A mild or moderate sprain will be slightly painful and swell some.  To treat a mild or moderate sprain, apply a cold compress if available, wrap the joint with elastic bandage and elevate the affected area.  An anti-imflammatory like Ibuprofen will help reduce the swelling. 

A more severe sprain will swell substantially, be very painful and discolored, a purple-blue color.  Severe sprains require professional assistance, thus seek medical help. 

For minor wounds, apply pressure to stop the bleeding, gently clean the wound, removing any foreign material, place antiseptic ointment to prevent infection, cover with sterile gauze dressing, and tape in place.  Follow the same procedure for larger wounds, though seek medical help if the wound does not stop bleeding.

For abrasions, clean the wound, removing any foreign material, place antiseptic ointment to prevent infection, cover with sterile gauze dressing, and tape in place.

Your wound may be infected if it is red, painful or secretes pus.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening situation.  It is dangerous because the body produces more heat than it can release.

Symptoms

The two most prevalant symptoms are a body temperature reaching 105-106 degrees and changes in mental state.  Other symptoms include:  a sense of warmth, hot, red and dry skin, difficulty breathing, elevated or lowered blood pressure, confusion, headache, reduced or absent sweating, extremely rapid pulse, dizziness and nausea.

Treatment

Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency.  Call 911 or seek medical help if possible.  It is imperative that the body temperature lowers immediately.  Get out of the sun and immerse the victim in a cold body of water, a stream, lake or pond.  Spray cold water on the body or place a cold water compress on the skin and continue to do so until the body temperature returns to normal.

Heat exhaustion results when the body gets too hot because one fails to replace liquid lost through perspiration.  It is critical that it is treated immediately because it can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening situation.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:  heavy sweating, malaise, palpitations, thirst, faintness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, and muscle cramps.

Treamtent:

Find a cool place, drink one to two quarts of cool water with about 1/2 teaspoon salt (if available), and lie down.  Loosen or remove clothing and spray water on the body or place a cold water compress on the skin. 

Having claimed the lives of AT hikers in the past, hypothermia is the most serious threat to hikers on the Appalachian Trail.  It occurs when the body temperature cools down below 95 degrees, when body heat is lost more quickly than the body can replace it.  Sometimes happening under situations one would not consider threatening, it can be extremely dangerous.  For example, it can occur when someone is sweating, stops hiking and a slight breeze comes along, causing the body to cool rapidly.  In addition, wet clothing and wind chill exacerbate heat loss, making the situation worse. 

Prevention

Prevention is the best treatment.  Because people are more susceptible to hypothermia when exhausted, sick or lacking nourishment, don't get overly fatigued and eat frequently to maintain an acceptable metabolic rate.  Also, camp early, maintain body heat (starting fire), huddle together, and wear appropriate clothing.  Clothes made of synthetic (polypro) and wool fabrics are better than cotton, and an outer shell that is waterproof and wind-resistant will help as well.

Symptoms

Shivering uncontrollably, mental confusion, slowed speach, pale, blue lips, ears, fingers and toes...

Treatment

Put on properly insulated dry clothing and get somewhere warm.  Curl inside a sleeping bag, drink warm, slightly sweetened fluids.  If in a group, huddle inside a sleeping bag with the victim, maintaining skin-to-skin contact, and encourage the victim to exercise.

Blisters form from friction between the foot and the boot.  The friction causes the outer layer of skin to separate from the inner layer of skin; and when this does, fluid fills between the two and a blister emerges. 

The best solution for blisters is prevention, and the best way to stop friction between the foot and boot is to have a properly fitted boot and two pairs of socks.  The first pair of socks should be a thin liner of polypropylene, Orlon, or nylon and the second should be a thick wool outer sock.  The idea behind two pairs of socks is that the rubbing will occur between the two socks and not on the skin.

It is also critical to break the boot in properly. Begin slow and work up gradually, paying close attention to the development of blisters.  Once blisters do begin to emerge, treat the blister according to below.  Then rub leather softener inside the boot where the discomfort is coming from.  Remember the heavier the boot, the more breaking in it needs.

Blisters are exacerbated by wet feet.  Damp feet equates to soft skin, which doesn't slide easily inside socks, causing friction.  Thus, be sure to change your socks when yours are wet. 

Treating Blisters

If a break in the skin begins to form, stop hiking as soon as feasible, remove your boots and let your feet air.  Treat breakage of skin with tincture of benzoin and cover with moleskin or Second Skin.  The idea behind the moleskin or Second Skin is that the moleskin will move inside the sock and eliminate the friction between the skin layers.

If a large blister has formed, remove the fluid inside before the skin breaks.  To do this, first wash the area with soap and water.  Then use a sterile needle to puncture the base of the blister and gently press the fluid out.  Finally, protect the blister and area with a patch of moleskin or Second Skin that has a doughnut hole a little larger than the blister.

