Support Your Hiker
A hike of any length on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) can be a big undertaking. Whether your hiker has decided to head out for a week or six months, read on for information about what to expect as one of the folks back home and for tips on how to support their journey.
If you’ve just heard about the A.T. for the first time, we recommend reading through our General FAQ first to help get oriented!
William D. Sam
Safety & Preparation
It is important to realize that the A.T. is a remote, rugged backcountry footpath. Everyone should properly prepare for their hike and pack the 10 Essentials (this seems like an outdated link – should probably go to What to Carry unless we separate out 10 Essentials from that page). The A.T. is also not immune to crime and issues that plague our larger society. Personal safety is each hiker’s responsibility.
Make sure you know your hiker’s trail name if they have one or get one along the way. Most hikers only include their trail name in logbooks, and many hikers only know each other by these names!
Emergencies
If your hiker does encounter an emergency while on the Trail, the best thing to do is for them to call 911. If they call or text you in an emergency, you should also call 911, let the dispatcher know that your hiker is having an emergency on the Appalachian Trail in the state and county the hiker is currently in. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Once the situation has been resolved and/or your hiker is safe, report what happened using our Incident Report Form.
Want to Learn More?
More Safety InformationDid You Know?
- Millions of people safely visit the A.T. each year, including thousands of long-distance hikers.
- Crime, especially violent crime, is rare on the Trail.
- Black bear is the only species of bear that inhabits the Trail. Black bear attacks on humans are incredibly rare and the majority of attacks are either defensive in nature (like a mother bear defending her cubs) or motivated by bears getting human food. Proper food storage and respecting bear-related closures is the best way for your hiker to keep both themselves and bears safe on the A.T.
- The A.T. is well-marked and well-traveled for most of its length. Hikers getting lost is also rare. However, all hikers should carry a paper map and compass, and know how to use them together, in case of emergency.
- Most long-distance hikers say that their favorite part of the A.T. is the people they met during their hike. In general, the A.T. community is generous, caring, and looks out for each other.
Communication Tips
Cell service is inconsistent on the Trail. In more remote areas like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Maine, there is no cell service and getting even a GPS signal can be hard.
Expect gaps in communication—especially in remote areas. It is highly unlikely that your hiker will be able to check in every day. On the Trail, no news often means everything is fine.
Best Ways to Stay in Touch
- Text instead of calling when possible.
- Use tracking apps if your hiker chooses to share their location.
- Many hikers choose to carry an InReach device. Devices with two-way messaging can be helpful for staying in touch. These devices can also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your hiker can press the SOS button in an emergency. Ensure your hiker knows how to use the device before leaving.
Support Along the Way
A box or visit from the folks at home can go a long way toward improving hiker morale.
Below are some tips and suggestions for supporting your hiker.
Resupply Support & Packages
Some hikers choose to have mail drops of food and supplies sent to them along the Trail instead of or in addition to buying food in Trail towns.
Please note: Long distance hikers live out of their backpack. They’re traveling as light as possible, so keep that in mind when sending a gift box. Don’t send anything heavy or bulky unless requested and check with your hiker first. Sticking to consumables is usually a safe bet; their favorite homemade baked goods or local food products can be a nice reminder of home and help alleviate their ever-present hiker hunger!
Tips for Mailing Resupply Packages
- Have your hiker sort food into meals and snacks so that, when they request a box, you can easily sort out what to send.
- Have your hiker repackage food to minimize the waste they need to deal with and make food more manageable on the Trail.
- Send packages to hostels and other businesses instead of post offices when possible. Many small-town post offices on the Trail have limited hours and are closed on weekends.
- Unless the business is listed in a guide as accepting resupplies, call ahead to check first.
Address resupply boxes like this:
[Hiker’s Name]
c/o [Business Name] or [General Delivery (for post offices)]
[Town, State ZIP]
Please hold for AT hiker. ETA: [Date]
Want to surprise your hiker with an A.T. gift?
Check out our wide selection of A.T.-focused gifts, souvenirs, and more in our Trail Store.
Proceeds go to supporting the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian Trail.
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Hiking & Town Visits
Many hikers want to share the Trail experience with their loved ones. Hiking with them for a section can be a great way for you to spend time together and get to see the A.T. for yourself.
Meeting your hiker in a town along the way can be a wonderful way to see them and treat them to a rest day or two (called “zero days”). Check out our list of A.T. Communities. Each community is hiker-friendly and has lots to do and explore besides the Trail!
Shalin with his Mom, Raju Desai, at Delaware Water Gap
Tips for Joining Your Hiker
- NOBO (northbound) hikers usually have their trail legs by the time they leave the Smokies. SOBO (southbound) hikers usually have their trail legs by the time they get to southern Maine. This means that their body will have adjusted to backpacking and they’ll likely be a pretty fast hiker.
- New Hampshire and Maine are generally considered the hardest sections of the Trail. Shenandoah National Park through southern Pennsylvania is considered the easiest.
Trail Magic
Trail magic has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years as a well-intentioned way to support hikers on their journey. Due to this popularity, ATC and our partners are seeing some unintended negative consequences to the A.T. from hiker feeds and unattended food and drinks left along the Trail.
Read through our Trail Magic guidance for more information about these impacts and how you can better support hikers and the Trail we all love.
Trail Magic Guidance
Jason Bushnell
