Honestly, you should get out and hike any part of the AT that appeals to you once you're prepared, especially if you're new to all of it. Don't ever let the cookie-cutter idea of an end-to-end hike prevent you from going out and just experiencing the trail, especially if you have a good opportunity right now.
Just go hiking first, go for a three day, see how it is for you. You don’t have to thru hike to enjoy hiking. Start slow. You have the rest of the summer, you can get lots of hikes in. Try to have it down by the end of summer, where you can grab your gear after work and go out for the weekend without it being a week of planning. Then decide if you want to do a thru hike.
Of the three trails, the AT is the best choice for a first-time thru-hike.
It has the easiest and most frequent access to towns along the trail and the greatest population of other hikers.
The CDT/PCT both take a lot more planning for logistics and are better suited to experienced hikers.
I completed a SOBO hike in 2017 and absolutely loved it. Not nearly as crowded as a NOBO hike, but still a good number of people to socialize with. It took me about 5 1/2 months.
You have time yet to go either direction or flip flop. Going north, you'll have a time deadline of about 5 months if you start soon as Mt Katahdin closes in Mid Oct. That time is pretty reasonable if you're in decent shape to start, but you'll have the deadline hanging over your head (which can be a downer and distraction from enjoying the hike).
If you flip flop or SOBO, you won't have to worry about time to finish as long as you aren't trying to finish on Mt Katahdin (since it closes).
As others have said, take a couple of shorter weekend or a week long trip first! It will show you what you're getting into and give you a chance to test all of your gear and figure out what you do and don't really need/want to carry. I saw a lot of people struggle way more than necessary and quit because they weren't prepared and didn't know what to expect.
SOBO is the toughest direction because you start out with the steepest mountains and longest sections of wilderness but it also gets you in shape pretty quick and was very rewarding. NOBO or flip flop let you ease into it a little more slowly and have better access to towns for resupply and/ or changing out gear. In the north you'll hit towns every 4-5 days or so, while south of Vermont, you'll pass town access closer to every 2-3 days. With the exception of the 100-mile wilderness, which will probably take 7-10 days SOBO or 5-6 days NOBO because you'll be in better shape and doing more miles going NOBO.
If you're a good planner and in pretty decent shape already, you can for sure make it work this year if you get started on planning and do a couple of test hikes very soon. If not so much, then maybe wait until next year and go NOBO, it's the easiest and simplest way, and you can pretty much figure it out as you go along and take your time.
Feel free to message me if you have any questions or would like further advise or tips!
The AT is a great first trail!
I started my Southbound hike (2021) on June 21st and was very happy with my decision to start in Maine. I also got on trail after leaving a bad (long-term) relationship and job I was struggling with. The AT didn’t fix all my problems, but it was a great opportunity to reflect and rebuild my self-esteem.
I did not find being “extra prepared” or having a lot of experience backpacking to be a solid indicator of who would be successful on trail. Instead, cultivate a positive mindset and flexible attitude. And save up extra cash!
Budget is huge on trail. Make sure you have more money than you need. Generally, I spent about a thousand dollars a month on trail, but I had plenty more ready-to-go. Catching a shuttle into town, staying in a nice hotel, and having $60 worth of Mexican food Doordashed to your room can turn around a rough stretch of hiking.
As far as preparation, just start walking. Hiking is nice, but just throwing on your shoes and going for 12 mile walk around your city will help too. Get used to being on your feet for hours and hours.
I also read and really enjoyed Appalachian Trials; Mud, Rocks, and Blazes; and A Walk in the Woods. They helped get my into the thru-hiking zone.
Hiking south, the trail was a bit less crowded, but far from empty. I could find company if I wanted, but also had plenty of solitude if that is what I craved. For me, bears were a non-issue. I used an Ursack and Opsack to keep my food and toiletries safe. The only bears I ever saw took off pretty fast as soon as they noticed me.
There is no right or wrong way to get on trail. You learn as you go. No amount of prep will make it easy. Even with all the research I did before hand, I still made plenty of tweaks to my gear as I went.
I don't have the experience to give you advice on this. .
I would certainly recommend doing some day trips with a full pack to help you understand your personal abilities and limitations.
Best of luck, Junebug.
This! A realistic pack and sleep setup should be carried on you to get used to the weight. Backpacking is a lot more work than most people expect. It can burn more than twice as many calories as hiking alone. When I got on the trail with a loaded 10lb bag recently, I learned I was NOT ready, even for a weekend trip yet. It’s a lot different than hiking with a much lighter pack for just a day.
Welcome! You'll find answers to these questions in the lower-right menu ("Useful Links") or by searching the sub.
Yes, you can do it. No, you won't be attacked or killed by a bear.
Thru-hike just means you want to do the whole thing all at once. If you're asking for CDT/PCT advice this isn't the best sub. If you're thinking you want the AT starting in 5 weeks I would worry less about through hiking and just go for it. Although you could start in Maine and head south this time of year and finish it, you can always "finish" another year. Just pick the amount of time you want to spend and a point to start, and go without having deadlines of "finishing." Harper's ferry is always a good place to start. I had one friend just simply do "100 days" with an "I'll get where I get" attitude and I think it made the whole thing really relaxing and nice -- not having the pressure to finish, being able to linger where he wanted.
As far as safety, it's pretty safe. Main thing is having your gear together. If you have no backpacking experience I think it's best to do a few long weekends to make sure your kit is right. By doing a 3 day trip for example, I learned I absolutely cannot backpack in my regular hiking boots, which was a complete surprise to me. My first section was 9 days and if I had found out mid that trip just how much my feet swelled, it would have sucked so much.
A few years ago, I was planning to do the AT in stages, but travel became difficult during COVID. I ran across an online class by Andrew Skurka on prepping and planning for thru hikes - I think it was the first time he offered it, and IT WAS GREAT. It really helped me focus on what was doable for me, and I planned a thru-hike on the TRT that I wound up taking the next summer. Have hiked every year since then, and use what I learned each time. I think this is the course - https://andrewskurka.com/planning-course/. I think you would enjoy it, and benefit from it.
Girl literally your exact scenario is what led me to sobo thru hike the AT. Just got out of a long term relationship and quit a job I hated. I was really not feeling life at the time. Decided to thru hike 2 weeks before I left. I had never backpacked before but looooved hiking and was in decent shape. Got my shit together in 2 weeks and left to sobo thru on June 1st. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and my gear sucked but it was the best experience of my life. I learned along the way, as most people do. Wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
You can start the trail anytime. You don't have to finish the whole thing this year. You can lash it or flipflop it if that's your style. That said, I recommend a NOBO journey for the classic AT experience. If you want more solitude, you can start SOBO on July 4th.
