Health & Fitness
A Newbie’s Introductory Guide for Exploring the Appalachian Trail
By Steve York
So…you’re thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail for the first time, but not sure how and when to start. Great! A few basic tips on the “how” are herein. But, as for “when”? Well, you couldn’t find a more splendid time than Autumn. Temps are cooler, air is crisper, insects are fewer, leaf colors are spectacular, and the Trail offers an immersion into nature that is uniquely inspiring.
In its entirety, the Appalachian Trail crosses fourteen states from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine. It spans 2,200 miles along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. A “thru-hike” of the “Trail”—or A.T. for short—can take six months or more…and that’s just one way.
But this feature is especially for “first timers,” those who have never done any serious hiking on the A.T. or other major mountain trails. And we’re noting Trail access locations accessible from this immediate area of northwestern North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia.
If you have some hiking experience, you can always tackle your first A.T. trek alone—just make sure someone knows where you are. However, if a “newbie” (and there’s no shame in that), it can be wise to start with a companion, join a small group of knowledgeable hikers, or even book a guided Trail tour. After all, there’s safety in numbers, and you’ll build some endearing friendships along the way.
By the way, as long as health allows, age isn’t a restriction. Hundreds of Trail explorers—including newbies—have been well into their 70s, 80s, and older. In fact, it isn’t unusual to come upon small groups who range from teens to seniors, all moving together with a common commitment to mutual support and optimum enjoyment. There are even professionally guided services on designated parts of the A.T. for those with physical limitations and other special needs.
Either way, you should at least do some serious homework on what to wear, what to bring, where to start, and what safety precautions are critical. And there are plenty of books, pamphlets and websites that go deep into the subject.
Fortunately, we have several area resources with both expertise and gear who can get you prepared and safely on your way. Three well-known ones include Footsloggers, Mast General Store, and—just over the N.C. state line in Virginia—Damascus Outfitters.
Footsloggers has four locations in Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson and Banner Elk. Local Mast General Store locations are in downtown Boone and Valle Crucis. Damascus Outfitters is one of three partner operations that include Adventure Damascus and Sundog Outfitters. We asked long-time employees at these outfitters about their stores’ experts—people who can provide newbies with reliable information regarding gear.
As for essential hiking and camping gear, Sheri Moretz with Mast General Store points to Lloyd Blackwell and Kimberly Tevepaugh at their Annex store in Valle Crucis. But Moretz also noted that it can be smart to start from the bottom up. “It sounds like a small thing, but socks are very important for a successful outing on the Trail no matter how long you’re going to be out. So, for all footwear, including boots, shoes, and socks, our go-to experts would be Gina Diggs, Jim McGuire and Seth Powell at our Original Mast Store [also in Valle Crucis].”
Brian Baldwin of Footsloggers complimented Moretz’s point adding, “First advice to a newbie is get good footwear and put in time on the Trail (or any nearby trails) so you can get your legs ready for bigger endeavors. We also pride ourselves on being a comprehensive shop with info, insights, proper gear selection, and directions,” he shared. “Depending on how well I know the area, I can also suggest certain campsites; plus, we get lots of questions about bears, safety, food storage, and first aid. As a general rule, newbies tend to take too much. Keeping it simple is the best rule with a small amount of key equipment.”
Michael Wright of Damascus Outfitters agreed, saying, “Don’t overpack. Ounces equal pounds on the trail.” He also noted, “Damascus is known as Trail Town USA, and the A.T. runs right through it near mile marker 470.7. So, we are often the first stop for people looking to try the Trail. We offer a full range of the best gear, trail guides, and maps for all trail hikers, plus we provide plenty of free advice based on our own 28 years of experience.” He said that for a less challenging starter hike, the nearby picturesque Virginia Creeper Trail is always a great choice.
That leads us back to basic starter gear recommendations. Besides a cellphone, charger, and a walking stick, begin with a compass, foldable map and guidebook for the trail you’re choosing. Review and mark key scenic spots plus campsites the night before. For a day hike, a 15- to 30-liter backpack should do, and a 40- to 60-liter backpack for one or more days of overnight camping. A “fanny pack” is also ideal for brief side trips away from base camp.
Baldwin at Footsloggers noted the wisdom of including a comprehensive first aid kit, headlamp, ample water and water filtration, comfortable clothes (including waterproof overwear), and a reliable pocketknife. As for food, typical trail foods include dehydrated meals, energy bars, and nuts.
If camping one or more nights, a two-person/three-season rated dome tent provides extra storage space and is a safe bet during Autumn, especially with weather variances. Along with that, include a compact LED hanging lantern and a good sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures, along with an insulated sleeping pad for extra comfort.
Cooking systems usually consist of small backpacking stoves, lightweight cookware and utensils which easily assemble and break down for repacking. Some hiker/campers also like to save time by pre-cooking simple foods such as rice and pasta, and packing non-perishable sandwiches that fit easily into zip bags.
And don’t forget a reliable fire starter for both cooking and overnight campfires (where allowed). Along with stormproof matches, butane lighters and ferro rods, there are many tinder options, from pine resin sticks to fire cubes to petroleum jelly cotton balls. As for campsites, many are often marked on hiking maps and guidebooks. Hint: In areas where fires are permitted, gather kindling and firewood (from the ground only) soon after picking your site.
As for Trail access locations, there are several…and local professional photographer extraordinaire Todd Bush of Banner Elk knows them all. He’s hiked major portions of the Trail with friends several times, including the northern-most point of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. He’s even hiked portions of the Himalayas.
“Carver’s Gap above the town of Roan Mountain at the North Carolina/Tennessee state line is not only easy to get to with relatively gentle parts of the trail ideal for beginners, but also gives experiences of unique geology of the Appalachian Balds such as Hump Mountain. Plus, it offers long range vista views,” noted Bush. “The Mount Rogers, Virginia, area, specifically around Grayson Highlands State Park, is another ideal A.T. access point, as is the East Tennessee side of nearby Watauga Lake,” he added.
So, if you’re ready to hike the Appalachian Trail for the first time, get to know the local regulations, observe the “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethic, respect other hikers’ desire for silence and space, learn about Trail Angels, and feel free to contact any of the above outfitters. Who knows? One day you may join the legendary list of “thru-hikers” with memories and friendships you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Note: Part of the A.T. by the Virginia Creeper Trail in Virginia is closed until sometime next year due to Hurricane Helene. The official re-route is just outside of Damascus.