Choose the hike that best fits your abilities and gear. Variables like weather, Trail conditions, and individual ability may all affect each person’s experience on the Trail. Every hiker on the A.T. should carry the 10 Essentials.
Accessible
For hikers who are:
- Comfortable navigating even terrain
- Visiting in a wheelchair
- Traveling with children under six
- Prepared with drinking water
- Unsure of the hiking ability of everyone in their group
- Able to navigate mild inclines, up to a 10% slope (the maximum slope for a wheelchair ramp is ~8%) for a wheelchair ramp is ~8%)
Easy
For hikers who are:
- Comfortable navigating both even and uneven terrain with a few rocks and roots, and rock steps
- Traveling with children under six who have experience hiking
- Prepared with drinking water and some snacks
- Everyone in the group has at least some experience hiking
- Able to hike sustained inclines
- Able to hike for at least two hours
- Wearing sturdy, closed-toed shoes
Moderate
For hikers who are:
- Comfortable navigating uneven terrain with many rocks, roots, and rock staircases
- Traveling with children older than six
- Carrying two liters of water, snacks, and lunch for everyone
- Able to hike a 20% grade or more
- Everyone in the group can hike for at least four hours
- Comfortable and prepared to hike in all weather conditions
- Unafraid of heights
- Wearing sturdy, closed-toed shoes with good tread
Difficult
For hikers who are:
- Comfortable boulder scrambling, rock hopping, and taking big steps up and down
- Carrying two liters of water with the ability to treat more, and with extra snacks and lunch
- Able to hike a 20% grade or more for extended periods
- Everyone in the group can hike for more than four hours
- Comfortable and prepared to hike in all weather conditions
- Unafraid of heights
- Wearing sturdy, closed-toed shoes with good tread