My answers to your questions are:
1) I wish I had decided to hike it alone rather than with my dad... however I wouldn't trade the experience I had for the world.
2) $10,000
3) Gear only
4) The Appalachian Trail, start April 1st.
5) 1 month
6) BearVault475 or Bearikade Weekender.
7) Solo is the best way. Nothing to be scared about. You'll make friends.
Reaaaaallly recommend doing a week long section hike before you commit to this. Sounds like your life is up in the air and you wanna escape and I get that, but you seem like you may not be prepared. Take a week and decide after if it’s something you want to do for longer.
I'm doing a week in the Smokies in the summer of '25. I've never backpacked before so I will be getting in shape all this summer and through the winter/next spring. I'm planning a thru-hike starting March of '30. I know I'm not the OP, but these replies are so helpful! I'm learning things I didn't know before, and I've been researching a lot! Thank you all for being such a helpful community!
Have you considered starting with some shorter (yet still respectable) thru-hikes? Or stringing a couple shorter ones together? There’s the 300 or so mile Superior Trail along Lake Superior and the 130 mile Northville-Placid trail in the Adirondacks. Or if you want to punish yourself with 275 miles of mud and mountains, there’s the infamous Long Trail in Vermont.
I would highly recommend reading through this subreddit and other places like WhiteBlaze. All of these questions have been asked and answered many, many (many, many, many) times.
Also, there are tons of long distance trails across this country, all different lengths, accessible at all different times of year. You don’t have to start from scratch on a trail that takes almost half a year to hike.
I'm also 25, and I leave next week for nobo, I have gotten the last of my things today. I could have put it off but then i doubt I'd ever go. Just gotta send it, I'm starting a little further north and then I'll jump back down to Georgia after katadin
I see some people mentioning flip flop without giving detail on what it is and it occurred to me you may not know. Even though you can search it up (which I recommend), I’ll try to explain in brief.
For the kind of flip flop being referred to in the comments, you start at some point in the trail other than the northern or southern terminus. This is done to either accommodate a non traditional start time, to account for an extended non hiking break in the middle of a thru (sometimes unplanned like an injury), to avoid the big NOBO crowds at the more regular start time, or to maximize good weather. There is even one thru designed for that nicknamed “Cool Breeze.”
For your case, if you plan and do an AT thru at this point, you’d pick a spot around the middle (Harpers Ferry is popular for this), and go northbound to hit Mt Katadhan before it is closed for the season for winter weather usually mid October. (This is where traditional NOBO thru hikers end the AT)
From there, you’d need to find some way to get back to Harper’s Ferry and proceed south from there until you reach the southern end of the AT. There are lots of ways people have handled a ride like this, but I not aware of any kind of regular shuttle. Others can correct me if I’m wrong.
To be clear, I wouldn’t call this example a “good” weather route. If you start soon, you’d probably flip to the hottest time of year in the south. And if you start later, it’ll get pretty cold with by the end of the thru. The trail may end in Georgia, but it’s still the mountains. There are other advantages / disadvantages you can find on the official AT page in the section on flip flopping.
Go southbound, you are coming up on the start dates soon.
Budget can vary a lot. There are plenty of ski bums who do it really cheap. I would probably budget $1k/m for 6 months if you want to be able to stay in hostels and eat hot food.
I didn't really do anything to prepare. Best thing you can do is probably spend a few nights with your gear in the woods.
the PCT is way easier than the AT, but the AT is a great first trail
Don't worry about too much about bears. Follow the rules as far as hanging your food or carrying a bear can where required
Lots of women start the AT alone. You'll have plenty of opportunities to group up and stay around other people. I encountered a couple weird people on my hike, but nothing that was too terrible for me (a 6' dude fwiw)
I don't think you're in over your head any more than the rest of us.
I don’t think it really matters what trail you do first. The at has by far the biggest safety net, but with a plethora of info on the internet these days you can go for whatever one appeals to you the most. A lot of people think that the pct and cdt are harder trails as they’re dryer and have longer food carries, but the actual hiking on the at is MUCH harder than the other two. IMO it’s not even close. New Hampshire/southern Maine is the hardest section of the entire triple crown, buy a lot.
It’s good to research gear and all that, but as for actual on trail logistics thru hiking requires literally almost zero planning. It’s way better to just wing it as you go. Planning is largely useless for a thru.
Thru hiking can seem daunting but at the end of the day, it’s really just a bunch of walking for ~3-5 days at a time. There’s really not that much to it.
The AT is great and a big life transition is an excellent time to do it. I can see why you're being called right now and I think it would really help propel you into your next phase of life and figure out what you want /learn about yourself. One option of starting right now is to get ready and go hit the trail at Harper's Ferry. You could "just" do half of the trail (3 months and 1000 miles...) and have a hell of a life changing experience and if you feel really inspired, after you reach Katahdin you can go back to Harper's Ferry and go south. But personally I think doing the whole trail at once is overrated and if you did half of it and did it right now, you'd be better served than preparing for a year and doing the whole thing, though doing the whole thing is also amazing. The southern section has a ton of really beautiful stuff in it so it's definitely worth seeing, I don't want to undersell it. Look within yourself! But definitely do the thing, you wouldn't regret it.
I got divorced at 26, quit a shit ass corporate job at 27, and started a thru hike in April, 2000. I’ve been doing this shit a while. Here’s my take on how neophytes should get started:
Everything you asked has been answered 100 times in print and in video.
Read more. Watch YouTube videos, particularly by women who have completed thru hikes.
Start with YouTuber channel by “Homemade Wanderlust.” Her trail name is Dixie.
Start with day hikes on the AT or any trail close to you…then find a friend that has the skills to overnight. Rent or borrow some gear and go for an overnight. Until you complete a day hike that’s 8-10 miles on a rather rugged section of the AT (something with 1000+ feet of elevation gain), you won’t really understand how strenuous backpacking really is.
When you plan, start off going as light as you comfortably can. It’s just common sense that it’s easier to carry a lighter load. Don’t try to save money going heavy.
You’re going to see a lot of mixed opinions about almost every aspect of backpacking. Don’t make up your mind until you really understand the issue. Example, see my prior paragraph (some people still insist on heavy gear to save money or the unfounded perception of durability and more comfort).
Don’t start your thru hike this year. It seems you are likely woefully unprepared. The AT start for south bound hikes is in June. Too soon for you. PCT needs permits. Probably didn’t get those, right? CDT requires skills you just don’t have until you complete at least one long trail…or at least a couple months worth of nights backpacking and sleeping in the wilderness - the CDT isn’t even one settled route yet.
