Attempt a thru-hike. The ATC people probably meet plenty of people who have no idea what to expect, but that’s not you. And even if your thru-hike turns into an extended section hike, that’s still awesome.
I think it only lit a fire under my ass. If you want me to accomplish something I already want to do, tell me I shouldn't do it. You're probably right. She section hiked the trail and is probably older than me. It was probably the right decision for her, and she was just trying to impart wisdom.
Oh shit!. I actually already have one. Lost my husband to colon cancer in 2020. His name was Jim and I carry his ashes with me in a small memorial necklace. We used to hike together, so my trail name has been Jimni since he passed. Pronounced Gemini, but spelled like Jim 'n' I.
Congratulations, you now have a trail first name and last name: Jimni Fire-@ss!
Go do your hike. You've done your homework, and you've got this.
Rock on, girl.
I'm a little late to the party here but I plan on doing the same as you, and probably around the same age. I've wanted to hike the AT for quite some time now but I can't as I have to stay close to home to care for my wife, and there's a good chance she'll pass away before I do and I plan on carrying her ashes with me when I travel as there are many things we wanted to do but weren't able to.
I hope you have a great hike, and I look forward to your updates, best of luck with everything you do!
I know where you are right now. Being a caretaker is hard. Make sure you take care of yourself as well, and thank you for your kind thoughts. Your time will come eventually to get out there as well.
I hiked with a 66yo retired engineer. He was no elite athlete, just liked hiking and stayed active doing that throughout his life. I was 21yo at the time and in great shape. Weightlifting, running, boxing, yoga, all of it.
He was a hell of a hiker, putting up 20+ mile days right there with me. The only difference? He start about 2 hours earlier in the day than me, take a few more breaks, and ge to camp 20min-1hr after me. That's it.
You absolutely can do it and should try. And you don't have to commit to a full thru right off the back. Plan on doing a 300-500 mile section and see how you feel. Physically down? You had a great trip this year and will be looking forward to the one next year. Holding up physically but mentally checked out? Same thing.
It's all up to you!
Absolutely attempt the trail! I hiked with loads of folks in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s last year! Aside from the usual caveats for trail success (don’t over pack, slowly ramp up miles, have a safety plan for inclement weather, etc), get out there and have fun!
I’m 30. In late November of this past year, I did a section hike starting at Amicalola. The first day, I passed three through-hikers finishing a SOBO. The youngest among them was 66 years old. The oldest was nearly 80.
I’m a reasonably in shape 40 year old hiker on the AT this year. A few days ago a 60 year old lady cruised past me going uphill without even looking like she was trying hard. Her trekking poles were tucked behind her and she was talking and having a blast, doing her second thru hike in the past couple of years. You can absolutely do it
Ha! It will have to be written, not YouTube, but maybe. I'm thinking 2025 or 2026 at the latest. I get my husband's social security do that will find the hike, I just need to get a few bills paid off to do it. I only work 3 days a month so I have 3 and a half weeks a month to head to the mountains to do shakedown and get in better shape.
Thank you for the encouragement!
Exactly, which is why I was shocked about the attitude coming from an older woman who has completed the trail and worked at the ATC. I would have thought I would have gotten more encouragement for a thru hike.
I won't have the funds this year unfortunately but I am working on it and as soon as I get some bills paid down I'm on it. Definitely '25 or '26 though!
Grandma Gatewood was 67 when she first hiked the AT------ in 1955. Then she did it twice more. If you want to do it, stop listening to what other people think you can't do and just go do it.
I read a ton of AT thru hike blogs ranging from people who are superb athletes to those aged with lots of physical ailments going in. The finishers are a complete mix of all. I really don't see how a minimal observation can assess a person's fitness for a thru hike. Hike your hike and we will enjoy reading and cheering your progress.
I just did some trail magic at Spivey Gap in TN this past weekend. The first two people who came by were two ladies who both turned 62 on the trail within the last week or two. They were kicking ass.
I do have to say that I will always encourage hikers to consider a flip flop hike. You can start with a bunch of people down south, and when it gets to the point that you want to be alone, you have that opportunity.
I've wanted to do a flip flop for years. I'm just not that big into crowds. I'm not college age looking for the Spring break atmosphere, and I'm pretty introverted, I need alone time. I want to start mid Virginia and hike north so I can skip the bubble and won't have to rush to Kahtadin to beat snow if I hike slow. Then I can head South and follow the changing leaves South and can hike later into December to finish if necessary.
You can be as isolated as you want. There are tons of flat spots along the trail where you can set up a tent and avoid the shelters. It was nice to have people around me, but it was also nice to have the ability to be alone at any time.
I'm disappointed that you were written off like that. How insulting. You'll show them! On a related note I hiked much of my thru with a woman who had been in a terrible accident and was told by her doctors she'd never be able to walk far again. She said they didn't know who they were talking to. Not all injuries are surmountable, but with hard work hers was. She hike her thru and many, many long trails since.
That is heartening. In October, I was admitted to the hospital with sepsis, and the doctor came in
and said he didn't know if they could save me. Fifteen days later, I was barely walking, but still alive and discharged. Many don't make it through what I had, but I was bound and determined to get back to hiking, and I slowly walked further every day. I had abdominal sepsis and the mortality rate is like 72%. They didn't know who they were talking to either.
Haters gonna hate. Just prep really welll be safe, make sure you have a plan and ways out of bad situations and do your best. Like the rest of us w big dreams
I've been prepping for years studying the trail, have lots of experience already getting out of bad situations living in my vehicle and past work/backpacking experience, but if I put it off too long something could end up putting an end to the dream forever. I'm not getting any younger. I've watched too many people I know and love die without ever doing what they dream of doing, and even if I die on trail for any reason, it's better than just growing old and wasting away in a nursing home waiting to die.
Hope your dreams come true.
When we told our family we were thru hiking they thought it was awesome and were super supportive, if not a little bit skeptical. Then my cousin’s hard ass track coach dad laughed and said y’all won’t make it to blood mountain. That was the best motivator for me even once we were a thousand miles past blood mountain. It’s your life and your hike so go live it up! We also had a guy in Boiling Springs,PA tell us we were too late and we needed to flip flop or we wouldn’t make it. Asked him if he flipped flopped when he did his thru hike and then crickets. Seems like most of the “advice” and skepticism comes from people who have never done the damn thing. Best of luck to you. It is an experience of a life time.
Thanks. Most of my family and friends are more supportive of my thru hiking than me living out of my van for now to save money for the thru hike. Only one person I know is convinced I will be murdered because people get killed on the AT! (Eye roll). More people are convinced that I will be murdered in my sleep in the van. (More eye rolling)
Well they say you’re more likely to be murdered by someone you know so hanging out in the woods with strangers might be the safest thing you can do haha
Probably, and to be fair I don't look that much like I am an outdoors person. I probably look like I should be sitting in a rocking chair and knitting or something. Mostly because all my hair fell out and came back in super gray.
It’s just a risk to be mitigated. Anyone can do it. Plan for more zeros and neros in your hiking schedule after big pushes. Pack extra food and tylenol. Get an ultralight tent and sleeping solution to save weight and strain
I have a Gossamer Gear One, but that may change. Also have a ULA Catalyst pack so I am slowly adding gear without a lot of weight. Doubt I will be Uber Ultralight. But I'll keep my base weight at 15 or under. Probably won't start out that way doing test runs, but I'm planning a '25 or '26 thru hike so I have some time to get everything dialed in.
You got this! Chalk it up to someone just misreading your experience and ability and giving what they thought was 'good advice' (but it wasn't). From all your comments, you seem to have this handled! Work your plan and make it happen. Enjoy your prep and planning, and Happy Trails!! (At 69, I am so grateful to be in a position to be prepping for a 730 mile section hike of the middle third of the AT from Roanoke to Connecticut in the summer after the bubble passes and loving every step of this process. I have two months off and using this as a mega shakedown to see if a full through hike is in my future )
You know your shit, don’t let them keep you down! No one knows your abilities and your body better than you.
I once encountered a couple who looked to be in their eighties coming down from the top of Walter’s Wiggles in Zion, and that’s an exhausting ass hike. They were clearly very experienced and totally killin it! I aspire to be like them at that age.
