Appalachian Trail Basics: Should You Thru-hike With A Partner? What Direction Should You Go?

[@kdavis4910]

I'm starting nobo solo in spring of 2023. It's starting to get real now.

[@sway_onthetrail]

Thank you for all the constant information, tips, etc, Dixie. I finish schooling for Conservation Biology in about 2 years and then I plan on starting the triple crown as a means of environmental research and your videos have helped me prepare for thru hiking more than anything else short of real life trail experiences. Truly great and informative content.

[@sunnygram3850]

Thank you for all you do for us wannabe thru hikers .You always give of yourself to help others.And we Love you for it.

[@ithacacomments4811]

I believe one state a year is a good plan. Hiking, for me, is about the journey....not the destination. Stop and smell the flowers!

[@chriscon8463]

That sounds like a great way to do it!

[@paulrevere2379]

Better to make every mile count than to count every mile. Semper Gumby

[@sdc4405]

If you have watched many of Dixie's videos you definitely can see she stops and smells the flowers. And talks to insects...and says hello to squirrels, and moves bugs to safety! LOL!! That's the way I want to hike 100%.

[@paulrevere2379]

@@sdc4405 And sometimes when it's a bear or mountain lion (I forget which) she gets close and later askes, "Now what was I thinkin' ?"

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Now that sounds like something i could do! I’m from out west but we’ve lived out east since 00. Speaking of the individual states, my state of Massachusetts is actually one of the states that surprises thruhikers when they come through as being really pretty, scenic and a little challenging. I guess New Jersey is another one that surprised people. Thanks Dixie! You’re the best!!

[@alreadylost6587]

I attempted a northbound through hike in 2022 made it 274 miles unfortunately I dislocated my knee cap and twisted my ankle started putting more weight on my trekking poles and fucked up my wrist and eventually broke my trekking poles at the end just could barely walk but I had a great time overall and can't wait to try again in 2023.

[@robinsmith9734]

Just as we have learned to expect from you, Dixie, Michellin 3-star information and guidance content, with your smiling side-salads of previous experience. No one does it better. We quite dearly love you for that...........

[@kristymoore7052]

I love the flip flop version. I am older than your Mom and plan to do that on the PCT in 1.5 years because I feel that is my best chance at completing it. If I do, I’ll head to the AT. I’m from the west, so starting where I am familiar makes the most sense to me.

[@lindaselover2536]

I like the idea of the flip-flop - Middle to north, then middle to south. Skip most of the really cold/wet weather. Thanks for the run-down.

[@highviewbarbell]

Me too but I think reverse, I live just a couple miles from part of the NJ section, so I always thought it would be awesome to start south and walk to my house, then head to Maine and do the same

[@mosquitoeslovejohn]

Thanks for showin me the basics Dixie. Can’t wait to go out and @hike my own hike”. Take care.🙂

[@BackyardEngineer334]

You’re basically the Bob Wells of backpacking.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I really understand the hiking on your own. I'm currently hiking The Ethel Challenge which is 95 Peaks in The Peak District National Park England. I feel I have to try and hike at their speed. I'm 60 and I prefer to plod along like a pack horse rather than doing a hike at speed. I just can't go fast anymore. Don't get me wrong, I love the company but I just like to plod.

[@rvboondocker2559]

Congratulations on 400,000 subscribers! You’re never alone! Thanks for the great content! I’m so glad I stumbled upon you 4 years ago. Totally a class person!

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

Such a beautiful soul. Thank you, Dixie! 🥾

[@Self_Proppelled]

This year Scott Benerofe started a SOBO journey in January. He didn't seem to complain about the black flies at all. I've got to say it, his was the most inspirational journey I've seen yet. The sheer number of layers that man carried through the Whites was amazing!

[@kirareoh1143]

The black flies hatch out in the spring. He would have missed them in January

[@Self_Proppelled]

kzbin.info

[@TJStellmach]

@@kirareoh1143 Whoosh.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

@@kirareoh1143 Wasn't that the point the OP made? Just a bit tongue in cheek?

[@OszvaldJuhasz]

thanks for sharing!

