ATC does not conduct thru-hiking workshops, but we try to keep track of organizations that do. Contact each organization for program details. If you have an event you would like to see included on this list, e-mail info@appalachiantrail.org.

Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA). An annual weekend-long “Gathering” (every Columbus Day weekend) features numerous workshops on many aspects of backpacking on the A.T. and other long-distance trails.

Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, New Hampshire. Two-day thru-hiking workshop covering equipment selection, re-supplying, trail safety and the psychology and philosophy of thru-hiking. Open discussions, slides and videos will be used to cover additional information. Usually offered in November and January.

AMC Mohican Outdoor Center, Blairstown, New Jersey. Long Distance Hiking Workshop covers food, mail drops, gear, reducing pack weight, on-the-trail teaching. Usually offered in November.

Appalachian Trail Institute, Banner Elk, North Carolina. Offers a four-day program at regular intervals exploring psychological, physical, and logistical aspects of thru-hiking. Instructor Dr. Warren Doyle has walked the A.T. 14 times, and has organized and led seven supported group hikes of the entire Trail. Dr. Doyle claims a 75 percent success rate for those who have completed the course.

Bill Jackson, Inc., Pinellas Park, Florida. Offers a two-day thru-hiking workshop every year.

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). Several stores in Trail states offer thru-hiking workshops.

Trail Days, Damascus, VA.  An A.T.-related festival in the Trail town of Damascus, Virginia in mid-May, with presentations by former thru-hikers, attended by hundreds of current thru-hikers.

Long Trail Festival, Rutland, VT. An event held in mid-August including workshops on a variety of topics related to long-distance hiking.

“RUCKS.” Annual weekend gatherings of past and future thru-hikers, featuring informal packweight reduction workshops, videos, slideshows, used gear sales and hikes. The original RUCK is held in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in southeastern Pennsylvania the last weekend in January. The southern RUCK is held mid-January along the A.T. in southern North Carolina.