Hi Everyone
Is the AT well marked with blazes all the way? Is it necessary to purchase all the maps? Or can one just follow the blazes? A lot of maps to carry, I'm thinking of the weight.
Feedback would be great.
Thanks
gipcgirl

hey aussie girl,
the AT is very well marked I have met hikers on it with no maps and I have met people on it that owned every map on the planet sometimes its kinda funny I just own the AT book its helpful for water locations and shelter distances and resupply info has updated info each year as best they can

Thanks for the info.
I have the AT data book printed in 2007 so I guess it will be fine, I may decide to get the latest edition but will make up my mind when I am over there. Bought the book through Amazon when I first started planning to walk, wow 2 years ago, and now its finally happening.
Cheers
Tanya

There are definely places in NY and NJ at least where it is helpful to have the trail books. Sometimes you can't find the next blaze and there's an intesecting old logging road or even an illegal ATV trail(possibly) and books tell you where all the turn offs /intersections are. I did get frustrated with poor marking a few times. Also, if you like to have an idea of how far along you are, the books are helpful.

I didn't find the official maps very helpful (NY/NJ) as they are at too great a scale, its hard to tell what the topo lines are and where the side trails intersect. The 1995 version of the maps (NY/NJ) that I have are much better.

Books also tell you where the shelters and water sources are as well as up-coming roads (where you might be able to flag down a passerby if needing help, for example).

Linda

Hi Linda
Thanks for the info, I have ordered AT Pages book and will also look into other books that may be helpful. There is so much available that its hard to work out what is good and not so good. Lots more research on the internet and helpful discussions are on the agenda.
Happy Hiking
Tanya