[@Sunshine_day]

Dixie you and other KZbin hikers, have been such an inspiration for me for the last several years! I've been wanting to thru hike the ECT, including the Appalachian Trail & the IAT, for several years now. I don't know if I'll ever get started due to (of course Covid-19) and my sister who was going to take my place in taking care of our 86 year old mom, was diagnosed with AML a year before I was going to start. My sis is doing better now since she's had a stem cell transplant, but we almost lost her a couple times before her chemo and transplant. I just don't know if a thru hike will ever happen for me, but I have been hiking on short trips whenever I can. Maybe in another 2 years, but I'll be over 61 then 😔. Hopefully I'll get to try it. I do enjoy my short hikes though. 👍

[@robertfrost5161]

Thanks Dixie

[@budm9982]

Good decision to do this comprehensive series on the AT. I enjoyed your original content on the AT that you did in the past. This is all valuable info delivered very well. Thanks Dixie!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Dixie, greetings from Northern California. You are always a great source of vital information. Thank you for sharing. Always the best of good things for you. Stay safe and healthy out there. Keep hiking. 🤗 👋

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I think it is great that those of us who can't physically complete a thru-hike can still get the certificate and badge. Some of us aren't as young and fit as others (as I've found out) but still enjoy hiking. Thanks for the vlog Dixie. Appreciate it.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

It was so nice to see the AT Tramily again! I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@kenf1075]

Kind of want to go back to re-watch Dixie's AT hike after this video.

[@michaelsakowich7026]

Dixie’s original AT video hike series is a hoot!

[@Tofu_Pilot]

Literally the one and only thing that keeps me from going NOBO is the crowd. If I ever do the AT, I suppose I'll have to fly to Maine to start.

[@patriciaruelland4655]

Great informative video! Thanks for sharing!

[@walterlangston4484]

love the AT plane to hike the who trail at some point may have to do A lot of section hikes to do so

[@turragorman59]

My plan is section hike just to reduce amount of planning and money. Thanks Dixie!

[@danoconnor3720]

Ever hike the Colorado Trail? It's only 486 miles with the most killer scenery in the world.

[@mattmatthewmatchuu]

I plan on starting alone on a flip flop starting in harpers nobo, i imagine i will meet ppl along the way

[@paulrevere2379]

That's hardcore man. Which foot gets to go barefoot? 😝

[@tegenlily_]

This is such a lovely video Dixie 🦋🦋

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Thank you for sharing tips.

[@TheAndysim66]

Love your videos. It’s difficult to hike this trail solo. There is almost always someone close by

[@paulrevere2379]

I think you mean difficult to hike in solitude. A hiker can be solo regardless of whether ppl are close by or not.

[@chriscraft1245]

Great information

[@tomgip]

Another great video!!!

[@RAINSMAN79]

Those black flies are no joke, hurt and leave scars when they bite. Only my hands were exposed and they feasted.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Great video.

[@vinniedayhikerb4977]

Wise words.

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@laurel2326]

Maybe but you should definitely do the Camino again, solo or not. 😊

[@SylvainSybaris]

I have been a Van-Camper & Hiker for 35+ years and I traveled solo to 48 states & 75% of Canada... I travel alone because I don't know anyone, but I'm use to it.... and girlfriends come & go.... I couldn't even imagine hiking with anyone, that would be so strange to me.

[@shaytheo]

Love this Dixie! Will you do one for the PCT also?

[@adamrogers3417]

Planning my hike for 2024. thanks

[@robyncaddell5269]

Me too!

[@NicoleHikesalot]

Dixie, I loved the green long sleeve and purple tops you wore in this. What brand are those and where can you buy them?

[@elizabethlamport4493]

Me and a group of friends are doing the GA section in the 1st 2 weeks of Sept. Starting from springer mtn to NC border.

[@EatCarbs]

Thanks for the video

[@jayceewedmak9524]

Thank you 😊

[@lisamonalisahikes]

I’m looking forward to my solo AT

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@HomemadeWanderlust >>> 👍👍

[@rocketta.chique5761]

I’m so excited for this video! It’s exactly what I’ve been mulling over. Hopefully I’ll be getting married in the next year or two and I want to do one of the Triple Crown trails for our honeymoon. We’ll see what he says first! Lol

[@kenkrausse3624]

Hi Miss Dixie

[@royhood1770]

Wasn't that Hank in the background, there, at the twenty second mark?