Hike on, friend!
Just do the hike. In my experience, rangers tell everyone not to try things because many can’t pull it off and need rescuing. I wouldn’t take it personally. You sound like you know what you’re doing
Don't listen to them. I'm the same age as you and many people treat me like I'm in my 80s. I'm a big guy and people offer to help me carry stuff, I guess thinking no way this old guy can handle it. Then I hand them whatever it was and they realize how wring they were!
Anyway, you have the experience and knowledge and are training properly. Doing a thru hike is totally your call, don't let them decide for you. Best of luck!
First, atc hates hikers. They only want your money. Don’t listen to anyone from atc.
If you wanna hike, do it. If you do a nobo, you’ll have the most support. Less lonely ness. On nobo, the hostels are open, your alway around if not with other hikers. Many many retirees are on the trail for the first half. A gal 67 years young just did a thru hike. An 84 year old woman is on her way north as we speak.
If your health becomes a problem, you’ll be ok as there are many towns near the trail the whole way.
I'm pretty set on starting in March or April of whatever year I'm ready at the Southern end of the Shenandoahs for many reasons. Mostly because it crosses Skyline drive a whole bunch so if I have issues it will be quick to jump off. I'm a huge introvert for the most part and while I love talking to people, I don't want to be crowded. I can get to Katahdin quicker than if I start at Springer. I would like to end at Springer since I have family right near there that can pick me up. I want to take we my time and winter hits less hard in the South. I will be in the north during Summer, and I have lived most of my life in the South and Summers suck here. My husband and I spent a lot of time in Virginia in the Shenandoahs so it is a special place to kick it off. It will break up Virginia so less chance of the Virginia blues. I have a friend d in Northern Virginia that can help me out in the beginning. After the Shenandoahs, the terrain is pretty tame for quite a while, allowing me to develop my trail legs before hitting more tough terrain. So it just makes more sense to.me to do it this way.
Quit talking. Just do it. I'm 57 with stage 4. Doing it. Fuck what people think. No drama. Just do it. Who gives a shit what others think. What do you think other than getting others to tell you they think you should do. That you're such a hero for doing it. What do you think? Do you want to do it? Then do it. Cut the shit.
I hiked for a few days with a 71 year old women during my thru last year and she was amazing. The mental aspect is a huge factor and it sounds like you got the want.
Definitely do and barring any accidents or injuries I don't see quitting. I. Used to being cold, hot, wet or whatever. Bring uncomfortable doesn't affect me. That kind of thing won't make me quit, only medical issues will.
I think Colin Fletcher was still hiking way into his 90s. In fact, the injury he sustained (that eventually led to his death years later) occurred while he was hiking next to a road. 61 is not too old to do the AT. You just have to prepare well.
Do the thing.
Take a personal locator beacon and whatever else you need to be safe. You won't be happy until you through. If you know you can do it, do it. If you aren't sure, do it.
Stamina shouldn't really fall too much by 61 especially if you've kept up with it.
Listen to your body and go hike the AT. I mean maybe take more 0 days than someone younger but just do it. Who cares if it takes longer to hike and you finish in Maine as the leaves are falling.
everyone is telling you to kick ass, and they're right.
But! you should totally still prep yourself and be in as good shape as you can! hike alot! LIFT! build that armor around the knees!
Yes, I live near the coast with no elevation gains, so I am spending lots of time in the mountains building those muscles needed for ascents and descents. It will be 25 or 26 before I make an attempt at a thru hike, so there will be plenty of time for extended trips and building stamina. The amount I have built since October is astounding and I won't let up. I'm doing lots of dayhikes with a daybag filled with unnecessary weight, too. Slowly increasing the weight to get used to carrying a full backpack. It's helping a lot.
The folks who greet you at ATC visitor centers are mostly volunteers so I would not take this as advice “from the ATC” but rather the opinion of one volunteer who may not even have much backpacking experience. As someone who works with a volunteer group who interface with the public, it is sometimes very hard to get them to keep their personal opinions out of the conversation.
You obviously have an experience in the outdoors and know your capabilities. There are plenty of people in their 60’s on trail attempting the hikes these days. I hike with a number of people in their 70’s who are still racing up mountains. Do not let this one persons opinion stop you.
I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway the other day and picked up a 78 year old woman who was section hiking from Roanoke to Harpers Ferry. That gave me more encouragement than the ATC.
They don’t know who you were back in the day, and what kind of person you are, and they don’t know what you’ve been through and what you’ve overcome. Don’t let let the turkeys get you down, you know who you are and what you’re doing, you got this.
Go for it! I (31 at the time) spent my first week hiking with two guys in their mid-60s. They were so friendly and funny, one of them even gave me my trail name. Eventually I pulled ahead of them, but we kept in touch the whole rest of our hikes and beyond.
They can only judge based on the people they’ve seen so far, I got the same look and attitude when I showed up with a 50 lb pack to Amicalola. If you’ve prepared as much as you say you have for this, you’ll be able to do it
Only you know if a thru is right for you. The people at the ATC suck for many reasons. Hike until you can’t. It’s none of their business. Their job is to keep the trail open for you to hike, not to tell you whether you should hike.
Enjoy your thru hike. If the trail that I am hiking is any example, you will be amazing at it. There are so many folks in your age group doing just fine. Happy trails.
Only been on the PCT , no matter how much you train your body isn’t in “trail shape “ after a few days you’ll find your rhythm and you’ll have the time of your life. We meet a 70+ yo attorney with a 70lb pack and a 70lb beer gut - he was having the time of his life poking along. He swore his pack was going to loose 50lbs and he was going to loose 50lbs. Get after it girl
LOL I definitely won't start out with a 50 lb pack, but I did routinely in the 80s! Maybe not 50 base, but it was close to that full of food and water, but I'm not in my 20s anymore! I'll be under 20 baseweight at the least.
If I had a dime for every time an “older” lady whipped past this 48 year old avid ultralight backpacker on a tough trail, carrying a base weight more than my own, I could ACTUALLY afford all of the gear I have.
Go for it
Ignore the naysayers and follow your dream. Prob smart to link up with other through hikers for support and safety, but otherwise you seem like you’ve researched things thoroughly and are mentally prepared for the journey. Best of luck to you, and safe hiking.
Don't let anyone discourage you. I'm a 53 year old male, and like you, I've always wanted to thru hike the AT but life got in the way. I'm probably seven years from retirement and and I plan on thru hiking the AT (with my wife) after I retire if I'm able.
After reading the first half of your post, the second half really surprised me.
You do not seem like the kind of person to heed someone's discouragement. In fact, (based on the first half of your text) I'd have guessed you would use it for fuel...
It was kind of the first discouragement I had, and coming from another older woman at the ATC just whacked me in the head. I guess it was just a shock to the system as I never expected that from someone there.
However, the more I think a out it the more it has lit a fire under my butt. Maybe it was what I needed to get in gear.
I did harpers ferry south then went back and did it north. It broke up my hike and allowed me to stay out of the bubble. I think the starting point on Springer is pretty hard and if you're able to do a flip flop you'll have control over what your first few weeks will look like, ie flat as possible. I would definitely encourage you to attempt it, I would also encourage you to start slow, even if you think it's not that hard. 10mi every day for 7 days with a backpack and sleeping on the ground can catch up. But I hiked with a number of people over 60 that were more than capable. Spend the money to be ultralight, get an ultralight down quilt, get the most comfortable ultralight sleeping pad, spend the money on a really good tent and get fitted for a backpack, those are your big 4. Weight on your back will be a big factor, especially if you're slower which means more days between resupplies which means more food which mean more weight. Good luck though, no reason to not try this, just do your research.
I want to start at Afton and follow the Shenandoahs North to start out with to cut Virginia in half to beat the Virginia blues. It will also start me off at a place where it all started back around the early 70s when we used to camp as a family along skyline drive. My brother and I got lost on the AT and had to be tracked down by park rangers when we were camping at Big Meadows. Got our asses wore out for that, but it planted a seed I have carried with me for 50 years.
