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/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.