Appalachian Trail Basics: Should You Thru-hike With A Partner? What Direction Should You Go?

I'm in Iceland right now, and I JUST started hiking. As soon as I am finished and get back home I will make and release videos from that entire trip. In the meantime:
After releasing the LONG AT Basics video in March, several people requested I cut it down into smaller bites, so this is just part one in a series of videos designed to get ANYONE with any experience level out on the Appalachian Trail as prepared as possible!

00:00 Hey Y'all
00:31 Appalachian Trail Basic Info
02:03 What Direction Should You Go?
02:18 NOBO (Northbound)
06:32 SOBO (Southbound)
09:36 Flip-Flop
13:28 Hiking Solo vs In A Group
14:46 Solo
17:26 Group
20:12 Should You Have Friends Join You In Sections Of Your Hike?

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[ithacacomments]

I believe one state a year is a good plan.
Hiking, for me, is about the journey....not the destination.
Stop and smell the flowers!

[kdavis]

I'm starting nobo solo in spring of 2023. It's starting to get real now.

[sway_onthetrail]

Thank you for all the constant information, tips, etc, Dixie. I finish schooling for Conservation Biology in about 2 years and then I plan on starting the triple crown as a means of environmental research and your videos have helped me prepare for thru hiking more than anything else short of real life trail experiences. Truly great and informative content.

[BackyardEngineer]

You’re basically the Bob Wells of backpacking.

[sunnygram]

Thank you for all you do for us wannabe thru hikers .You always give of yourself to help others.And we Love you for it.

[Self_Proppelled]

This year Scott Benerofe started a SOBO journey in January. He didn't seem to complain about the black flies at all. I've got to say it, his was the most inspirational journey I've seen yet. The sheer number of layers that man carried through the Whites was amazing!

[robinsmith]

Just as we have learned to expect from you, Dixie, Michellin 3-star information and guidance content, with your smiling side-salads of previous experience. No one does it better. We quite dearly love you for

[lindaselover]

I like the idea of the flip-flop - Middle to north, then middle to south. Skip most of the really cold/wet weather. Thanks for the run-down.

[kristymoore]

I love the flip flop version. I am older than your Mom and plan to do that on the PCT in 1.5 years because I feel that is my best chance at completing it. If I do, I’ll head to the AT. I’m from the west, so starting where I am familiar makes the most sense to me.

[Sunshine_day]

Dixie you and other YouTube hikers, have been such an inspiration for me for the last several years!
I've been wanting to thru hike the ECT, including the Appalachian Trail & the IAT, for several years now. I don't know if I'll ever get started due to (of course Covid-19) and my sister who was going to take my place in taking care of our 86 year old mom, was diagnosed with AML a year before I was going to start. My sis is doing better now since she's had a stem cell transplant, but we almost lost her a couple times before her chemo and transplant. I just don't know if a thru hike will ever happen for me, but I have been hiking on short trips whenever I can. Maybe in another 2 years, but I'll be over 61 then 😔. Hopefully I'll get to try it. I do enjoy my short hikes though. 👍

[mosquitoeslovejohn]

Thanks for showin me the basics Dixie. Can’t wait to go out and @hike my own hike”.
Take care.🙂

[chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I really understand the hiking on your own. I'm currently hiking The Ethel Challenge which is 95 Peaks in The Peak District National Park England. I feel I have to try and hike at their speed. I'm 60 and I prefer to plod along like a pack horse rather than doing a hike at speed. I just can't go fast anymore. Don't get me wrong, I love the company but I just like to plod.

[rvboondocker]

Congratulations on 400, 000 subscribers! You’re never alone! Thanks for the great content! I’m so glad I stumbled upon you 4 years ago. Totally a class person!

[alreadylost]

I attempted a northbound through hike in 2022 made it 274 miles unfortunately I dislocated my knee cap and twisted my ankle started putting more weight on my trekking poles and fucked up my wrist and eventually broke my trekking poles at the end just could barely walk but I had a great time overall and can't wait to try again in 2023.

[jimmyjenkins]

It was so nice to see the AT Tramily again! I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.

[chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I think it is great that those of us who can't physically complete a thru-hike can still get the certificate and badge. Some of us aren't as young and fit as others (as I've found out) but still enjoy hiking. Thanks for the vlog Dixie. Appreciate it.

[budm]

Good decision to do this comprehensive series on the AT. I enjoyed your original content on the AT that you did in the past. This is all valuable info delivered very well. Thanks Dixie!

[kenf]

Kind of want to go back to re-watch Dixie's AT hike after this video.

[ronaldrose]

Hello 👋 Dixie, greetings from Northern California. You are always a great source of vital information. Thank you for sharing. Always the best of good things for you. Stay safe and healthy out there. Keep hiking. 🤗 👋

[Tofu_Pilot]

Literally the one and only thing that keeps me from going NOBO is the crowd. If I ever do the AT, I suppose I'll have to fly to Maine to start.