Hiking Appalachian trail

Discussion in 'Camping/Outdoor Living' started by jokersex69, Mar 19, 2020.

  1. jokersex69

    jokersex69 Member

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    Hi my name is Joey. With all of this coronavirus bullcrap, I just want to be free. Staying in the house really sucks.
    I would really like some tips on Appalachian trail. I always wanted to hike some of it, but was discouraged. I know you need to stay fit and prepare to have food throughout the journey.
    Anyone ever hike part of the trail? What's the smoky mountains like?
    If anyone's interested, I wanna start near Harper's ferry or Virginia.
     
    Running Horse likes this.
  2. Irminsul

    Irminsul Valkyrie

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    A-a-a-apalachee bred
     
  3. Driftrue

    Driftrue Banned

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    I don't know but I enjoyed the book North by Scott Jurek about his speed record on it.
     
  4. I'minmyunderwear

    I'minmyunderwear Newbie

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    my grandparents lived right by the trail in southern virginia. it's a beautiful area. the top of white top mountain is one of my favorite places.

    i don't really have any tips; i've never actually hiked more than a few miles of it.
     
  5. Total Darkness

    Total Darkness 100% Cocoa

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    This a good idea. Never done it before. Perhaps i'll look into it or other areas. If things become unbearable for me, i can see myself leaving everything behind and just drifting away.
     
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  6. GLENGLEN

    GLENGLEN Banned

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    Don't Do It "TD"...:anguished:....If You Drift Away Who Is Going To Post "Shirtless Photos" On Here...???....:yum:



    Cheers Glen.
     
  7. Total Darkness

    Total Darkness 100% Cocoa

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    I'll make sure to post one before i leave. :p
     
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  8. I'minmyunderwear

    I'minmyunderwear Newbie

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    i guess it will be down to you then.
     
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  9. Varmint

    Varmint Member

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    Get on youtube and look up AT through-hikers 2020 or any other year and there will be a bunch of video records of their hikes with a wealth of real-world usable info for you. You'll see vids on what everyone had or wishes they had, what everyone throws away the fastest, what they keep, etc. Enjoy.
    By the way, you don't have to be in great shape. Remember: pear is a shape. So is round. Stick. Flabby. lean. Everywhere in-between. There are people from kids to little old ladies that have hiked that trail in it's entirety, and some have done it with astonishingly little, and some with un unbelievably heavy load. Just start walking. You'll get in better shape. Probably lose wight, too, but that's not always true.
     
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  10. nudistguyny

    nudistguyny Senior Member

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    I have done a few days here and there. I have not done the complete trail. But sections of it in Maine, New Hampshire, parts of NY and NJ. Parts of Pa. And a few small sections in Va. My hope was to one day connect all the sections together. But I honestly don't see that happening any more. Most people seem to over pack, or not pack the right items. Do some research and you should find spots that you can walk to off of the trail to restock. A lot of places will hold packages mailed to you if you have a support group back home. Items like new socks , bug repellent ,fresh batteries , freeze dried food packs etc.. Think light , because weight adds up fast. What you carry in you need to carry out.
    Good luck.
     
  11. SunLion

    SunLion Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    The Youtube channel "Homemade Wanderlust" is a gold mine of information, well explained by someone who knows her stuff, and there are plenty of links. "Darwin on the trail" is another Youtuber with excellent gear reviews. There are tons of others on Youtubers documenting different parts of the AT and other long trails.

    EDIT: Please note that the relevant backpacking groups are advising against hiking now, in very strong terms. They are as "closed" as possible.
     
  12. nudistguyny

    nudistguyny Senior Member

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    A number of states have announced that the trail in their states are CLOSED. I would strongly suggest not to hike any parts of it at this time. Hikers have been escorted off of the trail as a safety concern.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2020
  13. Driftrue

    Driftrue Banned

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    Really? Seems like a safe place to be, to me.
     
  14. hotwater

    hotwater Senior Member Lifetime Supporter

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    I’ve hiked much of the Appalachian Trail through New Hampshire and Maine at no fault of my own.

    I never deliberately set out to climb the Trail it just happens to either crisscross or temporarily merged with the trail I was hiking.

    Through the northern terminus it’s very rugged with steep cliffs, large granite boulders, and much of it is above the tree line.
     
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  15. Meliai

    Meliai Banned

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    Yeah this one irks me. But I also get it. I am irked and understanding.
    They closed the Appalachian trail because people get off the trail every few days for supplies which brings a lot of travelers to poor rural communities that may not have the infrastructure to withstand an outbreak.

    And I get why they closed state parks, because those always have bathroom facilities and picnic facilities where large groups congregate.

    The part that irks me is a lot of trails with primitive camp sites were closed near here too and going primitive camping seems pretty low risk. But I guess it comes back to limiting the number of people who are passing through rural communities on their way to the trails
     
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  16. Driftrue

    Driftrue Banned

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    Ah, true.
     
  17. nudistguyny

    nudistguyny Senior Member

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    Also if a hiker gets sick on the trail and calls for help it involves a rescue operation for a rural rescue group that may not have the correct PPE or in depth training to handle such a case. Such groups train on basic first aid and rope rescues more then on infectious diseases
     
  18. Time Out of Mind

    Time Out of Mind Members

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    Joey,
    The smokies are beautiful. I did parts of the A.T. while i was there visiting. Most of my distance hiking has been on the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST). So far I have section hiked about 1800 miles of it in the last 6 years. Distance hiking is something I recommend anytime people need a break from society. My advice is to start slow. Day hikes or 1-2 nighters. Study basic backwoods survival skills. See what gear works best for you. Make a resupply plan if you are going out for over a week. Learn about finding safe natural edibles and water sources.
     
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  19. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    I've hiked from the PA border south to the bottom of the Shenandoahs, much of PA, and from the PA border north, I forget how far....maybe to the White Mountains.

    I could offer some tips, however the AT conservatory is asking everyone to stay off the trail.
    The Smokey Mountains are closed, Shenandoah is closed.
    Go here for a full listing of closures.

    Harper's Ferry is not far from PA.
    What you can do is pack for a two week trip to a less used trail such as The Black Forest Trail (3 to 4 days) or the MidState Trail in PA.
    You can still walk the trails at Pennsylvania’s parks, but facilities will be closed

    The MidState trail starts at the Mason Dixon Line and heads north for about 300 miles. You won't meet many people on this trail.
    It is not an easy hike, as I have done parts, and there are very few places to restock, not like the AT. For example one campsite I stayed at was on a ridge of rocks about ten feet wide with nothing but....rocks to sleep on, Water was about 1,000 feet lower. You had to climb down and haul it back up. But that was 40 or so years ago, so it may be different now.

    Midstate trail

    Or there may be other trails still open in Maryland.
     
  20. jokersex69

    jokersex69 Member

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    I can't believe the government and parks are shutting down trails. Have to be creative if you want have fun
     

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