Approach trail - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

How much time does it take to hike the approach trail?

bigfoot

#2

I think it took me a little under 4 hours to do the 8.8 miles. But I was carrying a lot of weight then (probably around 50 pounds).

Demon Deac

#3

The approach trail kicked my butt when I did it. But I must say when I look back at myself then I laugh, I was in horrible shape, had no clue what I was even trying to do. Yea it took me like 9 hours. Maybe there is a reason why I quit hiking then. All I say is when I try to thru-hike again I am not touching that approach trail.

Lizz

#4

i have hiked the AT approach trail twice in as many months. the first time took me maybe 6 hrs and the last time i did it it took 5 hrs but i took a serious lunch break and watered up. i also stopped to talk to several people along the way.

pack weight and more training miles seemed to have more to do with the struggle and seemingly ease of the trips.

my guess is it could be done in 3 hrs by the well trained.

burnfucious

#5

What is it straight up?:frowning:

skumped

#6

One day. Its eight miles up, figure 1.5 mph puts you at 5-6 hrs.
TB

TurkeyBacon

#7

I had heard all these horror stories, but I really wanted to climb Springer, not drive within a mile of the top. Aside from the first mile by the Falls, it’s not a bad climb, at all. I suspect it’s more the fact it’s the first day that gives it the feared reputation. Remember many have never even backpacked or hiked before attempting a thru-hike. I kept waiting for this big bad climb and before I knew it I was at the summit, which is a non-event except for the small view and plaque. I think with breaks and time to alternately cry :bawling and laugh :lol that first day it took me 5 hours.

Bluebearee

#8

It doesn’t seem that most hikers are hiking on the approach trail these days. I think of it as a rite of passage. If you can make it to the top, than you are worthy to hike on the AT. Seriously though, the first mile or so up to the falls is nasty, but the rest is not too bad. I think the second and third days are the worst. At least mentally. Anyways, enjoy your hike.
Namaste,
Bankrobber

Bankrobber

#9

It took me about 6-7 hours. It’s basically all UP.
It gives you a good idea of what’s the AT is about. It’s not
really steep, but you know you put in a day’s work at the end.

If you don’t like the Approach Trail hike, you might as well
go home. It won’t be any easier until you get to VA.

I don’t know if I’d do it again, if I ever start another
thru. You miss the Visitor Center?, the Falls, the new Inn
and a good workout, though.

Scamp

Scamp

#10

It seems that most thru-hikers don’t do the approach trail. I guess they feel that it’s not part of the AT.
When I started my thru-hike I arrived at the bottom of the approach trail at 7:30 am. The park buildings were all closed. I filled up with water, took a couple of pictures and headed up. After hiking for about 2 hours I took a break and asked myself. “This is tough, how the hell am I going to hike 2000 miles”. It’s a great feeling to hike the approach and stand at the plack looking at that first white blaze. I’ll never, never forget that feeling.
Do the approach trail. It’ll take about 6 hours. You won’t be sorry you did. What’s another 9 miles when you are starting on a trip where you will probably walk 2,500 miles before you finish.

Grampie

#11

I DON’T WANNA do the approach trail.
It’s too HARD!
:bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling
I DON’T WANNA do the approach trail.
It’s too HARD!
:bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling
I DON’T WANNA do the approach trail.
It’s too HARD!
:bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling
I DON’T WANNA do the approach trail.
It’s too HARD!
:bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling :bawling

BiteBlaze

#12

after i hiked the approach trail the second time, i recalled that i didn’t realize how much of that trail points downhill. there are more than 5 miles i would guess of downhills to it south to north. I actually considered hiking out the other day and didn’t want to do all the uphills north to south. the downhills are gradual, and long. the uphills of the approach trail are 30 degrees maybe. the AT map lies to ya. many of the points of the map that show ups actually now scurt the mountain summits, so do it…but train, train train. and definately the approach trail is truely a walk in the park.

you could read my whining about the approach trail, and my second trip thoughts to see more.

burnfucious

#13

I heard all the horror stories of the approach trail before my hike but what I didn’t find it bad at all. But I was used to hiking in the Whites.

I’d say if you’re accustomed to hiking in New England or the Smokies or anywhere else where you might cover 10 miles in a day and climb 2 or 3 thousand feet, then you’ll hardly find the approach trail scary. If you’re not used to that kind of distance or elevation change, then be prepared to maybe struggle a little.

I knew of many people that split the approach trail up into 2 days, with an overnight at either the Hike Inn or Black Gap Shelter. I started above the falls since I stayed at the Lodge on the eve of my hike.

