Living off the land

imported
#1

Another ? I have is it possible to “live off the land”. Meaning doing some fishing, veggie grubbing in the woods and by streams, or even farms where one might “work for food” for a couple days. I ask as I probably won’t have a whole lot of funds, and also I’d really like to stay on the trail more and out of the towns if I choose to. Also, leaving in the middle of June, I’m unsure if I’ll be able to do the whole distance before winter catches me and am wondering how hard it would be to pick up a winter job along the way. Anything from dishwashing to running heavy equipment…I’m pretty versatile.

JTtheWolf

#2

Ranger activity is only active in the parks. There are ridge runners that frequent the AT. You would probably starve in a month or two if you tried to live off of the land and hike big miles. Most hikers consume between 4 and 6 thousand calories per day. You can’t eat enough roots and berries to walk the kind of miles you need to to complete a thru hike. You would be spending most of your time looking for food.

There is some work for stay programs and there are hikers that work along the trail. But most do it for room and board not to save up money to hike. Over the years I have only met 2 people who have tried to forage along the trail and they didn’t get out of TN/NC.

If you are leaving out in June there will be small pickings in the hiker boxes. You can complete the hike if you flip flop and do the Big K in late Sept. If you wait much longer the weather in the Whites may stop you unless you are equiped to snowshoe over Mt. Washington.

You can make it on $2,000 but you will stay on the trail and not stay in a lot of hostels and towns.

Papa Smurf

#3

Thanks Papa Smurf…I’ve been reading your replies to posts and welcome/value your sage advice. I was thinking it would be around 2K, but well, you know, had my fingers crossed for less! abashed grin Hopefully I’ll be able to get out of here soon. The season is getting late. By the way, Do you possibly have any info on the Sea to Sea trail???

JTtheWolf

#4

If you get up here late a need a job the best place to try is in one of the ski areas. You will pass by several and if you can run heavy equipment you might get on the snow making crew or at the least can get a job as a lift rat.

Big B

#5

Thanks for the input Big B…that is what I’m looking for. I may very well have to winter up there. At the very least, earn enough money so I can make it back to Colorado!

JTtheWolf