Younger Hikers on the AT

[Mumbles_2014]

I have decided to thru-hike the AT this coming year before I really start my college education and was wondering how common are hikers around my age (18, 19, 20)? I'm assuming there are at least some due to people generally hiking in milestones in life: retirement, college graduation, mid-life crisis, etc.

[johnnybgood]

Stats kept at the ATC will show that the under 21 crowd are well represented on the trail.

[MuddyWaters]

There are all ages.

Id say not all that common though at 18.

Quite a few 20-22 that are in college and decide they want a break, or try to do it between semesters or quarters, sometimes sitting out a period.

[Blissful]

I've seen ages 16 on up.

[RED-DOG]

On my 2012 Thru-hike at least 70% or more of my fellow hikers was between 18-30 and a few younger than that, but on my 06 thru most hikers was around my age 35-40, but the stats does show that in the last couple of years the age range of thru-hikers are getting younger, so you should not have any problems finding hikers your age to hike with or hang around, but EVERY BODY on the AT is pretty COOL so don't worry about it go with the flow bro.

[Nar Nar]

I'm 17 and I hiked the Long Trail. There will be plenty of people out there your age.

[windels11]

I'm gonna be 17 when I thru so it's good to hear more and more young people are hiking!! Good luck out there man!

[kayak karl]

i aways forget his name. somebody please post the young mans TJ that hiked in 2009 at 16 or 17
TY KK

[kayak karl]

i aways forget his name. somebody please post the young mans TJ that hiked in 2009 at 16 or 17
TY KK

brain kicked in Kirby http://www.trailjournals.com/kirby