Don't be afraid, you will adapt quickly and be comfortable with the lifestyle within 3 weeks. Bears and snakes can be a problem but more than likely, not. Mice and ticks will be the real problems, just be aware of them. Have you tried trail runners on rocks yet? They will bruise your feet if you're not careful. Waterproof shoes/boots do take longer to dry but unless it rains every day, they will dry quicker than expected. Embrace North Carolina, you will love it and Tennessee. Pennsylvania is rocky but also mostly level. It's not very hard. You had me when you said you like views. You may sit at a view for an hour, you don't care. You're not going to rush through it. GREAT attitude Gabi. Good luck. Remember, the thru hike is 90% mental. Listen to your body, ALWAYS.......and have fun! It sounds as though you're more prepared than most!
Hi! So true about the mice and ticks. Mice don’t scare me but I know they will be a nuisance. And I live in Connecticut, it’s pretty rocky here so I have use trail runners on rocks. I’m going with the hoka speedgoat 5’s which have a good amount of cushion for trail runners, so we will see how my feet do! LOL but thank you I appreciate the words! I’m trying my best to be prepared :)
You go girl! You seem to be more mentally prepared for this AT Journey of yours than most. You have shown you are preparing physically for it than most. Your boyfriend doesn’t have a hair on his ass if he doesn’t drive you to the starting point and give you a proper send off. This is coming from a proud father and a SF soldier who stands behind what love is! Sorry if this afends Y’all!
Smart to go solo -- no obligation to anyone else. You will have plenty of hiking partners and they will come and go. Enjoy your freedom out there to do exactly what YOU want to do!
Good answers and video. Look at having a pair of water proof socks over you injingy socks. On the cold wet days, they can keep your feet warm. You have to take good care of your feet. Clean, dry, and powder them every night. Dry socks at night help too. It doesn't get mentioned much but, athlete's foot crops up in the showers along the trail. When your feet get too cold, you are more likely to stumble. Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year. Good Luck, Rick
I’m actually not from Maine! But I vacationed in the Moosehead Lake region so I drove through Monson and then hiked there one day and stopped at the general store
How exciting for you that you are giving yourself this wonderful gift. You won't be one of those folks at 65 saying I wish I had hiked the AT. I will be following you. Safe travel.
Living in New York, I’ve hiked the whole AT section NOBO and SOBO. Yes, it’s probably more challenging than I expected but also has some great views and amazing trail magic, along the way. Each State has their own good and bad. Even PA 😂. Hiking into PA (SOBO), through DWG was stunning but not so much fun when the rocks hit. Gets old pretty fast.😂. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
Great attitude and outlook. You are going to do great and have the time of your life. Make sure you have a good pair of insoles in the trail runners to keep from bruising your feet. The shoes will probably last about 500 miles so you will have a chance to see what works for you then trade out as needed. Looking forward to following your journey!
Hi Gabi. Congrats on 1K subs. LOL I'm from NY!! It is a tough state to hike thru with a ton of rocky PUDS. Biggest problem you'll have there by the time you reach it are reliable water sources. But there are a ton of water caches left by local hiking clubs and many Delis along the way so shouldn't be too much of a problem. Make sure to camp at the Warwick theater definitely worth the stop and a great hang out with other thru hikers. Also you won't want to miss the Bellvale creamery as soon as you get into NY on 17A. Best ice cream and view ever!!!
Thanks you! And yep small concerns with NY but I’m sure it’ll be fun! Not getting off trail to go to the city though like some people do 😅 don’t understand the appeal. And thanks for the heads up on that creamery! I LOVE ice cream so I’ll be there
Views??? 🤣It's the AT, 98% of views are trees and more trees. NH and Maine are kind of cool though. I really liked Virginia as well. Especially the triple crown. Other places like Grayson Highlands and Rowan highlands were also awesome. Don't hesitate to take blue blazes they are worth it sometimes. Especially for camping.
Just because I’m starting solo doesn’t mean I’m by myself 🤔 I may walk my first steps on the approach trail alone- but that doesn’t mean I won’t have friends or a tramily very soon
Don't be afraid, you will adapt quickly and be comfortable with the lifestyle within 3 weeks. Bears and snakes can be a problem but more than likely, not. Mice and ticks will be the real problems, just be aware of them. Have you tried trail runners on rocks yet? They will bruise your feet if you're not careful. Waterproof shoes/boots do take longer to dry but unless it rains every day, they will dry quicker than expected. Embrace North Carolina, you will love it and Tennessee. Pennsylvania is rocky but also mostly level. It's not very hard. You had me when you said you like views. You may sit at a view for an hour, you don't care. You're not going to rush through it. GREAT attitude Gabi. Good luck. Remember, the thru hike is 90% mental. Listen to your body, ALWAYS.......and have fun! It sounds as though you're more prepared than most!