If the blister is already broken, wash the area, apply antiseptic ointment and cover the area with a sterile bandage.  

A properly equipped first aid kit is essential for both day and thru-hikers.  All contents should be inspected before each outing, and the supplies should be clean and in good condition.  Medication should be updated and all expired medication should be replaced. 

In addition to this, it is also critical that you know how to use each item before heading out.  Invest the time before embarking.  Read the directions included with your kit, or perform your own research on the contents in your bag. 

First aid kits can be assembled at home or bought from the store.  Buying ready equipped first aid kits often saves money because the retailers buy the gear wholesale and in bulk.  In addition to this, ready equipped first aid kits include instructions explaining how to use each item. 

First Aid Kit Fundamentals:

• waterproof container
• adhesive bandages of various sizes & adhesive tape
• butterfly bandages, used to close wounds
• triangular bandage, used as slings, tourniquets, etc...
• elastic roll bandage
• gauze pads
• moleskin / Second Skin, used as blister treatment and prevention
• alcohol swabs
• antiseptic ointment
• chemical heat and cold packs
• cotton swabs
• dry-wash pads or wipes
• insect repellant
• safety pins
• scissors
• tweezers
• bulb irrigating syringe
• anti-diarrhea medicine (loperamide HCL: Imodium)
• antibiotic for skin infections (Dicloxacillin)
• antihistimine for allergic reactions (Benadryl, etc..)
• anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen, aspirin, etc...)
• acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce fever (Tylenol)
• hydrocortisone cream to soothe allergic skin
• tincture of benzoin to protect skin, help with application of adhesive bandage and treat blisters

Though selecting a pack to hike the Appalachian Trail is a personal preference, it is important to select a quality pack that is light, properly fitted, and one that will endure the length of your hike.  Carrying a pack that is not properly fitted or having a load that is not balanced leads to hiker exhaustion and possible injury.  Thus, it is crucial that you do your homework and take your time in finding the right pack for you. 

External vs. Internal Frame

One important decision you will have to make is whether to go for an external frame or an internal frame.  External frames have a harnass attached to one side of the frame and an equipment bag on the other.  The frames are typically made of aluminum or a composite material.  The advantage of an external frame is that in warm weather hiking, cool air circulates between the equipment bag and the hiker's back.  These appeal to hikers hiking in warm weather and on well-maintained trails.  However, external frames ride high on a hiker's back, thus occassionally catch on branches from low-hanging trees. In comparison, internal frames have an internal simple frame, and the carrying harnass is attached directly to the equipment pack.  The internal frame appeals to cross-country hikers and hikers hiking high elevations.

Fitting an Internal Frame

When fitting an internal frame, the pack size must agree with the hiker's body measurement. Measure your torso and select the correctly sized pack.  Once you have the correct size, follow the manufacturer's instructions to adjust the pack to your torso size.  Next, loosen all straps and load the pack with the intended weight you'll be carrying on your hike.  After putting it on, adjust the straps in the following order:

1)  The hip or waist belt:  should rest on the hip bone and the straps should tighten as must as possible.

2)  The shoulder straps:  should be adjusted to the correct height for your torso length.  They should fit snugly against the body, and the top of the shoulder strap harnass should be close to the base of your neck near the largest backbone at the top of your spine.

3)  The load lifting straps:  adjust the load.  Pulling on these places the load closer to your center of gravity but more weight on your shoulders.  Loosening them places more weight on your hips.

4)  The sternum straps:  should be adjusted so they are at the center of your breast bone and a few inches below your collar bone.

5)  The compression straps:  on the hip belt should be tightened to prevent swaying.

Fitting an External Frame

Size is very important in choosing an externally framed pack.  The pack must fit your torso and not flop on the back.  The shoulder straps should give some room for adjustment.  The hipbelt should fit your waist, and there should be some extra material as well.  When you think you have the right fit, fill the bag with approximately the same weight you'll be carrying on your hike and give it a test drive.  How does it feel?

Quality of Construction

Double-stitched seams and zippers help with durability.  Because nylon is smoother and doesn't corrode as easily as metal, you want to try to get a pack with nylon zippers.  You also want to check out the fasteners that hold the frame together.  Metal rods and pins with split rings are pretty reliable, though you want to bring spares as they can catch on branches from time to time.

It is a hiker's responsibility to dispose of waste in a safe way, leaving minimal impact on the environment.  When there is a privy near, hikers are encouraged to use it. 

However, when there is no privy available, you want to leave little to no evidence behind. 

To dispose of feces, find ground that is soft enough to dig a hole.  Cut a hole at least 5 to 6 inches deep.  Deposit feces.  If possible, burn the toilet paper and place the ashes in the hole.  Then fill with soil.  Be sure to consider other campers when choosing the location to dig your hole.

Urinating should be done in soil and away from water sources.  Some hikers will pack a wide-mouthed plastic bottle and cap for night time urinating.  Again, this is a personal preference.

