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Started By
Message
Hiking the Appalachian Trail ....
Posted on 9/9/24 at 11:42 pm
Posted on 9/9/24 at 11:42 pm
Anyone ever done it? Even a piece of it?
I'm starting my training to try to do it on the 15th of this month. One year of training, if I survive the training, then I hit the AT.
It's been almost a half a century since I first became a Paratrooper. A lot of years and broken bones and heart surgery since ... my service dog and I are going to try to hump the entire trail. She's going to have to hump a lot of her own food. She's a big female GSD.
I've had a couple of buddies make a couple of hundred miles ... but they were both still in their 50s.
My cardiologist told me today, "frick NO."
Yeah .... I've gotta try.
A year will go by fast.
They say the AT gets you in shape. Just wondering if anyone has ever tried?
I'm survival savvy. JOTC and SERE trained and I kept woodlands busy until the bypass surgery .... but I set a record and walked out of the hospital on my own accord 91 hours after they cracked my chest open. I can go as long as the knees and hip holds out.
I'll ask the same questions I asked my buddies who tried and off-trailed after a couple of hundred miles.
Water .... how many access points to streams, faucets, waterever?
I've already had my questions answered about pop and squats and camping spots and shelters.
I'm looking for input about rations. Been told quite a bit about resupply points.
Already been schooled on carrying a weapon, chopper, camp axe, etc.
Already been schooled on there being no kindling or fire making along the way.
Already been schooled about comms but am open to more.
Already have plans for land nav.
Planning on using a small gas stove and have already been humping some with a titanium pot and utensils kit.
Would really like to read about rations in terms of rice and beans and spices.
Shelter is a big question ... when trail huts are taken, tarps?
Encountering assholes?
Someone mentioned issues with homeless and hippies and dysentery, etc., these days?
I've read about some muggings along the AT? Any truth to that?
Worst, toughest stretches? I'll be leaving from North Georgia headed north.
How did you get home from your off ramp?
Heard there are people along the AT handing out apples, protein bars and such.
I have a Harvest Rite freeze drier so I'm planning on making my own meals to begin with but after that ... I'm open to suggestions.
Some of my old Ranger, 82nd and SF buddies are talking about joining me for certain legs (dirty word ... legs) along the way. Did you have anyone motivate you through certain stages?
How many dogs did you see humping the AT with their masters?
Anything else you might offer as advice, those of you who have done it ... any input would be greatly appreciated.
I'm starting my training to try to do it on the 15th of this month. One year of training, if I survive the training, then I hit the AT.
It's been almost a half a century since I first became a Paratrooper. A lot of years and broken bones and heart surgery since ... my service dog and I are going to try to hump the entire trail. She's going to have to hump a lot of her own food. She's a big female GSD.
I've had a couple of buddies make a couple of hundred miles ... but they were both still in their 50s.
My cardiologist told me today, "frick NO."
Yeah .... I've gotta try.
A year will go by fast.
They say the AT gets you in shape. Just wondering if anyone has ever tried?
I'm survival savvy. JOTC and SERE trained and I kept woodlands busy until the bypass surgery .... but I set a record and walked out of the hospital on my own accord 91 hours after they cracked my chest open. I can go as long as the knees and hip holds out.
I'll ask the same questions I asked my buddies who tried and off-trailed after a couple of hundred miles.
Water .... how many access points to streams, faucets, waterever?
I've already had my questions answered about pop and squats and camping spots and shelters.
I'm looking for input about rations. Been told quite a bit about resupply points.
Already been schooled on carrying a weapon, chopper, camp axe, etc.
Already been schooled on there being no kindling or fire making along the way.
Already been schooled about comms but am open to more.
Already have plans for land nav.
Planning on using a small gas stove and have already been humping some with a titanium pot and utensils kit.
Would really like to read about rations in terms of rice and beans and spices.
Shelter is a big question ... when trail huts are taken, tarps?
Encountering assholes?
Someone mentioned issues with homeless and hippies and dysentery, etc., these days?
I've read about some muggings along the AT? Any truth to that?
Worst, toughest stretches? I'll be leaving from North Georgia headed north.
How did you get home from your off ramp?
Heard there are people along the AT handing out apples, protein bars and such.
I have a Harvest Rite freeze drier so I'm planning on making my own meals to begin with but after that ... I'm open to suggestions.
Some of my old Ranger, 82nd and SF buddies are talking about joining me for certain legs (dirty word ... legs) along the way. Did you have anyone motivate you through certain stages?
How many dogs did you see humping the AT with their masters?
Anything else you might offer as advice, those of you who have done it ... any input would be greatly appreciated.
