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This post will be a little long because I don’t want to break it into 2 posts. The first part will be 4 pictures with some personal information and then some tips for first time AT hikers. I hope you enjoy it!

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This is a map of the Appalachian Trail from its start in northern Georgia up through Maine. (Please click the picture for the website I borrowed it from.) Obviously, we hiked a section in Virginia; mostly through Shenandoah National Park. The first section we hiked started in Lake Front Royal, Virginia and we ended our AT hike at Gravel Springs where we picked up the Harris Hallow Trail down to its end at a local road.

Originally we had planned on staying on the AT for 3 days and 2 nights but unfortunately on the first night, it started to rain and our tent was not, as advertised, waterproof. Andy’s sleeping bag got pretty soaked, mine was wet all along the bottom and the tent was totally soaked. As the weather called for more showers, there wouldn’t be a chance to dry out our stuff so we had to make the difficult decision to come home. Total bummer!

The first day we hiked from our starting point into the Park and deviated about half a mile off to a spring to stay for the night. It was really pretty and had a pre- cleared campsite. We passed out early due to the grueling nature of the hike. If you’re just starting the AT in VA, I recommend starting either inside SNP or taking a trail from outside the Park and hiking into it. The approximately 6 mile hike up to the Park boundary in the north is filled with rocky paths and zig-zag hikes nearly vertically up the mountain. Exhausting to say the least!

The second day it took us about 2.5hrs to pack up our stuff and get going because of the rain. From there we hiked about 10 miles to our trail’s end and down the road a ways to meet up with my step dad who was picking us up.

Here are some tips I have for first time hikers:

• Invest in trekking poles. They’re usually quite expensive (REI’s cheapest ones run at $29 USD each) but I think they’d be worth it. I happened to find a (rather short) sturdy walking stick about 100 metres into my hike so I was quite lucky. Andy didn’t find one until near the end of our first day. You’ll really want something to lean on and help you up the steep slopes of the Appalachian Mountains; you probably won’t make it too far without at least one.
• Even if your tent professes to be water- proof, invest in an extra rain fly or a large tarp to put over your tent. Also, a vestibule is invaluable. It provides a place to store your boots and, if large enough, your backpacks. Make sure it is also covered from rains.
• Take an extra tarp or 2 to make a little kitchen space out of. There are few things more difficult than trying to cook food in the rain. The rain drops will hit the soil and splash mud everywhere if you don’t have one on the ground. Obviously, you’ll need one over you to keep the stove from going out and yourself from getting soaked.
• Make sure your boots are water- proof. Even if it isn’t going to rain there’s always dew on the ground. Also, wool socks are a must- have. Bring 1 pair for every 2 or 3 days you’ll be out. (Obviously if you’re doing a through- hike there are drop points for fresh supplies.)
• Get an official map from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. They have maps for, literally, every section you could want to hike. The maps list all the springs and huts which are invaluable tools. If you live outside of the area, Google for your local chapter which should have similar maps.
• It should go without saying, but if you bring recreational drugs don’t do them while you’re hiking please! The trail can be pretty unstable at times and you need to have all your faculties at peak performance while hiking. Save those for after you’ve pitched your tent :)
• Don’t forget to get a trail name! I got mine from an old man I met at the first shelter Andy and I happened upon. He said, as I walked up to the shelter, “Well here comes Santy Claus! Nice bear bell!” & it just kind of stuck :)
• (update: 10/6/11) If you’re traveling during slightly chilly weather, I highly suggest fingerless gloves. I don’t have any waterproof ones but I’ll be sure to update if I find some that are cozy yet are at least water- repellent.

I think that’s it! Please, please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you may have, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve published this.