Hi! So true about the mice and ticks. Mice don’t scare me but I know they will be a nuisance. And I live in Connecticut, it’s pretty rocky here so I have use trail runners on rocks. I’m going with the hoka speedgoat 5’s which have a good amount of cushion for trail runners, so we will see how my feet do! LOL but thank you I appreciate the words! I’m trying my best to be prepared :)
Ticks are a big issue
You go girl! You seem to be more mentally prepared for this AT Journey of yours than most. You have shown you are preparing physically for it than most. Your boyfriend doesn’t have a hair on his ass if he doesn’t drive you to the starting point and give you a proper send off. This is coming from a proud father and a SF soldier who stands behind what love is! Sorry if this afends Y’all!
Haha thank you! I appreciate it. And yes he is going to send me off! We are flying together to Georgia :)
Very cool. I’m from Maine.
I look forward to your videos as your schedule allows. Hike your own hike and enjoy each day to the fullest! - Jiffy Pop
Good luck. Will look forward to following your journey.
Thank you!
Hey hun. From New England myself also leaving the same time you are.
Great Q&A. You got this!
Smart to go solo -- no obligation to anyone else. You will have plenty of hiking partners and they will come and go. Enjoy your freedom out there to do exactly what YOU want to do!
Exactly!
done some section hikes on trail and love harpers ferry west virginia and hope to hike to hoot springs in spring or fall
Can’t wait for your journey to begin 👏👏👏
Yea! on looking forward to VA, not that I'm partial 😅
Good answers and video. Look at having a pair of water proof socks over you injingy socks. On the cold wet days, they can keep your feet warm. You have to take good care of your feet. Clean, dry, and powder them every night. Dry socks at night help too. It doesn't get mentioned much but, athlete's foot crops up in the showers along the trail. When your feet get too cold, you are more likely to stumble. Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year. Good Luck, Rick
Great advice as always! I will be wearing my camp shoes in the shower omg no foot diseases for me
You must be from Maine if you’ve been to Monson. I’m from Maine and I’ve never been there! Good luck!
I’m actually not from Maine! But I vacationed in the Moosehead Lake region so I drove through Monson and then hiked there one day and stopped at the general store
Maine here.
How exciting for you that you are giving yourself this wonderful gift.
You won't be one of those folks at 65 saying I wish I had hiked the AT.
I will be following you. Safe travel.
I'm excited for you. You will have the time of your life despite the rainy cold days, the rocks and any other discomforts. Stay safe.
hope you have a great journey on the Appalachian trail. keep focused have a great journey. looking forward to watching your journey
I live A houry from Pearisburg virginia so its fune to go there and hike to woods hole hostel to spind the night
Living in New York, I’ve hiked the whole AT section NOBO and SOBO. Yes, it’s probably more challenging than I expected but also has some great views and amazing trail magic, along the way. Each State has their own good and bad. Even PA 😂. Hiking into PA (SOBO), through DWG was stunning but not so much fun when the rocks hit. Gets old pretty fast.😂. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
Great q & a.
Great attitude and outlook. You are going to do great and have the time of your life. Make sure you have a good pair of insoles in the trail runners to keep from bruising your feet. The shoes will probably last about 500 miles so you will have a chance to see what works for you then trade out as needed. Looking forward to following your journey!
Hi Gabi. Congrats on 1K subs. LOL I'm from NY!! It is a tough state to hike thru with a ton of rocky PUDS. Biggest problem you'll have there by the time you reach it are reliable water sources. But there are a ton of water caches left by local hiking clubs and many Delis along the way so shouldn't be too much of a problem. Make sure to camp at the Warwick theater definitely worth the stop and a great hang out with other thru hikers. Also you won't want to miss the Bellvale creamery as soon as you get into NY on 17A. Best ice cream and view ever!!!
Thanks you! And yep small concerns with NY but I’m sure it’ll be fun! Not getting off trail to go to the city though like some people do 😅 don’t understand the appeal. And thanks for the heads up on that creamery! I LOVE ice cream so I’ll be there
Are you planning on going to Trail Days?
Honestly, nah
Views??? 🤣It's the AT, 98% of views are trees and more trees. NH and Maine are kind of cool though. I really liked Virginia as well. Especially the triple crown. Other places like Grayson Highlands and Rowan highlands were also awesome. Don't hesitate to take blue blazes they are worth it sometimes. Especially for camping.
You don't have to let people know you are by yourself
Just because I’m starting solo doesn’t mean I’m by myself 🤔 I may walk my first steps on the approach trail alone- but that doesn’t mean I won’t have friends or a tramily very soon
Happy to hear that
I followed someone that did the AT this year and i knew you would say Pennsylvania…he didn’t care for it….very rocky and look out for snakes. 😩
Yes the rattlers of PA 😳 every time I watch a Thruhiking video people come too close to them in that state….ugh