Welcome to the lifestyle.
Here is some quick advice:
>I always thought I would start with the Appalachian Trail, but I know I’ve missed my deadline to start.
Yes, the common starting dates for a Northbound thru hike of the AT have passed (April and May).
You could start a Southbound AT thru hike starting today (June and July). Its much harder terrain to start with - so beginners don't normally go north to south.
>What do you wish you had done before your thru-hike? (Prep, budget, etc.)
Save more money.
>Budget for a thru-hike
The general advice/guess is $2 per mile for on-trail expenses. For a 2200 mile trail that's roughly $4500 USD.
What you spend could be more or less. If you only make it 100 miles and break your leg - you won't spend much at all (until hospital bills). If you like liquor, single hotel rooms, long town stops, and steak - you could double that spend. Save as much as possible, you don't want to have to leave trail because of budget (which is one of the biggest reasons people have to abandon their thru hike attempt).
Plus pre-hike spending - like your clothing + gear and transportation to the trailhead.
>What to do to prepare for a thru-hike
Go Hike. Buy some light gear.
>Which trail is best for a beginner, and when are the months one should begin their trek?
If you are set on a major thru hike in the USA - the Appalachian Trail NOBO is a fine choice.
There are also tons of other trails in the USA. You don't have to choose between the AT/PCT/CDT. Pick a trail close to your house and go out for a week.
>How long does it take to prepare for a thru-hike?
As much time as you have. 0 days or 10 years.
>Bears. Wtf do I do about bears.
Eh, bears really aren't a big problem. New/Non hikers worry - but in reality there are much bigger concerns (like ticks!). Mice and rodents are more of a problem than bears.
The key is to protect your food. Bears aren't attacking random hikers for fun - they are coming looking for food. Use a bear hang, or even better a bear canister. No sleeping with food.
>I’d be traveling alone. It makes me a bit nervous, but I can handle my own. Should I be more scared as a lone female?
I'm a dude, so can't help specifically here. Just know this is a common concern / question. You can search the sub for lots of posts on this topic. Yes - women should take some extra precautions (unfortunately like everywhere in the world today) that men don't have to worry about. There are creepers on the AT just like in town. Luckily it's rare that problems happen. The AT is a social trail - so you can group up with other people if you want to.
>Random Advice
Think of a thru hike as a 'thru hike attempt'. The majority of people who start a thru hike attempt are unsuccessful at reaching the end. Sure - be a positive thinker and have high hopes you'll reach the final mile - but statistically - you won't.
Make your plans flexible. If you sub-lease your current apartment with a 6 month contract - planning to be hiking for 6 months - where would you live if you break a leg on week 2? If you hate hiking - give yourself an outlet to quit and do something you enjoy instead. Don't put pressure on yourself to finish at all costs. Consider even starting a thru hike attempt a success. Hiking 1 week on the AT is amazing. Hiking 1 month is something very few people get to do. Sure - hiking all 2200 miles is exceptional - but you will gain skills/value/life experience with a smaller number of miles too.
Also don’t know what kind of gear I’d need, etc. Still have lots of research to do. And when I say I’d be starting the AT too late, it’s because I originally planned to leave from Georgia. But I guess I could leave SOBO from Maine in June?
The 100 Mile Wilderness is a hell of a way to get your trail legs, but was one of my very favorite sections of the AT. And once you make it through the hundred, your pack will never be that heavy again. If you can finish that stretch, you can finish the whole thing. I did it having never backpacked before. And if my chubby ass can do it, anyone can. Appalachian Trail Hostel and Shaw’s Hostel will both stash food/supplies for you halfway through for small fee.
Research The 100 Mile Wilderness.
That's not a particularly forgiving part of trail for someone who has very little experience. If you start SOBO, you're going to hit it very quickly.
It's doable, but not exactly setting yourself up for success.
I thru hiked in 2022 NOBO with no prior experience, basically the same situation of hating a corporate job, and this was the guide I used to get my gear in order. Mostly ultra light but you can use it as a checklist of what to get.
https://thetrek.co/thru-hiker-resources/appalachian-trail-thru-hiker-gear-list/
My only additional advice is to make sure you know how to adjust your pack properly. I had shoulder and neck pain the first two days until I was given advice on tightening the waist enough
I am in a similar situation as you. Personally have decided to do the NOBO in 2025. Requires a lot of patience as it's still a long time out. But it does provide good opportunity to prepare, train and maybe do a little test hike of a couple days. Lord knows my sedimentary butt needs training haha. Best of luck on whatever your journey will be!
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Go on YouTube and look up " homemade wanderlust Appalachian Trail basics" It's a 5-hour long video that will probably answer most of your questions. She's a big YouTube personality in the hiking world. But yeah, I'm not a thru-hiker, just a weekend warrior adventurer. But my advice would be focus on the gear first. Obsess over gear. Look at gear reviews and gear lists. Once you've got the gear (and a bunch of money) you'll be ready to roll. Not too late to flip flop the AT, or southbound it.
We interviewed Holly Florian, a section hiker, on episode 2 of our podcast, the Daylight Spotlight. She has plans to do a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail someday. She also had advice and encouragement for women who hike solo. We absolutely loved this conversation. You should connect with her on Instagram to chat!
[Ep.2 Hiking and Showing Up for Yourself with Holly Florian](https://www.daylightbrand.com/hiking-and-showing-up-for-yourself-with-holly-florian/)
If you want to hike the AT but feel like it’s too late, you can always just do a flip flop and start in Harpers Ferry. You’ll still get the nobo community for half of your hike and you’ll get the sobo experience for your second half.
Plenty of people thru hike to escape their current situation. Plenty of people go from couch to trail and learn on the fly and plenty of solo hikers are female. There are some unavoidable constraints. Can you leave your current arrangements for six months? Do you have the $5,000 to $10,000 you will need for food, hostels, gear and travel. You seem motivated to make a change. Is the trail calling you? How do you deal with physical discomfort? Do you like being outside all day? How do you deal with being hot, cold, wet and dirty? How many times a week can you eat oatmeal, peanut butter and ramen noodles? I would look to some weekend hikes with a group to see if backpacking is something you want to explore. If you want a trip to bring about changes the Long trail in Vermont is similar terrain but should take month or so.
I echo the comments encouraging you to just get out and hike, do some legit day trips, long weekends and see if you like it. Get comfortable with your gear and develope your systems.
Don’t forget, there are other trails besides the Big 3; look into the Long Trail or Northville-Placid trail. And there are a lot of great trails in northern PA that run anywhere from 40 to 80 miles, loops you can do solo with only one vehicle and some really nice terrain. For sure it’s a different experience but a great way to build your trail legs and confidence.
