At age 67 my “bucket list” is running low.Im curious about how many AT senior hikers[65+] there are.Im thinking a section hike around Harpers Ferry may be in order. Don`t know for sure that I will like it.Always have been a fresh air person.Are there any daytrippers I could pair up with to test this theory.What are your thoughts.
Saltfish
…this is the BEST time of your life to hike!..just take it easy…get your pack pared down real light…and get out there and just slowly start DOIN’ it!..
when paw and i began to think about a thruhike in ‘03, we were 50 and 60 and were concerned we were too old…eric weiss at rock creek outfitters encouraged us that we absolutely were NOT too old, so we did it!..last year (in attempting the PCT) we wondered the same thing…but thankfully we were able to do 1600 miles there!..it was wonderful!..(not bad for two ol’ decrepit codgers, eh?)…go for it, saltfish!..you won’t regret a mile!
maw-ee
Hey Mawee is right!! Bogie & I are 58 and 59. We thru hiked the AT in '08 (also with a friend that was celebrating her 65th b’day). Felt better than ever. Last year did 1018 miles on the PCT. This year did 165 miles in Scotland and 175 miles on the Long Trail. Hey, it’s a mental thing too not just a physical thing. Go For IT!! You will love it!! As the old saying goes–You’re as old as you feel!
Bacall
This is the best time in your life to walk. We have the time, wisdom and experience that the younger folks lack. Just take it easy and go slow - enjoy every step.
Slow Walker
I’m with them, Saltfish… Like you, I have that bucket list, and it includes the AT. I’ll begin by section hiking until I retire completely - with the idea of a thru-hike after that. I’m thinking about starting at Bland, VA next spring (after the wave of NOBO thru’s passes through) and possibly hiking to the south end of Shenandoah NP. I’m 63.
Hickory Stick
Go for it - it’s all about attitude and perserverance. I’m not an AT guy but have been doing extended solo treks into the Sierra wilderness for 23 years. I’m 67+. Just completed a 17-day backcoutry excursion in Sequoia/Kings Canyon. Life is good.
One thing becomes very clear to us old fart hikers - all that stuff about plate tectonics and how it takes millions of years for the landscape to form is BS. Those trails get steeper every year.
booger
Make that “SEASONED” Hikers not “Senior” Hikers. At 63, I summitted Katahdin and completed my section hike (on the 8 year plan) less than 2 weeks ago (8-17-10). The hiker that reached the Katahdin sign just before me was “Pappy” who at 73 was completing his 7 year section hike! “POW and TLC” at 66 summitted two days earlier after 3 years on the AT.
Sure, we hike slower than the 20-year olds; but we can enjoy the scenery more while we are pausing to catch our breath. At any rate, you won’t be getting any younger, so you might as well get started before you get any older. Just go slow and steady and careful and you’ll be fine. And if you can find some really great people to hike with for moral support and encouragement, that will make a big difference. Although I did over 1800 miles of the AT solo, I was fortunate enough to meet and hike with a great trail “family” through Maine this year and that really kept me going. (In truth, I wasn’t anywhere near this positive and upbeat after crawling my way through the Mahoosic Notch a month ago!)
Hike your own hike and HAPPY TRAILS,
Capt. Bly
Capt. Bly
I started section hiking the AT when I was 50 years old and finished it at age 55. I am now 67 years old and hope to hike the AT again or the PCT within the next two or three years. As long as my legs can carry me, I will be out there somewhere hiking. Go for it, my friend.
Take Five
These over 60 legs are aiming for the CDT. I’m with Take Five…I’ll be out there somewhere.
swannnee
Thanks to all for the great replies.Most encouraging indeed.I may be able to put together a few day trips around Harpers Ferry in Oct.That would allow me to visit the AT center to pick up some literature and ideas too.Step aside ,one more geezer is coming.
I met AT thru hiker Croft by chance in MD last June and from her inspiration I can`t get this AT thing out of my mind.
Saltfish
I was 59 when I thru’ed the AT, and several others were older than me - especially Piece of Work, who’s MUCH older. This year I started the PCT (at 63) but only got 1018 miles before injuring my knee. Hope to finish it in 2011 or 2012. Then on to the CDT.
mango
My partner on the AT, Pickle, was 64 at the time (I was only 51) and we had great time with a 106-day thru hike. We passed hundreds of younger hikers who didn’t have the conditioning and experience we did. We were able to stay out hiking in conditions that put younger hikers off the trail. Years of experience also lightened our packs to the bare minimum, which made a huge difference. As they say, age and treachery wins out over youth and vigor every time.
Garlic
Seems to be plenty out there. I’m following MOM, the Canadian Geese, and All Right and Half Left on TJ this year, all of them are over sixty, I’m pretty sure.
Brian
I see no problem hiking at an older age. I have met many guys & gals 55 to 80 still hiking and doing well.
I did a thru at the ae of 66 years and had few if any problems.
Grampie-N->
I’m an inexperienced hiker but I am fairly well read concerning the outdoor. I like hiking as well as bicycling. I used to own a book about long distance cycling. The best long distance cyclists in the world are those guys who are over 40. The reason is because they are so much more patient than the younger crowd. These fellas pace themselves for the long haul. Sometimes, after a long ride of many miles, riders have been known to ride home. I think the older generation has much to offer, especially in terms of patience. Patience often equals not getting hurt. So yeah, go for it and have fun.
litespeedlujak
I recently turned 71 and I have long distance hikes planned thru 2013. Many miles to go. My 48 yr. old hiking partner has a hell of time keeping up.
Go for it!
swamp fox
I’m not an AT senior hiker, at least for now, but I’ll add another 2c to this. I’m 67 and just finished a 90 High Sierra hike last week. Last year I did the JMT and last May did the Ozark Highlands Trail. The more I hike the more seniors I see out there. Prepare yourself well and go for it. You may hike a little slower and have a few joint creaks the younger hiker doesn’t experience but that is no excuse not to do it.
Still Lookin
I just finished reading this journal: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=120611 of Five-Leafed Clover, a SOBO of '06 who hiked the AT at 65. I was honored to take my first backpacking trip with her and Liteshoe a few weeks ago. During our short hike in the Grayson Highlands, I was passed by many well-seasoned hikers.
OH! and search this site for the trail journal of Trog, a man in his 70’s who hiked in 2004.
Wild Hare
I thru hiked the AT in 2004 at age 62. I met several folks older than me out there attempting thru hikes and doing very well. The younger hikers would pass me flying into the next town where I often found them nursing their strained muscles and aching bones. They seemed to thing the hike was a race. They didn’t seem to enjoy the trail but wanted to get into town to party. I believe their fast pace and big mile days caused injuries and made their hikes less pleasurable. Senior hikers are apt to slow down and enjoy each mile. Take more frequent and longer rests to allow their bodies to heal and become stronger. I still get up into the mountains for frequent hikes. I hiked Franconia Ridge last week and I’m planning a three day hike on the Long Trail for the end of September. Get out there and hike. Just remember to take your time. Enjoy every step.
Art