Hiking solo on the AT?

[aficion]

Hiking solo on the AT is a worthy goal. You really have to work at it, but it is worth the effort. I see people on my sections, and sometimes they see me. But not for long. To each its own.

[Zipper]

I hiked most of my hike solo and loved it! I liked hiking at my own pace and stopping when I wanted to stop. That said, I was rarely alone at night because as others have said, people tend to clump up at shelters and camping spots and near water. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the trail community - I didn't anticipate that! I made bunches of friends who I am still in touch with regularly, nearly five years later. You can certainly hike solo, and if you want company or find people you click with, you can easily switch to hiking with a group along the way.

Best wishes to you and the class of 2014!
Zipper
VA-ME VA-GA 09

[WILLIAM HAYES]

if you solo you will never be alone for long on the AT

[MuddyWaters]

Solo is good. Solo is actually the norm.

Even if you hike with others. you hike solo much of the time, and just meet up at breaks, and the end of the day.

People just dont walk the exact same pace, or go to bathroom at same time, or enjoy staring at someone elses backside for 10 hr per day.

[lush242000]

Solo is the way to go. Unless. You are with family.


Sent from somewhere.

[bobtomaskovic]

Definitely. Solo is the way to go.

[msupple]

Solo is good. Solo is actually the norm.

Even if you hike with others. you hike solo much of the time, and just meet up at breaks, and the end of the day.

People just dont walk the exact same pace, or go to bathroom at same time, or enjoy staring at someone elses backside for 10 hr per day.

I partnered up with a young woman from Colorado one day on my hike and I'm here to tell you the last part of your statement is not always true. In fact it was one of my most cherished days. Cat in the Hat

[LAF]

personally I prefer to hike solo, no one dependent upon me and I'm not dependent upon anyone. It is nice to make friends along the way though, which happens naturally. and what's to be afraid of? it's safer than walking across the street in NYC, or just walking down the street for that matter

[QiWiz]

I hiked "solo" on my thru and their were only 2 days that I didn't see another hiker.

I prefer to hike solo.

Others prefer to part of a group.

If you are thinking about the safety aspect, even if you hike alone you will see plenty of other hikers if you should happen to get into trouble on trail.

+1

You will soon find/meet lots of other hikers who are hiking faster, slower, or about the same speed as you. The ones who hike at about your pace can become great friends if the chemistry is right, or not.

[RED-DOG]

you are not Truly alone on the AT seems like their is always some one at the next shelter or water source or just taking a break on the side of the trail, the only time you will be truly alone is when you are hiking or camping, I did both my 06 and 2012 NOBO's solo, SOLO is the only way i would hike the AT, you see more wild life, especially if you don't hike with poles like i do.

[fiddlehead]

It will most likely take you a few hours to find someone that hikes your pace.
Maybe a week to find someone who likes to take breaks at the same consistency as you.
Maybe another week or two with someone you enjoy being around.
Many people will probably prefer to camp in the kind of places you do (by a stream, top of a mountain, stealth camp in a well hidden area, or right ON the trail)
Some might like the same kind of music as you, or the same politics, or the same types of bars.

But it will take a few thru-hikes before you find someone who will fit ALL OF THE ABOVE.

Hike alone and enjoy the search for that perfect hiking partner.

[Trance]

I dont want to sound mean.... but every day you walk out your front door, there is a chance for disaster to strike.

WHy is it any different if you go hiking? In my experience on the AT... the kindness of random strangers, meeting amazing people.... there is real community on the AT... and hikers look out for each other. I brought a knife and a can of bear mace.... but never once did I feel the need to use either.

[George]

I usually try to hike with as many different groups/ individuals as possible - to hear the variety of stories/ experiences /styles - I find that after about 2 days, you have most of it - the bigger the group, the less you will get to know the individuals (vs time )

[rainmaker]

The only way to enjoy your hike is to hike your own hike and the only way to hike your own hike is to hike solo, to the extent that is possible. There is just to much potential for drama in groups.

[RF_ace]

the best way to do it, nothing will bother you, and you can run on your schedule

[snail2010]

The best way!

[Siarl]

LOL...about the blue colored pick up truck....you are the one that will be doing the driving so only you will know the answer to that question. As to the color...what? Did they run out of the green ones?

[Trance]

Make sure you bring a gun and atleast 100 rounds.

It's like the Wild West out there on the A.T.







>sarcasm off<

[takethisbread]

in all seriousness , hike your own hike is important in regards to respecting others , but it's also important to hike at your own pace listen to your own body and enjoy as you want. trying to hike by a group agenda, very difficult
going too fast, it stopping in town long enough, hiking too slow ect can end your hike. .


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[Hiking4Wellness]

I like hearing everyone's thoughts. I plan to start the hike at Springer with a few friends on March 1. They all have to get back to work, so it will be just me. I'm sure many days I'll hike alone. It's good to read about the community of hikers, so there will be people when and if I need them.