Proper planning and preparation will make your Trail experience easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Begin planning by asking yourself these basic questions:

How far should I hike?

Start with this decision, as it will affect all your other plans. In general, your choices are:

A short day-hike — Most Trail users are day-hikers, their goal a few miles of hiking or a climb to an overlook.
A weekend backpacking trip — Many hikers plan a two- or three-day camping trip covering roughly a dozen or more miles. This requires more preparation and overnight equipment.
A long-distance hike — “Section-hikers” plan long, linear hikes of a week or more. They need the same basic equipment as a weekend backpacker but must carry more supplies or resupply along the way.
A thru-hike — “Thru-hikers” attempt the entire A.T. in one continuous trip, a mammoth physical and logistical undertaking. Since a hike of this nature requires special planning, we’ve created a section on our site specific to thru-hiking.

When am I going?

Consider avoiding parts of the Trail that tend to be crowded, muddy, or insect plagued at various times of the year. The Appalachian Trail Overview section contains info on special seasonal considerations for each state. Useful info on average expected weather conditions can be found on the Weather page.

Where am I going?

First, identify the region and state(s) you' ll be hiking in. Our Appalachian Trail Overview page briefly describes the five major regions, each of which has different weather and hiking conditions. In northern New England, for instance, plan on lower mileage because of the harder terrain. Follow the links to each state for more details on that particular section.

Second, identify a destination or section along the Trail.  The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and its member clubs publish eleven guidebooks with accompanying maps that cover the entire A.T. in detail. Other guidebooks focus on selected day or overnight hikes. These publications, available from the ATC Trail Store identify the scenic, historic, and natural highlights along the Trail, as well as practical information such as regulations and the location of campsites, shelters, water sources, parking, and access points.

Third, study your route. Use guidebooks and maps to learn as much as you can about the terrain and elevation gain and loss, so you can plan your mileage accordingly. For shorter hikes, mileage options are determined primarily by the location of road crossings. If you need to park a vehicle, be aware that not all road crossings have hiker parking facilities, and any remote parking area may be subject to vandalism. Hiker shuttle services can prevent having to “backtrack” to a vehicle, and public transportation may be an option in some areas. See Getting to the Trail for more info on shuttles, public transportation, and deterring vehicle vandalism.

Do I really need maps and guidebooks?

All hikers should carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Even though the A.T. is well-marked in most places, a map is important for good planning and essential in case of an emergency. All official A.T. maps also feature elevation profiles, indicating at a glance how much up and down each section contains.

Is my mileage goal realistic?

With an appropriate guidebook and map and a sense of what to expect in terms of distance and terrain, you can intelligently reassess your original plan. Beginning backpackers should plan no more than seven to eight miles a day, and your first and last days should be shorter. On your first A.T. backpacking trip, expect to average no more than a mile an hour, even on moderate sections. A goal of “big miles” makes blisters and misery much more likely and may leave you stumbling in the dark or slogging through the rain when you are exhausted — a recipe for disaster. Rest your feet, and take time to enjoy the flora, fauna, and views. Ambitious goals can wait until you better understand your capabilities.

Some of the information here is adapted from the booklet Step by Step: An Introduction to Walking the Appalachian Trail (PDF).  

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