I started April 1, I'm in the Hiwassee area and the trail hasn't been as crowded as I might have figured. I was hoping for a bit more of a social vibe, actually, from some of the stories I've heard from friends who have hiked in previous years. Am I just behind the bubble? I figured this would be prime starting time. Been staying at various shelters along the way

Hi, I am planning on doing a through hike and the earliest I can start is in late May, maybe the 29th. I know I will need to move quicker than average and am prepared to do so. In terms of gear though, is there anything I shouldn't bring leaving so late or maybe ship to somewhere up north. Should I not pack any real winter gear at all to save on weight for example? Thanks for your input!

I started the hike a few days ago with 30lb of gear including food and water. Now im sitting in a nearby cabin I rented with an ice pack on my leg chugging electrolytes like it's my job. I had to bail around Neels gap late day 3 after my leg just didn't want to go anymore.

I've been training for months for this. But I'm also from the coast. There are zero places for me to train for the climb other than the stairmaster which I've spent an hour on 5 days a week+. I've also gone on multiple 15 mile hikes with my full pack on flat ground and it was fine.

If I'm nowhere near any hills whatsoever but I have gym access. How do I prepare for this so I know it won't happen again?

Here is what I have narrowed down my Sleeping Pad choices to for my AT thru-hike. I am an older guy trying to stay light and comfortable if possible. I have a Katabatic Flex 22 w/ 2oz overfill. Any input would be appreciated.

Option 1) ZLite foam pad 14oz R2+ Nemo Tensor Elite 8.5 oz R2.4 Total 22.5 oz/R4.4 $208.95

Option 2) GG Thinlight wide 1/8" foam 4oz R.5 + Nemo Tensor All Season Ultralight wide 19 oz R5.4 Total 23 oz/R5.9 $207.96

Option 3) GG Thinlight 1/8" CCF 4oz R.5 + Nemo Tensor Elite 8.5 oz R2.4 Total 12.5 oz R2.9 $215.96

I’m following my son Aaron. His trail name is Lumos. Last spring he started in Georgia and hiked to northern Virginia before coming off trail to attend my grandson’s high school graduation. Now that grandson Aiden will be joining us the first week of May to finish the trail with Lumos. I’m retired and really enjoy my support role along the way. I guess I’m their trail angel giving them and other through hikers we meet rides and food. We are now in Hagerstown Maryland and headed north. I’ll post a picture or two as we progress toward Maine.

Trying to decide if a 40 degree quilt will be warm enough for a roan mtn section hike May 3rd-10th. I am a warm sleeper.

lighterpack

Not sold on whether I need a tent footprint or not. Also debating if towel is worth the weight for the comfort (something lighter like bandana?). Other than that I'm not sure how much more there is to cut down on but I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

lighterpack

Not sold on whether I need a tent footprint or not. Also debating if towel is worth the weight for the comfort (something lighter like bandana?). Other than that I'm not sure how much more there is to cut down on but I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

I’m heading out next week and would appreciate any advice on my gear list. I still have to dial in my clothing and weigh it. Thank you in advance ^{__^}

Hey everyone, I'm planning a section hike NOBO through Massachusetts this year. Any advice on what month or weeks to avoid peak season traffic would be appreciated. If you've done this section hike before, what time of year did you go? I'd love to hear about your hike. Thanks!

hey! thought I would check if anyone is already getting a ride to Springer on 4/15 & would want to split the cost before I reach out to some shuttles. I’ll be taking the Amtrak to Gainesville, GA and getting in at 7:30am. happy trails!

Being that this will be my first solo trip, I’m slightly nervous about being alone at night (always have had a friend with me). How weird would it be if I asked fellow hikers if I could camp in the same area they are in? Not like right on top of someone but near so as to have some sort of support? Could be worth mentioning, but I plan to generally stay away from shelters due to what I’ve read about rodent problems.

I know hikers are generally friendly and I can typically tell if a person doesn’t necessarily want to have a conversation/make a new friend but wanted to see what the general consensus was.

Has anyone had experiences like this before? Am I too in my head about this?

My whys .. - I love nature and the outdoors SO much, I love being outside. I feel most alive when I’m out there, dirty, smelly and surrounded by the beauty of nature.

-I’m tired of revolving my life around my work schedule and contributing to this society! I live a peaceful, quiet and sometimes lonely life.. no kids,no pets, no relationship, no house. I worked hard to become debt free so I can tick things off my bucket list. I’m a travel nurse and truth be told I’m burnt out and exhausted.. let me live life on the fringes of society now, it’s my time!!

-I have two younger nephews. If their auntie can do this, then they can do absolutely anything they put their little minds to!!

Last one to Katahdin wins ✌️

I am 18 and planning to hike SoBo after graduation. So naturally i stay up stressing over every little detail of my thru. Will I be able to book hotels at 18? I know the law says you only need to be 18 but many hotels don’t allow anyone under 21 to book rooms.

Howdy! Is anyone else starting NOBO on Monday, the 7th? I'm going to be collecting video interviews of folks along the trail (hikers, hostel owners, trail angels, trail crews, etc). I'll be staying at the lodge Sunday night and I'd love to grab an interview or two of folks before setting off if anyone is going to be there, especially if they're first-timers. Also, connections to anyone else along the trail would be greatly appreciated! 😁

Thinking about doing this segment of the AT in Georgia. Anyone know how long this route is as well as vert? This route I’m assuming goes up and over blood mountain right?