re: Appalachian Trail w only 6 days free time.

Airfare to DC 350 rtrip. Two nights on opposite ends of the hike at Hilltop House as I recall was 75 a night. Only gear you needed for short section hike like that was a back pack, water filter or iodine kit ( you fill up at springs bubbling out of the rocks you pass along the trail very cool) couple of quart bottles to hold your water between springs. Food is dehydrated stuff u bring so u need a little alcohol stove to heat water to cook it in or you cud just lug in sardine cans and granola bars for a 4 night hike. You by rule have to sleep in Trail sanctioned lean to's which are three sided shelters with a platform to keep you off the ground and out of whatever rain shows up so u need a sleeping bag but no tent. I bought my back pack in Harpers Ferry. Train tickets are like 20. I'm guessing I spent 8-1000 all in. Just put it on a credit card like the rest of America - guaranteed best grand you ever spend.