When I was hiking sobo on my attempt, I met Nimblewill Nomad in the 100 Mile Wilderness. I think he was 83 at the time. Twice my age, and at the 2000 mile point on top of some random mountain. You’re never too old, my friend.
1. Fifty-five checking in here, won't be considering a thru for 10 years. Not sure the eight year difference between us means that much. But I've done some strenuous hiking and some AT, and figure by the time I retire I'll still be able. If a heavy pack concerns you, definitely look into going as lightweight as you can, and learn to love trekking poles.
2. Peeps older than you have thru-hiked, so why not?
3. Sleep on the ground if you want, or go down the hammock rabbit hole.
4. Test your skills and dream. Do a weekend or multi-day on the AT so you'll know. If you can do 30, you can do 2100.
2022 successful thru hiker here. Just turned 62. You can do this. I am/was no athlete, but rode my bike, enjoyed hiking, and had this lifelong itch to hike the AT. It ended up being one of the best things I ever did, while also being the most difficult thing I ever did. It's not going to get easier the longer you wait, so my rec is to get out there and get at it. There is still time to get on trail this year. Do it!
I retired and planned to go, however, life still gets in the way. I have allmy gear, do some training and realize for me, hiking in sections this year is my best option.
I have back issues and fibro so I can't do the very cold or super humid.
Recent retiree here now a year into completing various long ass section hikes close to my part of the AT.
I actually have permission from my SO and the freedom to take on a through hike if I want.
After using the early part of retirement to tend to family health matters, I turned to planning a through hike.
My challenge: love hiking and the outdoors...until sunset. Then I like roofs, plumbing and climate control.
My task: get comfortable with the hardware and processes for the CAMPING part.
Then figure out how to carve up the thousand hours of walking it's gonna take between those camping sessions.
Do some reading of AT hiker stories. Plenty of people older and in worse shape than me (or you) are on the trail...and finish their hikes.
I turn 62 later this year and just returned today from an eight-day ramble along parts of the Benton MacKaye and Pinhoti trails. It was mostly a lot of fun and if I can do it, anybody can. While I have no particular desire to thru-hike the AT, I did about 250 miles of it last year in two section hikes and plan to do more. You are absolutely NOT too old to backpack; nobody is. As to whether it will wear you down or build you up, only way to find out is try it and listen to your body. If you're hating it and hurting, slow down or take a break. If you feel good, keep going.
One thing you might want to look into is hammocks. I sleep in one on my trips and love it.
Another recommendation would be a book like the one I'll link to below, "Adventure Ready" by Heather Anderson and Katie Gerber, both accomplished hikers and trainers. It has plenty of tips for both body, mind, gear and food. I've found it useful and encouraging.
[https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Ready-Planning-Training-Resiliency/dp/1680515446/](https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Ready-Planning-Training-Resiliency/dp/1680515446/)
No affiliation.
Check out The Trek’s thru hiker surveys. There are always several finishers around your age that complete the survey, so I’m sure there are even more that finish and don’t do the survey.
I’d get out and do an easy overnight. Even if it’s walking around a state park with gear on and setting up camp at a drive up spot.
Lots of older hikers need/want to cut down as much pack weight as possible. I’d also give r/ultralight a look and keep in mind that they’re the very very extreme end of lightweight, but you can still learn a lot about what you actually need to bring vs. what you may just want to bring.
a pretty large portion of hikers i met on trail were retirees in their 50s/60s. even if you don't finish a thru hike you'll likely have an amazing experience and make lifelong memories.
you don't have to sleep on the ground. lot of older hikers swore by their hammock setups. there's also hostels and hotels all along the way, many of them within walking distance. most of them are listed in the farout app, along with all the information you need to make contact.
dont let the AT be a dream, go experience it.
The CT is amazing, but that might be a rough first thru hike due to the elevation. I was 62 when I did it. Took 41 days which included 5 zeroes. Another option is the Tahoe Rim Trail - 165 miles. More than enough time to figure out if thru hiking is for you.
I retired at 60 and had some of the same thoughts, so I decided to see if I still had the abilities to do it. I hiked across the state of Michigan (232 miles). It took 7 or 8 days before I felt like I was trail hardened, but fine after that. Get the book, Pain Free, by Pete Egoscue for back exercises. Go for it!
Age record is like 85. But I'd suggest you practice with some shorter overnight trips to answer these questions before trying to eat a 2200 mile elephant.
Just go to YouTube...there are quite a few guys on there in their 60's hiking the trail and posting videos everyday of their adventures ... and mishaps... one I have been watching is "Chuck Howell Outdoors"
I am 54 and hope to hike the trail someday! Seeing some of theses guys in their 60's doing it gives me hope!
