Advice
Should You Bring a Sun Umbrella on the Appalachian Trail?
They’re a little quirky, a little unconventional, but hiking umbrellas have become a popular backpacking accessory in recent years. They’re especially handy on arid western trails, where hikers can
Do You Actually Need a Satellite Messenger on the Appalachian Trail?
Do you actually need a satellite messenger on the Appalachian Trail? Well, no, not strictly speaking — but many hikers bring one anyway, and here’s why. Although satellite messengers are...
The Best Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail – Part 2
This article is part two of a four-part series. Be sure to check out part one, part three, and part four. It's no secret that the Appalachian Trail (AT) takes you to many
Andrew Skurka on Mastering Ultralight Tents & Shelters
The below is a transcription. Minor edits have been made for clarity and readability, while preserving the original message and intent. This video is part of a new series on The...
Six Southern AT Sections Worth Hiking Again and Again
This is a guest post by Amber and Josh Niven. The Nivens latest guidebook, Hiking the Appalachian Trail through Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, is out now. From Springer Mountain...
10 Spectacular Blue Blazes on the Appalachian Trail: Part One (2026 Update)
This article is part one of a four-part series. Be sure to check out part two, part three, and part four here. I'm not here to tell you how to hike your hike. I'm...
How Much Does It Cost To Hike the Appalachian Trail?
How much does it actually cost to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail? Most Appalachian Trail thru-hikers spend $7,000–$10,000 total, or about $1,200–$1,500 per month, depending on hiking style and town
I Thru-Hiked the AT With Less Than $2,000 — Here’s How
If there’s one thing thru-hiking has taught me, it’s that I can do whatever I put my mind to. And last spring, when the idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail...
Hiking the AT in 84 Days: How I Shaved 64 Days Off My Second Thru-Hike
Appalachian Trail 2025: 2,198 miles, 84 days. It’s no Fastest Known Time, but it felt like a new type of accomplishment for me — especially when I contrast it with...
Everyone Lies About the Appalachian Trail (Including Me)
Everybody lies about thru-hiking. Me included. Especially on the AT. Sometimes these are outright lies. People say they had a terrible time on trail, that it was the hardest thing...