[@mountaintruth1deeds533]

That group cluster of camping is a negative for me, a few pairs is about right..I'm not out there for crowds.

[@allenarquette158]

I just try a ramen noodles and instant potato bombs they're pretty good I can eat them when I do the trail. Any. More food you can share

[@musingwithreba9667]

Did anybody count the wardrobe changes? Maybe I should watch this again...😉 I'm thinking of hiking the AT and would definitely start out solo, I don't have a partner or any friends who would do anything as crazy. It'll very likely be after I retire, in 5 to 10 years (🤞 5), and I'll just hike until I can't hike anymore. And since I'm Canadian, if I make it to Katahdin I can just keep going on the IAT. 🇨🇦 🍁 I don't know if I want to/can do a single season thru hike, or maybe a few sections. I guess I'll figure it out when I get there. There's the issue of visitor visa and keeping my medical benefits at home. Both limits are 6 months. Anyone else have long term plans for the AT? I'm turning 55 this month, and I'm mentally ready to retire, (oh so ready!) but not financially ready yet. And I can't take 6 months off work right now, so I'm shooting for AT Class of '27 😁 🤞

[@valcopeland1]

Also Canadian and also thinking of thru hiking. The 6 month limit and my age (over 60) could be limiting. I don’t know! At present still working.

[@musingwithreba9667]

@@valcopeland1 pffftt....don't let your age hold you back! People a lot older than 60 have done it. And all the other long trails as well. I'm currently reading "Old Lady on the Trail" about a woman who finished the triple crown at age 76. She section hiked all 3 of them over the course of a few years, and she started after she retired (she's a minister). Even after knee replacement surgery she kept hiking!

[@Stefan0671]

Hello Dixie, what about Missing411 cases at the AT?

[@jesseparker2656]

Thank you for the information! I'm planning to hike the entire length of Isle Royale about a year from now. I wasn't sure how to pick a friend to go with me. Have you considered hiking Isle Royale? I haven't found a well produced video of the island hike yet.

[@johneason6540]

Hey , great as always. What is going on with that orange hair??? Enjoy

[@PedroNord]

🦋

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

No get all your friends and hold hands at all times....of course you can solo

[@tinacolecampbell]

♥️

[@patriciamoscato6586]

What degree sleepbag should one bring if u start in march

[@Arbie812]

1:20 ish - Isn't it during a single hiking season and not in a 12 month period?

[@TJStellmach]

Nope. It's 12 months, regardless of where that period falls in the calendar. You can confirm this for yourself on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's web site.

[@westsan]

Hmnnn... I wonder what the original path is!? Anyone know?

[@kochrobert7473]

👍👍😊😊

[@AuburnAlum1977]

Do you want to hike the AT sobo too?

[@johnj620.]

👍👍🐶

[@veran.8661]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but why does trail magic differ depending on the direction your hiking? You're still going to go the same route, aren't you? So you'll come across the same spots, food stalls or coolers for example?

[@Thonolan000]

For each part of the trail, there's a busy season. For instance, most trail magic in Georgia takes place in March or April, when the Nobo thru-hikers are passing through. By the time Sobo hikers get there, most of the locals have quit giving trail magic.

[@veran.8661]

@@Thonolan000 ohhh now that makes sense. Thank you!

[@joanhall3718]

How early can you reasonably start a north bound hike?

[@CrossoverGenius]

Jay Wanders Out started January 28th this year. He remarked there were a few folks ahead of him at the start, but not many. edit: corrected dates

[@cheryl4860]

Can you take a dog or two on the AT? If so, tips for doing so? (I plan to have a toy poodle and a german shepherd)

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Watch some of the videos of the White Mountains. Very very tough hiking. Hard on an animal no doubt.

[@cheryl4860]

I actually didn't mean the whole thing. Sorry I wasn't particularly clear. I'm looking for small easy hikes tup to a one or two nighter as I'll be truck camping probably and need to get back to the truck. With that said, are there particular areas that would fit that option, and if so, where might they be?

[@beckyumphrey2626]

@@cheryl4860 Understand. There are many many areas of the AT that are great hiking with animals. I believe the entire trail is pet friendly minus the Smokey Mountains National Park.