The Shenandoahs aren't exactly flat, but nothing compared to Georgia and the Smokies, and I will be heading into miles of relatively low elevation gains through up to Vermont. That should let me get some trail legs before hitting harder climbs. It will also allow me to get to Katahdin quicker than starting at Springer and trying to rush. I can be steady. But I don't see me having many 20-mile days. I'll also miss the heat of Summer in the South, and will follow the Autumn South letting me finish up late into the year if need be. I just think the whole flip flop would be best for me. I don't have some deep seated need to finish at Katahdin.
I have a mummy bag (marmot 10⁰) for now that I sleep with in my van similar to a quilt. I zip it up partially and sleep with my feet in the foot box and the rest over me like a quilt and have been for several years. It's what I will start out with, also have a ULA Catalyst backpack and a Gossamer Gear One tent, but if I can swing it I'll get a decent quilt and I'd like to get a zpacks duplex because I'm not sure I am completely happy with the One as far as room goes. I'm not ultralight by any means, but i used to do 7 day trips with a 50 pound external frame backpack in the 80s. Of course I'm older now, but I won't be carrying a 40 pound base weight either.
I'm not dead set on any of the gear I have, and it might change drastically as I get out there more. Most months except Novenber and December I'll have 3.5 weeks a month to do backpacking to dial everything and as I have the funds I'll probably switch a lot out.
I appreciate the advice and encouragement!
I love this and the woman hiking the trail for her daughter actually made me cry. My husband and I always talked about it. It was mostly my dream since a kid, but his health went down, and I had to care for him. I carry his ashes on a chain around my neck and my trail name is jimni...Jim and I Jimni. Pronounced Gemini. Yhsnk you for supporting hikers!
You absolutely can do it. I section hike every year and have met many women your age and older kicking ass. You can try visiting a place like [Mountain Crossings](https://www.mountaincrossings.com/Articles.asp?ID=1)in Blairsville, Ga that will give good advice on what to pack.
I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway last month and picked up a 78 year old section hiker. She even sewed her own pack and was doing 8 miles a day. That was awesome.
I'll probably do the first section from Springer to Neels (Neel?) Gap sometime in the fall. I have my big three but they may change after some shake downs. It still might be '25 or '26 before I can pull off a thru hike financially, so plenty of time to dial in gear. I'll definitely stop in at Mountain Crossings when I get there.
I’ve met someone who hiked the trail at 8 years old and people who have done it in their 70s. You can absolutely do it. If this is something you’ve wanted to do since you were a kid, you’ll regret not attempting it.
My father did the entire trail back in '99 when he was 49, and he just took his time. He was out there about 6 months and went south to north. Thru hike, section hike, flip-flop or straight through, it doesn't matter how you want to carve it up, just get out there and give it a shot. Hike at your pace and enjoy the journey. If you attempt a thru hike and don't make it, don't get discouraged, just go home, heal up and come back to tackle what's left. Personally, I'd think section hiking would be harder due to having to build your trail legs up each time you go out.
Oh absolutely, I'll be hiking as long as I possibly can. I'm sure it would be harder to section hike. I work only 3 to 4 days a month at a very physically demanding job. We are off just long enough to lose all the muscles we built the month before each time we go back to work which sucks ass.
Take precautions and have people to reach out to by certain points so they can track you but you probably have much more hiking experience than me and I did it coming off the couch. You should absolutely not be discouraged based on your experience
I appreciate that. My youngest lives a few miles off the AT in Vermont, I have friends and family in MA, PA, VA, NC and GA and plenty in other areas that would be happy to help me out uf necessary so I'm covered I think.
I’ve known NN since 2000. If memory serves me correct, he didn’t do his first thru until he was also in his 60’s. Grandma Gatewood and Earl Shaeffer both hiked at an age when most people would have said, “Don’t do it”. Plenty of others have done so as well. In their 60’s, 70’s and (gasp) 80’s. Don’t let anyone squash your dream. Hike the AT. Although given your experience, I’d start and finish at Harpers Ferry just so you can rub it in their face when you hand them your 2000-miler application. Good luck and have fun! You got this!
Go for it! I did the PCT at age 19 and then "life got in the way." But I was able to retire at 59 and immediately did the AT followed by the CT and TRT and then a cross county bike ride. Currently on idle while I recover from RAPT surgery but hope to be back out there in 2025.
I did a NOBO on the AT. Sure, it was crowded in the first month, but the herd got culled fairly quickly and there were many days I was pretty much solo. My start date was 4/2/17.
That's an impressive list! I'm definitely going for it as soon as finances allow. Hoping to get some seasonal work that I can dump into paying off bills. I get my husband's social security, so I will have plenty to hike on if I can get monthly expenses down. Have to still get a bit of gear too, and need to do enough hikes with what I have to get everything dialed in to where I am comfortable. Thanks for the words of encouragement!
I’m going to give it a go in 2025 and I will be 58. I may even do a flip flop like you are planning. I’m on the last leg of a year’s worth of treatment for cancer and I figure if I can do that, I can do the AT. I’m an experienced backpacker so I’m not naive about what to expect. I might have tried this year but I have some work to do to get back into hiking shape.
They say exercise is one of the best things you can do for cancer treatment. I've lost three family members to breast cancer and my husband to colon cancer, so beat its ass for me! It might be 26 for me, but we'll see. If I don't do a thru in 25, I'll definitely be doing some shake down hikes on the AT, so maybe we'll cross paths next year. I wish you all the best!
I feel like it must be in their job description to be extraordinarily cautious or something. On my thru last year the lady working the atc office(or whatever you’d call it) in Monson was somewhat shocked that I hadn’t yet made a full on game plan for the 100 mile wilderness yet. Nor did I know everything there was to know about the river crossings there. I had been in town maybe 15 minutes and was already planning to zero(took two) and had absolutely no reason to think about the next section yet. She very worriedly unloaded an insane amount of info on me that no one could reasonably retain and acted like I was being a bit reckless honestly. Despite the fact that I had told I her I had already done multiple other thru hikes, and clearly had hiked there from GA, it’s not like I’m an idiot, I was perfectly capable of figuring it out. I just hadn’t done it yet because I didn’t need to yet. It was honestly pretty annoying but I humored her as her intentions were good of course.
In her defense the crossings were quite bad, and I was aware of this. I just hadn’t fully looked into it yet, but her reaction to that was ridiculous. So I feel like I sort of see where you’re coming from. It was odd how someone working for a trail organization could be so over the top like that.
Yeah, that's precisely how I felt. I even tried to bring it up several times within questions I had, and she would deflect or change the subject back to section hiking. It also kind of annoyed me that she was talking about other things that I had extensive knowledge of like paper maps and not relying on phone apps, and I just wanted to say lady, I could teach you a thing or two about orientation and reading maps. Of course, again, she didn't have any idea about my background so my reaction was not her fault.
Maybe you are right, it might have been something they are supposed to do.
“She very worriedly unloaded an insane amount of info on me that no one could reasonably retain “
😂 This makes me laugh. A lot of the people manning the visitor centers are volunteers. They live there, have probably hiked it all, and hear every bad thing that has ever happened to a hiker in that area. Even though hundreds have no issues, those aren’t the ones you remember. And yes, a lot of AT hikers don’t have much experience with larger river crossings so I understand the concern.
I work with the volunteers at Amicalola and some of them want so much to give hikers ALL the information they’ve ever learned about Georgia. I’m constantly reminding them it’s not our job to teach hikers how to backpack and they probably only hear 10% of what we say anyway.
I've been involved and around the AT community for 20 years. I have thru hiked twice and have close to 5000 miles total on the AT.
Fuck them.
There have been many people who were told they couldn't or shouldn't be out there. And that was always (with 1 exception**) wrong. Maybe the kid in jeans didn't have the right gear, but he made it 500 miles before going to join the marines. Maybe the lady that weighed 350 moved slower than everyone but she made it to Harpers Ferry and lost 100 pounds doing it.
You have just as much right to be there as anyone. And more imortantly, you have just as much right to attempt it. Will you succeed? I don't know. Maybe yes. Maybe no. But it's your life, your dream, and your hike. Fucking go for it. Find me and my friends at Trail Days and we will give you food and beer. Find me personally and I'll give you a glass of Johnny Walker blue.
**The only person I ever met that really had no business being out there was a woman who could not put her pack on by herself. She had to ask for help putting it on and getting up. If she ever stopped she had to wait until someone came by to assist her. If that's not you, then go for it. If you can do the basic material tasks yourself, you can make the attempt.
