If the Amicolola stairs are bad for you, you might not be in shape. I thought they were fine. Good tips, Bigfoot.

The etiquette advice is important and underappreciated.

Love "Trail Angels"! I don't know what they are called in the cycling world but when I did my distance trips people came out of the woodwork to help every time I hit a speed bump. These types of journeys can really restore a person's faith in people!

As someone who has walked some of the toughest trails in Europe eg. the GR20 in Corsica where the French paratroopers train, the HRP 800kms across the Pyrenees from coast to coast, and the 650kms Grande Traversate delli Alpi in Italy, I am staggered to read that some walkers setting out on this 3500kms trail were put off by 175 steps of ascent at the start of the trail. What did they expect? To walk along whistling with their hands in their pockets for months?!

Seriously great tips! These can't be said and shared enough. Thanks for putting them out there!

Great advice video! Really appreciate. Looking forward to your upcoming hikes.

Tips for the AT from two 2016 Thru Hikers. 1. Hike your own hike. Let others do the same. Offer advice only when requested. 2. Put a pair of nylon socks on first before your wool socks. Your feet will slide inside the wool socks and NO BLISTERS. We didn't get a single one. 3. Keep your toenails short or else the downhill hiking will ar cause them to jam against the front of the shoe which could cause you to lose the nail from bruising. 4. Wear body lube to keep from chafing on your thighs and ass cheeks. Skin rubbing together for long periods of time will get irritated without lubrication. 5. Get wax earplugs for the snoring you'll hear at the camps. Get the kind swimmers wear. 6. Wrist bands that tennis players wear are GREAT for keeping sweat off your hands while using your treking poles. 7. Embrace the suck. Rain, cold, hunger, exhaustion will be the experience but it will pass. 8. Don't quit on a bad day. Wait three days then decide. 9. Expect pain but know the difference between being sore and INJURY. Injury doesn't get better and if not treated will knock you off the trail. 10. NEVER pass up water or trail magic.

Your experience equals my success,thanks again for all you do,the tips are fantastic as usual.

Must hit the spring tubs in Hot Springs N.C. & great Conversation on the Porch at Laughing Heart. Love the Trail!.. -Acorn Tree-

excellent video. Thank you kindly for your suggestions!

Great advice Bigfoot. I think all hikers agree that preparation, attitude, pack weight, and setting the proper pace are key to finishing the AT. I do not know if you would call it a mistake worth mentioning but for me proper treatment of injuries and illnesses on the trail was a big mistake. I first got poison ivy so bad I had to visit a hospital ER facility. I hiked on! Poison ivy does not heal well with sweat, grime, and abrasion. Ended up getting cellulitis. This put me in the hospital for 3 days. After that I hiked on! Eventually ended up getting MRSA. I made it to mt Katahdin. Decisions on when to seek medical advice, get off trail for a while, or maybe even go home are important. I was just a stubborn old man in a hurry. Hope hearing about my mistakes may help someone.

Loved all these tips. When I get out on the AT and succeed, I'll have KZfaq vloggers like you, Dixie, and several others to thank for my success.

The most informative hiker on the tube !! Thanks for all of your cool videos.

Just watched this again and found it to be very informative and important. Even for a section hiker like myself.

Thank You BigFoot for this video and sharing your knowledge; my go date for the AT is late February of 2027. I’m a new fan of yours and have to go find your videos on pack weight since you mentioned it. I am studying and practicing (hiking) all that I can now in preparation.

I love the fishing rod bonus because I was wondering if I should bring mine on the hike I love to fish and am excited about the prospect of catching a wild meal from time to time

I did approach in amacalola to heels gap early this year. The stairs made me rethink my identity as a hiker, but a couple miles later up a bunch of incline, I called my wife telling her I was thinking of giving up and just doing a week camp out in the state park, but she talked me down, I ate something and the rest of the approach was tuff but it was real pretty. I say get dropped off on the road in the state park that the trail crosses past the stairs. You only cut out a few miles, but you also don't have to climb the 600plus stairs. Skip the stairs and its worth it

New subscriber, thanks for the info and look forward to watching more of your videos

I have white watered the kennebec at release. At release it is a cat 4 river. Don’t miss the ferry.

Great Blackalachian shoutout. Love his channel!

March 1st 2019 me and my daughter start our thru hike I’m way stoked specially being from Iowa she’ll be a sophomore in high school and I’d like her to see a different side of life and I believe this will open all those doors for her and me as well!

Thanks Foot, these are some really good tips, esp. ones involving safety such as trying to swim that river in Maine.

*Very good video with great information!*

Great information. Thanks

Thanks for your tips and insights. The Devils Backbone is a great place and you will have to come back one day and make a video there for yourself and btw , bring your fishing pole!

Trail etiquette ! The best advice ;)

Thanks for your video! My wife and I are planning to do the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail soon. We just posted a vlog about our prep on our channel. I am going to Everest Base Camp later this year. I will be climbing some mountains in the Rockies this summer. Appreciate your videos!

Nice video, good tips, thanks for sharing

Great advice! Well done

TY Bigfoot great video, I am still doing my research and purchasing equipment for mine and my Husband 's first Thru Hike. Now our hike will be better. Oh and the video on the hiker poles great too and it works it really distributes and transfers weight to poles and increases stabilization and endurance. Yeah love mine. My husband doesn't want them. I'm trying to change his mind LOL. Love to all keep hiking everyone.

