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  |
My sister and I are planning a thru-hike in the next couple years. I was wondering about your thoughts on hammocks. Would it be smart/dumb/indifferent to carry a hammock and tarp instead of/addition to a tent?
Thank you, this website rocks.
Hi Peyton,
I’ve never tried a backpacking hammock. I know there are numerous people who have used them on the AT and liked them a lot, and also some for whom it didn’t work out. I think the tradition of using a tent is the main reason they are so overwhelmingly popular vs hammocks on the AT.
You might try one out and see how you like it, then choose either hammock or tent.
Good luck!
Colter