23
Posted on 9/9/24 at 11:51 pm to scrooster
Props to you & your hound. I'm jealous. I'd love the chance to but gotta keep working making that money to keep the bills paid for the wife & kids. Maybe someday...
Posted on 9/10/24 at 5:15 am to scrooster
I applaud your effort and look forward to following you trip if you decide to post along the way. It seems like the approach would be similar to eating an elephant...small bites over an extended period, even if the intent is to do the entire length. Every step should be viewed as a victory....its not doing the entire distance that matters its appreciating every step for what it is.
My wife, me and another couple we have been friends with for going on 40 years used to do 5.5 miles (Neels Gap to Tesnatee Gap) overnight in early February each year. Start Saturday morning, hike about half way, camp, cook, shoot the shite and finish the next morning. NOTHING like doing 7 days straight of course but still very enjoyable and memorable. This is about a 3 -4 hour hike in total and very easy relative to the AT. We seldom saw anyone else even with this being one of the easiest access points and hikes in the area because of the time of year. Doing that miniscule and easy portion of the AT has always made me want more but Im not sure how much more I'd want LOL. Again, this is probably one of the most traveled stretches, easy access from Atlanta and very easy and short. Not trying to pretend to be some sort of wilderness freak, just thought I'd share.
My wife, me and another couple we have been friends with for going on 40 years used to do 5.5 miles (Neels Gap to Tesnatee Gap) overnight in early February each year. Start Saturday morning, hike about half way, camp, cook, shoot the shite and finish the next morning. NOTHING like doing 7 days straight of course but still very enjoyable and memorable. This is about a 3 -4 hour hike in total and very easy relative to the AT. We seldom saw anyone else even with this being one of the easiest access points and hikes in the area because of the time of year. Doing that miniscule and easy portion of the AT has always made me want more but Im not sure how much more I'd want LOL. Again, this is probably one of the most traveled stretches, easy access from Atlanta and very easy and short. Not trying to pretend to be some sort of wilderness freak, just thought I'd share.
Posted on 9/10/24 at 5:33 am to scrooster
I have a buddy of mine who just did it last year north to south. Started Memorial Day and finished up Labor Day weekend. He posts on the SECR from time to time, so I will see if I can get him to chime in. He had some great stories and said it was an amazing experience.
Posted on 9/10/24 at 5:37 am to scrooster
I wonder about corrective lenses for hikers who need them.
The trail seems not conducive to contact lens care (or packing a bunch of daily wears and solution). And eyeglasses suck when it's raining or they get dirty and you're in the woods.
The trail seems not conducive to contact lens care (or packing a bunch of daily wears and solution). And eyeglasses suck when it's raining or they get dirty and you're in the woods.
Posted on 9/10/24 at 6:04 am to scrooster
Looking forward to seeing your posts on this. Good luck!
One of my college buddies hiked the whole thing about 10 years ago. He was about 250 lbs when he started and about 150 when he finished. He's kept the weight off since. He told me a pretty funny story about it a while back. He joined up with a few people he'd never met at one of the shelters and hiked a couple days with them. On day two he realized they weren't just other hikers, they were homeless people wandering around.
One of my college buddies hiked the whole thing about 10 years ago. He was about 250 lbs when he started and about 150 when he finished. He's kept the weight off since. He told me a pretty funny story about it a while back. He joined up with a few people he'd never met at one of the shelters and hiked a couple days with them. On day two he realized they weren't just other hikers, they were homeless people wandering around.
Posted on 9/10/24 at 7:05 am to scrooster
YouTube has a ton of videos covering trail prep, section hikers and thru hikers. Tons of info on gear, meals, etc.
Posted on 9/10/24 at 8:03 am to scrooster
I grew up hiking a few sections,
plenty of places to get water shelters may fill but most will make room pack a tent, the dog is the problem you cant take the dog, dogs are not allowed in national parks on the trails. BUT you can drop the dog off with me at Fontana Dam and he can crash with us for a few days, and I can meet you back at the Pigeon river and give him back to you it will probably take you 5-7 days to get through the smokies.
Mail your food to re supply points on the trail.
Gear, boots hiking shoes trail runners, I would prob wear boots up springer Ga then again in PA NH Maine & in between I would wear trail running shoes. Most boots and shoes are only worth 800 miles so you will need a few pair. Dont wear cotton wear the polly stuff you can wash and it dries easy, solar panel you can hang off you pack and keep your stuff charged.
Assholes they are everywhere.
muggings ? no murders yup,
Gun! its better to have it not need it than to need it and not have it.
