Introductory links.
Weather
- Historical summary. This is what the weather is usually like each month for each trail section.
- Today’s weather on the trail at any point.
- https://www.postholer.com/databook/Appalachian-Trail/3/784.7. Excellent data, all year, section by section.
Landmarks and shelters
- Shelter list
- Mileage chart.
- Resupply points.
- Alternative list of resupply points.
- A resupply and other information hiking plan from 2012: https://www.theatguide.com/12-milesday/
What other people are using on the trail (statistical surveys):
- Statistical data of the 2019 class.
- Most used tents, backpacks and stoves (fads and trends change year to year)
- And where they probably are.
Other useful links:
- Whiteblaze.
- Hostels.
- Trail Stretches.
- Planning Software (you will outgrow it quickly)
- Layering quilts for colder weather. https://support.enlightenedequipment.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002770588-How-to-layer-quilts-for-sub-zero-camping?fbclid=IwAR362enBpjoGxcZMaN7OLLXe5n2Q4HWWru-JOnMpR8qVFoM4aJjBboTxkaA
- The “best” baselayer. https://trekandmountain.com/2019/04/15/the-big-question-whats-the-best-baselayer/
My prior blogging
Miscellaneous
- An introduction to backpacking clothing.
- Shuttle providers.
- Access points (especially useful for section hiking).
- How to get to the trail. (Any point on the trail)
- How to get to the start of the trail (just getting to Springer Mountain where the trail starts in Georgia).
- The gear we use.
Maps
Last thoughts.
The AT is often hiked by people without experience or a hiking or a camping background. Many quit in the first thirty miles, others completely change up what they are doing at mile 30 (which just happens to have a large outfitter who will give you a shakedown and tell you what you needed to know).
Many people rely on a guidebook. There are four of them.
- Guthooks. Computer/cell phone app based. It has the trail, real time comments by others on the trail, and better and better entries for off trail locations.
- Whiteblaze—available guide in both paper and indexed pdf for your phone. Surprisingly good.
- Whiteblaze website files:
- AWOL’s guides, either starting in the South or starting from the North. Identical content, just a different mile 0. Used to be the best. The competition has really improved and it was sold. Still solid. Lots of people use Guthooks (keep your phone on airplane mode) and AWOL.
- The ATC Companion. Currently probably the best. Print and pdf available.
My AT guides and a PCT guide I’ve been looking at recently.
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