How many days of food should I carry on Appalachian Trail?

Resupplying. Long-distance hikers leave the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) periodically (typically every 3-5 days) to resupply in nearby towns. In remote areas, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee/North Carolina and the “100 Mile Wilderness” in Maine, hikers may carry food for 6-8 days or more.

Can you forage for food on the Appalachian Trail?

The Appalachian Trail is one of the world’s premier long-distance hiking destinations. Coming up, we’ll introduce you to each of these plants and fungi so you can enjoy some hand-foraged treats in the great outdoors. …

What kind of food should I bring on a hike?

3. For a Hike or Day Trip…

Trail mix.
Nuts, seeds, nut-based bars or nut butter packs.
Fresh, whole fruit that doesn’t require refrigeration such as apples, bananas and oranges.
Dried or freeze-dried fruits and veggies.
Energy bars, chews or gels.
Granola or granola bars.
Ready-made tuna salad pouches.
Whole-grain tortillas.

What should I bring on the Appalachian Trail?

Shelter. Most AT thru-hikers carry a tent.
Pack. As the contents inside hikers’ packs get lighter and more compact, so too does the pack itself.
Sleeping Bag. The vast majority of thru-hikers are going to see sub-freezing temperatures.
Sleeping Pad.
Clothing.
Footwear.
Water Purification.
Hydration Reservoir / Water Bottle.

Where do you sleep when hiking the Appalachian Trail?

Appalachian Trail shelters
Appalachian Trail shelters are simple wooden structures scattered along the length of the trail for hikers to sleep in. They, most commonly, have three wooden walls (the fourth wall being exposed) and are elevated a couple feet off the ground.

Where do I send resupply boxes Appalachian Trail?

You will need to resupply at Fontana Village since it’s on the southern border of the Smokies. Your only option to resupply in town is at the General Store, which has a moderate selection, but is expensive (because it’s the only option and resupply is necessary).

What is a bounce box?

The definition of a Bounce Box, in my own words, is a parcel that thru-hikers send ahead to various resupply points on a long distance trail, usually containing extra gear, food and some luxury items to enjoy while in town.

What are good snacks to take on a hike?

Best Hiking Snacks | 8 Healthy Hiking Snacks for Your Next Hiking Trip

Peanut Butter and Bananas. Our old friend peanut butter is chock full of energizing goodness — proteins, calories and the healthy kind of fat.
Beef Jerky.
Tuna and Goldfish.
Fresh or Dried Fruit.
Granola.
Veggies.
Nuts and Seeds.
Trail Mix.

Can you sleep anywhere on the Appalachian Trail?

The Appalachian Trail is free for all to enjoy. However, the A.T. passes through numerous state and national parks, forests and public lands, a few of which charge fees or require permits or reservations to park or to stay overnight in shelters or campsites.

What should I pack for the Appalachian Trail?

If only doing a short trek, you can bring perishable food, though if the goal begins in Maine and ends in Georgia, it’s best to do thorough trail food research before lacing up your hiking boots. Nutritious food and snacks that are easy to pack and won’t spoil after a day or two are your best bets, so leave the chips and cheese puffs at home!

Where to buy food for the Appalachian Trail?

Many hikers buy food and supplies in towns along the Trail or businesses near the Trail that cater to hikers. However, many towns along the A.T. are quite small and selection may be limited. Shipping packages ahead to post offices, hostels, and businesses near the Trail can ensure you have hard-to-find items when you need them.

How often do you need to resupply the Appalachian Trail?

Long-distance hikers leave the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) periodically (typically every 3-5 days) to resupply in nearby towns. In remote areas, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee/North Carolina and the “100 Mile Wilderness” in Maine, hikers may carry food for 6-8 days or more.

How do you pick up a package on the Appalachian Trail?

Provide a return address in the upper left-hand corner. Off to the side add “Hold for A.T. hiker” and your expected arrival date. Writing legibly is important. You will need a photo ID to pick up your package, so be sure the name on your package matches your ID. Do not use your Trail name or initials.