In addition to toilet paper, be sure to include a small plastic trowel in your toilet kit for digging holes.  Many hikers will  include a small bottle of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and some cotton balls in their toilet kit as well. 

Options for cleaning oneself on the trail include sponge baths in cold water from your canteen with biodegradable soap.  Biodegradable soap can be purchased from a camping store.  Popular brands include Dr. Bronner's and Camp Suds. 

Be sure to perform your sponge bath at least 200 feet from water sources and to pour the used water directly onto the soil and not back in to streams and lakes.  The same applies for rinsing after brushing your teeth.

Deodorant is optional.  Many hikers only become self-conscious of their odor when heading into towns.  Some will carry a travel-size deodorant and use it sparingly when reentering civilization.

Methods of cleaning clothes is a personal preference.  Some of the biodegradable soaps are multi-purpose and can be used to clean clothes as well.  Other hikers depend on the soap dispensing machines from laundromats in towns; however, these can be expensive. 

Although finding water on the Appalachian Trail generally is not a problem, water purity is the concern.  Most shelters are situated in close proximity to a spring, and many hikers rely on the fact that if the water runs directly from the ground, it is usually safe to consume. 

Reliable and natural water sources are listed in guidebooks like Appalachian Trail Data Book and Thru-hikers' Guide to the Appalachian Trail, though treating or boiling all water regardless of the source is by far the safest option. 

The protozoan Giardia lamblia is the most abundant and debilitating parasite in the waters of the Appalachians and thus, the biggest worry for hikers.  Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue and vomitting.  These usually appear 6-20 days after ingestion, last 10-14 days, and are treated by prescription drugs.

Hikers generally treat their water in one of three ways, boiling, water filters/purifiers, or by some kind of chemical or tablet.  Boiling is one of the most reliable ways to protect yourself from infection, though it is time consuming and relies on fire or fuel.  If you choose to boil your water, you should do so for at least one minute and between three to five in high altitudes.  Options for chemical and tablet treatment include chlorine dioxide and iodine.  These, however, are not reliable for killing Giardia and Cryptospridium.  The effectiveness of filters and purifiers varies greatly depending on the make and manufacturer.  Options for these include bottle filters, gravity feed filters, and pump filters.  The pump filters are generally faster and more effective but also require more maintenance.  If you choose a filter or purifier, be sure to do your homework and to purchase one from a reputable dealer.  It is also important to know how long your filter will function before it needs replacement.  Filters generally weigh between 1 and 1.5 pounds.

Most thru-hikers use a collapsible 2.5 gallon water bag for supper, cleaning, breakfast and filling canteens.  Filling the water bag will be one of the first tasks completed upon arriving at a shelter or campsite.  After emptied, the bag collapses nicely and adds little weight to packs.

Where to Send Care Packages

Many businesses and hostels and all post offices along the Appalachian Trail will hold mail for thru-hikers.  An advantage of using a business as opposed to the post office is that businesses are often open seven days a week, including some holidays.  A listing of these businesses, hostels and post offices, along with the directions and distances needed to go from roads crossing the Appalachian Trail to groceries, supplies, lodging, restaurants and post offices are included in both The Appalachian Trail Data Book (condensed) and the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion (more detailed). 

Holding Care Packages

Post offices are required to hold care packages for Appalachian Trail hikers thirty days.  Many businesses, hostels and post offices will hold them longer, though you'd definitely want to contact them to ensure they will.  When addressing your package, be sure to include your full name, the business name and address OR write "General Deliver" if being delivered to a post office, the city, state and zip.  If you have a phone with you, include your phone number as part of the return address.  Be sure to write "Please hold for Appalachian Trail thru-hiker" on the box and your expected arrival date for picking the package up.  

When mailing a care package, use priority mail or first class and remember that post offices can't accept FedEx or UPS. 

Bounce Boxes

"Bounce" boxes or send ahead boxes are also popular amongst thru-hikers.  The idea behind these is to send ahead the extra supplies, utimately having the box follow you along the trail.  Things people send ahead in their bounce boxes include toiletries, batteries, phone chargers, cooking fuel (be sure to follow USPS guidelines when mailing cooking fuel), etc...

After using a post office, don't forget to fill out a form to forward your mail.  Forward mail to your home or a post office you will be stopping at in two to three weeks.

With a 4,000 calorie a day intake, Appalachian Trail thru-hikers still lose on average 10-20 pounds when all is said and done.  Given this deficiency in calories, hikers are known for their off-trail feasts in towns crossing the trail.  When not in-town feasting, hikers have their own preferences for nourishment on the trail.  Mostly every hiker will have three meals, but what they eat and how they plan and prepare it varies.  Impractical to eat off the land, all hikers should plan to stop in order to resupply. 

