Frequently Asked Questions

When I tell people about my plans to hike the AT, most of them ask me the same questions. I thought I’d compile them here in case you are curious, too.

 

Are you going alone?

No, not technically, although I am going with a “stranger.” I have been talking with people on an Appalachian Trail forum and have actually found several people that were interested in starting the trail with me. One was Doug Douma, a guy my age that lived in Austin. We met up and hiked together a few times, but he decided to hike in 2013 instead so I’ve been following his blog and his Facebook page. I’m hoping to learn a lot from him before I make the journey myself.

I then met a girl through the forum named Nita and we hit it off right away. We were talking about bodily functions on the trail within the first 10 minutes! She lives in Chattanooga and, if all goes according to plan, I’ll meet up with her at the starting point (Springer Mountain in Georgia) and we’ll begin the trail together. I hope to meet tons of new people as I hike. That’s one of the most exciting parts of this adventure! I can’t wait to meet my new “trail family” and, hopefully, make life-long friends.

 

Are you bringing a gun?

Nope. I will have pepper spray just in case. Thousands of people attempt a thru-hike of the trail every year and most of them are going my direction (northbound). Hikers look out for each other and I’m not worried about the need for a gun. If nothing else, every ounce counts and I don’t want to carry anything that I know I won’t need.

 

Are you training?

I work out on a regular basis and recently joined a gym and personal training classes. I plan to get my legs and core in the best shape I can, but from what I’ve heard, hiking the AT is the only real way to get in “trail shape.” Within the first week or two my body should be acclimated to that kind of workout. (Let’s hope so!)

 

How will you eat/where will you sleep?

I will pass through a town every few days where I can stop at grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores to restock my food supplies. I will probably stay in a hotel for a night every week or so to shower and recuperate. Other than that, I will carry several days’ worth of food on my back and will sleep in my tent. I’ll get water from streams and sterilize it using Aqua Mira drops. I’ll get a gear list up here soon so you can see everything I plan on taking.

 

How long will it take?

Hiking the trail takes 4-6 months. I plan to start in mid-March or early-April. I need to finish by October 15 because that’s when they close the end point, Mt. Katahdin, for the season. I want to “take my time” as much as possible and enjoy the scenery, the people, and the places I pass.

 

Are you trying to escape something?

Nope, I just love an adventure.