The Trail passes directly through only a handful of towns, but an increasing number of businesses located within a few miles of the Trail offer resupply opportunities. Many hikers buy food along the way, and use maildrops only for specialized items. Maildrops can be sent to hiker-friendly establishments or post offices.

Sending maildrops

Many businesses along the A.T. hold packages for hikers. The United States Postal Service also provides mail service at post offices for customers who are not permanently located. Most thru-hikers use these services at some point during their hike—whether for routine re-supply or to get occasional mail or packages from home.

Detailed information about businesses, hostels, and post offices along the Trail that hold packages for hikers can be found in the A.T. Thru-Hikers' Companion. Businesses and hostels, unlike post offices, may be open seven days a week. The A.T. Data Book provides a very condensed version and can serve as a handy quick reference. Learn more about these books in Guidebooks and Maps; both titles are available through the Ultimate A.T. Store.

ATC recommends using First Class or Priority Mail to ship packages. Shipping times for Parcel Post are less reliable and may take several days or weeks. You will need a photo ID to pick up general delivery mail from a post office and some businesses.

“Bounce” boxes

A popular practice among long-distance hikers is to use a “send-ahead” or “bounce” box, which follows (or leads) you up the Trail. Hikers fill them with supplies such as extra batteries, cell phone chargers, “town clothes,” and toiletries. Often in stores you’ll have to buy more of something than a weight-conscious backpacker needs; a bounce box will allow you to send ahead the extra. Also be sure to include mailing tape, labels, and magic markers so you have supplies to send your box ahead.

Addressing mail

Write legibly! Include on your package or mail label:

• Your full name (no "Trail names" or initials)
• Business name and address OR "c/o General Delivery" for post offices
• City, State, ZIP Code
• Return address (phone number optional)
• “Please hold for A.T. hiker”
• Date you expect to pick up package

If your maildrop box contains liquid stove fuel (white gas, alcohol, or pressurized butane canisters), you must clearly label on the address side of the package, "ORM-D - Consumer Commodity" and "Surface Mail Only." More info on Postal Service restrictions and labeling requirements can be found in USPS Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail.

Forwarding mail and packages

It's always a good idea to fill out a forwarding card at any post office you use, even if you're not expecting additional mail. Forward your mail ahead to a post office you expect to reach in two or three weeks, or to your home address.

Special requirements for forwarding packages.

• A written and signed Form 3575 is required to forward a package. You may not forward a package by a telephone request.
• If you will be receiving jointly addressed packages, a Form 3575 is required for each name.
• A First Class or Priority Mail package can be forwarded at no additional cost.
• A Parcel Post package can be forwarded, but postage due will be charged when the package is picked up.
• A package may not be forwarded after it is opened.

Other Post Office services

• Although post offices in trail towns will sometimes hold hiker packages longer, they are only required to hold them for 30 days and some may not even hold them that long. As thru-hiker traffic and the volume of the packages increases, post offices may no longer be able to hold packages as long as they have in the past.
• Post offices are not obligated to provide mailing tape free of charge, but some post offices offer it for sale. It's a good idea to include mailing tape, labels, and magic markers in your food packages or your send-ahead box.
• The post office cannot accept a FedEx or UPS package.
• Post offices now accept credit cards and ATM cards. On ATM purchases, you can get up to $50 cash back, provided the post office has the cash on hand. (Small post offices may not have this much cash on hand, especially in the morning.)

Visit the United States Postal Service Web site for more details on specific rates and services.