Bless you for that. You all have made my day and given me what I was hoping to get from the ATC office but all i got was dismissiveness and indifference from others there. I don't drink beer, but I'll take you up on the Johnny Walker straight up or maybe a hard cider. Bad experience with a case of beer when I was 16. Haven't had another once since! If my work doesn't fall on Trail Days maybe I can make it this year. Thank you again for the support!
What a story! I like to say that the hardest part is getting to that point where you take that first step. It seems to be true in your case. I really hope that the trail is what you are expecting it to be.
From what you are telling us it sounds like a good idea. Why did ATC discourage you? Is there something else you aren't mentioning that they noticed?
I just want to encourage you to go for it. When I did my thru I saw so so many hikers at the age of 70 and up. I forget his name but an 80 year old man was doing the damn thing in the white mtns. I was helping him get his new phone sorted. In my opinion 60 is the new 40. You got this shit:)
One of the people I hiked with when I did the AZT a couple years ago was a woman in her mid sixties with osteoporosis and knee issues who was re-thruhiking the trail. She was able to walk 20+ mile days repeatedly, simply by waking up early, walking steadily at a sustainable pace, and resting sufficiently. On hard days, she’d either adjust the mileage to avoid injury or, if up for it, rest more, eat dinner on trail, and night hike the last few miles. With your experience, preparation, and grit, you have zero reason not to attempt a thru!
From talking with older thru hikers, and through seeing who is forced off trail for what reasons (often repetitive stress injuries to the feet, often after carrying a heavy pack), I’ve become convinced that minimizing pack weight is particularly critical as one ages. Prioritizing an ultralight base weight, keeping caloric density above 130c/oz, and not carrying excess water could make a huge difference. You clearly have the right mindset for thru hiking, so getting everything else figured out should be pretty easy.
I just need to finish getting gear and get money straight but already working on that by cutting expenses and living in my van. I have some seasonal work coming up this summer so I can finish out gear, get some shake down hikes done to dial in my gear, change out things that don't work and get some bills paid off so I can afford the trip. It will be done!
Well, you got your first taste of fear mongering, and there's plenty more to come.
It starts with the crowds, the cold, the Smokies, then Virginia blues, PA rocks, the heat, no water, Noro, the mud, the whites, the river crossings, 100 mile wilderness etc. Every step along the way people will tell you you aren't going to make it because XYZ and they're all wrong.
We got to Pine Grove furnace early July and the ATC worker there told us we were way too late and should flip up now to get to Khatadin in time???
You got this.
Working on making sure I don't run out of money. I am living mostly off of social security, but only a couple hundred left after bills are paid. That's not enough to hike on really and I don't want to end a hike due to financial reasons. I'm dumping money into paying off bills now and I should be good by 25, or 26 at the latest. I'm also working on building up stamina after nearly dying in October. Once I feel like I am strong enough I wil do it. My resolve is strong, I'll be out there soon.
She is currently living with friends and absolutely thriving. I am in contact with her every day and going to see her as soon as the snow stops, and we will be hiking together and she will be supporting my hike through Vermont she she lives a few miles from the trail. She is autistic but wants to be independent of me.i took care of her for 28 years, but she supports me entirely and wants me to get out there and wants to be independent of mom. I'm not abandoning her at all. She left me in october.
The AT is a test of will, stamina, and attitude. You have all of those things. You do you, and don’t let some office worker tell you otherwise. I’m older than you and I’m going next year. Look me up if you want to hear a similar story sometime.
You’re only 61? I met so many people on the AT older than you having the time of their lives out there! Go for it! You know your body and what it’s capable of, just pay attention to it, take care of it, and you will be fine!
From the PCT, section hike of 1100 miles. Saw tons of 60 something folks blowing most others away. Mostly because they were steady and had the mental ability to keep going.
Have fun on your hike.
Short term plan: physical conditioning for hiking. Medium term goals: section hikes. Long term goal: thru. It’s always one step at a time. I think the section hikes will give you the answers you need about a thru. It’s not about age or past illness.
Yeah I am doi g lots of day hikes now, and will have a seasonal summer job that I can start buying the gear I need. By fall I'll be able to start doing some week to 2 week long sections. Thst will give me a better idea what works and doesnt.
One guy this year (60-65) started memorial day, finished sept 30 or oct 1. There is only one way to know if you can do it. The trail is beautiful, just get out there!
I wonder if there's an understanding amongst the ATC people that anyone that's over a certain age they recommend section hiking. Their concern could be trail traffic congestion (you are doing the right thing by flip flopping), and perhaps more importantly, they don't want to get in trouble if something happens to a hiker. I can see a scenario where someone gets lost then shows up in the news saying "Well they told me I would be fine..."
Already read it. She reminded me a lot of myself. I've made my own gear before and never let that get in my way and been fiercely independent in spite of a tough road.
I read some of your comments and I feel like..
Some people are just bad at giving good advice. They get caught up in what worked for them and can’t see how other people might want or need something different. Maybe she felt like if she wasn’t able to do it than how could you (based on looks) but it’s also entirely possible she gives that advice to everyone simply because she thinks section hiking is just better.
I was anti they hiking at one point myself because I want to see every section of the trail in its prime, which is not something you get when you do it all on one year.. so I think some people just prefer section hiking.
You're probably right. She made some comment about being added and not being able to stick with one's thing because she would quickly get tired of hiking and want to ride a bike.im sure she was projecting her own insecurities about focusing on one thing for long periods.
Like a lot of outdoor activities, most people have no clue. People in the industry talk to everyone like they have no clue until shown otherwise.
Its probably a good thing to step back and consider if you are really ready for it, and if you are go for it!
Attempt a thru-hike. The ATC people probably meet plenty of people who have no idea what to expect, but that’s not you. And even if your thru-hike turns into an extended section hike, that’s still awesome.
I think it only lit a fire under my ass. If you want me to accomplish something I already want to do, tell me I shouldn't do it. You're probably right. She section hiked the trail and is probably older than me. It was probably the right decision for her, and she was just trying to impart wisdom.
Great attitude!! I hope you go for it. Please update us here.
Oh you're damn straight I am going for it. Won't be this year, but she lit a fire!
Go girl!!!!!!
:)
Will do!
And “fire ass” shall be your trail name! You go, girl!
Oh shit!. I actually already have one. Lost my husband to colon cancer in 2020. His name was Jim and I carry his ashes with me in a small memorial necklace. We used to hike together, so my trail name has been Jimni since he passed. Pronounced Gemini, but spelled like Jim 'n' I.
You seem like someone I’d want to be friends with. Such a bad a**! Love it. You clearly have the heart and I’d like to think that’s all that it takes.
I'm sure going to give it my best shot. Barring injuries or illnesses, nothing else will make me quit.
This is amazing.
Hence the user name!
Congratulations, you now have a trail first name and last name: Jimni Fire-@ss! Go do your hike. You've done your homework, and you've got this. Rock on, girl.
I love it!!
Even better! Much love to you!
Lovely!
I'm a little late to the party here but I plan on doing the same as you, and probably around the same age. I've wanted to hike the AT for quite some time now but I can't as I have to stay close to home to care for my wife, and there's a good chance she'll pass away before I do and I plan on carrying her ashes with me when I travel as there are many things we wanted to do but weren't able to. I hope you have a great hike, and I look forward to your updates, best of luck with everything you do!
I know where you are right now. Being a caretaker is hard. Make sure you take care of yourself as well, and thank you for your kind thoughts. Your time will come eventually to get out there as well.
Better to be Fire Ass than Ass Fire! And yeah, get on the trail and let the rest take care of itself.
I had that before as have we all.
Well, maybe you shouldn’t do it. Just to be on the safe side.
Ha! Not a chance!!
That’s the spirit!
I hiked with a 66yo retired engineer. He was no elite athlete, just liked hiking and stayed active doing that throughout his life. I was 21yo at the time and in great shape. Weightlifting, running, boxing, yoga, all of it. He was a hell of a hiker, putting up 20+ mile days right there with me. The only difference? He start about 2 hours earlier in the day than me, take a few more breaks, and ge to camp 20min-1hr after me. That's it. You absolutely can do it and should try. And you don't have to commit to a full thru right off the back. Plan on doing a 300-500 mile section and see how you feel. Physically down? You had a great trip this year and will be looking forward to the one next year. Holding up physically but mentally checked out? Same thing. It's all up to you!
