You’ve heard of the AT, but how do you get on it? What gear should you take? What are the dangers? What about snakes? What’s the best way to get to know other hikers and stay safe? There are so many questions! Read on for our expert advice. And don’t miss the book’s sequel, ‘What to Expect on a Through-Hike of the Appalachian Trail’.
Planning for a thru-hike
As you begin planning for your Appalachian Trail through-hike, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper gear. While hiking along the Appalachian Trail, you should carry at least one liter of water every day and food for four to seven days. Depending on the weather, this can mean extra water and food to pack. You may also need to purchase new items for your hike as the cold weather requires you to replace some winter goods with summer ones.
During your AT trek, you’ll need to plan meals. The hiker’s appetite develops rapidly throughout the journey, and he or she may overeat. To keep yourself satisfied, many hikers pack snacks and meals in their backpacks. To minimize the weight of your pack, you’ll want to opt for dry foods without heavy packaging. Liquid is the largest contributor of weight to a backpack, so try to stay away from heavy packaging. One lightweight option is to opt for resealable bags, which are also compact and lightweight.
You should also prepare for different types of lodging along the way. You can take a tent with you, or you can stay in a motel. You’ll also need cash, as some shelters may charge a small fee to stay there. Some hikers stay in motels in towns along the way. To ensure you’re comfortable, you can consult fellow hikers for advice on where to stay and what to bring.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your hike goes as smoothly as possible is to consult with a past thru-hiker. Their experience and advice is invaluable, especially if you’re looking for weight-saving tips. While this may sound daunting, you can use their advice to ignite your excitement and to alleviate any pre-hike worries. Just remember to enjoy the journey and don’t let the trail take you by surprise.
It’s also important to consider the health risks associated with hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Hikers should be aware that they’ll be farther from medical care than you might be in the city. Additionally, the Appalachian Trail is notorious for its high population of mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks, so it’s important to bring bug repellant and a good treatment for tick bites.
Gear needed for a thru-hike
There are several things you need to bring on a thru-hike of the AT, including reusable water bottles and hydration reservoirs. You should also pack waterproof stuff sacks for your clothes, sleeping bags, and food. It may also be a good idea to invest in biodegradable soap and insect repellent. Lastly, you’ll need to bring insect repellent in spray form.
You’ll need cold-weather gear during the early months of your hike. During this time, it’s safe to mail away your gear to your home in Damascus, Virginia. But if it’s too early to mail home your cold-weather gear, you’ll be forced to hide in towns if you’re stranded in the woods during unexpected snowfalls.
The last thing to purchase is your backpack. Unlike backpackers, thru-hikers spend less time in camp and gravitate towards gear that keeps them comfortable on their feet. While there’s no single “right” way to pack for a thru-hike of the AT, the right gear should support your personal needs. It should be compatible with your skills, experience, fitness level, and any medical conditions you might have. Throughout your hike, you’ll get wet, live with bugs, and likely endure slogs through hot, humid climbs.
Depending on the season, you may need a lightweight sleeping bag. A 30-degree bag may be sufficient for mid-summer hikes. But if you’re hiking during July and August, you might want a more expensive option. A lightweight bag may also be sufficient. It should also be waterproof, as sleeping bags are usually quite heavy. If you’re planning on camping overnight, consider a sleeping bag made for cooler temperatures.
For those who hike in the rain, you’ll need a reliable windproof umbrella. Make sure to buy one that’s big enough to cover your backpack and hiking gear. You don’t want to get soaked while hiking, so bring a rain cover and a trash compactor bag. It will keep your gear dry. A windproof rain cover is another essential item for your AT backpack.
Snakes encountered
There are several types of snakes that you may encounter while thruhiking the Appalachian trail. Some are venomous while others are not, but the following species are common and harmless. The Eastern Hognose is a common type of snake that can grow to be three feet long. This snake has a flared head similar to a cobra and plays dead when threatened. Eastern Hognose snakes are typically small and brown, with yellow or red banding on their belly. They are found in many parts of Northern America, including Maine and Georgia.
While most snakes on the AT are not dangerous to humans, they can still be a nuisance. Snakes on the AT are not usually afraid of humans, so they may cross the path or stop in front of you. Snakes tend to be more active at night, when the temperature is high during the day. During summer months, snake encounters are most likely at night when the temperatures are warm. Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem, but they are best left alone and should not be provoked.
Northern ringneck snakes are a common sight along the Appalachian Trail. Though shy and nocturnal, this species is a real treat if you are lucky enough to see one. Though non-venomous, snakes are capable of biting humans if they are aggressive. Although they do not make warning sounds, it’s important to be aware of foot paths while you hike, and to keep your ear buds out of the way.
