The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is a beloved resource. We hope our hiker preparation has helped you learn about the many ways you can help protect the A.T. experience and how you can have a safe, enjoyable visit to the Trail.

For those preparing to set off on your A.T. adventure, double-check your prep against our final checklist:

• You’ve registered your hike on ATCamp.org and have been monitoring your start date.
• You’ve read through the Hiker Resource Library to learn the basics for visiting the A.T.
• You’ve read about and practiced applying Leave No Trace principles to your hike.
• You know about the permits you’ll need in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Baxter State Park.
• You’ve subscribed to receive updates from the ATC, including important Trail Updates and alerts.
• You’ve checked the latest information about conditions related to Hurricane Helene damage. 

Campfire & Wildfire Safety

The spring fire season in the southeastern U.S. coincides with peak northbound thru-hiker season (late February through early April). There have been several wildfires along the A.T. in the south the past few springs, and downed trees from Hurricane Helene put the southern A.T. at even greater risk of wildfire this year. Use extra caution when building fires and using camp stoves, and know the campfire regulations along the A.T. before you head out. Don’t build campfires in storm-damaged areas.

Learn more about wildfire safety on the A.T.

NOBOs Know Before You Go:
Amicalola Falls State Park

Flip Flop hikers, click here to learn more about what to expect at the start of your hike. SOBOs, read our primer on starting in Baxter State Park.

The start date for your northbound (NOBO) A.T. thru-hike has arrived and you get dropped off at Amicalola Falls State Park. Now what?

Hikers can pick up their A.T. hangtags and listen to the Start Smart presentation at Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center.

Starting in mid February, volunteers with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club are set up in the Arch Room of the visitor center to hand out hangtags and talk with hikers. If you see a sign directing A.T. hikers to Basecamp, head on over! Basecamp is generally open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm during peak NOBO season.

Electronically sign the Amicalola Falls State Park register at Bascamp. Tip: bring your ATCamp registration number with you for a faster, smoother registration at the park.

If your hike will begin before Basecamp is open, be sure to still sign in at the park’s register. By the time you reach Damascus, VA, hangtags should be available at the Damascus Trail Center.

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Visit Us During Your A.T. Hike

Stop by the Damascus Trail Center to learn more about the ATC, the town of Damascus, and the surrounding area. You can pick up a hangtag here, too! The center is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Visit ATC Headquarters and Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry to chat with ATC staff and volunteers. Plus, get your photo taken on our front porch! The visitor center is open Thursdays – Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Stop by the ATC Visitor Center in Monson when it opens in June to learn about the 100 Mile Wilderness, finishing well at Baxter State Park, and, for SOBOs, southern Maine and the White Mountains.

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We want your feedback! Tell us what you thought of the hiker preparation series.

Have questions about preparing for your upcoming hike? Submit a question to us directly at appalachiantrail.org/contact.

Catch the rest of the series here. Take Our Survey

A long-distance hike on the A.T. is an incredible experience. Thank you for your help in protecting the A.T. experience by utilizing the tips and guidance from this series and, most of all, enjoy your journey!

Happy Trails!