Appalachian Trail
Appalachian Trail Camping
Throughout the length of the trail there are various free shelters available for hikers. The shelters are generally three wall structures often with a wooden floor. Some shelters are much more complex in structure; however, for the most part function opposed to form is the focus in their construction. There is no official distance that the shelters are spaced, but the general idea is to keep near water sources and about a day's hike apart.
Trail Towns
The trail crosses many roads, and thus it provides ample opportunity for hikers to hitchhike into town in order to resupply on food and various other items. Many trail towns are accustomed to having hikers passing through, and thus many have various hostels and hiker oriented accomidations. Some of the most well known trail towns are Monson, Maine , Damascus, Virginia , Harpers Ferry, West Virginia , and Hot Springs, North Carolina.
On July 21, 2009, Maureen Bush
said:
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How do you make arrangements to camp along the trail? Is there some agency that you must contact to check availability? |
On July 22, 2009, steve
said:
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Hi Maureen No - with the exception of the commercial stops at towns along the trail the shelters are first-come-first served. |
On August 17, 2009, Kendryck Starks
said:
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Is there a mag/guide showing the distance between shelters? |
On September 18, 2009, Stephanie
said:
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The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club has cabins and shelters available. For some of them you have to be a member to the club. They do have cabins and shelters for the public as well. Go onto their website to find out more info. My brother is a member and we just stayed at a pretty cool cabin. |
On September 21, 2009, Jon Sullivan
said:
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Hi, I need some info. I live in the No. Virginia area and want to get on the trail around Front Royal area. However, I can't any info on where to drive to and park to get on the trail. can you help? Jon Sullivan |
On September 24, 2009, bart
said:
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There is a parking area about 3.5 miles east of the junction of US 522 and VA 55 in Front Royal. Go to www.maps.google.com and search for 3298 Remount Rd Front Royal, VA 22630 Zoom in and you will see a little parking area on the south side of 522 between the trail crossing and a pond. |
On October 07, 2009, keith
said:
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can you camp anywhere along the trail, or do you have to be at a designated area? |
On January 09, 2010, Annie Brogdon
said:
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I am 53, would like to plan a daytrip on the AT in N. Carolina. What are the first few steps in getting physically fit for the venture? I live in Indiana, not the topography of N. Carolina at all. |
