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

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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.

Current Thru-Hike Registrations by Date

The above chart was updated on January 19, 2021 — click chart to enlarge. For up-to-date registration numbers, visit ATCamp.org

Click Here

Plan and Prepare

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Hiker Preparation Webinar Series

Starting December 3, ATC staff will host live, virtual sessions on Thursdays to share the most essential information for the 2021 hiking season.

LEARN MORE

 

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

Do’s and Don’ts: Hiking Safely During COVID-19

Tips for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 while on the Appalachian Trail.
COVID-19 Safety

Pooping During the Pandemic (and Beyond)

Guidelines for properly disposing of human waste in the backcountry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Submit a report to the ATC

Report a COVID-19 diagnosis
Plan and Prepare

An Update on 2021 A.T. Hangtags

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.

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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.