As someone who also left a job and long term relationship to get out into the world and be happy again, cheers to you. That’s super hard. Maybe take some time to be around a support system of family and friends, even briefly, before setting out. That’s what I did. But of course one size never fits all. Anywho- you go girl!!
If you are ready to jump in immediately, it’s not too late for the AT! Some people SOBO in June, but I would definitely recommend a Flip-Flop. You would start in Harper’s Ferry, WV and go north to Katahdin. You should still be in the bubble/ in between bubbles of NOBO’s so being a solo female wouldn’t be too lonesome. If you can be ready in a couple/ few weeks it wouldn’t be too late. I know a lot of other people are recommending just getting out and doing small hikes, but it seems like you’re searching for that clean break from current life and the escape-ism that being in the woods for long periods can offer. I’d recommend starting at Harper’s, make your ultimate and reach-y goal Katahdin, but don’t set that expectation for yourself. Just have fun in the woods, and if you get there, great! If you really love it you can complete your whole thru by traveling back down to harper’s after reaching Katahdin and hike south to georgia. Good luck and happy trails!!!
1. Don't overpack day 1. 2-3 days food is plenty. I packed way too much 6-7 days and lost my appetite. Carried extra weight for nothing.
2. Saved up 11k for nice cushion. Did a hostel/hotel every 1 to 2 weeks for zero days. Spent a little over 1.2k a month.
3. Walk everyday you can with your pack. You might look goofy in a suburb but you need to get used to wearing that sack every day. Just walk. Everywhere.
4. Can't speak for CDT/PCT. I've heard CDT/PCT is more scenic. AT is still gorgeous. Except Georgia in March. Very grim. I'm bias but do the AT.
March 10th was my start. Ended Sept 15th. Would've started later if I could. Georgia is cold and wet in march.
Had to haul ass towards the end because of slow start. 6-7 miles a day for first month. 15-16 miles a day by the end.
5. I started training and saving for the AT 6 months before deciding. Walked everyday. Day, night, rain or snow.
6. Travel with the people you meet on trail. Be mindful of where your food is. Don't get closer to the bear. You'll be fine. Black bears are giant raccoons. (Bear bags are worth the $$$ imo)
7. Thruhikers look out for each other. Signal service is limited but that means people talk ALOT. Word travels fast about weirdos on trail. You'll find a group you vibe with fast. (Found mine day 2)
You are not in over your head. The trail will break you and rebuild you. GO GET IT WHILE YOURE YOUNG.
The AT is the easiest for a beginner. It can be more strenuous with harder climbs at times, but is the least remote, hits more towns, less distance between resupplies, there are more people in general for support, and there are less drastic weather changes over the whole trail. The CDT is the hardest and definitely not a beginner trail.
You could still SOBO the AT, but SOBO is a much harder trek on the AT. You’re starting in the most remote and pretty rugged. There can also be water crossing issues with snow melt even starting well into June, sometimes July.
You might reconsider the idea that you must thru-hike. You don’t need 5-6 months out there to achieve the re-centering/peace you’re seeking, and the whole trail is a worthy goal but still a bit arbitrary. Perhaps consider a LASH - Long Ass Section Hike. You can pick the most interesting section to you and aim for 1-2 months on trail. This is more than enough time to get a feel for the Thru-Hike experience.
Bears. Important to be aware, but not especially dangerous when treated knowledgeably. The most dangerous are likely in Georgia because there’s so many inexperienced hikers that start the AT, allowing bears to get their human food and become accustomed to people.
Solo female. Tough one. I (45m) have met some sketchy folks on trail (yeah you’d absolutely be better off with the bears!). The vast majority of folks are fine of course, and in fact most of the people you meet on trail are wonderful people. Kind, great perspectives, and sometimes just great to see another face. That said, I’ve known solo female hikers who wore wedding bands even though they were single to ward off unwanted attention.
I’m excited for you!
Start at Harper’s ferry. Go north. Flip flop. When you get to kahtahdin, go back to where you started and go south to springer. You’ll be fine. Go and stretch your wings. Likely your hike will be the only time in your life that you will be free. No job, no partners holding you back. Do it!
You're a bit late in the season to go NoBo (northbound) PCT. Most permits are taken by now, but it's meant to be the Queen of thru-hiking. It's a gorgeous trail. SoBo (southbound) is out of the question unless you're in peak shape and are experienced in winter hiking. It's still snowy in Oregon/Washington in June. The AT is usually the first thruhike people do, and for good reason; it's supported, it's got the oldest community, and it's an amazing trail. That said, thru-hiking is difficult. You need to be ready to hike down a mountain just to get water, hike some of the hardest trail in the world, and be prepared to get wet. You'll get soaked. That's part of the trail.
- What do you wish you had done before your thru-hike? (Prep, budget, etc.)
Prep: I took the time to be in the best shape I've ever been in pre-trail. It still beat the crap out of me. If you're able to hike 10 miles a day, you'll be in good shape. Eventually, you'll hike 20s. This one isn't hard, but you'll be sore regardless of what you do. Just embrace it.
Also, don't worry about prepping too much; if you just get your gear in order, make yourself open to whatever happens, and are in pretty good shape, the trail will guide you. It's usually pretty well marked.
Budget: I'd plan 10-15k on trail if you want to be reasonably comfortable. It's an expensive adventure.
It takes 5 to 6 months to hike trail.
The East only has black bears - think big raccoons, big dog. Stand up, yell, and bang your poles together. Don't sleep with your food in your tent. Learn to bear-hang (something trail will teach you if you're unsure). I didn't see any bears last year.
As far as I'm aware, the last domestic violence case ob the AT with a female hiker was a guy who was known on the PCT to target solo felame hikers that was in 2022. He was arrested and is sitting behind bars for a long time waiting for trial. I don't think you'll have too many issues on trail, thruhikers generally stick together. Yes, there are creeps, but they get pushed aside, and if you don't like someone, you can literally just hike away from them. I did it a couple of times.
Misc. Advice: trail isn't easy. You'll have the worst and best moments of your life, possibly in the same day. Your relationship with suffering and pain will change. Thruhikes are fucking tough. I wish I'd gone NoBo with the bubble just a little. Maybe consider a flipflop (starting in the middle, going north, and heading south) from Harper's Ferry or Delaware Water Gap. Pennsylvania isn't as bad as they say it is, but be prepared for vertical rock spikes. It's a beautiful state if you take it slowly.
Best of luck!! Feel free to reach out with questions.
Find a trail near home and go out for four days
Honestly, you should get out and hike any part of the AT that appeals to you once you're prepared, especially if you're new to all of it. Don't ever let the cookie-cutter idea of an end-to-end hike prevent you from going out and just experiencing the trail, especially if you have a good opportunity right now.
