Wandering Boots A.T. Adventures Services
The longer accompanied hikes (1 - 6 months) must have a minimum amount of hikers signed up before the start of the year or they will be canceled. All other hikes are 1 -2 weeks and are available to book at any time. Shorter accompanied hikes have a minimum of 2 and a max of 5.
3 Days of Orientation followed by 7 days accompanied hike during the months of March and April to include:
- Pick-up at the Atlanta airport
- 3 day 2 night stay at a condo in Atlanta
- All food and drink during Orientation
- Transportation to Amicalola Falls SP
- 1 night stay at the campground
- 7 days with an experienced AT hiker
- Shuttle into Helen, GA (end of the accompanied hike).
At Wandering Boots A.T. Adventures, we take care to provide each hiker with personalized attention to ensure that they are well prepared for their long distance hike. We guarantee that the day you begin your hike, you will have everything you need, and be as prepared as you can. Our experienced AT Hiking Instructors are well informed, professional, courteous and efficient.
Our primary goal is the complete planning of an Appalachian Trail thru-hike from beginning to end. We will have one small group of 5-10 hikers that will begin around mid-April (may start later but not past May), depending on the weather, and includes a 1-3 day orientation in Atlanta before heading off to the start of the trail. We do have a minimum requirement of 5 reserved spots for this hike and a maximum of 10 in order for hike to be scheduled.
This hike will begin around mid-April. We will start with a 1-3 day orientation where we will gather to meet everyone in the group, introduce ourselves, educate everyone on trail usage, explain what you should expect throughout the hike, go through the daily routine & ensure that everyone understands the challenges ahead. We will review the animals that we may encounter and hazards we may face along the way. Before we head out we will go through everyone's gear to be sure that nothing is forgotten & clients will have the opportunity to get anything that was. We will have on site a few things for sale that is usually overlooked. Pick up from Atlanta airport, a 2 night stay in a condo near Atlanta, meals during orientation, transportation to Amicalola Falls SP, lunch, campground fee, hostel stays, and an expert Instructor on site are all included in this hike.
A complete A.T. thru-hike usually begins around late April, weather permitting and finishes about 5 months later in September. Since there are approximately 3000+ hikers that begin hiking the trail around this time, we will begin a little later in an attempt to avoid some of the problems associated with being around so many people. We will begin hiking from Springer Mt near Amicalola Falls State Park in GA. Those who wish to drive to orientation and follow to Amicalola, can park here for $55 and leave their vehicle for the entire duration of the hike. We will camp at Amicalola Falls State Park the night before we start the hike to ensure that everyone knows how to set up camp and use their gear. Temperatures may be cold so be prepared.
Because everyone will have different levels of experience, hikers will start off hiking slowly with an average of 5-10 miles per day. This is to prepare everyone for the hike, prepare the bodies for this type of exercise and attempt to avoid any injuries. As time goes on you will most likely up the mileage accordingly but will never go above 20 miles per day (this amount will be months into the hike so don't panic). Hikers will spend, on average, 1-3 days in the woods before meeting the transport vehicle to resupply. We will provide transportation from the trailhead to town for resupply or have supplies already stored in the transport to save money and time. About once a week we will be coming out of the woods to stop and resupply in a town where we can eat, take a shower, do laundry & if the opportunity presents itself, stay in a hostel or hotel. All food, laundry, hotels, hostels, and gear will be the responsibility of the hiker. Hikers will check into the transport along the hike for safety reasons. Hikers hike at their own pace.
The Appalachian Trail officially ends on top of Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine. We will gather on top for a group photo which will be given to each hiker before, if possible, leaving to go home. We will also gather at camp once everyone comes down for a celebration dinner to finalize the end of a long but unforgettable journey. Transportation from Baxter State Park to the bus station or Bangor international airport will be included. Additional transportation back to Atlanta can be arranged for an additional cost. We may offer an extended stay in Maine for day hikes or exploration as an extra add on as well.
COMPLETE APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU-HIKE
This is a shorter version of the full hike. This is for those hikers that would like to experience what a thru-hike is like but are unable to take the entire 6 months off to do it.
This hike is 3 months long and offered in two parts:
Part 1 is to begin in March with the rest of the group & continue until June where we will provide transportation to the nearest airport or Greyhound bus station.
Part 2 is if one cannot begin with the rest of the group, then one can join the group somewhere along the way.
Please remember that you will need to keep up with the daily mileage if joining later in the year. We will pick you up at the nearest airport or Greyhound bus station and bring you to the nearest trailhead to await the main groups' arrival & join us. Transportation will be provided to the nearest airport or Greyhound bus station when your journey with us is over. Other options may be available if driving own vehicle to the trailhead.
One month hike for those hikers who wish to gain some experience backpacking for a good length of time. It is 1 month long & offered in 2 parts as well but part 1 is highly recommended for beginners because of mileage per day. Part 1 is where you will join the main group at the beginning in March and finish one month later in NC/TN area. Part 2 is where you will join the group somewhere along the way. Again, remember that you will need to keep up with the daily mileage if joining the group later on in the year. We will pick you up and/or drop you off at the nearest airport, bus station or shuttle service if you drove. If no thru-hike is scheduled for this year than you can pick your own month to hike or let us suggest one.
We now offer a 24 hr Course/Seminar with a free week hike for those folks who just want a taste of the trail and gain some experience. This is a learning hike for new backpackers. We will spend 1 day in an "outdoor" classroom learning about gear and the trail. Then, attendees will be invited to join their Instructor on a free 5 day trek with their experienced AT hiker instructor to implement what they have learned.
This is a great way to learn about the trail, check out the necessary gear, and gain some experience before committing to something more. Most hikes leave from Amicalola Falls SP in GA or Harper's Ferry, WV for beginners. Other Course/Seminar locations w/free week hikes along the trail that are more challenging reserved for more experienced hikers.
Hikers arrive on Sunday for the Instruction Course/Seminar where we will talk about the trail, go over gear, set up camp at the campground, take a short hike and go have dinner. Once the course if complete, a free hike is offered on Monday morning with your Instructor. The planned mileage is about 6-10 miles per day. Hikers joining their Instructor must carry their own gear. We hike and camp for 3 nights and have a hostel/cabin stay for night 4 (Springer). The last day we slackpack 6-11 miles and finish up Friday evening.
The Harper's Ferry, WV hike is slightly different.