What is the average time to hike the Appalachian Trail?

Have you ever wondered the length of an Appalachian Trail hike? You may have thought about hiking it. Do you feel you can handle the challenge? After that, tighten your hiking boots. From Georgia to Maine, this famous trail travels more than 2,000 miles, making it an ideal place for brave hikers to stop. You won’t want to miss this hike because it offers breathtaking views of the mountains and forests.

Find out how long it might take to hike the entire trail before you set out on your vacation. Let’s get going!

What is the average time to hike the Appalachian Trail?

One of the three triple-crown trails, which also include the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail, is the Appalachian Trail, also known as the AT by hikers. The Appalachian Trail is rarely seen as the most beautiful of these three pathways. It is still magnificent, though. After all, the trail is 2,193 miles long. Even though it just has a top that rises to a height of over 6,600 feet, the entire hike is difficult and time-consuming.

The Appalachian Trail hike takes 5 to 7 months, walking 15 to 18 miles daily. Most hikers take rest days, called zeroes, once a week or more, to enjoy town amenities and activities. If you’re more interested in speed, prioritize rest days and timing less than the average.

How quickly has the Appalachian Trail been hiked?

Only a handful of people have attempted to hike the entire AT in the fastest known time (FKT), but it is a challenging and rewarding goal. The current record holder is Karel Sabbe, a long-distance runner and dentist from Belgium, who completed the trail in 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes in 2018.

Record-setting hikers/runners don’t walk the trail; they run it, often without taking rest days. They also have support crews nearby to help with supplies like food, water, and sleeping gear, which they can’t carry on their backs like regular hikers.

Is the Appalachian Trail suitable for beginner hikers?

Beginners often hike the Appalachian Trail, but if you’ve hiked with a pack before, you can start. For thru-hikers or the entire trail, research gear, fitness level, and daily hike duration. Be ok with not finishing the trail due to injury or injury, as you can return and hike portions. There are no hard and fast rules for hiking the AT, so be aware of your capabilities and when to stop if needed.

What is the budget for hiking the entire Appalachian Trail?

Hiking for months on the Appalachian Trail (AT) can be costly, with most hikers spending around $1,000 a month and taking nearly six months to complete their hike. This includes gear costs ranging from $700 to $5,000, depending on your needs and budget. Living on the trail for six months is a reasonably manageable cost.