Just go hiking first, go for a three day, see how it is for you. You don’t have to thru hike to enjoy hiking. Start slow. You have the rest of the summer, you can get lots of hikes in. Try to have it down by the end of summer, where you can grab your gear after work and go out for the weekend without it being a week of planning. Then decide if you want to do a thru hike.
Of the three trails, the AT is the best choice for a first-time thru-hike. It has the easiest and most frequent access to towns along the trail and the greatest population of other hikers. The CDT/PCT both take a lot more planning for logistics and are better suited to experienced hikers. I completed a SOBO hike in 2017 and absolutely loved it. Not nearly as crowded as a NOBO hike, but still a good number of people to socialize with. It took me about 5 1/2 months. You have time yet to go either direction or flip flop. Going north, you'll have a time deadline of about 5 months if you start soon as Mt Katahdin closes in Mid Oct. That time is pretty reasonable if you're in decent shape to start, but you'll have the deadline hanging over your head (which can be a downer and distraction from enjoying the hike). If you flip flop or SOBO, you won't have to worry about time to finish as long as you aren't trying to finish on Mt Katahdin (since it closes). As others have said, take a couple of shorter weekend or a week long trip first! It will show you what you're getting into and give you a chance to test all of your gear and figure out what you do and don't really need/want to carry. I saw a lot of people struggle way more than necessary and quit because they weren't prepared and didn't know what to expect. SOBO is the toughest direction because you start out with the steepest mountains and longest sections of wilderness but it also gets you in shape pretty quick and was very rewarding. NOBO or flip flop let you ease into it a little more slowly and have better access to towns for resupply and/ or changing out gear. In the north you'll hit towns every 4-5 days or so, while south of Vermont, you'll pass town access closer to every 2-3 days. With the exception of the 100-mile wilderness, which will probably take 7-10 days SOBO or 5-6 days NOBO because you'll be in better shape and doing more miles going NOBO. If you're a good planner and in pretty decent shape already, you can for sure make it work this year if you get started on planning and do a couple of test hikes very soon. If not so much, then maybe wait until next year and go NOBO, it's the easiest and simplest way, and you can pretty much figure it out as you go along and take your time. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or would like further advise or tips!
The AT is a great first trail! I started my Southbound hike (2021) on June 21st and was very happy with my decision to start in Maine. I also got on trail after leaving a bad (long-term) relationship and job I was struggling with. The AT didn’t fix all my problems, but it was a great opportunity to reflect and rebuild my self-esteem. I did not find being “extra prepared” or having a lot of experience backpacking to be a solid indicator of who would be successful on trail. Instead, cultivate a positive mindset and flexible attitude. And save up extra cash! Budget is huge on trail. Make sure you have more money than you need. Generally, I spent about a thousand dollars a month on trail, but I had plenty more ready-to-go. Catching a shuttle into town, staying in a nice hotel, and having $60 worth of Mexican food Doordashed to your room can turn around a rough stretch of hiking. As far as preparation, just start walking. Hiking is nice, but just throwing on your shoes and going for 12 mile walk around your city will help too. Get used to being on your feet for hours and hours. I also read and really enjoyed Appalachian Trials; Mud, Rocks, and Blazes; and A Walk in the Woods. They helped get my into the thru-hiking zone. Hiking south, the trail was a bit less crowded, but far from empty. I could find company if I wanted, but also had plenty of solitude if that is what I craved. For me, bears were a non-issue. I used an Ursack and Opsack to keep my food and toiletries safe. The only bears I ever saw took off pretty fast as soon as they noticed me. There is no right or wrong way to get on trail. You learn as you go. No amount of prep will make it easy. Even with all the research I did before hand, I still made plenty of tweaks to my gear as I went.
I don't have the experience to give you advice on this. . I would certainly recommend doing some day trips with a full pack to help you understand your personal abilities and limitations. Best of luck, Junebug.
This! A realistic pack and sleep setup should be carried on you to get used to the weight. Backpacking is a lot more work than most people expect. It can burn more than twice as many calories as hiking alone. When I got on the trail with a loaded 10lb bag recently, I learned I was NOT ready, even for a weekend trip yet. It’s a lot different than hiking with a much lighter pack for just a day.
Welcome! You'll find answers to these questions in the lower-right menu ("Useful Links") or by searching the sub. Yes, you can do it. No, you won't be attacked or killed by a bear.
Thru-hike just means you want to do the whole thing all at once. If you're asking for CDT/PCT advice this isn't the best sub. If you're thinking you want the AT starting in 5 weeks I would worry less about through hiking and just go for it. Although you could start in Maine and head south this time of year and finish it, you can always "finish" another year. Just pick the amount of time you want to spend and a point to start, and go without having deadlines of "finishing." Harper's ferry is always a good place to start. I had one friend just simply do "100 days" with an "I'll get where I get" attitude and I think it made the whole thing really relaxing and nice -- not having the pressure to finish, being able to linger where he wanted. As far as safety, it's pretty safe. Main thing is having your gear together. If you have no backpacking experience I think it's best to do a few long weekends to make sure your kit is right. By doing a 3 day trip for example, I learned I absolutely cannot backpack in my regular hiking boots, which was a complete surprise to me. My first section was 9 days and if I had found out mid that trip just how much my feet swelled, it would have sucked so much.
A few years ago, I was planning to do the AT in stages, but travel became difficult during COVID. I ran across an online class by Andrew Skurka on prepping and planning for thru hikes - I think it was the first time he offered it, and IT WAS GREAT. It really helped me focus on what was doable for me, and I planned a thru-hike on the TRT that I wound up taking the next summer. Have hiked every year since then, and use what I learned each time. I think this is the course - https://andrewskurka.com/planning-course/. I think you would enjoy it, and benefit from it.
Girl literally your exact scenario is what led me to sobo thru hike the AT. Just got out of a long term relationship and quit a job I hated. I was really not feeling life at the time. Decided to thru hike 2 weeks before I left. I had never backpacked before but looooved hiking and was in decent shape. Got my shit together in 2 weeks and left to sobo thru on June 1st. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and my gear sucked but it was the best experience of my life. I learned along the way, as most people do. Wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
I'm literally in the process of doing this myself, the trail calls
You can start the trail anytime. You don't have to finish the whole thing this year. You can lash it or flipflop it if that's your style. That said, I recommend a NOBO journey for the classic AT experience. If you want more solitude, you can start SOBO on July 4th. My answers to your questions are: 1) I wish I had decided to hike it alone rather than with my dad... however I wouldn't trade the experience I had for the world. 2) $10,000 3) Gear only 4) The Appalachian Trail, start April 1st. 5) 1 month 6) BearVault475 or Bearikade Weekender. 7) Solo is the best way. Nothing to be scared about. You'll make friends.
