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I Want to Hike the Appalachian Trail

I am a 20 year old college student at the moment. It was always my father's dream to hike that trail and he is getting kind of old to do it now. I also like hiking and I would like to hike it for him. I think that once I get out of college I will take a summer off and thru hike the trail from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia

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Ynotisay · M

That's a big hike dude. But right after college is a GREAT time for a thru hike. Not sure how old your Dad is but it's not really out of the question for him either.

LOTS to know about long hikes (particularly food drops) and the more miles you pump out now the better off you'll be when it's time to take a shot. Good luck. That's a great goal.

ThePaleHorseman · 26-30, M

Yeah obviously I am far from ready now. I got a lot of preparing to do, but it's the goal.

Ynotisay · M

@TheDarkness: I've got some miles under my boots and my totally unsolicited advice is to get as many mutli-day trips in as you can before you leave. Preferably alone. But maybe you're already getting out there a lot and know what a thru hike entails. Good luck.

SoFine · 46-50, F

If you can, then read Bill Bryson's book, you will get some info that will help you. A walk in the woods, is the title.

Ynotisay · M

One of the most enjoyable books I've ever read.
I'm a pretty hardcore backpacker and loved that he was able to laugh at himself and his lack of experience. That's a fun book even for people who've never hiked in their lives.
Good call.
(Movie kind of sucked though). :)

ThePaleHorseman · 26-30, M

Will definitely have to check it out!

SW-User

My aunt is a guide on the Appalachian Trail. You really should do a smaller segment to start.

ThePaleHorseman · 26-30, M

Yeah I am thinking of going with a guide or a group rather than by myself.

WarmAtNight · M

That would be fun. I wanted to hike the pct

ThePaleHorseman · 26-30, M

Yeah I want to hike that one eventually as well.

SW-User

Wait. My aunt hikes professionally, and she is 60. Why can't you and your father do it together?

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SW-User

@TheDarkness: Don't forget that you won't be able to carry much and you will go days between being able to charge your phone. Sounds great in theory, but difficult in practice.

softspokenman · M

@Laifu1: Solar charges small enough for camping and backpacks.

SW-User

@softspokenman: Cool. =) I have been resisting the hiking. I just hear about it constantly...

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