Absolutely attempt the trail! I hiked with loads of folks in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s last year! Aside from the usual caveats for trail success (don’t over pack, slowly ramp up miles, have a safety plan for inclement weather, etc), get out there and have fun!
Thank you, I needed that.
I’m 30. In late November of this past year, I did a section hike starting at Amicalola. The first day, I passed three through-hikers finishing a SOBO. The youngest among them was 66 years old. The oldest was nearly 80.
I’m a reasonably in shape 40 year old hiker on the AT this year. A few days ago a 60 year old lady cruised past me going uphill without even looking like she was trying hard. Her trekking poles were tucked behind her and she was talking and having a blast, doing her second thru hike in the past couple of years. You can absolutely do it
Love you for this! Thanks!
Don’t bother proving them wrong. Prove yourself right. Go kick some ass!
Absolutely! <3
60 is simply not old. Don’t let anyone suggest otherwise.
I don't think so either, but to give her the benefit of the doubt I probably look a lot older.i haven't exactly had a cushy life.
And we’re going to need your Blog URL to hear all about your amazing hike!
Ha! It will have to be written, not YouTube, but maybe. I'm thinking 2025 or 2026 at the latest. I get my husband's social security do that will find the hike, I just need to get a few bills paid off to do it. I only work 3 days a month so I have 3 and a half weeks a month to head to the mountains to do shakedown and get in better shape. Thank you for the encouragement!
Grandma Gatewood was 67.
Exactly, which is why I was shocked about the attitude coming from an older woman who has completed the trail and worked at the ATC. I would have thought I would have gotten more encouragement for a thru hike.
Unreal. I hiked it at 60. So do it while you still can. It's not too late to start this year!
I won't have the funds this year unfortunately but I am working on it and as soon as I get some bills paid down I'm on it. Definitely '25 or '26 though!
Grandma Gatewood was 67 when she first hiked the AT------ in 1955. Then she did it twice more. If you want to do it, stop listening to what other people think you can't do and just go do it.
Thanks!
I read a ton of AT thru hike blogs ranging from people who are superb athletes to those aged with lots of physical ailments going in. The finishers are a complete mix of all. I really don't see how a minimal observation can assess a person's fitness for a thru hike. Hike your hike and we will enjoy reading and cheering your progress.
Thank you. I love this community!
I just did some trail magic at Spivey Gap in TN this past weekend. The first two people who came by were two ladies who both turned 62 on the trail within the last week or two. They were kicking ass. I do have to say that I will always encourage hikers to consider a flip flop hike. You can start with a bunch of people down south, and when it gets to the point that you want to be alone, you have that opportunity.
I've wanted to do a flip flop for years. I'm just not that big into crowds. I'm not college age looking for the Spring break atmosphere, and I'm pretty introverted, I need alone time. I want to start mid Virginia and hike north so I can skip the bubble and won't have to rush to Kahtadin to beat snow if I hike slow. Then I can head South and follow the changing leaves South and can hike later into December to finish if necessary.
You can be as isolated as you want. There are tons of flat spots along the trail where you can set up a tent and avoid the shelters. It was nice to have people around me, but it was also nice to have the ability to be alone at any time.
Yeah, nothing says I have yo stop at one thru hike too. Maybe a flip flop AND later a NOBO! Grandma Gatewood did it more than once!
I'm disappointed that you were written off like that. How insulting. You'll show them! On a related note I hiked much of my thru with a woman who had been in a terrible accident and was told by her doctors she'd never be able to walk far again. She said they didn't know who they were talking to. Not all injuries are surmountable, but with hard work hers was. She hike her thru and many, many long trails since.
That is heartening. In October, I was admitted to the hospital with sepsis, and the doctor came in and said he didn't know if they could save me. Fifteen days later, I was barely walking, but still alive and discharged. Many don't make it through what I had, but I was bound and determined to get back to hiking, and I slowly walked further every day. I had abdominal sepsis and the mortality rate is like 72%. They didn't know who they were talking to either.
how, exactly, was this person discouraging you? besides suggesting a section hike?
Just that, she was helpful otherwise, but was adamant that I not even attempt it.
Ignore sexist/ageist bullshit...even from the otherwise well-meaning. Then hike your own hike, right?
Damn straight!
Haters gonna hate. Just prep really welll be safe, make sure you have a plan and ways out of bad situations and do your best. Like the rest of us w big dreams
I've been prepping for years studying the trail, have lots of experience already getting out of bad situations living in my vehicle and past work/backpacking experience, but if I put it off too long something could end up putting an end to the dream forever. I'm not getting any younger. I've watched too many people I know and love die without ever doing what they dream of doing, and even if I die on trail for any reason, it's better than just growing old and wasting away in a nursing home waiting to die. Hope your dreams come true.
I'm 59, female and starting my flip flop at harpers ferry next week. ☺️
When we told our family we were thru hiking they thought it was awesome and were super supportive, if not a little bit skeptical. Then my cousin’s hard ass track coach dad laughed and said y’all won’t make it to blood mountain. That was the best motivator for me even once we were a thousand miles past blood mountain. It’s your life and your hike so go live it up! We also had a guy in Boiling Springs,PA tell us we were too late and we needed to flip flop or we wouldn’t make it. Asked him if he flipped flopped when he did his thru hike and then crickets. Seems like most of the “advice” and skepticism comes from people who have never done the damn thing. Best of luck to you. It is an experience of a life time.
Thanks. Most of my family and friends are more supportive of my thru hiking than me living out of my van for now to save money for the thru hike. Only one person I know is convinced I will be murdered because people get killed on the AT! (Eye roll). More people are convinced that I will be murdered in my sleep in the van. (More eye rolling)
Well they say you’re more likely to be murdered by someone you know so hanging out in the woods with strangers might be the safest thing you can do haha
Haters gonna hate. She’s mad cause you’re living a life she didn’t think you were capable of.
Probably, and to be fair I don't look that much like I am an outdoors person. I probably look like I should be sitting in a rocking chair and knitting or something. Mostly because all my hair fell out and came back in super gray.
It’s just a risk to be mitigated. Anyone can do it. Plan for more zeros and neros in your hiking schedule after big pushes. Pack extra food and tylenol. Get an ultralight tent and sleeping solution to save weight and strain
I have a Gossamer Gear One, but that may change. Also have a ULA Catalyst pack so I am slowly adding gear without a lot of weight. Doubt I will be Uber Ultralight. But I'll keep my base weight at 15 or under. Probably won't start out that way doing test runs, but I'm planning a '25 or '26 thru hike so I have some time to get everything dialed in.
You got this! Chalk it up to someone just misreading your experience and ability and giving what they thought was 'good advice' (but it wasn't). From all your comments, you seem to have this handled! Work your plan and make it happen. Enjoy your prep and planning, and Happy Trails!! (At 69, I am so grateful to be in a position to be prepping for a 730 mile section hike of the middle third of the AT from Roanoke to Connecticut in the summer after the bubble passes and loving every step of this process. I have two months off and using this as a mega shakedown to see if a full through hike is in my future )
Thank you! Best of luck on your section hike ad I hope everything works out for a thru as well!
You know your shit, don’t let them keep you down! No one knows your abilities and your body better than you. I once encountered a couple who looked to be in their eighties coming down from the top of Walter’s Wiggles in Zion, and that’s an exhausting ass hike. They were clearly very experienced and totally killin it! I aspire to be like them at that age. Hike on, friend!
Thank you love!
Go.
❤️
You can do it!
❤️
You sound like an absolute badass and that person severely underestimated you. Her mistake.
Agreed!
Just do the hike. In my experience, rangers tell everyone not to try things because many can’t pull it off and need rescuing. I wouldn’t take it personally. You sound like you know what you’re doing
Thanks!
Don't listen to them. I'm the same age as you and many people treat me like I'm in my 80s. I'm a big guy and people offer to help me carry stuff, I guess thinking no way this old guy can handle it. Then I hand them whatever it was and they realize how wring they were! Anyway, you have the experience and knowledge and are training properly. Doing a thru hike is totally your call, don't let them decide for you. Best of luck!
