A First-Timer's Ultimate Guide To The Appalachian Trail

So, you've decided you want to hike the Appalachian Trail — all 2,200 miles of it. It's an honorable goal, one that we respect greatly. But before you even think about investing in a pair of hiking boots, there are many, many factors to be considered.

To help you better understand what it actually takes to conquer the AT (and everything else you'll need to know if and when the gigantic journey becomes a reality for you), we recruited several experts to weigh in. These men and women are not only experts on all things hiking, but also on the AT itself. Below, we've compiled their combined knowledge to bring you our ultimate first-timer's guide to the Appalachian Trail.

Once you've decided your full commitment to conquering the trail, you'll need plenty of time to plan out specific details.

"First let's talk about time," said Tommy Bailey, an avid hiker and outdoorsman and the author of "The Appalachian Trail, Step by Step: How to Prepare for a Thru or Long Distance Section Hike." "The AT is nearly 2,200 miles long. Most hikers complete the trail in four-and-a-half months, but I've seen people who take as little as three months and some up to six months to finish it. When planning a thru-hike be realistic. Do you want to average 15 or 25 miles per day?"

The next thing you need to consider is when you'll set out on your hike and where you'll begin and end.

"The majority of thru-hikers start in Georgia and hike north to Maine — they're called Northbounders," Bailey explained. "If you think it is going to take four to five months to hike the trail you could leave as late as May. If you plan to take it slower you would need to leave earlier because Mt. Katahdin closes on October 15th, and sometimes before, due to weather. I've personally heard stories of hikers reaching Katahdin too late and not being able to finish their thru-hike."

On the other hand, Bailey said, Southerbounders — those who hike from Maine to Georgia — can't officially start hiking Katahdin until May 15th.

Another important part of your logistic plan includes preparing for your hike financially.

"I have seen plenty of hikers that had to get off the trail because they ran out of money," Bailey said. "There used to be a day when someone could easily hike the AT on $1 a mile. In my experience, budget at least $2+ a mile. This includes traveling to the AT and the added 'luxury' expenses such as hostels, restaurants and the occasional ice cream stand. I hiked the first 500 miles with only a few stops at hostels, but during my last 500 miles I stopped at a hostel almost every week."

Additionally, if you're looking for more of a "one with nature experience," you might consider hiking the trail southbound.

"The trail in Georgia can be very crowded in March and April," said Jennifer Pharr Davis, a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Board and 2012 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. "Instead, consider hiking southbound from Katahdin in Maine in late June or early July."

Or, Pharr Davis suggests, you could start from Harper's Ferry (the traditional mid-point in West Virginia) and hike north to Katahdin then "flip flop" by driving back to Harper's Ferry and hiking south to Springer Mountain.

Don't forget, section hiking is also an option. "Cover different stretches in two or three week chunks," Pharr Davis said. "Typically, all three of these options will lead to better weather, [less crowded] shelters and a more solitary encounter with the wilderness."

Remember this very important tip as you gather and collect the items you'll bring with you on the trail: "'The lighter the pack, the more enjoyable the journey' is the mantra of a thru-hiker," Alt said. It seemed every expert we talked with could not emphasize this point enough.

Below, Alt provides a breakdown of just about everything you'll need.

"Food and Water: These are the heaviest items you will have in your pack. About two pounds of food for each day on the trail is a good rule of thumb. You only need to carry a week of food or less in between resupply points. Bring food you enjoy eating. You will burn 4,000 to 6,000 calories a day and you need to replenish the lost calories.

Here are some food suggestions: freeze-dried meals; pasta/rice/beans; foil-wrapped meats such as tuna or chicken; dehydrated fruit and veggies; energy bars or granola bars; peanut butter; cheese and sausage; bagels, honey and oatmeal.

Two to three quarts of water is the max anyone should carry at a time. Disinfect wild water using a high-tech portable treatment water system such as a UV wand or micro-straining filter from springs, creeks and rivers. A hydration hose system for your pack will encourage more water intake instead of having to stop and retrieve a bottle from your pack. Bring extra batteries for the UV wand.

Footwear: An ounce on our foot is a pound on your back. Thru-hikers have downsized from heavy boots to trail shoes. However, if you're prone to rolling your ankle, you might want to consider a lightweight three-quarter, over-the-ankle boot. Visit a respectable outfitter and get fitted properly. Today's hiking footwear should not require break-in time. Gone are the days of stiff, thick, heavy leather. They should fit comfortably when you walk out of the store. You want a sturdy Vibram sole and a breathable, waterproof liner. Wear non-cotton, moisture-wicking, synthetic or wool socks. Bring your socks to the store to try the boots on. Be sure to inform the sales person that you are hiking the AT. Buy an extra pair of boots for your support person to mail to you when your first pair wears out; they will.