If you encounter a snake on the trail, you must take appropriate measures to protect yourself from the deadly species. Fortunately, there are several types of snakes on the trail. Timber rattlesnakes are commonly found from Georgia to Maine, and eastern diamondbacks are rarely seen north of Massachusetts. In New York, you can come across pygmy rattlesnakes and Massasauga rattlesnakes.
Eastern garter snakes are common along the eastern part of the Appalachian Trail. Though technically venomous, they are not harmful to humans. If you encounter a snake on your Appalachian Trail trek, be sure to stay vigilant. Whether it’s a tiger snake or a timber rattlesnake, make sure to keep yourself and others safe.
Getting ready for a thru-hike
If you’re thinking of tackling a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, there are some important things you need to know. Starting with a training schedule is critical. Attending a talk by an experienced thru-hiker is a great way to get some tips and tricks. You also need to be sure your equipment fits you properly. By practicing with your gear, you can avoid getting injured while hiking. Similarly, you should plan to carry a varied diet, and don’t live off of Ramen for your entire hike.
One of the most important tips for preparing for a thru-hike is to get enough sleep. You will be hiking for eight to twelve hours per day, 6-7 days a week. You will also be trekking in all types of weather and camping in tents. You’ll be spending about five or seven months on the trail, so you want to make sure you’re prepared.
Your attitude is important. Although you can’t control the weather or other aspects of the hike, your attitude will make or break your hike. You should enjoy nature as much as possible, thank the powers that be, and be grateful for the opportunities it provides. By keeping an attitude of gratitude and a positive attitude, you’ll find that your hike will be a great success!
When to Hike the Appalachian Trail: NoBo hikers will start at the northern end of the country. The southern end of the trail is often full of hikers, and the weather can be both hot and rainy. NoBo hikers should be in good shape for this section of the trail. If time is an issue, a southbound hiker should plan on starting before October 15.
Care packages and postcards will keep you company while you’re on the trail. During the winter, you may experience freezing temperatures and snow. Make sure to pack adequate warm clothing and know how to recognize the signs of hypothermia. Make sure to prioritize drying sleeping bags. Since rain is almost certain to fall while you’re on the trail, you’ll want to protect your equipment with a rain jacket and backpack cover.
The Twin Peaks hiking trail is a popular urban hike in San Francisco. A guided tour can provide a great deal of information about Twin Peaks, as well as the parks and other sites of interest around the city. For a more off-the-beaten path hike in San Francisco, consider Mount Davidson. You’ll be rewarded with views of downtown San Francisco, as well as a large concrete cross.
Bernal Heights summit
For an excellent, 360-degree view of San Francisco, take a hike to Bernal Heights summit. The hillock is the perfect place to catch a breathtaking sunset or get a great view of the city. The hike to the summit is an easy one-mile loop through the park. Afterwards, continue on to Bernal Heights Park, where you can picnic and exercise in a gym.
The one-mile loop trail through Bernal Heights Park gives you a great view of the city skyline. The hike begins at the top of Bernal Heights, just south of the Mission District. This trail is the first of its kind in The City and helped kickstart multiple restoration projects across The City. You’ll be glad you did. Take your dog along for some supervised exercise on this popular trail!
The steep, forested slopes of Mount Sutro attract more locals than tourists, and it’s worth the effort. The casual one-mile loop offers stunning views of the bay area. You can also explore Mount Sutro, an 80-acre historical forest. The trails wind through towering eucalyptus trees. Because the area is part of the fog belt, they are also notoriously foggy!
Bernal Hillside offers a natural grassland area with a diverse assortment of plants and wildlife. If you want to get some exercise without too much elevation gain, you can hike the trail from the Bernal Hillside area. You can access it via paved or dirt paths. During the spring and summer, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. And if you’re a beginner, the easy-to-follow Mary Bowerman Interpretive Trail is a great choice.
Mt. Sutro
If you’re looking for a great hike in and around San Francisco, look no further than the Mt. Sutro Reserve. Owned by the University of California, San Francisco, this urban preserve offers an incredible view of the city and Bay. The park’s trails are shared by hikers and arborists, and the reserve also includes a native plant nursery.
The trail winds through the eucalyptus forest, a lush 80-acre area in the heart of San Francisco. It’s heavily shaded, with trees that reach over 100 feet. Even on a foggy day, the park can be a breathtaking spot. If you’re in the mood to sweat out the fog, you can hike in the forest on a weekday or on the weekend, when it’s usually quiet.