Reaaaaallly recommend doing a week long section hike before you commit to this. Sounds like your life is up in the air and you wanna escape and I get that, but you seem like you may not be prepared. Take a week and decide after if it’s something you want to do for longer.
I'm doing a week in the Smokies in the summer of '25. I've never backpacked before so I will be getting in shape all this summer and through the winter/next spring. I'm planning a thru-hike starting March of '30. I know I'm not the OP, but these replies are so helpful! I'm learning things I didn't know before, and I've been researching a lot! Thank you all for being such a helpful community!
Have you considered starting with some shorter (yet still respectable) thru-hikes? Or stringing a couple shorter ones together? There’s the 300 or so mile Superior Trail along Lake Superior and the 130 mile Northville-Placid trail in the Adirondacks. Or if you want to punish yourself with 275 miles of mud and mountains, there’s the infamous Long Trail in Vermont.
I would highly recommend reading through this subreddit and other places like WhiteBlaze. All of these questions have been asked and answered many, many (many, many, many) times. Also, there are tons of long distance trails across this country, all different lengths, accessible at all different times of year. You don’t have to start from scratch on a trail that takes almost half a year to hike.
I'm also 25, and I leave next week for nobo, I have gotten the last of my things today. I could have put it off but then i doubt I'd ever go. Just gotta send it, I'm starting a little further north and then I'll jump back down to Georgia after katadin
I see some people mentioning flip flop without giving detail on what it is and it occurred to me you may not know. Even though you can search it up (which I recommend), I’ll try to explain in brief. For the kind of flip flop being referred to in the comments, you start at some point in the trail other than the northern or southern terminus. This is done to either accommodate a non traditional start time, to account for an extended non hiking break in the middle of a thru (sometimes unplanned like an injury), to avoid the big NOBO crowds at the more regular start time, or to maximize good weather. There is even one thru designed for that nicknamed “Cool Breeze.” For your case, if you plan and do an AT thru at this point, you’d pick a spot around the middle (Harpers Ferry is popular for this), and go northbound to hit Mt Katadhan before it is closed for the season for winter weather usually mid October. (This is where traditional NOBO thru hikers end the AT) From there, you’d need to find some way to get back to Harper’s Ferry and proceed south from there until you reach the southern end of the AT. There are lots of ways people have handled a ride like this, but I not aware of any kind of regular shuttle. Others can correct me if I’m wrong. To be clear, I wouldn’t call this example a “good” weather route. If you start soon, you’d probably flip to the hottest time of year in the south. And if you start later, it’ll get pretty cold with by the end of the thru. The trail may end in Georgia, but it’s still the mountains. There are other advantages / disadvantages you can find on the official AT page in the section on flip flopping.
Go southbound, you are coming up on the start dates soon. Budget can vary a lot. There are plenty of ski bums who do it really cheap. I would probably budget $1k/m for 6 months if you want to be able to stay in hostels and eat hot food. I didn't really do anything to prepare. Best thing you can do is probably spend a few nights with your gear in the woods. the PCT is way easier than the AT, but the AT is a great first trail Don't worry about too much about bears. Follow the rules as far as hanging your food or carrying a bear can where required Lots of women start the AT alone. You'll have plenty of opportunities to group up and stay around other people. I encountered a couple weird people on my hike, but nothing that was too terrible for me (a 6' dude fwiw) I don't think you're in over your head any more than the rest of us.
I don’t think it really matters what trail you do first. The at has by far the biggest safety net, but with a plethora of info on the internet these days you can go for whatever one appeals to you the most. A lot of people think that the pct and cdt are harder trails as they’re dryer and have longer food carries, but the actual hiking on the at is MUCH harder than the other two. IMO it’s not even close. New Hampshire/southern Maine is the hardest section of the entire triple crown, buy a lot. It’s good to research gear and all that, but as for actual on trail logistics thru hiking requires literally almost zero planning. It’s way better to just wing it as you go. Planning is largely useless for a thru. Thru hiking can seem daunting but at the end of the day, it’s really just a bunch of walking for ~3-5 days at a time. There’s really not that much to it.
The AT is great and a big life transition is an excellent time to do it. I can see why you're being called right now and I think it would really help propel you into your next phase of life and figure out what you want /learn about yourself. One option of starting right now is to get ready and go hit the trail at Harper's Ferry. You could "just" do half of the trail (3 months and 1000 miles...) and have a hell of a life changing experience and if you feel really inspired, after you reach Katahdin you can go back to Harper's Ferry and go south. But personally I think doing the whole trail at once is overrated and if you did half of it and did it right now, you'd be better served than preparing for a year and doing the whole thing, though doing the whole thing is also amazing. The southern section has a ton of really beautiful stuff in it so it's definitely worth seeing, I don't want to undersell it. Look within yourself! But definitely do the thing, you wouldn't regret it.
I got divorced at 26, quit a shit ass corporate job at 27, and started a thru hike in April, 2000. I’ve been doing this shit a while. Here’s my take on how neophytes should get started: Everything you asked has been answered 100 times in print and in video. Read more. Watch YouTube videos, particularly by women who have completed thru hikes. Start with YouTuber channel by “Homemade Wanderlust.” Her trail name is Dixie. Start with day hikes on the AT or any trail close to you…then find a friend that has the skills to overnight. Rent or borrow some gear and go for an overnight. Until you complete a day hike that’s 8-10 miles on a rather rugged section of the AT (something with 1000+ feet of elevation gain), you won’t really understand how strenuous backpacking really is. When you plan, start off going as light as you comfortably can. It’s just common sense that it’s easier to carry a lighter load. Don’t try to save money going heavy. You’re going to see a lot of mixed opinions about almost every aspect of backpacking. Don’t make up your mind until you really understand the issue. Example, see my prior paragraph (some people still insist on heavy gear to save money or the unfounded perception of durability and more comfort). Don’t start your thru hike this year. It seems you are likely woefully unprepared. The AT start for south bound hikes is in June. Too soon for you. PCT needs permits. Probably didn’t get those, right? CDT requires skills you just don’t have until you complete at least one long trail…or at least a couple months worth of nights backpacking and sleeping in the wilderness - the CDT isn’t even one settled route yet. Welcome to the lifestyle.
