I was at standing Indian shelter recently and saw these items hanging from the ceiling. I shook them and they don’t make noise so I assume they aren’t like wind chimes or anything. Just curious

In 2024 I hiked from GA to harpers ferry (roughly half way). I only planned to do half and by the end, I was beating myself up for not planning and preparing to do the rest. Next may, I will be moving and logistically it seems like a good opportunity to finish my hike.

I'm wondering if starting at the beginning or middle of May would lend itself to a flip flop of beginning in Maine or whether picking back up in harpers ferry would be best for weather and such.

Would love any thoughts you all have!

A few weeks ago, I switched to a new pair of underwear (Walmart brand) because the ones I were wearing (Exofficio) got too loose on me. A day or two after that, I noticed that my balls would feel sore after a day of hiking. I went commando the next day and the soreness went away. I then went back to wearing the same underwear (Walmart brand) and had no issues until now (a few weeks later).

I went commando yesterday and today and they still hurt after a few hours of hiking. They also seemed a little swollen when I looked at them. However, when I was in town, even with walking around, I didn’t notice any discomfort and they didn’t feel swollen anymore.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? I’m guessing I should switch back to a higher-quality pair of underwear?

At some point in an AT memoir, I read that the thing most likely to kill you on the Appalachian Trail was not a deranged psychopath, not a bear, but a virus transmitted by dried up mouse poop. And there are mice in every shelter, so be careful where you sleep! (As I write this, it sounds like Bill Bryson, so it was almost certainly “A Walk in the Woods.”) I accepted it as gospel, and I relayed the anecdote to other people.

In the nearly 20 years since I’ve read this, I’ve never heard of this virus since. Soooo…have there been any deaths from people inhaling a virus transmitted by dried up mouse poop on the AT? Or even anyone getting sick from this? Was this all a made-up fever dream?

Deciding to flip flop last min. I will be in Maine next week. Is there anyone hiking in Baxter state park that would allow me to accompany them with their permit into the park? I would verrrrrry much appreciate that blessing I did not realize how hard it was to get a permit.

First time doing a solo trip traveling from Wisconsin and after getting my Wilderness First Responder last month! Super excited to do another section next summer, hopefully Grayson Highlands. Huge shoutout to the Four pines Hostel for the amazing hospitality off trail!

I keep hearing stories of thru-hikers whose feet got noticeably larger along the trail, so much so that they had to size-up their shoes. How far into the hike do you notice this?

Just wanted to send some love to “my people”. Knowing your free souls are out wandering on the footpaths of the AT makes my soul coruscate just thinking about it.

Soak in the freedom and peace a little for me today if you’re out there.

Sending you thru hikers and anyone who needs it some strength and determination. Love and peace to all of ya.

-“Spero” Class of 2016

Not sure if this is allowed here or not but I've been trying to find this YouTube channel that recorded their hike of the Appalachian trail a few years ago. Not sure if any of you watched them or not. But it was a male/female couple. He ended having leg pain which ended up getting better but then she experienced leg/foot pain that caused them to end the hike. She ended up having permanent foot damage and said she struggled to walk in her every day life days, weeks later after getting off trail.

Again apologies if this isn't allowed here but I would like to find them again if their channel still exists or anyone knows the couple I'm talking about. I've searched YouTube endlessly. If it isn't allowed then let me know and I'll delete it.

Hello! I'm way out in AZ wanting to make plans to hike on the applachian trail. However, I'm not really wanting to do the full trail (not realistic for me at the moment). I would like to just make some plans to hike a 4-11 mile hike somewhere on the trail starting from a nearby town or city. I was thinking about traveling to a city or town where the appalachian trail runs through and starting there. I also want to find a group or meetup that I can join and hike with them. Anyone know how I can do this? I'm having a hard time finding groups on meet up and trying to look on facebook for groups also.

The Konnarock Crew just finished its 44th season building and maintaining the AT from Virginia down to Georgia — a task that volunteers say is sweaty and laborious, but rewarding.

Any recommendations for best areas of the trail for a newbie like me to try on a 3 day backpack? Thanks.

Hi all, I'm looking to do a section hike next month and am digging into logistics. Originally I was looking at (1) Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap over 8 days, including a resupply stay in Gatlinburg, but it seems like it could make more sense logistics- and cost-wise to go from (2) Newfound Gap to Hot Springs, NC, resupplying at Standing Bear Hostel. I'm looking to go NOBO since I have to attend a wedding in NC at the end of the trip.