Food required for one day weighs approximately two pounds, and with everything else a hiker carries, hikers typically resupply anywhere from every six to ten days.  Resupplying can be done in two ways, hikers can either purchase supplies from convenience stores and general stores in towns crossing the AT, or they can pick up care packages sent from home via mail drops.  Either way, getting to these places will take additional time and effort. 

The Appalachian Trail Data Book and the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion both include listings of directions and distances needed to go from roads crossing the AT to groceries, supplies, lodging, restaurants and post offices.

The majority of hikers will buy half the food they'll be consuming along the way, and they'll have the other half mail-dropped to them.  Needing food that is lightweight, high in calories, resistant to spoiling, and  fast and easy to cook, peanut butter, noodles, canned tuna fish, sardines, nuts, instant oatmeal, coffee and tea, gorp, etc... are all popular staples. 

Freeze-dried food is available at most grocery stores and even in the remote country stores along the trail.  Only taking a pot, a stove, some fuel and 5-10 minutes to cook, freeze-dried food is quick and easy.  Cooking and eating out of one pot will cut down on pack weight, and a pocketknife will generally work for food preparation.

Another option is home-dried food.  Though home-dehydrated food is generally healthier, tastier and less expensive than other options, this takes much pre-planning.  In addition to preparing the food, this method requires hikers to carefully plan when and where to mail drop the care packages. 

Mail drops can be done through businesses or post offices.  An advantage of using a business as opposed to the post office is that businesses are often open seven days a week, including some holidays.  Post offices are required to hold care packages for AT hikers thirty days, and many will hold them longer for you, though using mail drops alone will most likely require some assistance from someone at home to send the packages to the right mail drop and at the right time.  

Nearly all thru-hikers will use a stove and fuel.  A stove and fuel for one week will add about two to four pounds to your pack's weight.  Minimalist hikers may omit the stove altogether and eat mainly cold food, with the occassional fire-cooked food.  However, hunting for firewood, building a fire, and so on, all take time and energy; and in addition to this, many camp sites are designated "no fire areas".

Although there are 250 shelters strategically placed on the AT, tents are necessary when shelters are full or when you can't reach the next shelter before dark.   In addition to this, tents often are more comfortable than shelters.  They provide more privacy, give better protection against rodents and insects, and are warmer than most shelters on cold nights. 

The two most important features to bear in mind when selecting a tent are weight and size.  Basically, you want the lightest tent that will accommodate your needs. 

Hiking tents generally weigh between one and nine pounds.  On the light and minimalist end are the bivy sacks.  In contrast, the heavier nine pound options include two-person tents with more features and heavy fiber glass poles. 

Bivy sacks (bivouc sacks) are pretty much enlarged sleeping bag shells and weigh between one and a quarter pounds to two pounds.  They are designed to keep sleeping bags dry and to provide extra warmth.  Minimalist hikers prefer this option. 

One-person tents usually weigh one to two pounds or less.  Most thru-hikers, however, prefer a simple, small, two-person tent weighing about four pounds. The advantage of a two-person tent is that there is more interior room.  The extra space provides comfort, allows a place to sit up and eat when it is raining outside, and provides room to bring your pack inside at night. 

Poles, guy-lines and stakes add to the weight.  Aluminum poles are light yet strong, and thus are usually the most expensive.  Fiber glass poles are a little heavier, less expensive, and not as sturdy as aluminum.  Carbon fiber poles are light but expensive. 

Some hikers will cook inside their tents in wet weather, and others prefer a tent with a vestibule as an alternative.

Since most AT hiking is done during the spring, summer and fall, most thru-hikers prefer a three season tent.  These generally consist of two layers, a breathable, fabric inner and a waterproof outer fly.

Tent sealer is another option for ensuring your tent is waterproofed.  If you choose to use this, you'd want to apply the tent sealer to both sides of the floor seams and all reinforcement areas.

New Hampshire

In the Northern Region of the Appalachian Trail, cabins and/or huts are available in Baxter State Park in Maine and through the Randolph Mountain Club or the Appalachian Mountain Club in New Hamphire's White Mountains.

Baxter State Park in Maine maintains 10 cabins in Daicey Pond and 12 in Kidney Pond; all are wilderness type cabins. Call 207-723-5140 to make reservations. 

Shelters are also available through Randolph Mountain Club in New Hampshire's White Mountains.  Visit their website for specific information and amenities available at each of their shelters: Gray Knob (15 person capacity), Crag Camp (20 person capacity), Perch (8 person capacity), and Log Cabin (10 person capicity).  RMC's cabins are open year-round and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Reservations are not accepted.  A caretaker comes around many evenings to collect the fee; in the event that the caretaker does not come, hikers are instructed to mail the fee to RMC in the envelopes provided. 

The Appalachian Mountain Club rents out cabins in New Hampshire's White Mountains.  Situated above the treeline or near mountain lakes and falls, each of their cabins are a day's hike apart from each other.  Check availability, rates, amenities, or see pictures of the cabins by visiting their website.  Call 603-466-2727 or send an email to lodging@outdoors.org to make reservations. 

