I hiked a small section of the AT a few months ago. I have arthritis in my left knee, I'm 5'4 and then I weighed 240. I suggest good hiking poles with the anti-shock, they will take ALOT of pressure off of your knees. I just bought Black Diamond Women's Hiking Poles with the anti-shock, but I haven't had a chance to use them. On the AT, I used a pair of $20 poles I got at Walmart, lol. (I was still new at hiking, I didnt want to invest alot of $ into it just yet). The way I look at it is this, if you love to walk, love the outdoors and want to walk the AT, go for it! Who cares what you weigh? I bought some aleve, a tube of ben gay for my ailments and had a great time!