The official mileage for the A.T. for 2009 is 2,178.3.

The new official half-way point is 3.0 miles south of Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania.

The source of that information, the 2009 A.T. Data Book, has been out for about a week. It's available at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's on-line store, our visitor center in Harpers Ferry, and most outfitters and some bookstores along the Trail.

Thanks to Daniel Chazin of the NY-NJ Trail Conference, ATC's regional staff, and all the volunteers in the 30 trail clubs who assisted with the data collection for this publication.

Laurie Potteiger
ATC

The people that collect data, specifically distances, are they required to use a certain type of tool to determine distance?


The reason I ask is because some distances seem so far off that I feel as though the person that determined the distance did so by walking the length using a chronometer to estimate mileage.

Not being critical, just curious.

John,

Most clubs use a measuring wheel; a few use chains. If the mileage seems seriously off, most likely it is because a relocation was overlooked. Most clubs measure only changes, not their entire section.

If there is a specific area you think is off, please contact Brian King directly at bking@appalachiantrail.org and he will get in touch with the appropriate person in the trail club.

Laurie

The people that collect data, specifically distances, are they required to use a certain type of tool to determine distance?


The reason I ask is because some distances seem so far off that I feel as though the person that determined the distance did so by walking the length using a chronometer to estimate mileage.

Not being critical, just curious.



this seems true almost everywhere i hike. sometimes mileages seem shorter than what is written and sometimes just the opposite.. why is this? maybe they counted steps..:-?

Thanks to Daniel Chazin of the NY-NJ Trail Conference, ATC's regional staff, and all the volunteers in the 30 trail clubs who assisted with the data collection for this publication.
Well said, Laurie!

Greetings Laurie

Received my 2009 guides and maps yesterday. Do you have any idea when the three B.O. (NH/VT, TN/NC, Central VA) guides and maps will be out?

thanks

Montana Mac,

I understand that the NH/VT maps are at the printer and should be back in stock in about a month. The NH/VT guidebook is already completed. The others are further out--I'll have to get back to you on those.

Depending on the timelines, sometimes backordered items are held and shipped together. If you need any of the items sooner than the others, I think the shipping dept. will do their best to accommodate you--call them at 1-888-AT-STORE M-F.

Laurie

Laurie,

Are the NH/VT maps coming from the printer a new, updated version??

Montana Mac,

I understand that the NH/VT maps are at the printer and should be back in stock in about a month. The NH/VT guidebook is already completed. The others are further out--I'll have to get back to you on those.

Depending on the timelines, sometimes backordered items are held and shipped together. If you need any of the items sooner than the others, I think the shipping dept. will do their best to accommodate you--call them at 1-888-AT-STORE M-F.

Laurie

Thank you very much for the reply!

When will the 2009 thru hikers companion come out?

Correction to my earlier post: it's the TN/NC maps that will be in next month. NH/VT will probably be available in March, and Central Virgina hopefully later in the month, but since that one is last in line it could be later.

The '09 Companion is due in January, hopefully early in the month.

Laurie

this seems true almost everywhere i hike. sometimes mileages seem shorter than what is written and sometimes just the opposite.. why is this? maybe they counted steps..:-?

It all depends if you're hiking uphill, or downhill, as to how long, or short, a section seems.. :D

At this rate, in approximately 20 more years, the trail will hit 2200 miles. It was 2167 in 2000 when I hiked it. Now... if the ATC does a nice big relo in the newly acquired Rocky Fork tract (yeah!!), this could come sooner.

I've always found the data book mileage to be the most accurate of all the books on the market.

Thanks Laurie P. for all your efforts.