Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (Full Version)

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Darcyjo -> Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (6/17/2008 6:36:09 AM)

I am going to be spending a week hiking on a stretch of the Appalachian Trail as a staffer for our denominational Youth hike. Since this is my first major hike, and my first time on the AT, I would love to hear from anyone with stories of their own hiking experiences, or advice on hiking.

Fire away! [8D]



PolarBear -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (6/17/2008 1:31:10 PM)

Very cool! I've only been on tiny parts of the AT (in Great Smokey Mountains National Park and in Shenandoah National Park), but I've done some multi-day hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail, the Western equivalent.

Lots of fun! Just hope it doesn't rain.

You'll grow fond of Tang and macaroni & cheese and sardines ....



Darcyjo -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (6/18/2008 6:48:14 AM)

Hiya, Micah! [:)]

Yeah, that's one of the things I've heard, that trail food ain't what it's cracked up to be. But I've also been told to eat anything I'm offered, due to the amount of calories I'm going to be burning every day. Actually, I like the sound of that. [8D]

I'm training for the hike, both at the gym and by taking walks on a trail near my home. Have to break in my hiking boots!



Darcyjo -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (6/22/2008 6:07:57 PM)

Geez, no hikers at all here?

Okay, I've got my boots, (Nowa), and I'm taking two-hour walks on the weekends to work on them. I'm using the treadmill at my gym on the hill setting (I am now over the pain in my thigh muscles!) and using free weights to strengthen my back and shoulders. Any suggestions on training for this?

And does anyone have advice on buying gear like packs and sleeping bags? That's quite an investment for me.



swrundeep -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (6/22/2008 6:27:49 PM)

I recommend reading or at least referencing, Bill Bryson's book A Walk Across America. It is about his walking the AT. He has lots of practical advice and references some other sites for equipment, etc. A very entertaining read. I followed his advice before I hiked the Long Trail in VT.



Darcyjo -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (6/22/2008 8:55:41 PM)

Oh, YEAH! Read his book a couple of years ago, and it made me come to the conclusion that I will never do a major hike by myself. Scary, hearing about people going missing. And we've actually had hikers go missing (later found dead) in this state, as well as across the state line. They arrested the guy that they think was responsible, but I don't want to take the chance. [8|]

I'll have to go back and look at it again. [:)]



Prairiehiker -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (6/22/2008 9:15:57 PM)

quote:

I've got my boots, (Nowa), and I'm taking two-hour walks on the weekends to work on them. I'm using the treadmill at my gym on the hill setting (I am now over the pain in my thigh muscles!) and using free weights to strengthen my back and shoulders. Any suggestions on training for this?


Check out the Backpackers magazine.

http://www.backpacker.com/

Awesome magazine for hiking and backpacking. I have an issue about the Appalachian trail. I'll see if I can find it. But do check it out. I think the summer hiking issue and it has a lot of tips on packs, food, gears, etc. My subscription hasn't come so I haven't read it. It's the best magazine for backpacking in the US and Canada.



Darcyjo -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (6/23/2008 9:07:35 PM)

Thanks for the suggestion, hon! [:)]

Went for a walk yesterday with a daypack, about half the load I'll be carrying on the trail. (no hip belt on this pack, so that's all I wanted to carry.) Of course, ended up with a nice thunderstorm, soaking me and the pack.

And the boots need to be waterproofed. Bet you can guess how I know. [sm=icon_smile_roll.gif]



rogasinger4Him -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (7/20/2008 7:50:32 PM)

I hiked through the Smokies on the AT from Davenport Gap to Fontana Village with a group of 36 people way back in the summer of 1970. We took 12 days to hike approximately 100 miles. 28 high school aged boys and girls and 8 adults
We broke into groups of six each morning according to fitness level. The fastest hikers would get to the next trail shelter and hold it for the whole group. I started with Group 5 the first day and wasn't sure I could make it up the first mountain to the first campsite. By the last 3 days I was hiking with Group 2. Some groups carried a walkie-talkie

One of the biggest rules was never break into smaller groups than 3 except at campsite.

We had bear watch everynight beause only 24 could fit in the shelters. Loud whistles, metal pans beat together and flashlights were enough to frighten the bears off.
Extra batteries are essential and one of those wind up flashlights would be a good idea.

Well broke in hiking boots and several pairs of socks are very important. Take care of your feet!

Good Raingear and waterproof bag for your sleeping bag are essential unless you like sleeping in a wet sleeping bag. It rained at least 3 times during our hike.

We only carried half our food at the start and had some one meet us a Newfound Gap to restock us. I never felt hungry with the freeze dried food but I did lose over 10 lbs dring the hike.

Since it was 38 years ago and I was 13 at the time I don't remember everything but I sure wish I'd carried a camera. I only have a few copies of pictures that others took.



weaselofdoom -> RE: Hiking the AT, any stories or advice? (7/20/2008 9:43:40 PM)

I hiked a 17 mile stretch in Shenandoah National Park and a 21 mile section in southern Pennsylvania. How far are you planning to hike?

I am thinking about trying the "Maryland Challenge" early this fall. The Maryland Challenge involves walking the entire section of the AT in Maryland in one day. It is a 40.9 mile walk. I am not sure I can pull it off now, maybe 10 years ago, but now it will be a little tougher. I may even try to get a few sponsors and use my walking as a fundraiser Young Life or some other good organization.

Good luck with your walk! Make sure you pick a good trail name for yourself!



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