How is the Trail marked?

The Appalachian Trail is marked for daylight travel in both directions, using a system of two-inch by six-inch paint "blazes" on trees, posts, and rocks. There are some local variations, but most hikers grasp the system quickly. Above treeline, and where snow or fog may obscure paint marks, posts and rock piles called "cairns" are used to identify the route. More: Follow the Blazes.

Where can I get maps?

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and its member clubs publish the official guidebooks and maps for the Appalachian Trail, available for purchase online at the Ultimate A.T. Store or by phone at 1-888-AT STORE. More: Guidebooks and Maps.

Do I need a permit?

The Appalachian Trail is open for all to enjoy. No fees, memberships, or paid permits are required for walking on the Trail. However, 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. More: Permits, Fees, and Regulations.

Where can I camp?

More than 250 backcountry shelters are located along the Appalachian Trail at varying intervals, as a service to all A.T. users. A typical shelter, sometimes called a “lean-to,” has a shingled or metal roof, a wooden floor and three walls and is open to the elements on one side. Most are near a creek or spring, and many have a privy nearby. Hikers occupy them on a first-come, first-served basis until the shelter is full. They are intended for individual hikers, not big groups. If you're planning a group hike, plan to camp out or to yield space to individual hikers who may not have the resources you do. Many shelters are near good campsites for tenting. More: Camping and Shelters.

Where are the restrooms?

Few and far between. Many A.T. shelters have privies, but often you will need to "go in the woods." Proper disposal of human (and pet) waste is not only a courtesy to other hikers, but is a vital Leave No Trace practice for maintaining healthy water supplies in the backcountry and an enjoyable hiking experience for others. More: Food, Water, and Sanitation.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are permitted along most of the Trail, but they impose additional responsibilities on hikers who bring them along. If you want to hike with your dog, be considerate of others (and your dog) by planning carefully, educating yourself about local regulations, and keeping your dog controlled at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, Baxter State Park in Maine, and the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center in Bear Mountain State Park, New York. Dogs are required to be on a leash on all National Park Service-administered lands—or more than 40 percent of the entire A.T. More: Hiking with Dogs.

Can I ride a bike or horse on the A.T.?

Generally, no. The Appalachian Trail is designed, built, and maintained by hikers for foot travel. More: Permits, Fees, and Regulations.

Are bears and snakes a problem?

The problem with snakes and bears is that you won't see them often. Sometimes you only see signs of them, such as tracks or a shed snakeskin. That's because snakes and bears, and most other animals, shy away from humans. If you do see a snake or a bear, don't try to touch or feed them. Animals along the Trail are wild and should be left alone. More: Health and Safety.

How safe is it?

Hiking the A.T. is no more dangerous than many other popular outdoor activities, but, although the Trail is part of the national park system, it is not the proverbial "walk in the park." Preparation is the key for a safe and healthy trip. Choose clothing and equipment carefully, and make sure you have adequate food, water, and shelter available. More: Health and Safety.

How long does it take to thru-hike?

From five to seven months, depending on how fast you hike. The average is slightly over six months. More: Thru-Hiking.

What is trail magic?

The term “trail magic” describes small, unexpected, remarkable events that lift a hiker’s spirits and inspire awe or gratitude. “Trail magic” comes in two forms: The magic created by nature, and the magic created by the kindness of strangers. More: Trail Magic