Plan and Prepare
Hiker Preparation Webinar Series
Considering an A.T. hike in 2021? It’s more important than ever to be prepared.
Starting December 3, ATC staff will host live, virtual sessions on Thursdays to share the most essential information for the 2021 hiking season. Each session will begin with a brief overview of logistics, gear, leave no trace skills, and safety – including special considerations for the COVID-19 era. Sessions with a special theme will cover that topic in more detail, and each session wraps up with a moderated Q & A period. Sign up for the session that interests you the most, or the one that fits your schedule the best – or join us for multiple sessions. We look forward to sharing our perspective as experienced long distance hikers and trail managers during these uncertain times.
Click on a tile to view and register for classes

Watch Now
2021 Hiker Info Session: Overview
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

Watch Now
2021 Hiker Info Session: Alternative Itineraries
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on less traditional itineraries like the flip-flop hike. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

Watch Now
2021 Hiker Info Session: Safety
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on personal safety. We’ll touch on everything from situational awareness to wildlife, weather and staying healthy. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

January 7, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Overview
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

January 14, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Food Storage
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on food storage options to protect wildlife (and your snacks). Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

January 21, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Hiking While Female
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus for those who identify as female. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

January 28, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Where to Sleep
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on campsite selection and shelter systems – hammocking included. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

February 4, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Hiking While BIPOC
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus for hikers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

February 11, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Budgeting
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on getting your finances to go the distance. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

February 18, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Resupply Strategies
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on staying as safe as possible off-trail. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

February 25, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Overview
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

March 4, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Pandemic Pooping
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on managing human waste. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

March 11, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Be an Ally While Hiking
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on making the A.T. experience safer and more inclusive by being an ally to underrepresented groups. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

March 18, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Where to Sleep
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on campsite selection and shelter systems – hammocking included. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!

March 25, 2021
2021 Hiker Info Session: Alternative Itineraries
Planning an A.T. hike in 2021? Preparation is more important than ever. Join ATC staff for a live presentation about what to know before you go, with a special focus on less traditional itineraries like the flip-flop hike. Bring your questions for the Q & A session at the end!