Clothing: Dress for the weather! Wear non-cotton, synthetic wool and fleece clothes and dress in layers. Wear multipurpose clothes like pants that zip off into shorts or shirts with role up sleeves. Pack a waterproof breathable rain parka. Dress for the season with a fleece hat and gloves, long underwear, etc. Forget about carrying a change of clothes for each day. Think, two outfits (one for daytime and one for nighttime). At most, you should carry three pairs of socks. All hikers smell, so you will blend in just fine.

Packs: Get fitted for a backpack at a respectable outfitter.

Trekking poles: Get a pair of adjustable, collapsible poles with an ergonomically designed handle.

Communication: Bring a smartphone so you can take lots of pictures and, if there's connectivity, send email to friends and your support person or upload to your online blog. Remember, cell signals are unreliable in the mountains so you might want to keep your phone on airplane mode so it doesn't drain your battery. Solar chargers are not recommended on the AT since you're beneath the tree canopy most of the time. Instead, carry a portable cell battery charger. Have a waterproof way of carrying your phone.

Other must-haves: A light weight hiking stove; tent; sleeping bag; sleeping pad; bug repellent; a first aid kit along with some first aid knowledge; include plenty of blister treatment items; a compass and map, and brush up on how to use them; toilet tissue, hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items; a whistle; a survival knife with a locking blade; a headlamp flashlight; extra batteries; 50 feet of rope or twine; and always have several feet of duct tape for that unexpected repair. Also, keep matches and a lighter in a dry place and know how to make a fire to keep warm.

"The Appalachian Trail is an extraordinary treasure. It is well managed and it is mostly well marked," said Lafe Low, an experienced Appalachian Trail hiker and author of "The Best In Tent Camping: New England." "There are sections where you'll be hiking confidently from white blaze to white blaze. There will also be times when you might wonder if they ran out of white paint. If you haven't seen a blaze in a while, turn around. Often, you can find one in the other direction. If you truly feel you've wandered off the trail, simply retrace your steps. Remember that it's not a race. You're hiking your own hike. Enjoy every step along the way."

Most experts recommend averaging at least 12 miles a day while thru-hiking. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you can't let yourself become overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Take each day one hike at a time.

"You'll want to quit at least a few times a day – to varying degrees," said Phil Baily a Boston-based REI Outdoor School instructor. "But if you tell yourself that you're just doing the trail for the experience, going as far as you need to get what you need out of it, each day seems a little more significant."

Laura Woodcock, who hiked 1,453.8 miles of the AT one summer from Hot Springs, North Carolina to Cloudland Farms in Woodstock, Vermont, adds, "If you go into any trail with the right mindset, you will have fun despite the roots, rocks, ups and downs. There are times when you will have to take your pack off, put your poles away to climb with your hands and lower to the ground off steep rocks, but all is manageable as the demographic on the AT is generally young adults and retired people."

Bailey weighs in with some similar words of Wisdom. "Each part of the AT brings its own beauty and challenges. One day you might be strolling along on a nice level forest path for miles, but the next day you could spend the same amount of time doing half the miles because you're walking over boulders all day long," he said. "There will be a lot of physically challenging days on the trail, especially in the beginning as you get 'trail-hardened.' Try not to lose your morale, because the AT has a way of rewarding you later on."

And for those who really want to know exactly what's ahead, here are a few "rough spots" to look out for according to Baily from REI.

• Day One — There is a fairly steep and challenging hike from the trailhead just to get up to Springer Mountain, the beginning of the AT.

• The Mahoosic Notch in Maine is known as the hardest mile on the trail.

• The Hundred-Mile Wilderness in Maine is not particularly difficult but is remote. Plan to carry at least ten days worth of food though this section.

• As you get into New England, especially the White Mountains and into Maine, the tree line is much lower, so there are areas of exposure that are susceptible to high winds, rock fall, etc.

• Unfortunately, there are those out there with nefarious intentions. Higher crime areas along the trail are closer to populated areas and closer to a road. You may want to plan to camp away from these areas.

Another pointer from Pharr Davis: keep your head up while you're in Virginia. "Many hikers get bogged down with the 'Virginia Blues' because that state has more than 500 miles of trail and seems to go on forever." She also noted that Pennsylvania can be pretty rocky, which may take a toll on your shins and joints.

"You need to prepare yourself mentally for stifling heat in the Mid-Atlantic, bitter cold in the Smokies in Tennessee and the White Mountains in New Hampshire," Pharr Davis said. "Mosquitoes in Massachusetts, blackflies in Maine, hiking through afternoon thunderstorms and waking up to soaking wet socks and shoes. Thru-hiking the AT is not for the faint of heart."

Most experts agreed, so long as you keep this in mind and are prepared to deal with unexpected challenges, you'll successfully be able to complete the trail. "I've seen hikers age eight to 70+ thru-hiking the trail," Bailey said. "It's definitely physically challenging, but I think the mental challenge is the hardest part of the whole AT. Prepare yourself mentally. Be realistic. Plan ahead. Stay strong and most of all, have fun!"