[@raymondward1009]

If no one else wants to go with you on the journey then I guess you’d have to. It is a big inconvenience in one’s life that just happens to be fun, healthy and a big challenge. If you take this big elephant in one go it is a lot to do. I’ve been wanting to at least do some sections for 3-4 years but my job requires to much of my time. That’s likely the biggest problem (excuse) most people use to set something like the AT a-side.

[@graymanprepper88]

I have a question, if you're going nobo (or sobo) and you know there are people coming behind you, could you leave trail magic behind for them or for ones coming in the opposite direction? Just curious.

[@gaylesimper9311]

My biggest fear is having to go alone...my second biggest fear is my husband going and expecting me to stop and make him a sandwich 😳😜

[@Plastikdoom]

I almost never back pack alone or camp solo…just because it’s hideously boring. Solitude is ok, but so damn lame and Boring, I can isolate perfectly fine on my own thank you very much. It’s just yeah, only myself, incredibly boring, not worthy them time to do so.

[@davegoodridge8352]

Don’t laugh. But have you known of a person hiking this trail while having heart problems?

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

Yeah, and sadly there have been several fellas in the past few years who have passed away early into their hikes from heart attacks in their mid 50s. I have high blood pressure, osteopenia, and vascular birth defects so it's something that makes me wonder how far I'd make it before my health issues kick in. I don't let it limit me from trying but I won't be doing any fastest known times. 😉 I've got 6 miles down on the AT...only 2186 miles left. Good luck out there and don't be afraid to follow your dreams

[@paulrevere2379]

Should I hike with a partner? I may as well ask myself hmm? Should I buy this 40 million dollar house or the 50 million dollar one? (I can't even afford minimal rent atm) Either question is only a delusional dream for me. Now back to hiking my own hike.

[@asmith7876]

Tell it Brother! It’s a nice fantasy!

[@paulrevere2379]

@@asmith7876 Yep, not everybody has friends like Frodo Baggins. Sam: I can help you carry it a bit, share the load. 😳

[@asmith7876]

@@paulrevere2379 At the moment I can’t sneak away for a weekend in the national forest! Maybe in my 70’s I’ll be able to hike the AT. Probably have a Starbucks every mile with escalators by then! 😂

[@paulrevere2379]

@@asmith7876 The road crossing on the PCT where the rich tourist hikers could order pizza and beer for $200 (2019 then, so maybe $350 now) is the beginning of that sort of thing.

[@paulrevere2379]

@@asmith7876 Whenever I feel the word "can't" holding me back, I think of people I have met on trail. Did Caveman Chris say can't because because he only had one arm that worked, the other being a shriveled hitchhiker? Did Daredevil say can't even though he was basically as blind as a bat? Did Sochi say can't even though a catestrophic ski accident resulted in her having a leg amputated? Did Second Chance say can't because he weighed 290 pounds? Did he go along with most people telling him he can't do such things? We don't know how much longer the great privilege to do these hikes will last. It's not really guaranteed you know. Almost everyone who has gone out there previously said to themselves, "one day" until one day became Day 1.

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

Too many people go missing in national parks... should alwayshave a partner

[@paulrevere2379]

Ideal world. For countless people that just adds another excuse that would keep them from going as if there aren't already enough excuses.

[@TJStellmach]

National parks in the US receive literally tens of millions of visits a year. Proportionally speaking, almost none of those people go missing.

[@paulrevere2379]

@@TJStellmach So very true. I will admit that I have some mixed feelings on the topic (feelings not being a good basis for decision making mind you). While hiking the PCT I was a little bit disturbed when I began to discover "All" the missing hikers over that last, um, maybe 20 years or so. I was a bit disturbed bc it seemed to contradict the safety of the trail which I learned from much study and preparation. It seemed then, and still seems to constitute facts that someone prefers to conveniently cover up as these missing hikers seem to never be included on any lists of "hiker deaths" Unless they are actually later found dead. Anyway with the help of some basic math, I eventually settled down with the realization that these missing PCT hikers occur typically at intervals of years apart on a trail system over 2600 miles long that gets about a million visitors every year. Someone else might need to help me confirm or debunk my guestimation, but isn't that less likely than getting struck by lightning?

[@dash7779]

@@TJStellmach check out Missing 411....you'd be surprised!!