Short Road Walk, Gorham
July 17, Mile 1872
Mahoosuc Notch, Maine
July 18, Mile 1893
This is another stretch of trail that is spoken of in dramatic terms. Although there is plenty of scrambling over, under, and around boulders, you’ll probably find it’s well worth it for the experience and photo ops.
Baldpate Mountain
July 19, Mile 1905
It was fun cruising along this stretch of open rock with “Del,” who hiked from Key West to the end of the IAT and beyond.
Dreadnought’s Tarp
Dreadnought basically took up backpacking the day he started his thru-hike. He went for the Jardine-style ultralite methods, which, judging from his speed, worked well for him!
Sunset, Pierce Pond Shelter
July 25, Mile 2013
For those who love the trail, it’s magic moments like this that define the experience.
Rock Overhang
July 27, Mile 2033
I sure wish I could have come across one of these on a rainy day!
My Lightweight Cooking Gear
July 30, Mile 2087
One small pot, windscreen with two tent stakes run through it to form a stand, gripper, cover, spoon and lighter, along with a Trangia alcohol stove and 20 oz. fuel bottle; all in a ripstop stuffsack.
Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to, Maine
July 31, Mile 2110
Whether you called them shelters or lean-tos, this is the classic design seen here in the 100-Mile Wilderness and along the length of the trail.
Katahdin and Pemadumcook Lake
July 31, Mile 2121
Katahdin fills northbound thru-hikers with a sense of anticipation and accomplishment, as well as a nostalgia for the trail life they are about to leave behind.
Baxter Park
August 2, Mile 2159
The last full day on the trail.
Katahdin, GA > ME
August 3, Mile 2168
The famous sign marking the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and the end of a great adventure.
Don’t forget to check out my Appalachian Trail Gear List
 The Best A.T. Guidebook A.T. Guide  |
 The Best A.T. Book AWOL on the Appalachian Trail  |
 The Best A.T.DVD Appalachian Impressions DVD  |
 My Adventure Alone Across Alaska DVD  |
I am just starting planning my solo “thru hike” I see that gear list all have atm cards what is a guestimated amount of money that one would spend on this hike? I don’t think picking up gifts for the kids is the smart thing to do so what would I need money for?
Spending varies wildly. Partiers who hang out in towns, and stay at hotels spend a lot. People who limit town stays spend far less. Food adds up. Most people spend at least a few days in hostels and motels. There’s also laundry, gear replacement (most hikers go thru several pairs of shoes) etc. Many people figure $1000 a month. Faster hikes are therefore usually cheaper. Good luck!
I’m 16 and planing a thru hike of the AT in 2015. What type of mind set should I put myself in? Is it worth the weight to pack more than one pair of pants, shorts, and shirts?
Thanks
Hi Jackson,
That sounds like fun! One of the best ways to save backpacking weight is to avoid duplicate clothing as much as possible. Maybe 3 pair of hiking socks and one pair of sleeping socks would be one of the exceptions. I’d take only one pair of long pants and probably one pair of hiking shorts. I’d take one long-sleeved shirt and maybe one t-shirt. When it’s cold you should keep one set of dry long underwear to sleep in and to wear in camp.
A good mind set on the trail is to treat the hardships as challenges: it might be tough at the moment but it will only add to the satisfaction later. I’d recommend getting out and backpacking and camping a bunch, especially multi-day trips, to test your gear and practice your skills.
Good luck!
Colter