If you are passionate about hiking, you must have heard all about the Appalachian Trail, but can you hike the Appalachian Trail?

According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Appalachian Trail is the most famous hiking trail in the US. Approximately 3000 people try to hike the trail each year, and everyone has their distinct goals for hiking the trail. However, hiking this trail needs some mindfulness and homework, because it is indeed a daunting task.

Yes, it is possible to hike the Appalachian Trail. However, you have to factor in a couple of things. You must know your starting time and location, your body condition, a healthy spending budget, and your choice of partner. Other things include food and protection from wildlife.

There is a good chance that you'll meet many people trying to hike - just like you. In the beginning, you might even think it’s not as difficult. However, the number of people depends on whether you are going northbound or southbound. It also depends upon the time of the year you chose for the hike.

As experienced hikers, we have hiked the Appalachian Trail. As such, we’re going to tell you all you need to know before you take on this behemoth of a hike.

Do Your Research

Sure, you can hike the Appalachian even if you are a beginner. However, it is better to do some homework beforehand. There are numerous lessons and how-to videos stashed all across YouTube, which can come in handy.

You must check out Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in the Woods. Despite being ridiculously funny, that book gives you a comprehensive insight intohiking  the AT’s dos and don’ts. Another amazing book on the subject is the AT Guide by David Miller. It talks about parking spots, road crossings, resupply stations, shelters and trailside towns. You can also check out the FarOut App. It offers you access to the trail, and allows you to track your progress.

Know Your Limits

Let’s face it; the AT is very hard to hike. This is one of the reasons why only one in four people manage to complete it. Sure, it is beneficial to push our boundaries and test ourselves, but it doesn’t mean you should overexert yourself. You should know well enough how far your mind and your body are willing to go. With that being said, you should at least give it a try. Even if you fail, you will come back stronger from a place of experience.

Can Your Body Take It?

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is different from a jog or a light trek through the woods. If you haven’t experienced anything of this magnitude, here are a few things you need to work on.

• Balance: With a heavy backpack, you need balance to feel comfortable while traversing uncertain terrain. You can practice by wearing an overweight backpack while walking across a balance beam or navigating rocky terrain.
• Strength: To strengthen your legs, you must incorporate squats and lunges into your workout regimen. For upper body strength, try bicep curls and chin-ups.
• Cardio: When strength fails, endurance kicks in. Cardio helps in cultivating endurance. Things like treadmill, brisk walking, jogging and running can help you develop the endurance you need to hike the Appalachian Trail. The higher elevation on the trails affects your breathing and lung capacity, so take heed.

Plan Your Budget

You are not a robot, and you will have to take some time to cool off the hiking heat. Most hikers prefer stopping in DC or New York before continuing with the trail. Of course, you will be compelled to have a nice meal on the way before continuing your journey, and why shouldn’t you?

All of that costs money, so it is better to have some extra cash on you. Moreover, as you reach North Virginia, things tend to get more expensive. It is not uncommon for hikers to splurge $30-100 on hotel or hostel rooms. Make sure to plan your budget as pragmatically as possible.

Plan Your Food in Advance

You can’t dine at those restaurants everytime, unless you are filthy rich. Therefore, you are advised to plan your food in advance. When hiking the Appalachian Trail, you need at least 3500-5000 calories a day. You should plan strategically, and a few weeks in advance. Your diet plan should be able to fill you while satisfying your cravings.

Don’t Fix an Optimal Mileage

Some people stick to a self-imposed mileage, as if it is some form of a sales quota that needs to be fulfilled. The downside of setting such unrealistic targets is that you can easily burn out. The trick is to keep your mileage low in the beginning. You can increase it as you gather the strength to do so. You are good if you can cover 12-15 miles a day. You’ll be averaging more than 20 miles a day in three months in three months. The goal here is to enjoy the journey rather than winning a race.

Protect Your Food from Bears

Food, drinks, and cosmetics give off smells that attract bears. There are few things you can do to keep yourself safe. You can use a bear canister, which can be put in a bear bag and suspended from a tree. On the flip side, you can put it into a stuff sack and tie it to a tree. To hang your bear bags, you will need 50-100 feet of cord.

Be Careful with Wildlife

Bears are the most feared creatures on the AT. If you come across a bear or two on the Appalachian Trail, there are two things you mustn’t do. First of all, never stand between a female bear and her cub, and secondly, never run. Other animals to watch out for are mountain lions, lynxes, and moose. Moose can be pretty aggressive when threatened. During the summer season, be sure to watch out for snakes.

If you plan on hiking the AT, you have come to the right place for information on this undertaking. We must always challenge ourselves to become better and stronger. However, don't skimp on any of the tips mentioned above.