As Grampie says, just try to keep it in perspective. Even if it takes you 3 days to reach Springer, it’s immaterial on a 6 month hike. Just don’t get discouraged. Struggling on the approach trail is just part of the learning curve. If you keep going, you’ll be amazed at what you can do by the time you reach Hot Springs.

Wedding Singer

#14

I knocked off two 13,000+ passes per 25-mile day on the JMT trail this summer. The approach trail doesn’t scare me. It’s the 2,000 miles that come after the approach trail that scare me. =)

Haiku.

Haiku

#15

Last week my son and I did a two-night section hike from Amicalola Visitor Center to Woody Gap. The first mile will get your attention, as will the climb up Springer. But it really isn’t that big a deal overall. We got to Springer in 5-6 hours including a leisurely lunch break on top of Frost Mtn, then continued on to Stover Creek shelter. Spent the second night at Gooch Mtn shelter, and finished at Woody Gap before noon on the third day.

If a seventh-grader can do the Approach Trail carrying all his own gear(*), it can’t be THAT hard. :wink:

(*) the only “shared” gear I carry is the first-aid kit, some duct tape, and a water filter. Otherwise he’s self-sufficient.

:cheers

deeddawg

#16

My wife and I honeymooned in Dahlonega and made it over to the Amicalola park and walked a few trails. On the send trip to the park I saw the sign to Springer Mt and we decided to hike to the top.

Now we are from Michigan and the highest elevation gain is about 100 ft. I am an avid hiker but was not prepaired for the experience of Springer. (At this time I had never heard of the AT and had no idea what it was.)

Anyway we decided to hike to the top of the Mt. We were day hikers with no packs and we were not use to the elevation gain. This Mt. kicked our butts. I don’t remember how long it took but it was a loooong time. The trip down was brutal. To make matters worse it was raining pretty good.

The highlight for me was seeing a little black bear cub on the Mt. Thank God we didn’t see the momma.

All in all, I would say do not underestimate the climb but the climb wasn’t all that difficult it was just strenuous. You will more than likely be tired after the climb. I am more apprehensive of Katahadin than Springer. Springer has many switch backs that make the climb easier.:cheers

trailfoot

#17

I knocked off two 13,000+ passes per 25-mile day on the JMT trail this summer. The approach trail doesn’t scare me. It’s the 2,000 miles that come after the approach trail that scare me. =)

You’ll do fine on the AT. But be careful in trying to translate your western hiking experience to the east. There’s a different culture of trail construction. Western trails are higher, but that doesn’t mean much once you’re acclimatized. Eastern trails are typically steeper, rockier, and rootier-- what a westerner would consider poorly maintained. The upshot is that most of the AT is, mile-for-mile, tougher than any part of the JMT (after snowmelt). It is still just a trail-- walking is the only skill required. But, for example, I think you’ll find that a 25-mile day over 13,000+’ Forrester and Trail Crest passes was a much easier proposition than a 25-mile day through the 4-5000’ White Mountains.

Eric

#18

You will look back at your journal comments about the Approach Trail and laugh. You will do sections like that later in your hike before lunch and think nothing about it. Flame and I loved the Whites, but the first 100 miles of Maine were “interesting”. The 100 Mile Wilderness was a joy to hike. What a nice ending to a hike.

Don’t worry about the Approach Trail. Take your time even if it takes 3 days. The trail will get you in shape and you will pick up speed when your body is ready. By the end of Virginia, most hikers were traveling at about the same speed. Just take your time early and don’t hurt yourself. It is a long trail. Have fun and hike your hike.

Papa Smurf

#19

When I hiked the approach trail in 2000 I had previously done a few easy day hikes. As I struggled on toward the terminus with a pack that was way too heavy I really wondered if I was cut out to hike the AT as I knew there was worse to come over the next 2000+ miles.

However, I made it in about 6 hours and felt highly elated and pleased with myself. I then pushed on to Stover Creek for my first night on the trail. After I ditched some excess gear at Neels Gap and gained fitness over the next few weeks I knew that physically I would be able to complete the AT.

I would recommend the approach trail to all potential thru-hikers as it really sets the scene for what is to come.

Downunda

#20

Eric, I agree with you completely. I actually live in MA, and have done extensive hiking on the AT in New England (CT, MA, and VT sections done). I saw some parts of the JMT under construction, and the grading of the trail goes about three feet below ground level, it’s that good. On the other hand, the JMT is largely sand, which I hated walking on. I like the crumbly bedrock of the East.

Haiku.

Haiku