Pennslyvania and Virginia

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) has cabins from southern Pennsylvania to the south of end of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.  These cabins are primitive and have no running water.  The PATC's Cabin Guide, which is available for purchase online for $7.50 for non-members, includes cabin sites, rates and descriptions.  Visit their website to check availability, rates and amenities.  Call 703-242-0315 to make reservations.

If you have information you'd like added to this site, please email us at info@appalachiantrail.com.

New England

The Appalachian Trail Lodge is located in the Katahdin Region in Millinocket, Maine.  The lodge has four private rooms with shared bath, one bunk that accommodates up to nine people, and a family suite with a private kitchen and bath that sleeps four.  Prices start at around $25 for the bunkroom.   The lodge also offers packages for around $70 for thru-hikers that include pick-up, hostel accommodation, a hiker breakfast special and shuttle to the trail.  Reservations are not required for NOBO thru-hikers though they are required for SOBO thru-hikers and section hikers.  Phone for reservations at 207-723-4321 or email reservations@appalachiantraillodge.com.  The address of the lodge is 33 Penobscot Avenue, Millinicket, Maine 04462.

Other options in Maine include the Appalachian Mountain Club's lodges that are within their 37,000 acres of conservation land in Maine, Little Lyford Lodge and Medawisla.  Check availability, rates, amenities, or see pictures of the lodges by visiting their website.  Call 603-466-2727, or send an email to lodging@outdoors.org to make reservations.

The Appalachian Mountain Club also has two lodges in the White Mountains, the Highland Center at Crawford Notch and Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, which is on the AT in the White Mountain National Forest.  Check availability, rates, amenities, or see pictures of the lodges by visiting their website.  Call 603-466-2727, or send an email to lodging@outdoors.org to make reservations.

Virginia and the South

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has two lodges, Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort.  Located at mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive, Big Meadows Lodge has 29 cozy rooms and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.  The lodge's season begins the end of May and lasts until early November.  Skyland Resort is situated at mile 41.7 on 36 acres and has 28 buildings.  Their season starts in the beginning of April and lasts until the end of November.  Both lodges accept reservations online.   

Leconte Lodge is located on the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.  They have seven cabins and three lodges and can hold up to 60 guests a night.  The season begins the end of March and goes until early November.  Adult rates are about $80 for lodging and $37 for meals. Reservations are given out via a lottery and written requests can be submitted by fax, email, mail or an inquiry form found on their website.  Their mailing address is 250 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862.  Reach them by phone at 865-429-5704, fax at 865-774-0045, or email at reservations@lecontelodge.com.

Open year-round, Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia can only be reached by foot.  Taking two to four hours to walk, there is a five-mile hiking trail that originates at the top of Amicalola Falls.  There are twenty rooms with bunks accommodating two people.  Rates are around $70 for a double occupancy and $97 for a single.  Lodgers must check in at the visitor center of the park no later than 2:00pm in order to stay.  No pets, cellphones, beepers or radios are allowed.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 800-581-8032. 

Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia also has a lodge located at the top of the falls at 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534.  Lodging rates start at $75 out of season and can be made online or by calling 800-573-9656.

If you have information that you would like added to the site, email us at info@appalachiantrail.com.

Some towns along the trail have hostels specifically for hikers.  These towns are usually spaced out between 50 and 100 miles from each other in the northern and southern regions and are 30 to 50 miles apart in the middle region. 

Most are about $15 to stay for the night, though private rooms may be more, while some are free and others just take donations.  Most include breakfast and the use of showers in their price, and some have phone/internet access, laundry facilities and/or shuttle services for a small fee.

Campsites will be noted in your guidebook.  These usually have flat land and are located near a water source.  Rarely are they near a privy.  Some have tent platforms. 

Campsites in heavy-use areas may require a fee, usually less than $8.

Dispersed camping is allowed in some areas along the Appalachian Trail, particularly the national forests of the Virginias and the southern Appalachians. 

It is important to leave no trace, avoiding places that show signs other hikers have pitched a tent there, picking a durable place to pitch your tent that is at least 70 paces from water, and being sure not trample on plants and seedlings. 

There are approximately 250 shelters strategically spaced along the Appalachian Trail.  The typical shelter is called a "lean-to", having three walls with one open side.  They have a metal or shingled roof and a wood floor.  All are marked on maps and trail guides, with most located near creeks or springs and some having a privy nearby. 

Your guidebook will list locations and distances between shelters on the Appalachian Trail.  The Appalachian Trail Conservancy publishes two highly recommended guidebooks, Appalachian Trail Data Book and Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion.  The Appalachian Trail Data Book is a condensed version of the most important information from other guides and is published every year.  It includes the distance between major Appalachian Trail shelters.  In comparison, the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion includes more detail.  The latest version was published in 2010. 

