View Full Version : Actual mileage of the AT
dmperkins74
10-21-2012, 08:34
Hey y'all,
With the relos that occur, the actual mileage MUST change from year to year. The ATC site says the trail is "roughly 2,180 miles long" but I don't see a precise mileage there. Anybody know where I can find the precise mileage?
Thanks,
Dan P (alphaPig)
Monkeywrench
10-21-2012, 08:47
The Data Book will have the official mileage for that year.
In 2009 it was 2178.3. In 2012 it was 2184.2.
The trail gets longer every year so if you're going to hike it, the sooner the better!
swjohnsey
10-21-2012, 08:47
In one of the guides that haven't come out yet. It was 2,184.2 this year and 2181.0 in 2011.
ChinMusic
10-21-2012, 13:05
I'm looking forward to the 2013 number. I hope to put that sticker on my car next fall.
max patch
10-21-2012, 13:33
I hope I'm wrong, but didn't someone post a while back that the ATC has stopped selling the mileage sticker?
Forgetting the TOTAL mileage count for a moment, how is a mile calculated on the AT?
Why do I ask?
There is a local trail - they say it is about 4 1/2 miles, somebody is off.
At times on the AT the mileage between two points is "X", seems like 2x longer!!!
Is this all advanced math, maybe I skipped class that day.
swjohnsey
10-21-2012, 18:37
Gps............
FlyPaper
10-21-2012, 18:42
Hey y'all,
With the relos that occur, the actual mileage MUST change from year to year. The ATC site says the trail is "roughly 2,180 miles long" but I don't see a precise mileage there. Anybody know where I can find the precise mileage?
Thanks,
Dan P (alphaPig)
See http://www.atdist.com/atdist?k1=AA&k2=RN&h=b8fc69dd&year=2012
This is based on the data book and will be updated around December for 2013.
Feral Bill
10-21-2012, 18:44
Gps............ Probably, but I expect that the old fashioned rolling wheel would be more accurate,
turtle fast
10-21-2012, 23:18
I recently read somewhere that with reroutes it was 2186 miles in total.
MuddyWaters
10-21-2012, 23:43
Measuring the exact trail is difficult.
GPS doesnt count the small variations in terrain, and a measuring wheel can count variations that you actually step across.
So what is right?
It doesnt matter.
The #s in use are good enough.
using fractural geometery you could come up with just about any number you wish. but having reliable mileage does allow for a reliable trail guide. the actual mileage is less relevant that the reliability of the data. for accuracy of location i suppose gps is best, but when hiking it's always important that the map won't get you up the mountain, only your feet will. either way i still like to know what's up ahead, so yes i have my guide with milage.
Probably, but I expect that the old fashioned rolling wheel would be more accurate,
I work with guides on one of the "other" trails. The measuring wheel data (this trail uses one that is 2 meters in circumference) can be about the same on a rail trail or road section, about 1% longer on a dirt singletrack trail, and up to 5% longer on a rocky singletrack trail, compared to recreational GPS units set at typical capture intervals.
At one point this trail has a bit that requires the hiker to step from rock to rock over a number of 8'-10' deep crevices maybe 2' wide. The wheel guy said he didn't stop the wheel's inertia on that stretch. :)
SassyWindsor
10-22-2012, 19:47
I would think the ATC or the trail clubs try to determine the mileage with an error factor (example +/- 5 miles or whatever) Bigger factor for the entire trail, smaller for a trail clubs section. The actual distance could possibly change on a daily basis. Blow-downs causing reroutes, etc. It would be nice to know exactly how they do figure the total distance and what, if any, error factors they try to maintain.
Rain Man
10-30-2012, 08:55
Humanly impossible. IMHO.
Rain:sunMan
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