Answers To Your Questions

     Every potential thru hiker gets asked a lot of questions when they announce they are gonna go do something as crazy as the AT! I’d thought I would answer some questions for those who are looking to do a thru hike or a loved one who is going. These are the most asked and also favorite questions I get asked.

How long does it take to do the whole thing?

Typically 5-6 months. Obviously this depends person to person. I’ve talked with former thru hikers who hiked it in 4 months. I’ve also met with a wonderful lady in Tulsa who hiked it in 8 months. P.S. Her trail name was Slowpoke. It all depends on your body and how much time you spend in town.

Do you carry six months worth of food with you?!

I love this question just for the visual of carrying six months of trail mix and Mac and cheese! However thankfully to pioneer thru hikers, they have started free trade with the local bear population. We get the local healthy food in exchange for firearms for the bears. They after all have the right. Anyways, no. You stop in town every 2-5 days on average to resupply at a store or hostel.

How much money does it take?

This is the not so fun topic of trip planning and adulting. Just like how long it takes, it varies person to person. I’ve heard extreme ends of the spectrum, from people making a vacation out of it and spending $10,000 – $15,000, to the bare $1,500. It all depends on how you live while you are out there. If you gorge out, spend money the nicest in town, buy the nicest cheese east of the Mississippi and go crazy when you hit civilization, then yes this is going to be an expensive extravaganza for you.

As for me I’m going to try and find the in between modest amount. I know for me whenever I get into the hiker mindset, I don’t need the nicest of things. My mind just goes oh well whatever, who cares if I look homeless. I also know the importance of taking care of yourself at the same time, even mentally how much it matters to have a good shower and bed to have at the end of the night. For me I am estimating it’ll cost me around $3,500-$4,200. That’s after all my gear purchases.

What about bears and other animals?! You are bringing a gun right?

As someone who loves wildlife and bears especially and who was worked with them for years, I understand the dangers of them. Now that being said, not all bears are like the one chasing Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin in The Edge. 

The bears in the Appalachians are Black Bears. Very skittish, shy, yet curious all at the same time creatures. They really just want your food bags. Favorite story was of a hiker named Gordon Biggerstaff, when he walked upon a bear and he looked at it and said “Bear.” Bear looks at him and says “Not bear!” And runs away! Also thanks to the free trade with the bears, guns are not needed for them. Unless of course you are wanting to barter for food with them. Just be smart and educate yourself. It’s honestly not nearly as bad you think it’ll be. Have respect for the all animals you encounter and as the great Dwight Schrute said, don’t be an idiot. Whenever you’re about to do something, think ‘would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, DO NOT DO THAT THING.

P.S. It’s illegal to carry a firearm through National Forests. It’s not worth bringing it.

What are the best ways to help out a hiker?

It might be cheesy and cliche, but love and support is the best things to help. Hikers like me that go out alone, well are alone! I’m pretty good at math, thank you Mr. Shirley. And even knowing you’re gonna meet people and everything, it is still daunting to know all you have is you and Jesus to go do this. It’s amazing what a kind word, reaching out and encouraging them can do. To show you support them on this will mean everything to them. Speaking with other hikers, it’s what’s kept them going on the hard days. Also money and FOOD, food is gold! 

 
If you have any questions or comments please leave them below!