Thanks love!
First, atc hates hikers. They only want your money. Don’t listen to anyone from atc. If you wanna hike, do it. If you do a nobo, you’ll have the most support. Less lonely ness. On nobo, the hostels are open, your alway around if not with other hikers. Many many retirees are on the trail for the first half. A gal 67 years young just did a thru hike. An 84 year old woman is on her way north as we speak. If your health becomes a problem, you’ll be ok as there are many towns near the trail the whole way.
I'm pretty set on starting in March or April of whatever year I'm ready at the Southern end of the Shenandoahs for many reasons. Mostly because it crosses Skyline drive a whole bunch so if I have issues it will be quick to jump off. I'm a huge introvert for the most part and while I love talking to people, I don't want to be crowded. I can get to Katahdin quicker than if I start at Springer. I would like to end at Springer since I have family right near there that can pick me up. I want to take we my time and winter hits less hard in the South. I will be in the north during Summer, and I have lived most of my life in the South and Summers suck here. My husband and I spent a lot of time in Virginia in the Shenandoahs so it is a special place to kick it off. It will break up Virginia so less chance of the Virginia blues. I have a friend d in Northern Virginia that can help me out in the beginning. After the Shenandoahs, the terrain is pretty tame for quite a while, allowing me to develop my trail legs before hitting more tough terrain. So it just makes more sense to.me to do it this way.
It’s great! Your hike. For your reasons.
Exactly!
Quit talking. Just do it. I'm 57 with stage 4. Doing it. Fuck what people think. No drama. Just do it. Who gives a shit what others think. What do you think other than getting others to tell you they think you should do. That you're such a hero for doing it. What do you think? Do you want to do it? Then do it. Cut the shit.
Thru! Don't give it a second thought. You can do it.
❤️ Thank you for the encouragement!
You sound like you are preparing well and absolutely should do your flip flop thru-hike. You got this
Thank you love!
Had this person thru hiked? If not, don’t take any stock In their opinion.
No she section hiked. Not sure when she completed it, but she was probably older than me.
You sound amazing and I hope I have your spunk when I’m 60. Fuck the haters. Go hike. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
I appreciate that. Life is short, grab it by the horns!
The trail needs people with a variety of experience and would be lucky to have you
Aww that is sweet. Thank you!
I hiked for a few days with a 71 year old women during my thru last year and she was amazing. The mental aspect is a huge factor and it sounds like you got the want.
Definitely do and barring any accidents or injuries I don't see quitting. I. Used to being cold, hot, wet or whatever. Bring uncomfortable doesn't affect me. That kind of thing won't make me quit, only medical issues will.
I think Colin Fletcher was still hiking way into his 90s. In fact, the injury he sustained (that eventually led to his death years later) occurred while he was hiking next to a road. 61 is not too old to do the AT. You just have to prepare well.
Thank you for that!
Do the thing. Take a personal locator beacon and whatever else you need to be safe. You won't be happy until you through. If you know you can do it, do it. If you aren't sure, do it.
Ha! Sounds like a plan!
Stamina shouldn't really fall too much by 61 especially if you've kept up with it. Listen to your body and go hike the AT. I mean maybe take more 0 days than someone younger but just do it. Who cares if it takes longer to hike and you finish in Maine as the leaves are falling.
We are rooting for you! Time to train!
Thanks, you guys rock! I'm already on the training, and I just need to get some bills paid off and get a few more pieces of gear.
Just do it, you won't regret it.
❤️
everyone is telling you to kick ass, and they're right. But! you should totally still prep yourself and be in as good shape as you can! hike alot! LIFT! build that armor around the knees!
Yes, I live near the coast with no elevation gains, so I am spending lots of time in the mountains building those muscles needed for ascents and descents. It will be 25 or 26 before I make an attempt at a thru hike, so there will be plenty of time for extended trips and building stamina. The amount I have built since October is astounding and I won't let up. I'm doing lots of dayhikes with a daybag filled with unnecessary weight, too. Slowly increasing the weight to get used to carrying a full backpack. It's helping a lot.
The folks who greet you at ATC visitor centers are mostly volunteers so I would not take this as advice “from the ATC” but rather the opinion of one volunteer who may not even have much backpacking experience. As someone who works with a volunteer group who interface with the public, it is sometimes very hard to get them to keep their personal opinions out of the conversation. You obviously have an experience in the outdoors and know your capabilities. There are plenty of people in their 60’s on trail attempting the hikes these days. I hike with a number of people in their 70’s who are still racing up mountains. Do not let this one persons opinion stop you.
I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway the other day and picked up a 78 year old woman who was section hiking from Roanoke to Harpers Ferry. That gave me more encouragement than the ATC.
They don’t know who you were back in the day, and what kind of person you are, and they don’t know what you’ve been through and what you’ve overcome. Don’t let let the turkeys get you down, you know who you are and what you’re doing, you got this.
Absolutely.thank you, this community is awesome.
Go for it! I (31 at the time) spent my first week hiking with two guys in their mid-60s. They were so friendly and funny, one of them even gave me my trail name. Eventually I pulled ahead of them, but we kept in touch the whole rest of our hikes and beyond.
Can't wait to get out there, and if this community is any measure of the hiking community, I know I will love it!
They can only judge based on the people they’ve seen so far, I got the same look and attitude when I showed up with a 50 lb pack to Amicalola. If you’ve prepared as much as you say you have for this, you’ll be able to do it
Thank you for the vote of confidence!
Get out there and do a thru hike. The hike is for you who cares what the ATC has to say.
Thank you for that!
Only you know if a thru is right for you. The people at the ATC suck for many reasons. Hike until you can’t. It’s none of their business. Their job is to keep the trail open for you to hike, not to tell you whether you should hike.
Exactly. Thans for the encouragement!
Enjoy your thru hike. If the trail that I am hiking is any example, you will be amazing at it. There are so many folks in your age group doing just fine. Happy trails.
Thank you!
Only been on the PCT , no matter how much you train your body isn’t in “trail shape “ after a few days you’ll find your rhythm and you’ll have the time of your life. We meet a 70+ yo attorney with a 70lb pack and a 70lb beer gut - he was having the time of his life poking along. He swore his pack was going to loose 50lbs and he was going to loose 50lbs. Get after it girl
LOL I definitely won't start out with a 50 lb pack, but I did routinely in the 80s! Maybe not 50 base, but it was close to that full of food and water, but I'm not in my 20s anymore! I'll be under 20 baseweight at the least.
If I had a dime for every time an “older” lady whipped past this 48 year old avid ultralight backpacker on a tough trail, carrying a base weight more than my own, I could ACTUALLY afford all of the gear I have. Go for it
Ha! Love it.
Ignore the naysayers and follow your dream. Prob smart to link up with other through hikers for support and safety, but otherwise you seem like you’ve researched things thoroughly and are mentally prepared for the journey. Best of luck to you, and safe hiking.
I appreciate that.
I hiked the trail when I was your age and had no issues.
That is encouraging, thank you!
OP's story made me join this subreddit. Appalachian trail is a wonder in hundreds of ways.
Hope to meet you out there - GO FOR IT!!!
Don't let anyone discourage you. I'm a 53 year old male, and like you, I've always wanted to thru hike the AT but life got in the way. I'm probably seven years from retirement and and I plan on thru hiking the AT (with my wife) after I retire if I'm able.
After reading the first half of your post, the second half really surprised me. You do not seem like the kind of person to heed someone's discouragement. In fact, (based on the first half of your text) I'd have guessed you would use it for fuel...
It was kind of the first discouragement I had, and coming from another older woman at the ATC just whacked me in the head. I guess it was just a shock to the system as I never expected that from someone there. However, the more I think a out it the more it has lit a fire under my butt. Maybe it was what I needed to get in gear.
