I don't even know why i decided to watch National Geographic's Appalachian Trail recently..... What a really cool movie... gets a bit dull in some parts, but overall a very good movie. What astounds me is the amount of people needed to maintain the trail covering 14 states and some 2184 miles.... 30 non-profit groups maintain the trail and its plants and animals... 98% volunteer Appalachian Trail - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia here's some really cool info... after watching the NG video i've found many more and plan to sit down and watch them... I didn't even know we had trails like this in North America, though i've heard of the Appalachian trail i've never exactly know what it was... something else crazy is the amount of thru-hikers... a thru-hike takes generally five to seven months... the fastest recorded time was 46 days 11 hours and 20 minutes... I cannot even imagine how fast she was running to complete it that fast... the NG video had a highlight on a 70 year old guy from Hawaii that was on track for six months... incredible just pure craziness... I wish my life would allow me to do this... the southern start plaque there are 250 shelters along the path and many towns stay open and later than normal for wayward travelers and many towns actually stop to help stranded or hitchhiking backpackers a very famous hiking stop along the way in Boiling Springs, PA... sunfish pond in New Jersey... a mountain ridge in MA the finish line at Mount Katahdin in Maine for those going north... or the start for those running south(the direction the current time holder went) [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtjcT2RTmyQ]TREK: A Journey on the Appalachian Trail: Food Mood - YouTube[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZxEh_klLU0&feature=related]TREK -- A Journey on the Appalachian Trail -- film trailer - YouTube[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEr6oEYj0sM&feature=related]Hike The Appalachian Trail in 7+1/2 minutes - YouTube[/ame] so....... any thru-hikers on GC???? i also learned there is a Pacific Coast trail after researching the AT..... also crazy... its not nearly maintained as well as the AT... youngest person to complete the PCT is 10... WTF, why were my parents not this cool
I got really interested in this last year, i would love to attempt it, but not sure when i could get 6 months off
yeah... I have a family to support... and my wife would never leave our kids... i would just love to hear if anyone ever even attempted it that is a GC member... just so awesome... a true test of will
Things have changed since I did it 25 years ago. The Trail is a lot more crowded now and gear is certainly more advanced (although I still wear Vasque Sundowners for hiking, pretty much the exact same boots I wore on my thru hike ). There's a few of us here who've done it along with some good threads about it. One guy who's done it more recently posted some really nice pics. When the search function is working, look for those posts.
I agree... the National Geographic video had a European that was doing it... I was actually ashamed that a foreigner knew more about hiking in my country than i did... I could not agree more... this would be a perfect way to start seeing the world... if you get really crazy look into the Pacific Coast Trail as well... mad, mad respect... 2K miles on foot... thanks for the tips.. I tried manually going back something like 15 pages and looking for threads before posting up... Ill use the search to find what your talking about... thanks
http://forum.grasscity.com/artists-corner/996151-some-pictures-my-appalachian-trail-hike.html so worth searching..... thanks... just truly amazing
I watched this on netflix the other day! It was very interesting. A thru hike would be quite the test of perserverance. I would love to try it, but a lot of prep would have to be made. I thought it was funny how the most common mistake was bringing too much gear! Lol.
There's an old joke about the two noobs who decided to thru hike the AT. They packed everything including the kitchen sink and started the 8 mile hike up Springer to get to the AT. They finally made it just before dark and collapsed in front of the plaque marking the beginning of the trail. One guy says to the other, "Man there's no way we're going to make it." The other guys says "You mean to Maine?" The first guy answers "No, I mean back down to the car."
[quote name='"MisterNatural"'] There's an old joke about the two noobs who decided to thru hike the AT. They packed everything including the kitchen sink and started the 8 mile hike up Springer to get to the AT. They finally made it just before dark and collapsed in front of the plaque marking the beginning of the trail. One guy says to the other, "Man there's no way we're going to make it." The other guys says "You mean to Maine?" The first guy answers "No, I mean back down to the car."[/quote] Lol. The documentary showed a little store near the beginning that made its money off mailing hikers gear back home. Lol.
what a great video.... I wish they had focused less on wildlife and trail clearing... I really wanted them to follow a hiker from start to finish... just watching how it shapes their bodies and minds... but I suppose the focus was to show how the trial operates and the people using it... I think if trying the AT daily now
Two great books I've read: Five Million Steps: Adventure Along the Appalachian Trail - Lon Chenowith - Google Boeken As Far As The Eye Can See: Reflections Of An Appalachian Trail Hiker by David Brill - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists ...especially As Far As The Eye Can See. It gives you taste of how Trail life used to be. Not about the AT but required reading for prospective backpackers: Amazon.com: The Complete Walker IV (9780375703232): Colin Fletcher, Chip Rawlins: Books Make sure you get the latest version.
Ive wanted to hike the whole thing, but im just not at a place in my life where i could just go do it. I have hiked a bunch of the trail through pa and va. My favorite part of it though(that ive witnessed) was the shenandoah valley. Just breathtaking views everywhere.
I have wanted to do a thru since I was 15. The day after college graduation in May ill be on the trail. Can't wait to be out there.
i took a 3 day hike on it that passed through the Mahoosuc Notch (the hardest mile on the trail, Mahoosuc Notch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). Then another time took a 2 day hike going up saddleback and back down in december and spending the night. all within a year. that was an intense experience. I couldnt imagine months of it. I did love it though. Deffiently would need to get back in shape before doing that shit again
We were thinking about a group of about 7 of us doing it a week or two after high school. We were just planning on doing most of north carolina and virginia. I just wish we had the time but I definatley plan on doing the southern half after I retire and have time
Iv hiked sectioned about 1125 miles of it, will finish it eventually. It's an amazing experience, that I just can't put into words. Just you and the woods. Plan on thru-hiking the PCT this year!!! Super stoked Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum mobile app
I live close to the trail in MD. My favorite place to toke is an overlook called High Rock on the trail around Penmar