As I type this I'm in a bunk at the hiker hostel. First point- this is a GREAT place. I cannot give it enough praise. It's more of a luxury bed and breakfast than a hostel. Anyway, so here are my thoughts- and if any other newbs are here maybe this can helP. Ok, mileage for a new guy In georgia. You cannot do 20 miles in a day. You prob can't do 15. I am talking new guys here. It's MUCH more up and down than I thought. After 8 miles my legs were screaming for me tO stop. Point 2- 50 pounds In your pack is too much. It was for me anyway, and I'm 6'2" 215 lbs. Point 3- poles. Buy poles. I didn't and immediately regretted it. If you're just out for a few days, enjoy it. Don't feel like you have to walk sun up to sun down. It's a lot harder than I thought. I'm glad to have gotten my feet wet on the AT though. What I did was so insignificant compared tO a long distance hike- but I had a good time. Off to hogpen to get my car and make my way home. See ya