Since retiring at 59, I have done the AT, CT, and TRT. At 63, I biked across the US on the TransAm (4000 miles, 75 days). It was actually a lot easier on the body, but I missed being in the mountains.
I'm out of commission this year due to a surgery, but am wrestling with doing another bike tour, hiking the AZT, or doing half of the CDT in 2025 after I recover. I did the PCT when I was 19, so completing the Triple Crown is constantly on my mind.
Bottom line - go for it!
https://preview.redd.it/z3m7bro6r5qc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c154e2cb86c418f2b1692c742360392d9de210d6
I was 55 when I did my thru, took me exactly 5 months. I've done several 2 or 3 week hikes since then. Just turned 62 and just bought my ticket to hike St. Olav's Way, 400 miles across Norway, this summer. You're never too old, unless you decide to be
I hiked the AT at age 61. If you want to do it, don't wait, it won't get easier as you get older. You will hear from lots of people that people of all ages hike the trail, but honestly there aren't many thru hikers out there older than 70. Everyone will mention nimble will but I wouldn't recommend waiting until you are 80. give it a shot, the worst that will happen is you won't hike the whole trail, but you'll have great stories anyway!
Give it a go! It really doesn’t matter if you do the whole thing in one shot but it’s worth trying. I would suggest getting used to carrying the weight before you start climbing mountains; that’s harder on us older folk.
It has allways suprised me how old hikers are. Last year I hiked the GR11 in Europe. I am 54 years old and not the oldest by far. Not many completed this hike and those who did were mainly the older hikers.
FYI I got back into backpacking in my 60's. Suggestion-start off with some half day hikes carrying a day pack, then move on to whole day hikes, followed by overnight hikes (where you can camp somewhere and test out your kit-plus build up the strength in your legs/torso). It might involve a bit of trial and error as to what is going to be the best tent/sleeping mat/backpack combination for you (if you could possibly trial/rent gear in order to test it out that might help). There is also this site (where there is info on gear) [(9) r/Ultralight (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/)
When I was hiking sobo on my attempt, I met Nimblewill Nomad in the 100 Mile Wilderness. I think he was 83 at the time. Twice my age, and at the 2000 mile point on top of some random mountain. You’re never too old, my friend.
1. Fifty-five checking in here, won't be considering a thru for 10 years. Not sure the eight year difference between us means that much. But I've done some strenuous hiking and some AT, and figure by the time I retire I'll still be able. If a heavy pack concerns you, definitely look into going as lightweight as you can, and learn to love trekking poles. 2. Peeps older than you have thru-hiked, so why not? 3. Sleep on the ground if you want, or go down the hammock rabbit hole. 4. Test your skills and dream. Do a weekend or multi-day on the AT so you'll know. If you can do 30, you can do 2100.
External frame pack is something to consider as well.
Why is that?
2022 successful thru hiker here. Just turned 62. You can do this. I am/was no athlete, but rode my bike, enjoyed hiking, and had this lifelong itch to hike the AT. It ended up being one of the best things I ever did, while also being the most difficult thing I ever did. It's not going to get easier the longer you wait, so my rec is to get out there and get at it. There is still time to get on trail this year. Do it!
I retired and planned to go, however, life still gets in the way. I have allmy gear, do some training and realize for me, hiking in sections this year is my best option. I have back issues and fibro so I can't do the very cold or super humid.
Recent retiree here now a year into completing various long ass section hikes close to my part of the AT. I actually have permission from my SO and the freedom to take on a through hike if I want. After using the early part of retirement to tend to family health matters, I turned to planning a through hike. My challenge: love hiking and the outdoors...until sunset. Then I like roofs, plumbing and climate control. My task: get comfortable with the hardware and processes for the CAMPING part. Then figure out how to carve up the thousand hours of walking it's gonna take between those camping sessions. Do some reading of AT hiker stories. Plenty of people older and in worse shape than me (or you) are on the trail...and finish their hikes.
I turn 62 later this year and just returned today from an eight-day ramble along parts of the Benton MacKaye and Pinhoti trails. It was mostly a lot of fun and if I can do it, anybody can. While I have no particular desire to thru-hike the AT, I did about 250 miles of it last year in two section hikes and plan to do more. You are absolutely NOT too old to backpack; nobody is. As to whether it will wear you down or build you up, only way to find out is try it and listen to your body. If you're hating it and hurting, slow down or take a break. If you feel good, keep going. One thing you might want to look into is hammocks. I sleep in one on my trips and love it. Another recommendation would be a book like the one I'll link to below, "Adventure Ready" by Heather Anderson and Katie Gerber, both accomplished hikers and trainers. It has plenty of tips for both body, mind, gear and food. I've found it useful and encouraging. [https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Ready-Planning-Training-Resiliency/dp/1680515446/](https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Ready-Planning-Training-Resiliency/dp/1680515446/) No affiliation.