Get a good first aid kit with plenty of drugs! you can take a wilderness first aid class, but a few things will pull you off the trail quick like giardia but a nothing a course of antibiotics cant fix.
Plenty of stuff on the internet to help you out.
Good luck let me know about the dog.
plenty of places to get water shelters may fill but most will make room pack a tent, the dog is the problem you cant take the dog, dogs are not allowed in national parks on the trails. BUT you can drop the dog off with me at Fontana Dam and he can crash with us for a few days, and I can meet you back at the Pigeon river and give him back to you it will probably take you 5-7 days to get through the smokies.
Mail your food to re supply points on the trail.
Gear, boots hiking shoes trail runners, I would prob wear boots up springer Ga then again in PA NH Maine & in between I would wear trail running shoes. Most boots and shoes are only worth 800 miles so you will need a few pair. Dont wear cotton wear the polly stuff you can wash and it dries easy, solar panel you can hang off you pack and keep your stuff charged.
Assholes they are everywhere.
muggings ? no murders yup,
Gun! its better to have it not need it than to need it and not have it.
Get a good first aid kit with plenty of drugs! you can take a wilderness first aid class, but a few things will pull you off the trail quick like giardia but a nothing a course of antibiotics cant fix.
Plenty of stuff on the internet to help you out.
Good luck let me know about the dog.
Posted on 9/10/24 at 8:20 am to scrooster
Ive been on several segments of it. That's all I can say though.
My hiking experience:
Hiking is the easy part. One foot in front the other.
Making sure you have water along the way can be a bit challenging at times.
Setting up camp taking down camp over and over and over may get a bit frustrating
There's always people on the trails and most are very friendly but I do carry
Over all its very rewarding.
Find a two night trail to hike first. Something like Standing Indian or Art Loeb. Work out your kinks, get a feel for whats ahead, etc.
My hiking experience:
Hiking is the easy part. One foot in front the other.
Making sure you have water along the way can be a bit challenging at times.
Setting up camp taking down camp over and over and over may get a bit frustrating
There's always people on the trails and most are very friendly but I do carry
Over all its very rewarding.
Find a two night trail to hike first. Something like Standing Indian or Art Loeb. Work out your kinks, get a feel for whats ahead, etc.
Posted on 9/10/24 at 8:38 am to scrooster
I thru hiked in 09 and go back every year if I am near the trail for work and spend 3-5 days hiking. It is one of the best things I have ever done. I am not sure what you are doing to get ready for it, but really all you have to do is put in some miles and try walking on a treadmill at 5-7% incline once a week or so. When you start the trail just keep it 8 miles or so to begin with and you will work yourself into shape pretty quick. If you are starting in early March the days are pretty short so 8-12 miles is fairly easy.
Alot of people have food shipped out to resupply points, but honestly that is more hassle than it is worth. You get into town on late Friday and have to wait till Monday, etc. There are plenty of places along the way to resupply. Most towns have a dollar general in them.
When I hiked hammocks were not really a thing yet. I had been using them since 07 and I only know of one other person that started the AT with a hammock. By the time we finished, I am guessing 25% of the hikers were using them. If you go with a hammock, get a good quality one like Warbonnet (my favorite).
The trail family is a real thing. You will get to know people pretty quick and everyone looks out for each other. If there is someone you don't like being around, it's pretty easy to move on and avoid them.
Youtube 09 AT Hike
Edit: I would add jumping rope to your training just to strengthen ankles (even if you don't use the rope go through the motion of a 100 or so a few times a week).
Alot of people have food shipped out to resupply points, but honestly that is more hassle than it is worth. You get into town on late Friday and have to wait till Monday, etc. There are plenty of places along the way to resupply. Most towns have a dollar general in them.
When I hiked hammocks were not really a thing yet. I had been using them since 07 and I only know of one other person that started the AT with a hammock. By the time we finished, I am guessing 25% of the hikers were using them. If you go with a hammock, get a good quality one like Warbonnet (my favorite).
The trail family is a real thing. You will get to know people pretty quick and everyone looks out for each other. If there is someone you don't like being around, it's pretty easy to move on and avoid them.
Youtube 09 AT Hike
Edit: I would add jumping rope to your training just to strengthen ankles (even if you don't use the rope go through the motion of a 100 or so a few times a week).
This post was edited on 9/11/24 at 8:45 am
Posted on 9/10/24 at 9:47 am to scrooster
quote:
Encountering @$$holes?
