeks and also guarantees a crowd of fellow northbounders—in 2006, about 1,150 thru-hikers started from Springer. To avoid crowds, the optimal time to start a northbound thru-hike is after April 15; however, since the average thru-hiker takes six months to finish, this can mean cutting it close: Baxter State Park in Maine is closed from October 15 to May 15, and the Appalachian Trail up Katahdin is closed on any day when the weather makes hiking there dangerous. More: When Should I Start?

How can I avoid the crowds and still hike the entire Trail?

Hike southbound, or “flip-flop.” Increasingly, hikers are choosing to start somewhere in the middle of the Trail; they hike to Katahdin, then return to their starting point and hike south to finish their hike at Springer. On flip-flops such as that you'll find some fellow hikers (without the crowds), better terrain to begin with, and better weather. More: Alternative Itineraries.

Do I have to register?

No. There's no formal registration system. But, let friends and family know where you are, what your itinerary is, and your “Trail name.” The A.T. passes through numerous state and national parks, forests and public lands, a few of which require permits, fees, or reservations to stay overnight in shelters or campsites. In some cases, the reservation system is different for long-distance hikers. Learn more: Permits, Fees, and Regulations.

Do I need to carry maps?

The Trail is well-marked, so many thru-hikers, who become skilled at following the blazes, choose not to carry maps. But, maps are quite useful for planning a thru-hike, and, in an emergency, are your best source of information on how to get off the Trail and find help. Guidebooks and maps also help you get a sense of where you are and how far you've gone and can enrich your Trail experience. More: Guidebooks and maps.

How detailed should my plan be?

Be mindful that unforeseen factors can affect things. A section of damaged Trail or extreme weather, for instance, may slow you down considerably. A grand view from a trailside overlook may likewise make you run late. In either case, include some flexibility in your plans, and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

What are my chances of finishing a thru-hike?

Each year, many prospective 2,000-milers start at Springer Mountain in Georgia, only to quit at the first town twenty miles up the Trail. Up to 10 percent quit in the first week, but approximately 25 percent make it the whole way. They give up for all kinds of reasons. Starting too early, heavy rains or snow, a schedule that is too ambitious and leads to injury, unexpectedly rugged terrain, overspending a meager budget, poor physical shape, ill-fitting boots and equipment, or no sense of humor—all contribute to an ill-fated expedition.

Only you know best what kind of person you are. Will you endure days of rain, when every item you own becomes soggy, including your tent and sleeping bag? Are you willing to plod up seemingly endless mountains with muscles that ache, only to see another grind still to come? Will you still be inspired after every view starts to look the same and the Trail seems like an endless green tunnel?

How can I know if I can stand it?

The smartest thing you can do is to take a practice hike that includes at least two nights out on terrain that approximates the part of the Trail you plan to start on. This will help you evaluate gear, physical conditioning, and mental readiness. More: Preparing for a Thru-Hike.

How much does it cost?

A fair amount of money—typically about $3,000 to $5,000—to undertake a 2,000 mile, five- to seven-month hike, not counting $1,000 to $2,000 or more for gear. Many dollars are spent in vain, along with planning time and effort, when someone learns too late that a thru-hike is not for him or her.

What costs so much?

Most of your money will be spent in town. Few thru-hikers can resist the temptation of restaurant food, motel beds, and hot showers after days of deprivation. You will also need money for supplies, laundry, postage, equipment repair, and equipment replacement.

What happens when I finish?

The greatest rewards are personal ones—the memories, friendships, photographs, the sense of accomplishment, and the deeper appreciation of the eastern mountains. When you finish the entire Trail, either in one season or sections added together over the years, let ATC know. You'll get a form to report and describe your hike. When you return it, ATC will send you a certificate of recognition and a "2,000-Miler" rocker for an A.T. patch. Your name will be added to our roster of 2,000-milers. Forms are also available at Baxter State Park in Maine and Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. More: What Happens When I Finish?

How many hikers have completed the entire A.T.?

More than 9,000 people have informed ATC that they have hiked the entire Trail. This includes hikers who have completed the Trail over many years as well as those finishing in one trip.

How does ATC define thru-hiking?

We don't. ATC uses the term "2,000-miler" as a matter of tradition and convenience. ATC defines a "2,000-miler" as anyone who has hiked the entire Trail between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Katahdin in Maine. We don't consider issues such as the sequence, direction, speed or whether one carries a pack. We do expect that persons applying for inclusion in our 2,000-miler records have made an honest effort to walk the entire Trail.