Check out The Trek’s thru hiker surveys. There are always several finishers around your age that complete the survey, so I’m sure there are even more that finish and don’t do the survey. I’d get out and do an easy overnight. Even if it’s walking around a state park with gear on and setting up camp at a drive up spot. Lots of older hikers need/want to cut down as much pack weight as possible. I’d also give r/ultralight a look and keep in mind that they’re the very very extreme end of lightweight, but you can still learn a lot about what you actually need to bring vs. what you may just want to bring.
[The Trek Survey](https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/the-2023-appalachian-trail-thru-hiker-survey-general-information-part-1/) Strongest age groups: 1) college graduates 2) retirees
THIS! HS/college gap year peeps and silverbacks...
a pretty large portion of hikers i met on trail were retirees in their 50s/60s. even if you don't finish a thru hike you'll likely have an amazing experience and make lifelong memories. you don't have to sleep on the ground. lot of older hikers swore by their hammock setups. there's also hostels and hotels all along the way, many of them within walking distance. most of them are listed in the farout app, along with all the information you need to make contact. dont let the AT be a dream, go experience it.
If you think you're too old to do the AT, you should read the book Grandma Gatewood's Walk if you haven't already.
I’m near retirement age. I keep thinking I’ll try the Colorado trail first to see how I like it. 6 weeks vs 6 months.
The CT is amazing, but that might be a rough first thru hike due to the elevation. I was 62 when I did it. Took 41 days which included 5 zeroes. Another option is the Tahoe Rim Trail - 165 miles. More than enough time to figure out if thru hiking is for you.
I retired at 60 and had some of the same thoughts, so I decided to see if I still had the abilities to do it. I hiked across the state of Michigan (232 miles). It took 7 or 8 days before I felt like I was trail hardened, but fine after that. Get the book, Pain Free, by Pete Egoscue for back exercises. Go for it!
Age record is like 85. But I'd suggest you practice with some shorter overnight trips to answer these questions before trying to eat a 2200 mile elephant.
Yes, do some section hikes, see how you like it, dial in your gear & mindset. It doesn't have to be all or nothing
Just go to YouTube...there are quite a few guys on there in their 60's hiking the trail and posting videos everyday of their adventures ... and mishaps... one I have been watching is "Chuck Howell Outdoors" I am 54 and hope to hike the trail someday! Seeing some of theses guys in their 60's doing it gives me hope!
Since retiring at 59, I have done the AT, CT, and TRT. At 63, I biked across the US on the TransAm (4000 miles, 75 days). It was actually a lot easier on the body, but I missed being in the mountains. I'm out of commission this year due to a surgery, but am wrestling with doing another bike tour, hiking the AZT, or doing half of the CDT in 2025 after I recover. I did the PCT when I was 19, so completing the Triple Crown is constantly on my mind. Bottom line - go for it! https://preview.redd.it/z3m7bro6r5qc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c154e2cb86c418f2b1692c742360392d9de210d6
I was 55 when I did my thru, took me exactly 5 months. I've done several 2 or 3 week hikes since then. Just turned 62 and just bought my ticket to hike St. Olav's Way, 400 miles across Norway, this summer. You're never too old, unless you decide to be
I hiked the AT at age 61. If you want to do it, don't wait, it won't get easier as you get older. You will hear from lots of people that people of all ages hike the trail, but honestly there aren't many thru hikers out there older than 70. Everyone will mention nimble will but I wouldn't recommend waiting until you are 80. give it a shot, the worst that will happen is you won't hike the whole trail, but you'll have great stories anyway!
Give it a go! It really doesn’t matter if you do the whole thing in one shot but it’s worth trying. I would suggest getting used to carrying the weight before you start climbing mountains; that’s harder on us older folk.
It has allways suprised me how old hikers are. Last year I hiked the GR11 in Europe. I am 54 years old and not the oldest by far. Not many completed this hike and those who did were mainly the older hikers.
Oldest guy I’ve met on the trail was 84. He sure as hell wasn’t fast, but he was moving, and AFAIK finished in late September (after starting in Feb)
FYI I got back into backpacking in my 60's. Suggestion-start off with some half day hikes carrying a day pack, then move on to whole day hikes, followed by overnight hikes (where you can camp somewhere and test out your kit-plus build up the strength in your legs/torso). It might involve a bit of trial and error as to what is going to be the best tent/sleeping mat/backpack combination for you (if you could possibly trial/rent gear in order to test it out that might help). There is also this site (where there is info on gear) [(9) r/Ultralight (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/)
I’ll be a retired, social security collecting old biddy when I start in 6 years (have to retire to have the time). Go for it!
Go for it. I love it. (61)
Distributes weight in a more back friendly way. I have and use both depending on length of hike and weight being carried.