What Is Section Hiking?
The Appalachian Trail stretches roughly 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. While thru-hiking the entire trail in one go is a celebrated achievement, the vast majority of AT hikers experience it in sections — tackling manageable chunks over weekends, vacation weeks, or extended trips. Section hiking is flexible, accessible, and deeply rewarding.
Choosing Your Section
With over 14 states to choose from, the first step is picking a section that matches your experience level and the time you have available. Here's a general breakdown by difficulty and character:
- Georgia (Springer Mountain to Fontana Dam): Classic starting terrain. Moderate climbs, well-maintained shelters, good for first-timers.
- Virginia (Shenandoah National Park): Some of the most accessible and scenic miles on the trail. Skyland and Big Meadows provide resupply options.
- New Hampshire & Maine: The most rugged and demanding sections. The White Mountains and the Mahoosuc Notch require solid experience and careful planning.
- Pennsylvania: Notorious for rocky terrain that chews through boot soles. Flatter, but relentlessly rocky underfoot.
Best Seasons for Section Hiking
Timing matters enormously on the AT. Most sections are best hiked between late April and October, but specifics vary by region:
- Southern Appalachians (GA, NC, TN): Spring wildflowers from April–May; summer can be hot and humid at lower elevations.
- Mid-Atlantic (VA, MD, PA, NJ, NY): Late spring and fall are ideal. Summers are manageable but can be muggy.
- New England (VT, NH, ME): July through September is the primary window. The high peaks can see snow as late as May and as early as October.
Permits and Shelters
Most sections of the AT require no advance permits for backcountry camping. Exceptions include:
- Shenandoah National Park: Backcountry permits required for camping outside designated sites.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Permits and shelter reservations required. Book well in advance during peak season.
- Baxter State Park (Mount Katahdin): Reservations required for camping; day-use limits apply at the summit trail.
Three-sided lean-to shelters are spaced roughly every 8–10 miles along most of the trail. They're first-come, first-served (except where noted above) and free to use. Always carry a tent as a backup — shelters fill up, especially on weekends.
Gear Essentials for an AT Section Hike
- Footwear: Trail runners are popular for their light weight, but supportive hiking boots are wise for rocky sections like Pennsylvania or the Whites.
- Navigation: The Guthook Guides app (now FarOut) is the standard digital resource, but always carry printed maps or a paper data book as backup.
- Water Treatment: Water sources are generally reliable on the AT, but always filter or treat. A squeeze filter or UV pen is standard.
- Bear Canisters or Hang: Bears are present throughout the AT corridor. Use hang systems, bear boxes where provided, or a canister.
- Rain Gear: The AT is wet. A good waterproof jacket is non-negotiable, especially in the mountains.
Logistics: Shuttles and Resupply
Unlike a loop trail, most AT sections are point-to-point, so you'll need a vehicle shuttle or to arrange a paid shuttle service. Many trail towns have hostel owners or local outfitters who offer affordable shuttles. Resupply options — from convenience stores to full outfitters — are available in most trail towns, typically a short hitch from the trailhead.
Leave No Trace on the AT
The Appalachian Trail sees heavy foot traffic. Practice strict Leave No Trace principles: camp at designated sites or on durable surfaces, pack out all waste, use privies at shelters, and keep noise to a minimum. The trail's health depends on every hiker doing their part.