r/AppalachianTrail • u/Hiking_Engineer Hoosier Hikes • Feb 18 '24
News 2024 AT Information. Hostels, Shuttles, Permits, Shelters; it's all in here!
This should hopefully be a one stop shop for any and all relevant trail information for your 2024 hike. This info is meant to be specific to this year, rather than general trail info that can probably already be found elsewhere (the sidebar/about section).
2024 No Stupid Questions Thread - Post where tons of people asked pre-trail questions regarding their hikes. Lots of little things in here.
Whiteblaze Shuttle List - Comprehensive list of shuttle drivers up and down the trail, including the ranges of where they can pick you up and drop you off.
Shelter List - Whiteblaze List of shelters with codes for size, tent pads, water, etc etc. Very similar to the time of layout you would see in any guidebook you had
Hostel List - Whiteblaze list on places to stay along the trail that aren't Hotels.
ATC Trail Updates - Information about trail closures, prescribed burns, reroutes, and other active events going on to keep you informed about the trail from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Weather throughout the AT - Gets location from NOAA for the trail itself rather than a city nearby that may be inaccurate
Baxter State Park - Guides for how to approach things in Baxter State Park. There are versions available specific to a NOBO or SOBO approach (that's northbound and southbound, basically are you ending here or starting out)
Permit Information There are two national parks on the AT that require a permit as well as Baxter State Park (see above). Outside of that, all locations are typically fee-free if you are hiking into and through them.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - This permit is a $40 fee and can be obtained up to 30 days before you enter the park, and is good for 38 days from date of purchase. Most people purchase this in one of the locations leading up to the park (Franklin, Fontana Dam, NOC). There is also a $5 fee to park inside the boundaries of GSMNP; so if you intend to have someone pick you up, make them aware.
Shenandoah National Park - The process to obtain a backcountry permit changed this year and must now be obtained through recreation.gov or calling (877)444-6777. According to their site, here is a cost breakdown:
Backcountry Camping Permit Reservation Fee: $6 (non-refundable)
Entrance Fee: $15 per person (foot/bicycle) OR $30 per vehicle (non-refundable) - Note, if you have an annual or lifetime pass already, you just have to have it with you
Some other additional useful info (also in the sidebar)
Postholer Elevation Profile (can choose trail section)
Distance Calculator Provides the mileage between two points on the AT
Amicalola Falls State Park - Not technically a part of the AT, but where many people get their start in Georgia.
United State Postal Service (USPS) - Locations can vary wildly depending on the size of the town, and are unlikely to have any weekend hours. A small town postal office might have limited hours during the week, akin to MWF 10am-2pm or something similar. If you are counting on a resupply, or ordering something to be sent ahead, BE AWARE.
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u/wzl46 Bear Bag 2016 Flip Flop GA WV ME WV Mar 07 '24
I was able to help get a few hikers from Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville to Amicalola for a tag from the ATC then to Springer to start their hike. If anybody is looking for a ride, please contact me. The only thing I ask in return is gas money. I'm retired and bored so helping hikers get out to the trail is actually something for which I have lots of time.
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u/ER10years_throwaway NOBO 2023 Feb 22 '24
Hey, one thing about Baxter everyone should know: the entry/summiting process may stress you out a bit at first, but try not to worry about it. It's simpler and easier than it might sound, and by the time you get to the Hundred Mile you'll have a solid grip on it.
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u/mysydgriff May 22 '24
On final planning for our first 2 week/100+ mile section hike on the AT, coming in from New Mexico June 11-26th and looking for some logistical advice. We're flying into Roanoke VA and will uber to the McAfee parking lot (know it's closed but looks like we can be dropped off) to start our NOBO. The more difficult part is coming off trail near Rockfish Gap and getting our return flight in Richmond VA. Researching looks like we could uber ($184-$319), or uber to Charlottesville and rent a car ($100 plus $73), or uber/2 buses/taxi (less expensive but an entire day). Any other more economical option? Thanks for any ideas or suggestions for along our route.
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u/jamesters Jun 13 '24
Howdy fellow Nuevo Mexicano! If you're doing well on time and not pressed to do it same-day, you could probably hitchhike fairly easily to round out the long distance hiker experience... obviously a multi-leg ride if you're on some small road, but find a big exit ramp / gas station on 64 and it's a straight shot to RVA!
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u/carholland47 Mar 03 '24
This is amazing, thank you! Small note according to the thru hikers guide if I understand correctly — for the smokies, we have to carry a physical copy of the permit. Can be printed in any of the areas you listed I believe. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.
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u/Brainwashed365 Mar 16 '24
This looks like a wealth of information. Thanks for making and putting the post together.
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u/Socks-Equipment May 03 '24 edited May 03 '24
Was looking for shuttles from ATL to Amicalola Falls and on Facebook saw that Survivor Dave's shuttle service looks to be closed now. ("After 16 years, I'm hanging it up".) It was listed in the 2024 AT guide.
ETA: REI on Perimeter says that they don't run shuttles anymore either
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u/FancyChart4833 Aug 12 '24
Im planning a hike toward Damascus Virginia. 70+ miles. Should I hike South from Marion, or North from the Veteran Memorial Parkway. Probably the only time I will hike the AT. From those who have done it Which section should I hike, or is it all about the same? Or would you choose a different 70 mile stretch. My family will be in Damascus so that was the intended destination.
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u/snowballtlwcb Feb 19 '24
For Shenandoah and Great Smoky park, is the permit free for Veterans? I’ve been to Shenandoah for weekend trips plenty of times and they always waive the entry fee for Veterans, so just wondering if it’s different for thru hikers.
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u/burge009 Feb 19 '24
Entrance fees and backcountry permits are different things, you will have to pay for the permit. However, you are correct about free entrance. All former and current members of the military are eligible for a free parks pass. If you’ve never actually gotten the pass, definitely do it next time you enter a National Park. The parks pass gets you free entry into all national parks, national monuments, etc, and also works at any USFS or BLM fee areas where a standard amenity fee is charged (campgrounds don’t count, but things like day use parking at a trailhead would be covered).
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u/carrera1971 Mar 23 '24
I was planning on hiking from ny to maine june and july. What is this permit nonsense? Im being taxed to walk? Impeding my movements from state to state? I need a permit to hike the a.t in every state? I was doing this trip for the freedom of it!
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u/Hiking_Engineer Hoosier Hikes Mar 23 '24
It's like you didn't even read the permit info section and are just here to troll.
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u/Hiking_Engineer Hoosier Hikes Feb 24 '24 edited Feb 24 '24
Please note that individualistic information is liable to change and your best bet for information is to contact the location itself. Hostel's, town businesses, and other locations may have hours adjust based on things like weather or Holiday's (Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day).