What Is Section Hiking?
The Appalachian Trail stretches approximately 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Completing it in one go — a "thru-hike" — takes most people five to seven months. But the vast majority of AT hikers are section hikers: people who tackle the trail in manageable chunks over weeks, months, or even years.
Section hiking is arguably the smarter approach for most adventurers. It lets you experience the trail's diversity — from the lush southern Appalachians to the rocky ridges of Pennsylvania to the remote wilderness of the White Mountains — without upending your entire life.
Choosing Your First Section
The right starting section depends on your fitness level, available time, and what kind of terrain you want. Here are a few popular starter stretches:
- Great Smoky Mountains (NC/TN) — ~72 miles: Beautiful but regulated. Backcountry permits are required and shelters must be reserved in advance.
- Shenandoah National Park (VA) — ~101 miles: Highly accessible, well-maintained, with Skyline Drive running parallel (easy resupply and bailout points).
- Delaware Water Gap to Bear Mountain (NJ/NY) — ~160 miles: Surprisingly wild for its proximity to New York City, with varied terrain.
- 100-Mile Wilderness (ME) — ~100 miles: For experienced hikers only. Remote, rugged, and stunningly beautiful. No road crossings for the entire stretch.
Planning Your Logistics
Shuttle or Point-to-Point?
Most section hikers do a point-to-point hike, entering at one trailhead and exiting at another. This requires either a car shuttle (leaving a vehicle at each end) or using a local shuttle service — many trail towns offer these. The AT's official website and the ALDHA (Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association) maintain lists of shuttle providers.
Resupply Strategy
Plan your resupply around trail towns — communities close to the AT where hikers traditionally resupply. Popular options include:
- Harpers Ferry, WV
- Hot Springs, NC
- Damascus, VA
- Gorham, NH
Most hikers mail resupply boxes to post offices or hostels in these towns, or simply resupply at local grocery stores.
Gear Essentials for a Multi-Day AT Section
- Shelter: A lightweight backpacking tent or tarp system. AT shelters (three-sided lean-tos) are spaced roughly every 8–12 miles, but they fill up and tenting is often necessary.
- Sleep system: A sleeping bag rated for the season. Spring and fall nights can be cold even at lower elevations.
- Water treatment: A filter or purification tablets. Water sources are generally plentiful but must always be treated.
- Navigation: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy official guidebooks and the Guthook/FarOut app are standard. White blazes mark the trail, but side trails and road crossings can cause confusion.
- Bear canister or hang system: Required in some sections (Smokies, for example). Always check local regulations.
Leave No Trace on the AT
The AT passes through some of the most visited wilderness in the eastern United States. High traffic means LNT principles are not optional — they're essential for preserving the trail for future hikers.
- Camp at established sites or designated tenting areas only.
- Use a cathole (6–8 inches deep, 200 feet from water and trail) for waste if no privy is available.
- Pack out all trash, including orange peels and nut shells.
- Stay on trail — switchbacks exist to prevent erosion, not to be shortcut.
Getting Started
The best section of the AT is the one you actually hike. Pick a stretch that matches your current fitness, do your permit research, plan your resupply, and get out there. The trail has a way of pulling you back — most section hikers don't stop at just one.