Shelters are intended for individual hikers and are a good place to stay dry in wet weather and talk with other hikers. 

Staying in a shelter reduces hiker impact, though it is important to clean up after yourself as they can be an unpleasant place to stay when they are rodent infested.  Another downside to shelters is that they fill up, especially in heavy-use areas during wet weather, so never completely rely on staying in a shelter. 

Some shelters in the heavy-use areas require a permit, registration and/or a fee.

The two types of grouse inhabiting the Appalachian Trail are the ruffed grouse and the spruced grouse.  The ruffed grouse is found in all the states the trail passes, whereas the spruced grouse is only found in Maine.  The size of chickens and excellently camouflaged, ruffed grouse are usually a mottled red-brown or gray-brown and have a brown, banded tail.  Male spruce grouse have black breasts, white barring on their sides and a bit of red skin above their eyes.  They have a chestnut, banded tail.

Hikers usually observe wild turkeys in small flocks and during light rain or mist.  They inhabit the AT from southern Vermont and south.

The two species of skunk that live on the Appalachian Trail are the spotted skunk and the striped skunk.  Smaller than the striped skunk, the spotted skunk has horizontal stripes on the neck and shoulders and spots on its sides.  In contrast, the striped skunk has two thick white stripes along its back that converge in a kind of cap on the head.  Skunks can spary their fetid, oily musk up to 15 feet, but the mist can go 3 times as far, and the smell can reach a mile.  If a predator gets skunk fluid in the eye, it can be painful and may even cause temporary blindness.  Skunks consume any food they can find, and they often seek food around shelters and campgrounds.  Though they may be cute to watch, they are also huge carriers of rabies.  The best thing to do when confronted by a skunk is to back off.  Most likely it is just looking for food and will scurry off in a short time.

One of the few marsupial species found on the trail, the Virginia Opossum is the size of a large cat.  Most have a mottled-gray and white upper coat and long white hairs that cover dark fur underneath.  Their distinguishing feature is a long, hairless tail.  They are nocturnal and solitary and thus, rarely seen by hikers.  An ppossum's diet includes carrion, earthworms, snakes, small mammals, insects, frogs, fruits and berries.

Squirrel species that inhabit the trail include:  the gray squirrel, fox squirrel, red squirrel, northern flying squirrel and southern flying squirrel.  Named for its color, the gray squirrel is gray, though in the northern states it looks black.  Its tail has some silver hairs amongst its bushy gray.  The fox squirrel is the largest of the tree squirrels and has a large bushy tail with yellow-tipped hairs.  In the north it is gray with a yellow underside, and in the south it is black, has a white blaze on its face, and has a white tipped tail.  The smallest of the tree squirrels is the red squirrel.  This squirrel lives from northern Virginia north.  As the name suggests, it has a reddish coat but a white/gray underside.  Its tail is also red, though it features a black band edged in white.  The flying squirrel is nocturnal, and thus rarely seen by hikers.  Between the front and hind legs are loose folds of skin that when extended act as a wing, allowing the squirrel to glide.  Even though it is the smallest, the flying squirrel eats insects and occassionally the flesh of other small animals in addition to the squirrel diet of nuts and seeds.    

The two species of hare that inhabit the AT are the snowshoe hare and the brown or European hare.  

The snowshoe hare change color with the seasons, dark brown in summer, white in winter, and a mottled brown with white for the white snow patches on the ground in the fall.  They live from northern New Jersey to Maine.  Hikers mostly see them during high population times, which only come around once every nine to ten years. 

Larger than the snowshoe and consistently the same color throughout the seasons, the brown or European hare live in northern Pennsylvania, eastern New York and western New England up to Vermont. 

Thought to be near extinction in the early 1900s, the NPS has reintroduced the elk back into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

The experimental program began with 25 elk in 2001 and an additional 27 in 2002 and will continue unless the elk threaten park resources or cause significant conflicts with park visitors.  All the elk are tracked with radio collars. 

Elk can be dangerous, particularly cows protecting their calves and bulls who feel threatened by perceived threats for territory.  The adult bull can weigh up to 700 pounds and have antlers that can extend as wide as 5 feet.  Adults are 7-10 feet long and 4.5 to 5 feet tall.

Moose inhabit the northern section of the AT, from Vermont up.  The largest deer in the world, they can weigh up to 1400 pounds. 

Though they usually stay away from people, moose can be dangerous.  Know that some bulls have attacked humans. 

Be especially careful of protective cows with their baby calves and bulls during the mid-September to late-October mating season.

Deer are abundant in the mountains, with a particularly large deer population in Virginia and Pennsylvania. 

They have become accostumed to humans in the state parks and will come pretty close to hikers. 

Their method of dealing with threat is to snort and stamp their feet, alerting other deer in the area of danger.

