View Full Version : Greetings and a Few Questions...
Hello, this is really amazing for me. I am a Pagan and I have been looking for a way to commune with nature for a little while now. Someone mentioned A.T. last night and I have never heard of it before! I have been researching for hours now and I believe I have a plan. I will not be doing any places above a 6 difficulty rating my first time out. I am leaving in June and I will be starting in Maryland and ending in N.C. I am so excited. I have a few questions:
What can I expect as far as getting supplies on and/or off the trail? Money isn't an issue.
How long do you think my trek will take? I calculated it to be about 976 miles.
Lastly, what town do I go to, to start the trail in Maryland and what town does it end in in N.C.?
Thank you for any answers or advice. :)
white_russian
04-03-2010, 18:19
Sounds like you need to look at a guidebook. There are three different books available, but you can look at the companion on the internet here: http://aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm. You will definitely want to buy one for your trip though.
As far as starting point you want to look at Harpers Ferry. It is not exactly MD, but it is the easiest place to get to in that area. You take a MARC or Amtrak train from DC and it drops you off 2 minutes from the trail
There are plenty of options if you really want to get off in NC and those are listed in the guidebooks, but why not just go all the way to the end in GA. The extra mileage from GA is nothing compared to the scope of what you want to do.
Without knowing your physical condition who knows how long it will take, but a good average including town stops is 12 miles per day.
Is there an official Pagan organization? Interesting that you should choose to categorize yourself as such, but it should keep some folks from talking religion with you - otoh, it may encourage some, too! :D
Welcome. I haven't hiked that section. Wish I could help. Enjoy your visit here. Hope that it enhances your hiking experience.
Feral Bill
04-03-2010, 18:50
It seems you have little backpacking background. If so, a couple of short shake down hikes would be in order. There are a number of "how to" backpacking works you might find useful. The Complete Walker my favorite. Have a great trip.
FB
WILLIAM HAYES
04-03-2010, 19:04
nobody cares what you are on the AT
It seems you have little backpacking background. If so, a couple of short shake down hikes would be in order. There are a number of "how to" backpacking works you might find useful. The Complete Walker my favorite. Have a great trip.
FB
Thanks for the tip. Do you have any idea where in Maryland I can enter the trail?
white_russian
04-03-2010, 21:26
Thanks for the tip. Do you have any idea where in Maryland I can enter the trail?
These people can help with arrangements for Maryland http://www.freestatehiker.com/
Like I said before Harpers Ferry is much easier to get to and just across the river from Maryland. Also the ATC headquarters is in Harpers Ferry and they can help with questions about Maryland as well. http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
These people can help with arrangements for Maryland http://www.freestatehiker.com/
Like I said before Harpers Ferry is much easier to get to and just across the river from Maryland. Also the ATC headquarters is in Harpers Ferry and they can help with questions about Maryland as well. http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
Thanks. I do have it all situated now. Pen Mar is where I need to go. Cant wait! :banana