Okay, so this summer I want to go through the Appalachian Trail. I’ve never done this before. I’ve got nobody to go with me. I’ve been reading up on this, so I have an idea of what to pack, how to prepare, and all that. But I’m wondering here, how safe is it for me to go it alone?
If it matters any, I’ll be 16 when the summer starts and am entering in New York and going up to Maine.
Miles
I did 350 miles when I was 15 solo. You will be fine have a great hike. I would say you should have do a far bit of hiking before this, but you should be fine.
youngndum
In middle June the thrus will be heading around your start date and past you, giving insight, inspiration, and ridicule…After a month or so, be of them, as the percentage shrinks that all left Spring full of hope. Good luck, start off in lower mile days, and you’ll see a great part America.
fishngame
I once met a kid starting a southbound having never onced hiked before. He had no clue what trailjournals or whiteblaze were, he knew nobody who had hiked the AT before, and he had never spent a night in the woods. He entered the 100 mile widerness with all manner of junk gear, including glass jars. He read the wooden sign at the entrance of the 100ml which suggest 10 days worth of food. Though he only had 3, he looked back down the road at the Abol store, but couldnt be bothered walking the 0.2ml back to the store to get more food. So into the 100ml he went. Snow and slush the entire way to monson. 7 months later I met this kid 30 mls from springer mtn ga. seasoned and hard, a hiker if i’d ever seen one. City boy turned mtn man. its as easy as one foot in front of the other
ldh
Hi Miles-
Have you been reading the journal of “Kirby” ? He’s the son of my friend. When he started the trail on March 1 from Springer, he was 16. He turned 17 on the trail. Great kid…hiking solo. He started with a group, but a very fast hiker, so he quickly moved ahead. I guess what I’m saying, is yes, you’ll be safe. Starting when you are, many thru’s will be coming your way. Learn from them…by the time they’ve reached you, they’ve done over 2/3’s of the trail…they have a lot of experience to share. And when packing, ask yourself, “do I want it, or need it ?”
Check out Kirby’s journal…and HAVE FUN !!!
Rich B
personally, we have found the trail to be one of the safest and most “beneficial” places on earth…but “safety” may be kind of relative…maybe it’s not so much a matter of seeking to be safe as it is seeking to be faithful (to our destiny…ever read the last few verses of chapter 4 in james of the new testament?)…i wish every young person could hike the AT!..i wish i had done it at your age…it’s such a learning-growing experience…even for us old geezers!..oddly, you’ll find it to also be very much like “real life” in that there are joys AND dangers ANYWHERE you travel…and your constant traveling companion is YOU…inside and out…how do your parents feel about this endeavor? (i also wish i had listened to the advice of my parents more when i was your age!..really!)
maw-ee
Hey Miles, I’m 17 years old and I’ve been hiking the AT solo and sometimes with companions for about 3 years now. I’ve done most of what your about to do this summer and I think you’ll be fine. People will second guess you along the way but just do what you want. I met alot of skeptical people but I dont think age matters at all. Have fun, good luck in the Whites and God Speed.
superscout
Shoot…I live right here in the Shenandoah Valley and the AT is in my back yard and I dare say that most 16 year olds in this town don’t know that the AT is right here or even what it is. Can’t pry themselves away frm the Ipods, cell phones and tv long enough to experience anything REALLY COOL! You go dude!!! When you do the southern end, look up the great Trail Angels in Waynesboro,VA and we’ll make sure you are taken care of here!
Pam Bennett
Shoot…I live right here in the Shenandoah Valley and the AT is in my back yard and I dare say that most 16 year olds in this town don’t know that the AT is right here or even what it is. Can’t pry themselves away frm the Ipods, cell phones and tv long enough to experience anything REALLY COOL! You go dude!!! When you do the southern end, look up the great Trail Angels in Waynesboro,VA and we’ll make sure you are taken care of here!
Pam Bennett
I solo thruhiked back in 2000 when I was 16, turned 17 on the trail. It was an excellent reason to drop out of school for a semester; I certainly learned more on the trail than I would have in the classroom. It takes a certain amount of maturity that perhaps some people don’t have at that age, but the simple fact that you’re here doing research says that you’re probably ready.
As far as safety goes, the trail, in general, is a very safe place. Just be very aware of your surroundings. Over the years I’ve met a few crazy whack job hikers that caused me to put some miles between us, but you usually have nothing to worry about from other hikers. The places to really be on your guard are near road crossings, in towns, and while hitching. You can always try and hitch with another person, if that makes you fell more comfortable. And remember that you can always refuse a ride from someone; if they pull over and look nuts, just say no thanks and start walking away. That being said, I sure do love hitchhiking, you get to meet some interesting people.
Backdraft