Measureing Mileage?

imported
#1

Got a question for all you pros out there. I had a little weekend away on the trail this past weekend. Great Weather Great Hiking but to save my life I cant figure out how many actual miles I walked. Not very many at all compared to most you folks but quite a few for me :slight_smile: All the maps I have show a legend which represents a mile however the Trail isnt straight as we all know, in lies my delimea. Real Curious to know how everyone knows how many miles they walk each day. By the way I hiked south from the NOC to Wayah Gap, had a great time, but I would love to know how far (or short) that was? Can you help?
Thanks Again
Buck

Buck

#2

Most of those that thru-hike the AT have one of several books that have the mileage stated. The most popular being the Appalachian Trail Data Book from the ATC and The Thru-Hiker’s Handbook from Wingfoot at trailplace.com. The books are a little different. The Data Book is $6 and gives just the raw data of mileage b/w roads, landmarks, towns, shelters, etc… The Handbook does that as well but expands on that and gives describtions of each town and what is offered there and sometimes even a nice little map, that is often not to scale all for around $20. ALDHA offers a similar book called the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion that gives the expanded data for each trail town. It does not give you the raw data of the Data Book or the Handbook. It is handy to have all three while planning, but I have seen the Handbook on the trail more often b/c it has all the data in one book.

According to the 2005 Data Book from US 19 to Wayah Gap is 21.4 miles and 21.3 miles according to the 2005 Thru-Hiker’s Handbook.

jerm

#3

Thanks for all the info. It was greatly appreciated. Glad to know the mileage also. You have been a great help. Keep on Hiking.

Buck

#4

You can lay string on a map of your route, following the curves, then straighten the total length out & measure it against the scale on the map. Its not perfect, for example on switchbacks, but its cheap.

DT