Raccoons are nocturnal animals and usually avoid people.  They can be pests though and are especially corageous in areas where they are protected. 

Raising food sacks off the ground will keep your food safe from raccoons in addition to bears.  However, you also want to keep the food sack away from tree branches raccoons can get to.  Their diet consists of grubs, grasshoppers, crickets, nuts and grapes, small rodents, bird eggs, young birds, frogs, crayfish, turtles, clams, worms and fish. 

They usually stay away from shelters along the AT and are generally observed near wooded streams.  They are 2 to 3 feet long, 8 to 16 inches tall, and can weigh up to 48 pounds. 

Raccoons are feisty when cornered or threatened, so be sure to avoid confrontations with them.

Boars were originally brought over to the US from Europe and confined to hunting preserves.  Many escaped and interbred with the domestic pig, though full-blooded boars still inhabit the mountains of the AT, mainly living in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina in the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests. 

Recently more and more boars are inhabiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which is causing some ecological problems.  Their rooting tears up the forest floor and makes the bald patches susceptible to seeding, and they also compete with deer and bear for food. 

Their diet mainly consists of acorns, pecan, hickory and beech nuts.  They will also eat grass, roots, tubers and berries in addition to  crayfish, snakes, salamanders, frogs, eggs, young rabbits and carrion. 

A wild boar averages 350 pounds, has dark grizzled hair, a long head with a tough cartilaginous snout, short legs and a straight tail.  Their upper tusks curl up and out along the side of their mouths and can be up to nine inches long.

Bobcats are between 15 to 70 pounds, have stubby tails, tufted ears, and a tawny coat with mottled brown spots. 

Though abundant in the mountains, as night hunters they are rarely seen on the trail.  Their prey consists of hare and rabbit, mice, porcupines, squirrels and cave bats.  They occassionally eat carrion and poultry. 

Approximately 8-15 pounds and a little more than a foot in height, fox inhabit the mountains throughout the trail. 

The two most common fox species on the trail are the red fox and gray fox.  The red fox has reddish fur and a bushy tail with a white tip.  The gray fox has a grayish fur and a black tip on its bushy tail. 

Like the coyote, fox are rarely seen by hikers.  They feed on small rodents, rabbits, woodchucks, mice, squirrels, birds, eggs, and carrion. 

Many fox have rabies, thus be sure to avoid any displaying strange behavior.

Approximately 2 feet tall, 4 feet long and weighing 20-40 pounds, Coyotes inhabit the entire length of the AT. 

Their coat is gray or reddish gray, and their tails are bushy and have a black tip.  Coyotes prey upon small rodents, birds, eggs, and young or hurt deer, though are frightened of humans and thus, are not dangerous to hikers. 

Some coyotes may follow a hiker in anticipation of catching some crumbs, but the coyote will usually be at least 30 minutes in the hiker's trail. 

Black bears are the only bears found in the east.  They are smaller and less aggressive than the Grizzly but still can be 400 to 500 pounds.  Black bears have limited eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing. As we have encroached into their territory more and more, the incidences where bears have attacked humans has risen, however, it is still rare to be attacked by a black bear.

Many black bears know that packs contain food, and they are known to quickly snatch the food from an unguarded pack or to take food from a campsite.  For this reason, shelters in the Smokies have chain-link fencing to ward off the bears, and Shenandoah National Park has steel poles with prongs at the top for hikers to lift packs high off the ground.  If there are no bear barriers or poles to hang your pack, then be sure to set up your own contraption to hang your food sack from a tree.  Not only will this prevent unwanted bears from encroaching in your area, it will also keep your food safe from other critters.

Do not approach a bear if you see it, but do keep an eye on its behavior.  Like any other wild animal, noticing a change in behvior, whether it stops feeding, begins to watch you, changes its path, etc... signals that you are too close.  Proximity to the bear may provoke aggressive behavior, thus back away slowly, increasing the distance between you and the bear, while watching the bear at the same time.  The bear most likely will do the same.  However, if the bear continues to approach you without vocalizing or swatting, try to change your direction.  If that doesn't ward off the bear, stand your ground.  Now if the bear gets closer, shout at it, act aggressively and try to intimidate the bear, making you and your group seem as large as possible.  Throw rocks and use what you have to ward it off.  It is not recommended that you run, turn away, or leave food for the bear at this point.  (advice from http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/black-bears.htm)

Though most of the snakes you will encounter will be nonpoisonous, some poisonous snakes do inhabit the Appalachian Mountains.  These include:

Copperheads are found from Georgia to Maine, but rarely spotted north of Massachusetts.

Timber rattlesnakes are found from Georgia to Maine, but again, rarely spotted north of Massachusetts.

Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes inhabit Georgia and North Carolina.

Pygmy rattlesnakes can be seen Tennessee and south.

Cottonmouths live Virginia and south.

The Massasauga rattlesnake inhabits New York and Pennsylvania.

