I'm kind of inexperienced in the whole AT area. However I do have some experience with hiking and i did spend some time in the Army, so I think I kind of know what to expect along the lines of how strenuous this will be, and how to set up and teardown camp, as well as the little things that make a secessful outing. Can anybody give me some advice/encouragement for my planned trip? Im going to start at springer and try to make it through the smokies. I only have a couple of weeks that i could dedicate to being out there so anything will help. Thanks

How about telling us your gear list for starters. As far as the physical part, sounds like you're plenty set for your hike.

Try to keep your pack weight down.

Keep your goals realistic. Start slow so you have time to get used to it (some tough terrain between Springer and the Smokies). Even if you are in reasonable physical conditon, hiking for several straight weeks is a different ball game.

Read the articles section here on WB. Plenty of good info. Once you start actual planning, check back in and scan other threads for info.

Like Blissful said:Try to keep your pack weight down.
Try to keep your pack base weight to no more than 20lbs without food and water, and under 15lbs is even better.
There's a cliche phrase relating to this hiking thing: "smiles - not miles" .
Above all else, just have fun.

Hello ganja22, Springer through the Smokies seems like a long stretch for a two-week trip, 235 - 243 miles, give or take. I don't doubt that you can do it, what with your recent Army experences, but you should take time to count the bears. On the upside, the natives should be a lot friendlier than in your Army experiences. When do you plan to go? There are great articles on this site on about all aspects of hiking the A.T. Good luck.

Hello ganja22, Springer through the Smokies seems like a long stretch for a two-week trip, 235 - 243 miles, give or take. I don't doubt that you can do it, what with your recent Army experences, but you should take time to count the bears...

Yeah, I was just going to add that. Roughly 17 mile days with a lot of up and down elevation changes in that section. Take a nero or two and its even more.

I would consider dehydrating my own food, and if you are going to do those kinds of miles, I would try to be in good shape... I would also try to get by with as light weight gear as possible.. I would go slow at first and ramp up the miles after I was better conditioned...
Good Luck!

From Springer to Mt Rogers area you will have some pretty good climb, especially the Smokies. But usually once you reach the ridge top its smooth sailing.

Most hikers will start teardown before dawn and will hit trail as soon as their is enought light.

Most of the real challenge is up north where trail turns into rock.

Don't smoke Ganja. It's bad for the lungs. :D