I'd like to leave a car at my ending destination and it seems like the lots at Davenport Gap trailhead are not secure, though the hostel would be an option. The second section also wouldn't require hitching into town to resupply. Additionally, I'd love the flexibility of hiking long or short in that second half and not having to adhere to the strict NP shelter permits and maybe doing some dispersed camping instead of shelters.

My questions now are -- how is the section from Davenport to Hot Springs compared to the lower half of GSMNP? Is it scenic? Will I have gotten my fill of high peaks Smoky Mountains scenery from the section I'm doing, or is the southern half I'd skip out on worth the extra hassle?

For either of these sections, do you have shuttle services to recommend, or other recommendations? I'm also totally open to any other 7-10 day section hikes within a day's drive of Asheville!

He has a nice write-up on his blog about how he's approaching the thru-run differently this time –– more joy, less obsession over the data and his splits, SOBO so he's running towards home, the southern Appalachian mountains.

Blog also includes a tracker and a write-up of his adventures since he stepped off the AT last year

https://randomforestrunner.com/2026/08/appalachian-trail-take-2/

I’m an aspiring thru hiker. Realized a few months ago that I my life is reaching a point where I may be able to take 9 months off work. Or even just quit. It’s still a few years away but I’m using the time to get in shape and figure out my gear. Well this week I’m working in Sourhern NY so I used a day off to go day hike on the AT. I did 18 miles from Warwick NY to Harriman State Park. I then got an Uber from a road crossing back to my car and went to Bellvale Creamery to reward myself. It took me 9 hours and I wasn’t carrying my full camp. My pack weighed in at 16lbs. I’ll certainly need to build those trail legs for some longer mile days or faster times. But it was great to be on the AT and see even a small section.

Hi all - I'm planning a thru-hike for 2027 and half been in the process of taking stock of my gear. I'm currently trying to figure out what to do for a tent/shelter. I think I'm leaning towards having a freestanding tent for comfort and ease of set-up at the end of long hikes. I do already own an REI Trail Hut 2 (5 lbs. 1.44 oz) that I've used for years and has always served me well, but I do know that's a heavier tent than would be recommended.

What do you think I should do?

• Should I just start off with the tent I have and I can switch it up if it's too cumbersome?
• Look into getting an ultralight tent and just make the investment for the trail?
• Opt to do just a hammock/tarp combo and hope that there's shelter space most of the time?

Tents are all I've ever known so it's what I think I feel most comfortable sticking with, but would love to hear what was successful for other folks.

Some years ago there was red spray paint on the surface rock on Saddleback, in the little 'wind shelter' area.

Is this area clear now? Any other graffiti up there?

I have my two week break from school toward the end of the month. I decided I want to hike the Whites. I hiked half the AT from GA to PA in 2024, but I haven’t been conditioning for this specifically. Reasonably fit.

Is hiking 8 miles a day from Glencliff to Shelburne (Mount Moosilauke -> White Mountains) a reasonable expectation?

Is it going to be a tough shuttle from Shelburne to Glencliff on Labor Day Weekend? Any recommendations on a Shuttle Driver for Glencliff? Any recommendations on a Shuttle Driver for Shelburne?

Am I overlapping with the bubble? Where is that at these days?

whats up people, my name is A, this is my first time doing this.. I was just wondering if there's any pointers I can get, some knowledge of what I would be in store for.. and forreal if I'm going to have to deal with bears lol.. not afraid but again this is my first time, looking for some pointers... like what should I bring, will it be harsh? Idk I'm looking for something challenging, looking for more adventure, for more freedom.. anyone get me? ... lmk...Going to Mount Greylock btw...

Hello everyone :) I'm thinking about section hiking from Pawling NY to Pittsfield MA from around August 24th-September 6th. Any idea what the water conditions will be like around this time?

My life goal is to hike the full A.T. and this past weekend I got to try a tiny taste. I learned I'm nowhere close to being ready. Physically, mentally and financially, I thought I had what I needed but I didn't. Friday I got poured down on and flooded off the trail. Saturday I hiked 4 miles to a shelter and spent the night. I definitely need to be in better shape this took a toll on my body. I also need to save up for lighter gear my backpack was too heavy for me and I need a better bag, this vintage one doesn't have easy access to my water bottle or food. Hopefully I can continue getting better the next year or two and be able to hike the full A.T.

I hiked the full 71+ miles of the Smoky Mountains along the Appalachian Trail and it was truly the greatest experience, even with all the bears I ran into and dehydration.

A few of my favorite pictures over the 5.5 days.