I've never done it (only a few sections in NC, TN and Va), but I've had a couple of friends that did and related their stories to me. From what they've told me, I wouldn't worry about the jerks along the way. In fact, quite the opposite. They described called something called "Trail magic" where the folks that live along the way help the thru hikers. My buddy Peter, who's since passed away, said that he had an older couple take him in as a "dirty hippy" (his words) for a week when he got the flu.
Back in the 1990's, I had another buddy (Clemson grad) that was thru hiking the AT. Near Mount Lincoln in New Hampshire, he collapsed in one of the shelters. From the accounts I heard, the folks that were with him when he lost consciousness did CPR on him for hours.
Jake died of an un-diagnosed and un-operable brain tumor. After he passed, the Doctors said that even if had they know about it, they would have told him to go out an do what ever he had always wanted to do in life. Ironically, that was exactly what he was doing as he had talked about hiking the AT since he was very young. He was only 22 when he passed.
This post was edited on 9/10/24 at 9:51 am
Posted on 9/10/24 at 10:02 am to scrooster
What's your trail name gonna be?
Posted on 9/10/24 at 11:10 am to scrooster
It's late in the year to start. There are tons of good resources about prepping and planning a thru hike. you need to go down that rabbit hole. If you can afford good gear (ie light) do it. It takes solid planning to facilitate a good trip. Good luck
Posted on 9/10/24 at 12:13 pm to FightinTigersDammit
quote:
What's your trail name gonna be?
Trail names are given, not chosen
Posted on 9/10/24 at 12:18 pm to FightinTigersDammit
quote:
What's your trail name gonna be?
Mine would be Exhausted Sore Feet....
Posted on 9/10/24 at 2:33 pm to scrooster
Scrooster-how old are you? I’d like to do this, but in sections with my kids, and they are young. I am going to wait until the youngest is 12 to start so that’s 9 years from now and I’m an old dad so I’ll be in my mid 50’s. I’m just curious, as to your age because eventually I’d like to do the whole thing, but I’ll be at least in my early 60’s (if not older) before I can do that due to children, work, and aging parents.
This post was edited on 9/10/24 at 2:34 pm
Posted on 9/10/24 at 2:51 pm to scrooster
quote:
Already been schooled on carrying a weapon, chopper, camp axe, etc.
camp axe, sure. but an Ak47 seems excessive
Posted on 9/10/24 at 7:43 pm to windriverwonders
How much do you have to bear/critter proof each night?
Posted on 9/10/24 at 9:18 pm to SoFla Tideroller
quote:
How much do you have to bear/critter proof each night?
Keep things clean and don’t leave things out and it’s generally not a problem. I was more concerned with ants than anything else. Occasionally you forget about sunflower seeds or something you tucked away as a snack and you will end up with a mouse chewing a hole in your pack. I usually just left my pack and everything under my hammock. There are places where you will be required to hang your food bag.
I didn’t sleep in shelters much. Expect mice to be running around if you are in one.
Posted on 9/11/24 at 1:59 pm to scrooster
Go to YouTube and search for “I Suck At Hiking.” The guy is a veteran who completed an AT thru hike this year. He trained for a year and was mentally and physically in great shape and he completed the trail in a relatively short time for a first timer.
In addition to being a veteran, his golden doodle (or something other doodle breed, Leo, hiked the trail with him. I didn’t see it said in any of the videos I watched but I got the impression Leo was some sort of service dog. The guy hiked solo for pretty much the entire trail and had his wife meet him a couple of times along the way.
He has over a year’s worth of videos on training, gear, etc for him and Leo. Leo had his own pack and carried his own food. The only challenges with that came when they did water crossings and he’d have to carry Leo’s pack to keep it dry. Also, Leo ate more food than expected when they started making serious miles.
I bet he’d respond if you reached out to him directly and told your story.
The one piece of advice I would add is to start slow. I’ve seen so many videos where people overdo it at first and go home with jacked up knees or feet.
I look forward to following you on the trail!!
In addition to being a veteran, his golden doodle (or something other doodle breed, Leo, hiked the trail with him. I didn’t see it said in any of the videos I watched but I got the impression Leo was some sort of service dog. The guy hiked solo for pretty much the entire trail and had his wife meet him a couple of times along the way.
He has over a year’s worth of videos on training, gear, etc for him and Leo. Leo had his own pack and carried his own food. The only challenges with that came when they did water crossings and he’d have to carry Leo’s pack to keep it dry. Also, Leo ate more food than expected when they started making serious miles.
I bet he’d respond if you reached out to him directly and told your story.
The one piece of advice I would add is to start slow. I’ve seen so many videos where people overdo it at first and go home with jacked up knees or feet.
I look forward to following you on the trail!!
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