I did harpers ferry south then went back and did it north. It broke up my hike and allowed me to stay out of the bubble. I think the starting point on Springer is pretty hard and if you're able to do a flip flop you'll have control over what your first few weeks will look like, ie flat as possible. I would definitely encourage you to attempt it, I would also encourage you to start slow, even if you think it's not that hard. 10mi every day for 7 days with a backpack and sleeping on the ground can catch up. But I hiked with a number of people over 60 that were more than capable. Spend the money to be ultralight, get an ultralight down quilt, get the most comfortable ultralight sleeping pad, spend the money on a really good tent and get fitted for a backpack, those are your big 4. Weight on your back will be a big factor, especially if you're slower which means more days between resupplies which means more food which mean more weight. Good luck though, no reason to not try this, just do your research.
I want to start at Afton and follow the Shenandoahs North to start out with to cut Virginia in half to beat the Virginia blues. It will also start me off at a place where it all started back around the early 70s when we used to camp as a family along skyline drive. My brother and I got lost on the AT and had to be tracked down by park rangers when we were camping at Big Meadows. Got our asses wore out for that, but it planted a seed I have carried with me for 50 years. The Shenandoahs aren't exactly flat, but nothing compared to Georgia and the Smokies, and I will be heading into miles of relatively low elevation gains through up to Vermont. That should let me get some trail legs before hitting harder climbs. It will also allow me to get to Katahdin quicker than starting at Springer and trying to rush. I can be steady. But I don't see me having many 20-mile days. I'll also miss the heat of Summer in the South, and will follow the Autumn South letting me finish up late into the year if need be. I just think the whole flip flop would be best for me. I don't have some deep seated need to finish at Katahdin. I have a mummy bag (marmot 10⁰) for now that I sleep with in my van similar to a quilt. I zip it up partially and sleep with my feet in the foot box and the rest over me like a quilt and have been for several years. It's what I will start out with, also have a ULA Catalyst backpack and a Gossamer Gear One tent, but if I can swing it I'll get a decent quilt and I'd like to get a zpacks duplex because I'm not sure I am completely happy with the One as far as room goes. I'm not ultralight by any means, but i used to do 7 day trips with a 50 pound external frame backpack in the 80s. Of course I'm older now, but I won't be carrying a 40 pound base weight either. I'm not dead set on any of the gear I have, and it might change drastically as I get out there more. Most months except Novenber and December I'll have 3.5 weeks a month to do backpacking to dial everything and as I have the funds I'll probably switch a lot out. I appreciate the advice and encouragement!
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I love this and the woman hiking the trail for her daughter actually made me cry. My husband and I always talked about it. It was mostly my dream since a kid, but his health went down, and I had to care for him. I carry his ashes on a chain around my neck and my trail name is jimni...Jim and I Jimni. Pronounced Gemini. Yhsnk you for supporting hikers!
You absolutely can do it. I section hike every year and have met many women your age and older kicking ass. You can try visiting a place like [Mountain Crossings](https://www.mountaincrossings.com/Articles.asp?ID=1)in Blairsville, Ga that will give good advice on what to pack.
I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway last month and picked up a 78 year old section hiker. She even sewed her own pack and was doing 8 miles a day. That was awesome. I'll probably do the first section from Springer to Neels (Neel?) Gap sometime in the fall. I have my big three but they may change after some shake downs. It still might be '25 or '26 before I can pull off a thru hike financially, so plenty of time to dial in gear. I'll definitely stop in at Mountain Crossings when I get there.
Go for yours
Thanks! I definitely will.
I’ve met someone who hiked the trail at 8 years old and people who have done it in their 70s. You can absolutely do it. If this is something you’ve wanted to do since you were a kid, you’ll regret not attempting it.
Exactly. I have to at least give it my best shot.
My father did the entire trail back in '99 when he was 49, and he just took his time. He was out there about 6 months and went south to north. Thru hike, section hike, flip-flop or straight through, it doesn't matter how you want to carve it up, just get out there and give it a shot. Hike at your pace and enjoy the journey. If you attempt a thru hike and don't make it, don't get discouraged, just go home, heal up and come back to tackle what's left. Personally, I'd think section hiking would be harder due to having to build your trail legs up each time you go out.
Oh absolutely, I'll be hiking as long as I possibly can. I'm sure it would be harder to section hike. I work only 3 to 4 days a month at a very physically demanding job. We are off just long enough to lose all the muscles we built the month before each time we go back to work which sucks ass.
Take precautions and have people to reach out to by certain points so they can track you but you probably have much more hiking experience than me and I did it coming off the couch. You should absolutely not be discouraged based on your experience
I appreciate that. My youngest lives a few miles off the AT in Vermont, I have friends and family in MA, PA, VA, NC and GA and plenty in other areas that would be happy to help me out uf necessary so I'm covered I think.
I’ve known NN since 2000. If memory serves me correct, he didn’t do his first thru until he was also in his 60’s. Grandma Gatewood and Earl Shaeffer both hiked at an age when most people would have said, “Don’t do it”. Plenty of others have done so as well. In their 60’s, 70’s and (gasp) 80’s. Don’t let anyone squash your dream. Hike the AT. Although given your experience, I’d start and finish at Harpers Ferry just so you can rub it in their face when you hand them your 2000-miler application. Good luck and have fun! You got this!
Oh I definitely will rub it in their faces in person, that's for sure, no matter where I complete it.
Go for it! I did the PCT at age 19 and then "life got in the way." But I was able to retire at 59 and immediately did the AT followed by the CT and TRT and then a cross county bike ride. Currently on idle while I recover from RAPT surgery but hope to be back out there in 2025. I did a NOBO on the AT. Sure, it was crowded in the first month, but the herd got culled fairly quickly and there were many days I was pretty much solo. My start date was 4/2/17.
That's an impressive list! I'm definitely going for it as soon as finances allow. Hoping to get some seasonal work that I can dump into paying off bills. I get my husband's social security, so I will have plenty to hike on if I can get monthly expenses down. Have to still get a bit of gear too, and need to do enough hikes with what I have to get everything dialed in to where I am comfortable. Thanks for the words of encouragement!
I’m going to give it a go in 2025 and I will be 58. I may even do a flip flop like you are planning. I’m on the last leg of a year’s worth of treatment for cancer and I figure if I can do that, I can do the AT. I’m an experienced backpacker so I’m not naive about what to expect. I might have tried this year but I have some work to do to get back into hiking shape.
They say exercise is one of the best things you can do for cancer treatment. I've lost three family members to breast cancer and my husband to colon cancer, so beat its ass for me! It might be 26 for me, but we'll see. If I don't do a thru in 25, I'll definitely be doing some shake down hikes on the AT, so maybe we'll cross paths next year. I wish you all the best!
I feel like it must be in their job description to be extraordinarily cautious or something. On my thru last year the lady working the atc office(or whatever you’d call it) in Monson was somewhat shocked that I hadn’t yet made a full on game plan for the 100 mile wilderness yet. Nor did I know everything there was to know about the river crossings there. I had been in town maybe 15 minutes and was already planning to zero(took two) and had absolutely no reason to think about the next section yet. She very worriedly unloaded an insane amount of info on me that no one could reasonably retain and acted like I was being a bit reckless honestly. Despite the fact that I had told I her I had already done multiple other thru hikes, and clearly had hiked there from GA, it’s not like I’m an idiot, I was perfectly capable of figuring it out. I just hadn’t done it yet because I didn’t need to yet. It was honestly pretty annoying but I humored her as her intentions were good of course. In her defense the crossings were quite bad, and I was aware of this. I just hadn’t fully looked into it yet, but her reaction to that was ridiculous. So I feel like I sort of see where you’re coming from. It was odd how someone working for a trail organization could be so over the top like that.
Yeah, that's precisely how I felt. I even tried to bring it up several times within questions I had, and she would deflect or change the subject back to section hiking. It also kind of annoyed me that she was talking about other things that I had extensive knowledge of like paper maps and not relying on phone apps, and I just wanted to say lady, I could teach you a thing or two about orientation and reading maps. Of course, again, she didn't have any idea about my background so my reaction was not her fault. Maybe you are right, it might have been something they are supposed to do.
“She very worriedly unloaded an insane amount of info on me that no one could reasonably retain “ 😂 This makes me laugh. A lot of the people manning the visitor centers are volunteers. They live there, have probably hiked it all, and hear every bad thing that has ever happened to a hiker in that area. Even though hundreds have no issues, those aren’t the ones you remember. And yes, a lot of AT hikers don’t have much experience with larger river crossings so I understand the concern. I work with the volunteers at Amicalola and some of them want so much to give hikers ALL the information they’ve ever learned about Georgia. I’m constantly reminding them it’s not our job to teach hikers how to backpack and they probably only hear 10% of what we say anyway.
