Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Guidelines Updated
There’s good news for outdoor enthusiasts hoping to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, as recommendations against embarking on long-distance hikes on the trail have now been removed.
Changes in Recommendations
In March 2020, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) advised long-distance hikers to postpone their treks due to the multiple risks this style of hiking posed for the spread of COVID-19. It is now removing this recommendation for two significant reasons:
- Widespread availability of effective COVID-19 vaccines.
- Recent announcements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify outdoor activities like hiking as significantly lower risks for spreading the virus, even among small groups of both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Trail Details
Completed in 1937, the Appalachian Trail is the country’s longest footpath, spanning over 2100 miles. It crosses two national parks, traverses eight national forests, and encompasses 14 states from Georgia to Maine. Each year, approximately 3500 people attempt to hike the entire trail, although only one in four successfully completes the journey. Additionally, two to three million visitors trek a portion of the Appalachian Trail annually, drawn to its misty mountains, deep woods, flowery pastures, and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Guidelines for Hikers
Part of the reason the ATC issued recommendations against long-distance hikes last year was safety concerns related to shared accommodations along the trail, including shelters, campsites, and huts. Moreover, the risks posed by hikers stopping in towns to resupply were a significant factor, as these required arrangements for shuttles or hitchhiking, which increased potential exposure to the virus.
Consequently, the ATC encourages hikers to:
- Carry a mask for areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Pack a tent or personal shelter instead of utilizing crowded shelters.
- Follow CDC recommendations for protecting themselves and others, including advice on when to avoid travel.
Recognition and Visitor Centers
The ATC has classified a “thru-hike”—where hikers aim to complete the full trail within a twelve-month period—as a safer activity, especially for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Moreover, the ATC plans to restart its recognition program for hikers who have completed a full thru-hike of the trail, which was paused during the pandemic. It has also announced reopening dates for two of its visitor centers. The ATC Headquarters and Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, will reopen with modified operations on May 27, while the A.T. Visitor Center in Monson, Maine, will open on June 2.
For the latest information and guidelines, it’s advisable to check the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s website here.
This article was originally published on January 26, 2021, and updated on May 12, 2021.
