Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Resources

Hi! I’m Cindy! In 2022, my husband Barrett and I completed an Appalachian Trail thru-hike after months of research and planning.

Why?

1️⃣ It was time for a new adventure! We weren’t getting any younger and felt this was a good window to get it done, before starting a family.
2️⃣ Barrett had dreamed of thru-hiking the AT since he was little.
3️⃣ I had dreamed of a long hike; it wasn’t really attached to any specific trail, I was just always curious if I could accomplish it, and wanted to know!

We started our NOBO hike in Georgia in April, and ultimately, we did it! 2,194.3 miles through 14 states in 32 weeks.

It was one of my life’s most challenging and transformative adventures! Every step reminded me that our limits are usually just tales we tell ourselves.

I learned about physical capabilities I never knew I had, how to live simply, to find joy in both the challenging and the magical miles, and to trust my ability to navigate the unexpected.

These lessons now shape how I plan trips, create guides, and help you explore outdoors with confidence.

Next, let’s dive into what you’ll find here. This resource hub offers gear advice, planning tips, and my personal trail journal.

All My Appalachian Trail Resources

Click here to comb through all of my AT resources.

Getting Started with Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Whether you’re just starting to wonder if a thru-hike is right for you, or you’re already deep in the planning process, you’re in the right place. Below, I’ve organized everything I wish I’d had in one spot, arranged by where you are in the process.

Before You Go

Planning a thru-hike can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into key questions helps: What do I actually need to carry? How long will this realistically take?

These are the resources I created from my thru-hike experience: the gear I actually used and honest answers to my pre-hike questions.

On the Trail

We started our hike northbound, but, like many thru-hikers, our plans evolved on the trail—we eventually flip-flopped and finished the miles in a different order than we’d imagined.

That’s one of the things the AT teaches you: flexibility matters more than a perfect plan.

Read my journal for a real, unfiltered account of life on the AT, day by day.

Logistics

Thru-hike logistics can be overwhelming. What goes in the pack, what gets left behind, how to resupply, and how you keep your base weight from destroying your knees are all decisions that shape your experience.

Start with my packing guide, then dive into the details.

Common Questions About Thru-Hiking the AT

Still have questions? Here are the ones I get asked most, answered honestly after accomplishing a thru-hike of the trail. Get answers on permits, start dates, gear weight, hunting season, and more.