Minimal planning Appalachian Trail walk

[jjoz58]

G'day

I have been looking at planning for next year, and not having local contacts and coming from Australia, I'm looking at a no advanced planning walk. Getting there and starting after taking a day or so to get the first load of food and gas, and then playing it by ear. Have to set up a bump box as well as I will need to get rid of any winter gear and store the odd extras. Buy any replacements gear, food etc along the way and/or mail it to myself further up the trail.

I don't want too long in country before the start as I will only have a 6 month visa and don't want to go through the process of asking for an extension. 1st of April start so from the start of a Qld Autumn to a Georgia spring, that will be fun.

Looking for input from those that have done the trail.

Feasible? Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

[LandSailor]

Have you had a look over at the White Blaze forums? I would also have a read of a few of the trail diaries like AWOL on the Appalachian Trail for example.

[Tortoise]

Norts is doing the AT at the moment - have you checked out that thread? He hasn't posted for a while, but visited recently, so presumably he's still on the trail. Reckon he'd offer you some thoughts if you ask him.
http://new.bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=12295&p=233588&hilit=norts#p233588

[jjoz58]

Posted on both the White Blaze and Trail Journals forums. Following walkers this year on Trail journals.

[Turfa]

G'day

I have been looking at planning for next year, and not having local contacts and coming from Australia, I'm looking at a no advanced planning walk. Getting there and starting after taking a day or so to get the first load of food and gas, and then playing it by ear. Have to set up a bump box as well as I will need to get rid of any winter gear and store the odd extras. Buy any replacements gear, food etc along the way and/or mail it to myself further up the trail.

I don't want too long in country before the start as I will only have a 6 month visa and don't want to go through the process of asking for an extension. 1st of April start so from the start of a Qld Autumn to a Georgia spring, that will be fun.

Looking for input from those that have done the trail.

Feasible? Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

That is totally feasible !

You really don't need to do that much forward planning apart from getting the US visa. Once you are in the country, you basically just need to turn up at Springer Mtn in Georgia with 4 days of food & start hiking North. That is basically what I did. I bought all my food along the way, resupplying every 4-5 days. I did have a bounce box for extra maps, summer weight sleeping bag etc. that I bounced to towns about 2 weeks ahead.

Don't overthink it...it is just walking !!
I'm more than happy to answer any questions. PM me if you like.

[jacko1956]

I'll PM you my email.
Rarely in here lately but did the AT in 2013.
Happy to help.