Like all the other animals you will encounter, these poisonous snakes will only be dangerous when surprised or cornered.  While walking, use your hiking stick to push aside leaves and brush that cover the path.  If you do surprise one of these poisonous snakes, do not freeze.  Move immediately and quickly away.

Getting bit by a snake: It is rare to get bit by a poisonous snake on the trail.  If you were off the trail and bitten by a poisonous snake, the advice would be to get to a hospital.  Should you get bit on the trail where access to a hospital may not be feasible, the advice is to stay calm, find shelter and warmth, expect to be sick, and call or send for help.  There may be swelling, nausea, and shortness of breath, but the odds are in your favor that you will survive a poisonous snake bite just by toughening it out.

There are four main things to consider when selecting the clothes you will bring with you for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail:

What kind of weather will I be hiking in?

How much added weight will my clothes add to my pack?

How easy are the clothes to clean?

Are the clothes durable and will they withstand being worn over and over for six months?

Cold weather hikers should dress in layers with an under layer, an insulation layer and a protective shell.  When the weather is extremely cold, the under layer should be a polypro or polyester long sleeve top and a polypro or polyester set of long-johns.  The long-johns should fit snug to the ankle and the top should have a zip T-neck seal.  Polypro and polyester are good water-repellents, ultimately decreasing the dangers of hypothermia.  The insulation layer should be either a medium weight wool or a fleece sweater.  The protective shell should not be insulated, but should be waterproof, breathable and wind-resistant.  Gore-Tex is good for this.  Your shell should also be long enough so that it doesn't ball up under your pack.

Many thru-hikers wear a cotton T-shirt and loose-fitting shorts in the summer months.  Many prefer jogging shorts because they are cool, light and easy to clean.  In contrast, long pants give more protection to your legs, have deep pockets and dry quickly.

Most thru-hikers wear two pairs of socks.  They wear a thin liner of polypropylene, Orlon, or nylon and a thick wool outer sock.  The idea behind two pairs is that the rubbing will occur between the two socks and not on the skin.

Buying the right boot is essential for having a good thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, and there are hundreds of options out there for you.  Boots range in cost from $50 to over $300.  The most important features to take into consideration are weight, fit and the boot's construction.  You also want to look at the support, waterproofing features, ventilation, sole and cushioning.

Weight of Boot

Though hikers have different preferences about boot weight, manufacturers have been focusing on making lighter and lighter boots throughout the years.  The reason for this is that the heavier the boot, the more energy needed to move.  Research has shown that reducing the foot load by one pound ultimately is like reducing the pack weight by six pounds.

Fit of Boot

Blisters and ankle problems can quickly turn a lovely hike into a painful one.  Studies have shown that softer and lighter boots do not necessarily equate to fewer blisters, and that stiffer, heavier, and more supportive boots do not mean fewer ankle problems.  Many hikers recommend breaking in the boots and / or toughening the feet by not wearing shoes before  the long hike.

Type of Boot

Knowing the features of the various types of footwear and boots will help you when selecting the perfect shoe for your hike.  There are four general categories of hiking footwear.  The first category includes trail running shoes, cross trainers and adventure racing shoes.  These shoes are basically running shoes with extra features for mountain trails and rougher terrain.  The next category includes hiking shoes, approach shoes, trail boots and light boots.  These are generally made out of nylon, suede or other light-weight fabrics, with some leather, and are intended for use on well-maintained trails.  These are followed by the off-trail boots and heavy boot category.  These boots are designed for rough terrain and feature toe caps, cemented out-soles, molded mid-soles, and synthetic linings.  Though they are heavier than the preceding category, they are designed to give support while also being shock resistant, waterproof and breathable.  The final category is the rough and tough mountaineering boots.  These are the type of boots you'd attach crampons to and climb Mt. Everest with.

Boot Features to Bear in Mind

The better the quality of construction, the less likely of getting wet feet.  Look at the construction of the boot, the stitching and the materials used.  Manufacturers will use leather and Gore-Tex to help with waterproofing.  Many hikers prefer leather uppers but be sure the leather is properly treated before embarking on your walk.  Less stitching on the boot seems to help as well.  Keep in mind though that your feet do sweat, and thus, you may want to consider purchasing a boot that is waterproof and allows ventilation.  Boots made of Gore-Tex generally do the job.

Support is also important to bear in mind.  Remember the rougher the trail and heavier the pack, the more support needed in the boot.  Hikers prone to ankle issues should be sure to look at the ankle support when making the purchase.  Likewise, the rockier the trail, the stiffer the sole needed.

Breaking in Your Boot

Just as important as selecting the perfect boot for your hike, it is also critical to break them in properly.  Begin slow and work up gradually, paying close attention to the development of blisters.  Once blisters do begin to emerge, cover the area with moleskin.  Then rub leather softener inside the boot where the discomfort is coming from.  Remember the heavier the boot, the more breaking in it needs.