7 Mistakes Rookie Thru-Hikers Make on the Appalachian Trail

Julia Sheehan, aka Rocket, walks us through 7 mistakes people make while attempting an Appalachian Trail thru-hike.

[jamesroachjr]

I practice 3-1 on multi day hikes 3 days of miles and 1 day of rest and relaxation! It's great!

[Get_Some_Nature]

Many days last year I said the AT is a mean b*tch that doesn't care about me. I hiked every mile though! 200 days and I showed the AT that I took everything she had and finished atop Katahdin!!! Class of '22!❤

[junkfish]

AT: February 15th 2017, made it. PCT: March 24th 2019, made it, even straight through the Sierra. Remember; “no such thing as bad weather, just improper gear.” The one thing I will say about starting early, is be ready for months of cold. At least in my AT experience. Being from New England, a “cold” southern winter is a mild northeast winter. Imo rather hike through cold, than the mid Atlantic humidity. Moral of the story, take everything with a grain of salt.. and do what makes you comfortable. Just know you can start early and succeed!

[Jdennis]

Great advice Rocket. I have been section hiking the Appalachian for several years. Just the approach trail, to Springer Mountain, kicked my butt on my first hike. Pack was way too heavy and my body was not used to hiking. Got myself in better shape and connected the dots (sections), over the years, with 3 day hikes till I reached the northern end of The Great Smoky Mountains NP, from Springer. Personally, at age 62, I never want more than 3 days on the trail. To each their own but for me...those 3 day hikes get my mind to a better place. Love you enthusiasm. PS: my dog Zeta was with me, most of the way. Never has there been a happier dog, then when she was on the trail. She passed away, recently, and I get to connect with her great big smile, every hike. Most hikers loved her and she loved all of them. Feeling blessed.

[bruceringrose]

Great advice from Rocket! As a son of NH, two books I would recommend to folks planning a north bound hike ( not trying to scare anyone here) are “Not Without Peril” by Nick Howe, and “Critical Hours - Search and Rescue in the White Mountains” by Sandy Stott. Proper equipment is essential in the Whites, and common sense is crucial! Hike smart and stay safe!

[NM-ibql]

Finally, the first video that someone addressed gram counting obsession with thru hikers. Difference between 10 and 15 kg on your back is noticeable. Difference between 10 and 10.2-10.5 is barely noticeable.

[aikirunner]

I saw a guy on Springer that was starting his thru hiker November 21.

[craiglenhard-rvrguyd]

In 2018 I started March 2. Pack weight was around 32 lbs with 3.5 days of food and a bottle of water. Had a few cold nights in the teens but managed. When I hit Fontana Dam I spent 2 days waiting out a snow storm and as I climbed into the Smokies I hit 6-16" of snow. Two days later it rained and we were walking in slush and on ice. For me I wanted to hike in cooler weather and had the proper layers to stay warm plus prior experience in winter backpacking. At 68 I was one of the oldest on the trail and managed to do about the same miles as the younger crowd but just at a slower pace. Got to meet many amazing people. One thing I found common among the starting hikers was that they all tended to have a smaller apatite and consequently packed too much food during the first few weeks.

[MiddleAgeManAdventures]

Really enjoyed the honesty, shows complete integrity - unlike several others that I’ve seen - who just keep pumping products - good job!

[timterry]

Rocket, really good stuff. So glad that I came across your suggestions. Mucho appreciated!

[rebekahm.]

The AT is a mind game. It's okay to get frustrated, everyone does. It's part of the challenge to overcome your own mind. Just take your time and enjoy as much as you can.

[robertfrost]

Thanks for sharing. Good to see you again. Hope you sre well.

[Jmack]

Cheers from Benton MacKaye’s great nephew! I feel obligated to thru-hike the AT at some point in my life.

[chamilton]

Yes!!!! Fear is a LIAR!!! Great advice. Thanks for sharing!

[obscuredbythecloud]

It sounds like most of these tips could be summed up by saying quit being so swayed by peer pressure.

[Sage-qdtf]

I’m expecting to spend half my time on the trail soggy, muddy, stinky and cold BUT I know there’s gonna be fun times and that I’ll probably for the most part like living in the woods. 2023, can’t wait!

[GuillermoGigante]

Excellent helpful advice, your voice of experience, being realistic, practical in attitude and expectation. Most through hikers would benefit and learn from your words about your time on and off the trail.

[paulrevere]

#1 most common mistake is not Hiking your own Hike, due to focusing on a tourist schedule. Those two things are effectively mutually exclusive.

[noreenvance]

Listing out the mistakes for those of us who need the visual:
1. Starting too early
2. Significantly under packing
3. Overpacking
4. Knowing when to take a break
5. Being competitive about mileage
6. Romanticizing the trail
7. Doubting yourself
I made mistakes 2 & 3 at the same time, which is funny but true. My son and I did over 300 miles last year (Tooth & Kidney where are trail names) and we had fun handing out candy as we hiked along. Happy Exploring ~ "Kidney"

[charliekendall]

I live in Monson, Maine. In '18 my son got cocky going SOBO. He and friend did 75 miles in 3 days. Their toes looked like Vienna Sausages. Friend went off to Ranger school a week later, Zack (2 Socks) continued South. Started early June finished in October. Neither listened to the bodies until they had no choice and adjusted accordingly.