Plan and Prepare

Hiker Resource Library

A collection of resources for hikers to stay safe, healthy, and responsible on the Appalachian Trail.

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Register Your Hike

Planning an overnight, multi-day, or thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail? Register your hike using our ATCamp system to help choose a date and starting location that will help you avoid crowded trailheads and campsites.

Visit ATCamp Page

View Current Thru-Hike
Registration Numbers

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The ATC continues to advise long-distance hikers to postpone hikes until 2022 or when the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has deemed the pandemic under control, and/or a COVID-19 vaccine or effective treatment is widely available and distributed. Visit appalachiantrail.org/COVID-19 for more information.

Plan and Prepare

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View Our Hiker Prep Webinar Series

View conversations with seasoned A.T. thru-hikers and ATC staff that will equip you with the skills needed for safe, fun A.T. adventures!

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COVID-19 Safety

Important tips for ensuring you and other hikers minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 on the Appalachian Trail or in trailside communities.

COVID-19 and the A.T.

Latest Updates

Safety information, restrictions and closures on the Appalachian Trail due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay Safe

Tips for Hikers During COVID-19

Guidelines developed by the ATC and its partners to help Appalachian Trail hikers prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Hiking Tips

Dos and Don’ts: Hiking Safely During COVID-19

Tips for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 while on the Appalachian Trail.
Plan and Prepare

Camping on the A.T. During the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, packing your own personal shelter is one of the most important steps for preventing the spread of the virus on the A.T.
Submit a report to the ATC

Report a COVID-19 diagnosis
Plan and Prepare

Masks: 2021’s Essential Hiking Gear

An essential piece of equipment should be included with your hiking gear until the COVID-19 pandemic is under control: a mask.
COVID-19 Safety

Pooping During the Pandemic (and Beyond)

Guidelines for properly disposing of human waste in the backcountry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESPONDING TO COVID-19

2021 Hangtag & 2,000-Miler Recognition FAQ

Answers to common questions about the ATC’s hangtag distribution plan, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hiking Basics

Get the information you need to help ensure your next A.T. adventure is safe and enjoyable.

The Trail Is Waiting

Hike the A.T.

Explore the many ways to experience the Appalachian Trail, from an afternoon hike to a multi-month adventure
For the Love of the Trail

Leave No Trace

Learn ways that you can help protect natural habitats and preserve the one-of-a-kind Appalachian Trail hiking experience.
Plan and Prepare

Safety

Learn how to avoid or prepare for the hazards you may face when hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Hike Safe

Hunting Safety

Tips for hikers hiking on the Appalachian Trail during hunting seasons.
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Preventing tick born diseases on the A.T.

Learn how to prevent and treating tick bites while hiking on the Appalachian Trail
Hike Safely

Bears on the A.T.

Black bears inhabit almost all parts of the A.T. While usually shy creatures, there are circumstances when they can be a nuisance or a threat. Learn more about how you (and the bears) can stay safe.
Hike Safely

Bear Encounter Report Form

Please report any bear encounters on the A.T. using this form. Your report will help reduce human/bear conflicts on the A.T.
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Alternate Trails

The Appalachian Trail can be a crowded place during certain times of the year, making it difficult to minimize your impact on fragile Trail environments and find the solitude you may be seeking. This list highlights alternative trails that typically offer less-crowded campsites and hiking conditions.

View a List of Alternate Trails

Report an Incident

While the Appalachian Trail is a relatively safe place to visit, that does not mean that there are not potential dangers while you are hiking or camping. If you see something, say something — this will help us keep the A.T. as safe as possible for our visitors.