Since then, only 20,000 people have completed a thru-hike of the AT or approximately 1 in 4 hikers who attempt it. There's plenty to consider when planning such an extended adventure . Unexpected obstacles can knock a wannabe 2,000-Miler off course. One of the best ways to ensure you've got what it takes to complete the AT is by practicing. These multi-day hikes in the United States mimic the obstacles travelers are likely to encounter on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Tr

Those familiar with their AT history will likely know the name Earl Shaffer, who was the first thru-hiker to ever complete the Appalachian Trail from start to finish. This not-so-simple achievement seemed to reinvigorate the efforts to fully complete the trail in 1948. By 1951, the AT was officially declared to be open, and additional thru-hikers were permitted on the trail to complete the longest intentional hiking trail in American hist

Initially, the idea for the Appalachian Trail was nothing of what exists today. The man responsible for the brainchild went by the name of Benton MacKaye, who hadn't originally suggested a thru-hike. Rather, it was his idea to create what The Trek referred to as a 'utopian ideal' that would feature self-owning community camps. The idea was to set up these camps near the trail, and they would be entirely reliant on their own agricultural means of living. Eventually, the idea was to allow people to appreciate authentic mountain living while having the support of a like-minded commun

The park is open year-round. Certain areas will be closed off during the wintertime and have rough weather conditions. The best time to hike is between May and September because of the good weather. Most of the trails are closed during the winter months due to s

Yosemite has over 800 miles (1,300 km) of nature hiking Game maps|https://naturetrailinsight.com/ trails. There are a variety of trails, and they range from easy to challenging. There are different ways to go about hiking. To prepare, make sure to bring water, snacks, a hat, and sunglasses. Here are the opti

Zion National Park brings millions of visitors each year to enjoy its scenic hikes that weave through the desert environment at the corners of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. This also makes it one of the most visited national parks in the country and it ranks high on many hiker's, and camper's bucket lists. Over the last few years, the park has only seen more people wanting to explore this remote wilderness and it's easy to see why - its somewhat otherworldly landscapes and breathtaking canyon vistas rival that of any other park ( except the Grand Canyon ) in the coun

Despite its name, the Appalachian Trail snakes its way through a majority of the East Coast, not just the Appalachian Mountains . The trail received its name due in part to the fact that it begins in Georgia before winding its way through Appalachia, before ending at the summit of Katahdin, Maine. So, how did this incredible trek become conjured into existence? As it turns out, with a lot of perseverance and vision for the fut

The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states, and a great way to get pumped up for such an amazing accomplishment is by getting used to the feeling by trekking the entire span of Vermont. The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance trail in the U.S., taking hikers along the ridge of the Green Mountains from the southernmost tip of Vermont to the border of Canada. With over 65,000 feet of elevation gain over the multi-week trip, hikers are guaranteed to earn the experience needed to master their AT thru-h

For those seeking to explore the park on their own, fear not - other hikers and visitors are almost always around, and trails are well-marked with blazes. Trails vary in difficulty from treks such as Angel's Landing and Observation Point, which both require a degree of tactical hiking (and require that hikers leave their fear of heights at home), as well as trails like Canyon Overlook and Emerald Pools. Both of the latter are easier hikes and the first is family-friendly while also providing spectacular views along the

The first person to successfully complete a thru-hike of the 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail was Earl Shaffer in 1948. He viewed the challenge as a way to leave his war experiences behind, documenting his travels in great detail in a journal that's on display at the Smithsonian. It took him 4 months and one pair of bo

Maine is famous for its stunning northern forests and picturesque landscapes. One of its main outdoor hotspots is the eye-watering Acadia National Park. Piece of heaven is located on the mid-section of the Maine coast and includes the tip of the Schoodic Peninsula, half of the Mount Desert Island, and a part of the Isle au Haut. The park boasts majestic glaciated coastal and island landscapes with U-shaped valleys and glacial erratics. See here for other things to see and do in the summer in Mai

The majority of the Sierra High Route takes place over 9,000 feet above sea level, which is perfect for conditioning the body to handle high elevations. Altitude sickness can take an AT thru-hiker out of their element, the only relief from the often debilitating flu-like symptoms to descend to lower ground. There is a cumulative elevation gain of 44,000 feet on the Sierra High Route, passing over 30 mounta