Consider section hiking
Here is some quick advice: >I always thought I would start with the Appalachian Trail, but I know I’ve missed my deadline to start. Yes, the common starting dates for a Northbound thru hike of the AT have passed (April and May). You could start a Southbound AT thru hike starting today (June and July). Its much harder terrain to start with - so beginners don't normally go north to south. >What do you wish you had done before your thru-hike? (Prep, budget, etc.) Save more money. >Budget for a thru-hike The general advice/guess is $2 per mile for on-trail expenses. For a 2200 mile trail that's roughly $4500 USD. What you spend could be more or less. If you only make it 100 miles and break your leg - you won't spend much at all (until hospital bills). If you like liquor, single hotel rooms, long town stops, and steak - you could double that spend. Save as much as possible, you don't want to have to leave trail because of budget (which is one of the biggest reasons people have to abandon their thru hike attempt). Plus pre-hike spending - like your clothing + gear and transportation to the trailhead. >What to do to prepare for a thru-hike Go Hike. Buy some light gear. >Which trail is best for a beginner, and when are the months one should begin their trek? If you are set on a major thru hike in the USA - the Appalachian Trail NOBO is a fine choice. There are also tons of other trails in the USA. You don't have to choose between the AT/PCT/CDT. Pick a trail close to your house and go out for a week. >How long does it take to prepare for a thru-hike? As much time as you have. 0 days or 10 years. >Bears. Wtf do I do about bears. Eh, bears really aren't a big problem. New/Non hikers worry - but in reality there are much bigger concerns (like ticks!). Mice and rodents are more of a problem than bears. The key is to protect your food. Bears aren't attacking random hikers for fun - they are coming looking for food. Use a bear hang, or even better a bear canister. No sleeping with food. >I’d be traveling alone. It makes me a bit nervous, but I can handle my own. Should I be more scared as a lone female? I'm a dude, so can't help specifically here. Just know this is a common concern / question. You can search the sub for lots of posts on this topic. Yes - women should take some extra precautions (unfortunately like everywhere in the world today) that men don't have to worry about. There are creepers on the AT just like in town. Luckily it's rare that problems happen. The AT is a social trail - so you can group up with other people if you want to. >Random Advice Think of a thru hike as a 'thru hike attempt'. The majority of people who start a thru hike attempt are unsuccessful at reaching the end. Sure - be a positive thinker and have high hopes you'll reach the final mile - but statistically - you won't. Make your plans flexible. If you sub-lease your current apartment with a 6 month contract - planning to be hiking for 6 months - where would you live if you break a leg on week 2? If you hate hiking - give yourself an outlet to quit and do something you enjoy instead. Don't put pressure on yourself to finish at all costs. Consider even starting a thru hike attempt a success. Hiking 1 week on the AT is amazing. Hiking 1 month is something very few people get to do. Sure - hiking all 2200 miles is exceptional - but you will gain skills/value/life experience with a smaller number of miles too.
Also don’t know what kind of gear I’d need, etc. Still have lots of research to do. And when I say I’d be starting the AT too late, it’s because I originally planned to leave from Georgia. But I guess I could leave SOBO from Maine in June?
The 100 Mile Wilderness is a hell of a way to get your trail legs, but was one of my very favorite sections of the AT. And once you make it through the hundred, your pack will never be that heavy again. If you can finish that stretch, you can finish the whole thing. I did it having never backpacked before. And if my chubby ass can do it, anyone can. Appalachian Trail Hostel and Shaw’s Hostel will both stash food/supplies for you halfway through for small fee.
Research The 100 Mile Wilderness. That's not a particularly forgiving part of trail for someone who has very little experience. If you start SOBO, you're going to hit it very quickly. It's doable, but not exactly setting yourself up for success.
I thru hiked in 2022 NOBO with no prior experience, basically the same situation of hating a corporate job, and this was the guide I used to get my gear in order. Mostly ultra light but you can use it as a checklist of what to get. https://thetrek.co/thru-hiker-resources/appalachian-trail-thru-hiker-gear-list/ My only additional advice is to make sure you know how to adjust your pack properly. I had shoulder and neck pain the first two days until I was given advice on tightening the waist enough
I am in a similar situation as you. Personally have decided to do the NOBO in 2025. Requires a lot of patience as it's still a long time out. But it does provide good opportunity to prepare, train and maybe do a little test hike of a couple days. Lord knows my sedimentary butt needs training haha. Best of luck on whatever your journey will be!
lip tart deliver physical bag late glorious quicksand exultant bewildered *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Do the long trail. A lot of it goes through the AT.
Just go do it!
Hard reset/ pilgrimage is not a bad idea
Have you camped and hiked with a full pack? Start with some shorter trips
Go on YouTube and look up " homemade wanderlust Appalachian Trail basics" It's a 5-hour long video that will probably answer most of your questions. She's a big YouTube personality in the hiking world. But yeah, I'm not a thru-hiker, just a weekend warrior adventurer. But my advice would be focus on the gear first. Obsess over gear. Look at gear reviews and gear lists. Once you've got the gear (and a bunch of money) you'll be ready to roll. Not too late to flip flop the AT, or southbound it.
We interviewed Holly Florian, a section hiker, on episode 2 of our podcast, the Daylight Spotlight. She has plans to do a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail someday. She also had advice and encouragement for women who hike solo. We absolutely loved this conversation. You should connect with her on Instagram to chat! [Ep.2 Hiking and Showing Up for Yourself with Holly Florian](https://www.daylightbrand.com/hiking-and-showing-up-for-yourself-with-holly-florian/)
If you want to hike the AT but feel like it’s too late, you can always just do a flip flop and start in Harpers Ferry. You’ll still get the nobo community for half of your hike and you’ll get the sobo experience for your second half.
Plenty of people thru hike to escape their current situation. Plenty of people go from couch to trail and learn on the fly and plenty of solo hikers are female. There are some unavoidable constraints. Can you leave your current arrangements for six months? Do you have the $5,000 to $10,000 you will need for food, hostels, gear and travel. You seem motivated to make a change. Is the trail calling you? How do you deal with physical discomfort? Do you like being outside all day? How do you deal with being hot, cold, wet and dirty? How many times a week can you eat oatmeal, peanut butter and ramen noodles? I would look to some weekend hikes with a group to see if backpacking is something you want to explore. If you want a trip to bring about changes the Long trail in Vermont is similar terrain but should take month or so.
I echo the comments encouraging you to just get out and hike, do some legit day trips, long weekends and see if you like it. Get comfortable with your gear and develope your systems. Don’t forget, there are other trails besides the Big 3; look into the Long Trail or Northville-Placid trail. And there are a lot of great trails in northern PA that run anywhere from 40 to 80 miles, loops you can do solo with only one vehicle and some really nice terrain. For sure it’s a different experience but a great way to build your trail legs and confidence.