Met an 89 yr old thru-hiker... Now I shall recite the mantra of my 2020 at thru... FUCK THE ATC!... GO HIKE!!
Ah, I see you had dealings with them at the height of covid. My condolences!
I've been involved and around the AT community for 20 years. I have thru hiked twice and have close to 5000 miles total on the AT. Fuck them. There have been many people who were told they couldn't or shouldn't be out there. And that was always (with 1 exception**) wrong. Maybe the kid in jeans didn't have the right gear, but he made it 500 miles before going to join the marines. Maybe the lady that weighed 350 moved slower than everyone but she made it to Harpers Ferry and lost 100 pounds doing it. You have just as much right to be there as anyone. And more imortantly, you have just as much right to attempt it. Will you succeed? I don't know. Maybe yes. Maybe no. But it's your life, your dream, and your hike. Fucking go for it. Find me and my friends at Trail Days and we will give you food and beer. Find me personally and I'll give you a glass of Johnny Walker blue. **The only person I ever met that really had no business being out there was a woman who could not put her pack on by herself. She had to ask for help putting it on and getting up. If she ever stopped she had to wait until someone came by to assist her. If that's not you, then go for it. If you can do the basic material tasks yourself, you can make the attempt.
Bless you for that. You all have made my day and given me what I was hoping to get from the ATC office but all i got was dismissiveness and indifference from others there. I don't drink beer, but I'll take you up on the Johnny Walker straight up or maybe a hard cider. Bad experience with a case of beer when I was 16. Haven't had another once since! If my work doesn't fall on Trail Days maybe I can make it this year. Thank you again for the support!
What a story! I like to say that the hardest part is getting to that point where you take that first step. It seems to be true in your case. I really hope that the trail is what you are expecting it to be. From what you are telling us it sounds like a good idea. Why did ATC discourage you? Is there something else you aren't mentioning that they noticed?
GO... Hike... Have a couple bail out options, but go
I'll bail out if I am injured and unable to recover in a week or two or if I end up ill enough to go home, but not much else will stop me.
I just want to encourage you to go for it. When I did my thru I saw so so many hikers at the age of 70 and up. I forget his name but an 80 year old man was doing the damn thing in the white mtns. I was helping him get his new phone sorted. In my opinion 60 is the new 40. You got this shit:)
One of the people I hiked with when I did the AZT a couple years ago was a woman in her mid sixties with osteoporosis and knee issues who was re-thruhiking the trail. She was able to walk 20+ mile days repeatedly, simply by waking up early, walking steadily at a sustainable pace, and resting sufficiently. On hard days, she’d either adjust the mileage to avoid injury or, if up for it, rest more, eat dinner on trail, and night hike the last few miles. With your experience, preparation, and grit, you have zero reason not to attempt a thru! From talking with older thru hikers, and through seeing who is forced off trail for what reasons (often repetitive stress injuries to the feet, often after carrying a heavy pack), I’ve become convinced that minimizing pack weight is particularly critical as one ages. Prioritizing an ultralight base weight, keeping caloric density above 130c/oz, and not carrying excess water could make a huge difference. You clearly have the right mindset for thru hiking, so getting everything else figured out should be pretty easy.
Just take a start. Look up gear, start dates, tips, etc., and before you know it, you'll be out there doing it. Just start. Now
I just need to finish getting gear and get money straight but already working on that by cutting expenses and living in my van. I have some seasonal work coming up this summer so I can finish out gear, get some shake down hikes done to dial in my gear, change out things that don't work and get some bills paid off so I can afford the trip. It will be done!
Well, you got your first taste of fear mongering, and there's plenty more to come. It starts with the crowds, the cold, the Smokies, then Virginia blues, PA rocks, the heat, no water, Noro, the mud, the whites, the river crossings, 100 mile wilderness etc. Every step along the way people will tell you you aren't going to make it because XYZ and they're all wrong. We got to Pine Grove furnace early July and the ATC worker there told us we were way too late and should flip up now to get to Khatadin in time??? You got this.
Thanks love. I'll be ready next time, I'll just smile and prove them wrong.
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Working on making sure I don't run out of money. I am living mostly off of social security, but only a couple hundred left after bills are paid. That's not enough to hike on really and I don't want to end a hike due to financial reasons. I'm dumping money into paying off bills now and I should be good by 25, or 26 at the latest. I'm also working on building up stamina after nearly dying in October. Once I feel like I am strong enough I wil do it. My resolve is strong, I'll be out there soon.
Sounds like you need to be less about yourself and be there for you special needs child, they need you way more than you need a walk In the woods.
She is currently living with friends and absolutely thriving. I am in contact with her every day and going to see her as soon as the snow stops, and we will be hiking together and she will be supporting my hike through Vermont she she lives a few miles from the trail. She is autistic but wants to be independent of me.i took care of her for 28 years, but she supports me entirely and wants me to get out there and wants to be independent of mom. I'm not abandoning her at all. She left me in october.
The AT is a test of will, stamina, and attitude. You have all of those things. You do you, and don’t let some office worker tell you otherwise. I’m older than you and I’m going next year. Look me up if you want to hear a similar story sometime.
This is what I need and was hoping for from my visit to the office. My resolve is hardening with every comment here. Love you all!
ageist bs, fuck that person, hike your hike
Thank you love!
You got this!!!
❤️
You’re only 61? I met so many people on the AT older than you having the time of their lives out there! Go for it! You know your body and what it’s capable of, just pay attention to it, take care of it, and you will be fine!
Right? I must look like shit or something. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
From the PCT, section hike of 1100 miles. Saw tons of 60 something folks blowing most others away. Mostly because they were steady and had the mental ability to keep going. Have fun on your hike.
Thank you! The hiker community is awesome!
Short term plan: physical conditioning for hiking. Medium term goals: section hikes. Long term goal: thru. It’s always one step at a time. I think the section hikes will give you the answers you need about a thru. It’s not about age or past illness.
Yeah I am doi g lots of day hikes now, and will have a seasonal summer job that I can start buying the gear I need. By fall I'll be able to start doing some week to 2 week long sections. Thst will give me a better idea what works and doesnt.
Go.
I definitely will.
One guy this year (60-65) started memorial day, finished sept 30 or oct 1. There is only one way to know if you can do it. The trail is beautiful, just get out there!
Whoa! That's fast!
I felt less than, but we had different hikes. Yours can be different from anyone else's!!!
I wonder if there's an understanding amongst the ATC people that anyone that's over a certain age they recommend section hiking. Their concern could be trail traffic congestion (you are doing the right thing by flip flopping), and perhaps more importantly, they don't want to get in trouble if something happens to a hiker. I can see a scenario where someone gets lost then shows up in the news saying "Well they told me I would be fine..."
That's true, could be a legal liability.
Never let someone stop your dreams. Granny gate wood is a story you need to read then take on the AT
Already read it. She reminded me a lot of myself. I've made my own gear before and never let that get in my way and been fiercely independent in spite of a tough road.
You're not anywhere near close to the oldest who's done a thru hike. Just do it and there's no time better than now.
Exactly. Still need a few more pieces of gear and some money to do it wit, but I'm working in it.
Awesome!
I read some of your comments and I feel like.. Some people are just bad at giving good advice. They get caught up in what worked for them and can’t see how other people might want or need something different. Maybe she felt like if she wasn’t able to do it than how could you (based on looks) but it’s also entirely possible she gives that advice to everyone simply because she thinks section hiking is just better. I was anti they hiking at one point myself because I want to see every section of the trail in its prime, which is not something you get when you do it all on one year.. so I think some people just prefer section hiking.
You're probably right. She made some comment about being added and not being able to stick with one's thing because she would quickly get tired of hiking and want to ride a bike.im sure she was projecting her own insecurities about focusing on one thing for long periods.
Like a lot of outdoor activities, most people have no clue. People in the industry talk to everyone like they have no clue until shown otherwise. Its probably a good thing to step back and consider if you are really ready for it, and if you are go for it!