AGE OF HIKERS - Appalachian Trail

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#21

I turned 65 this year and made my first attempt to hike the AT this year. Got in about a 100 miles before getting off with a bad case of blisters that took about a month to heal. Sounds like I had a horrible time but really just the opposite. As a result of all of the wonderful people I met out there, young and old, I plan to give it another try. I have carved 20 pounds out of my pack and changed my footwear from boots to running shoes. I have also been inspired by this years journal of CHIEF that succeded on his third attempt. He’s in his late 50’s. TROG is in his 60’s and nearing Katahdin. Hell age doesn’t make a difference, just make sure you’re in good shape.

kabar

#22

I was out hiking a short section over the weekend and met a group of fellows (all 50+) who hike 100 miles together every fall on the AT. Over the past few years I have met many thru-hikers in their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. I hope to be able to follow their footsteps. I myself am 23 but I don’t intend to let a number keep me off of the trail.
Bring on the diversity…don’t let all of us youngin’s take over the trail!
See ya out there :happy

tangent

#23

I’ve been section hiking since 1995. I’me averaging 100 miles a year on two trips. I’m 55 now, so I’ll probably be in my late 60’s by the time I finish. :wink: If I ever finish. Arthritis and sciatica seem to keep me to 50 miles a trip. That and scheduling vacation time. Cataract surgery kept me from my second 50-miler. :bawling I hike my own hike. I hike slowly and like 10-mile days. I just finished 50 miles south of Katahdin. I’d agree with the estimate of 30% over 50, 50% under 25.

Harry Dolphin

#24

Aloha Undertaker! I just completed my two-part AT hike (11 Sep 03 - wuhuu!) at the lovely young age of 46. If memory serves me, and it often doesn’t it, I believe the breakdown for age groups both this year and in 2001 was something like: 1) 20s (before & after college kids); 2) 60+ (retirees); 3)50s (early retirees, executives); 4) 30s (between career changes); & 5) 40s (not many due to careers, kids in college, etc.) The biggest difference I found in the age groups? How they did the trail - the younger the faster, the older the more wildlife, fauna & flora noted. The knees play hell with all ages by the end! :frowning: One of the people I hiked with for quite some time in 2001 was a 66 year old woman who started at low mileage & was doing big miles by the end. She finished the trail at 67 and I didn’t at 44 due to breaking a leg. Age… it’s silly to say that age doesn’t play a part because it does but only to the extent that you let it. Anyone can hike this trail as long as they have the will and desire to do so. Go hike what you can and enjoy every moment of it. Lady slippers are nice!:smiley: Aloha!

Aloha! Ann