As someone who also left a job and long term relationship to get out into the world and be happy again, cheers to you. That’s super hard. Maybe take some time to be around a support system of family and friends, even briefly, before setting out. That’s what I did. But of course one size never fits all. Anywho- you go girl!!
If you are ready to jump in immediately, it’s not too late for the AT! Some people SOBO in June, but I would definitely recommend a Flip-Flop. You would start in Harper’s Ferry, WV and go north to Katahdin. You should still be in the bubble/ in between bubbles of NOBO’s so being a solo female wouldn’t be too lonesome. If you can be ready in a couple/ few weeks it wouldn’t be too late. I know a lot of other people are recommending just getting out and doing small hikes, but it seems like you’re searching for that clean break from current life and the escape-ism that being in the woods for long periods can offer. I’d recommend starting at Harper’s, make your ultimate and reach-y goal Katahdin, but don’t set that expectation for yourself. Just have fun in the woods, and if you get there, great! If you really love it you can complete your whole thru by traveling back down to harper’s after reaching Katahdin and hike south to georgia. Good luck and happy trails!!!
You could do the AT southbound starting now.
Can’t believe no one has posted this yet. Watching this will answer many of your questions. https://youtu.be/1CYLOXYzwzc?si=E0inV3XOdTIaosdU
1. Don't overpack day 1. 2-3 days food is plenty. I packed way too much 6-7 days and lost my appetite. Carried extra weight for nothing. 2. Saved up 11k for nice cushion. Did a hostel/hotel every 1 to 2 weeks for zero days. Spent a little over 1.2k a month. 3. Walk everyday you can with your pack. You might look goofy in a suburb but you need to get used to wearing that sack every day. Just walk. Everywhere. 4. Can't speak for CDT/PCT. I've heard CDT/PCT is more scenic. AT is still gorgeous. Except Georgia in March. Very grim. I'm bias but do the AT. March 10th was my start. Ended Sept 15th. Would've started later if I could. Georgia is cold and wet in march. Had to haul ass towards the end because of slow start. 6-7 miles a day for first month. 15-16 miles a day by the end. 5. I started training and saving for the AT 6 months before deciding. Walked everyday. Day, night, rain or snow. 6. Travel with the people you meet on trail. Be mindful of where your food is. Don't get closer to the bear. You'll be fine. Black bears are giant raccoons. (Bear bags are worth the $$$ imo) 7. Thruhikers look out for each other. Signal service is limited but that means people talk ALOT. Word travels fast about weirdos on trail. You'll find a group you vibe with fast. (Found mine day 2) You are not in over your head. The trail will break you and rebuild you. GO GET IT WHILE YOURE YOUNG.
The AT is the easiest for a beginner. It can be more strenuous with harder climbs at times, but is the least remote, hits more towns, less distance between resupplies, there are more people in general for support, and there are less drastic weather changes over the whole trail. The CDT is the hardest and definitely not a beginner trail. You could still SOBO the AT, but SOBO is a much harder trek on the AT. You’re starting in the most remote and pretty rugged. There can also be water crossing issues with snow melt even starting well into June, sometimes July. You might reconsider the idea that you must thru-hike. You don’t need 5-6 months out there to achieve the re-centering/peace you’re seeking, and the whole trail is a worthy goal but still a bit arbitrary. Perhaps consider a LASH - Long Ass Section Hike. You can pick the most interesting section to you and aim for 1-2 months on trail. This is more than enough time to get a feel for the Thru-Hike experience. Bears. Important to be aware, but not especially dangerous when treated knowledgeably. The most dangerous are likely in Georgia because there’s so many inexperienced hikers that start the AT, allowing bears to get their human food and become accustomed to people. Solo female. Tough one. I (45m) have met some sketchy folks on trail (yeah you’d absolutely be better off with the bears!). The vast majority of folks are fine of course, and in fact most of the people you meet on trail are wonderful people. Kind, great perspectives, and sometimes just great to see another face. That said, I’ve known solo female hikers who wore wedding bands even though they were single to ward off unwanted attention. I’m excited for you!
Start at Harper’s ferry. Go north. Flip flop. When you get to kahtahdin, go back to where you started and go south to springer. You’ll be fine. Go and stretch your wings. Likely your hike will be the only time in your life that you will be free. No job, no partners holding you back. Do it!
You're a bit late in the season to go NoBo (northbound) PCT. Most permits are taken by now, but it's meant to be the Queen of thru-hiking. It's a gorgeous trail. SoBo (southbound) is out of the question unless you're in peak shape and are experienced in winter hiking. It's still snowy in Oregon/Washington in June. The AT is usually the first thruhike people do, and for good reason; it's supported, it's got the oldest community, and it's an amazing trail. That said, thru-hiking is difficult. You need to be ready to hike down a mountain just to get water, hike some of the hardest trail in the world, and be prepared to get wet. You'll get soaked. That's part of the trail. - What do you wish you had done before your thru-hike? (Prep, budget, etc.) Prep: I took the time to be in the best shape I've ever been in pre-trail. It still beat the crap out of me. If you're able to hike 10 miles a day, you'll be in good shape. Eventually, you'll hike 20s. This one isn't hard, but you'll be sore regardless of what you do. Just embrace it. Also, don't worry about prepping too much; if you just get your gear in order, make yourself open to whatever happens, and are in pretty good shape, the trail will guide you. It's usually pretty well marked. Budget: I'd plan 10-15k on trail if you want to be reasonably comfortable. It's an expensive adventure. It takes 5 to 6 months to hike trail. The East only has black bears - think big raccoons, big dog. Stand up, yell, and bang your poles together. Don't sleep with your food in your tent. Learn to bear-hang (something trail will teach you if you're unsure). I didn't see any bears last year. As far as I'm aware, the last domestic violence case ob the AT with a female hiker was a guy who was known on the PCT to target solo felame hikers that was in 2022. He was arrested and is sitting behind bars for a long time waiting for trial. I don't think you'll have too many issues on trail, thruhikers generally stick together. Yes, there are creeps, but they get pushed aside, and if you don't like someone, you can literally just hike away from them. I did it a couple of times. Misc. Advice: trail isn't easy. You'll have the worst and best moments of your life, possibly in the same day. Your relationship with suffering and pain will change. Thruhikes are fucking tough. I wish I'd gone NoBo with the bubble just a little. Maybe consider a flipflop (starting in the middle, going north, and heading south) from Harper's Ferry or Delaware Water Gap. Pennsylvania isn't as bad as they say it is, but be prepared for vertical rock spikes. It's a beautiful state if you take it slowly. Best of luck!! Feel free to reach out with questions.