The mountain is also one of the city’s best spots for watching the sunset. It’s secluded and windy, so it’s an excellent place to catch the last rays of the day. It’s also a popular destination for photographers as the landscape changes colors and makes a dramatic backdrop. If you’re looking for a scenic hike in San Francisco, make sure to plan ahead.
One of the best hikes in and around San Francisco is Mount Sutro. The steep trail is topped by two giant structures, the Sutro Towers. These towers look over the city and are definitely worth the hike! Clear days and beautiful sunsets are the best times to hike here. And because the park is dog-friendly, dogs are allowed in leash and at the summit.
Lover’s Lane
While San Francisco boasts many beautiful hikes, the climate is unpredictable. The city’s microclimate makes it possible for the weather to change quickly from sunny to rainy and from foggy to warm. Be prepared for this change in temperature by packing layers. Also, make sure to bring enough water for the day. Unlike other cities, San Francisco’s tap water comes from the Sierra Nevada mountain range, making it among the cleanest municipal sources in the nation.
This beautiful walk winds through the city and is ideal for families and pets. The trail passes through a large Redwood grove in the Presidio. You’ll also pass by Oak, Eucalyptus, and Monterey cypress trees. Near the end of the hike, the trail connects to El Polin Springs, where you can observe butterflies.
Another great urban hike is Battery Crosby, a short hike that gains over 900 feet of elevation. This looped trail crosses Lincoln Park and ends at 32nd Avenue. Dog owners should be aware that the path is narrow in some spots and may be windy. It also features numerous points of descent, so exercise caution and proper clothing. You can begin the hike at Stanyan and 17th Streets.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, consider the Crosstown Trail. This 15.8 mile trail crisscrosses the city, linking parks and lesser known natural areas. Those looking for a challenging yet scenic hike should try it. The OuterSpatial App contains maps, information, and printable maps to help you plan your adventure. When hiking in San Francisco, don’t forget to enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Mt. Davidson
If you want to explore the hills surrounding San Francisco, you can choose to take a trail that starts in Edgehill Mountain Park. This small hill is surprisingly high for a city park and has a great view of the bay. You can access the trail from the nearby Mount Davidson and Kensington Way. Depending on the time of year, you can also choose to walk up Edgehill Mountain, a steep, but scenic sliver of rock.
There are many paths in and around Mt. Davidson. Some lead to abandoned buildings while others cross San Francisco’s famously hilly terrain. Others are suitable for trail running. Whatever you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. You may forget to drink enough water throughout your hike, so bring extra with you. There are also great transit options that make it easy to reach your destination.
Regardless of your skill level, you will not regret hiking this hill. You will see San Francisco from above and enjoy the breathtaking view. You may even find yourself rejoicing at the sight of the city from the top of Mt. Davidson. It is certainly one of the best urban hikes in and around San Francisco. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the city’s other iconic locations, such as the Coit Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Crosstown Trail
The Crosstown Trail is a nearly 17-mile long trail that weaves through the city, passing through neighborhoods and native plants. The trail explores a restored canyon watershed, passes Land’s End, and crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. For serious hikers, the Crosstown Trail is the perfect introduction to the city. If you are not familiar with this trail, you should download the OuterSpatial App and print out maps for the Crosstown Trail.
The Crosstown Trail is a 17-mile trail with transit connections. You can break it up into five sections, each taking 45 minutes or less. The website has tons of information about the trail, including a smartphone app and downloadable maps and GPX files. If you plan to do the entire route, you can take two or three segments, depending on your fitness level. Once you’re finished, you can enjoy a chili stop on the way back to Lands End Lookout.
The Crosstown Trail technically begins in southeast San Francisco, but the Lands End section is much prettier and incorporates some of the city’s most beloved landmarks. If you’re only doing one part of the trail, then a backward hike is best. This will ensure you’re seeing all of the best bits of the trail. Despite the lack of superlative views, the trail has its charms.
Crissy Field
If you’re looking for a flat waterfront hike, then you should check out Crissy Field. This trail leads from the Marina District to Fort Point National Historic Site and the Golden Gate Bridge. It features a wide dirt path that offers scenic views of the city, Golden Gate Bridge, and the bay. If you have a car, you should take public transportation to the end of the trail and park there.
If you’re new to the area, you can take a four-mile loop from Lands End. This trail winds through the city’s northern neighborhoods and offers great vistas. The Lands End Trail also goes past the historic Sutro Baths, which were once a saltwater bathhouse for ten thousand people. The historic bathhouse closed during the Great Depression and was destroyed by a fire in 1866.
While walking along the waterfront, you can also explore the historic Battery East Vista, a former military post. From here, you’ll have a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch in the park’s many picnic areas. The Main Parade Ground is also an excellent place for a picnic. The views are amazing from here!