I love Devil's Backbone Brewing Co! They distribute a lot near me and actually come to lots of music festivals I go to (I live in WV).

Good points and video

Thanks for the help!

I enjoyed the Approach Trail. I felt very accomplished when I finished it and I’ll never forget the first time I realized I made it to the Southern Terminus.

Excellent information.

If I can add one, it would be to NOT send your cold weather gear home until after the Smokies, and preferably at least until you get to Damascus. No matter how warm the year has been or nicely the weather has treated you! When I hiked in 2016, I was desperate to lose some weight out of my pack. And because it had been warm, dry, and gorgeous the entire trip, I let complacency replace common sense. I reached The Smokies where on Cinco de Mayo, it dropped 4-5 inches of snow on me with only liner socks and mesh shoes. Not only did I freeze my tail off and have wet feet for a week straight, but the only blisters I had on the entire Trail we're from hiking through all that mud and grit that ended up in my shoes from hiking through snow that hid mud holes beneath it.

Those stairs look fun. Thought I might swing by there after the superbowl and maybe hike the 8 miles to Springer Mt and back just to see

I have been debating wether or not to bring my fly rod on the hike but after watching this video I have decided to take your advice and bring that little 2 weight rod. Thank you.

Glad I watched these. I have been spraying my underwear, but we're just section hiking. I'll have to try and wash it out.

Great video. If I could I would like it again. Maybe an update if busy domestic and work life allow? Can imagine it would only add to a hiker’s arsenal of valuable knowledge.

Some great points from England

love it! Gods country sounds like an adventure i often think about going to the himalayas!

I wish other KZfaq hiker persons had done something similar. Great video. Thx. You BF

No way !! lol ....I shit you not....I was just wondering the other day, as I get ready for a shakedown 135 mile thru hike here in NY, if I should spray the exofficios with permetherin !!!!!!! And then, here you are !!! Thanks so much. I've learned so much from you over the last 6 months !!

There is a nice loop a hiker can do as a day or 2-day hike coming out of Amicalola. It's a good opportunity to experience what the trail will offer in the southern states at least. After leaving Amicalola and completing the stairs, the trail splits at mile 1.2 or 1.3. The branch trail is the Hike Inn Lodge Trail which leads to the Len Foote Hike Inn. The Hike Inn Lodge Trail connects back to the AT Approach Trail at around mile 5.3 or 5.4, creating a loop. For a little more adventure, you could hike the AT Approach Trail a few more miles north to the top of Springer Mt (mile 8.8) or to one of the two upcoming shelters (Black Gap Shelter mile 7.3 or 0.2 miles past the Springer Mt summit to the Springer Mt Shelter). Guthook's App and the maps for the AT Approach Trail are free! It is the maps north of Springer Mt. that they charge for.

Great stuff!

I did the dragons tooth on trekking pole straps and crocs...going down steep inclines is where they really pay off. a hand line with a bobber works as well as a fishing rod without the weight....but they make some pretty light rods these days so you decide...that's the fun of a thru hike, you get to play around with your gear and dial in your own little system...then you get to call yourself an expert ....and people have to grudgingly accept it even if you have an annoying personality and pick your nose and clean your ears with your car keys

I thru hiked in 2017 and have been feeling nostalgic and watching AT videos lately. I started super late because i had to finish the semester at school so I was pretty far behind the bubble most of the way. I did have a meal and a half dozen drinks at devils backbone and camped on the property with a german hiker named Tuna and it was pretty great. And you mentioned Blackalachian, i actually met in a liquor store somewhere in Pennsylvania maybe? Dont remember exactly but the lady running the store gave me, him, and a guy named Redbeard free beers. -RootBeer

And The Hits Just Keep On Coming, thanks again Bigfoot, the good news is there are 10 mistakes I shouldn't make (notice I didn't say won't make). I am pretty confident that by Neels Gap I will be able to forward you a list of about 100 more things for your next video, "Trail Bozo's And How They Survive", lol. Funny you mentioned the Kennebec River Ferry, with a 1 February start, even averaging just 17 miles a day I may get there early. I have read that if a hiker arrives early in May he can call ahead and for a fee of $50.00 catch a ride. I have not seen anyone's Vlog where they have actually taken advantage of the early service. If you know anything about the Earlly May Ferry Service please let us know. I always seem to be saying thank you for all of your sincere efforts to help those of us planning our hikes, please don't ever think that it has become a hollow sentiment. I felt I was getting pretty prepared prior to your posts, 5 days a week in the gym at 5:00 A.M., hiking on the weekends, reviewing and purchasing gear, watching all the Appalachian Trail Vlog's that are out there and making notes in my AWOL Guide. Then I started watching your follow up videos, and there is always that one more thing I need to do or think about. I just don't want to succeed on the trail, I want to have the best time ever, I doubt that I will ever get the chance to be able to arrange everything in my life where I can't take 4-6 months and do something like this again. Every little thing I learn from you gets me closer to really being able to enjoy this experience. Thanks again, as always, be good, be safe, be careful. Breeze

" EXCELLENT " - Thanks .... mvc

when on a section hike a few weeks ago and did not have the best foot were did meet up with some thro hikers and lern a lot about the best gear to take

I'm really glad you mentioned the underwear.I watched a video a few months ago were someone said the opposite. Good to know...

Funny! I did strawberry shortcake half-gallon. I would recommend that you keep your wet boots from freezing. I learned the hard way that it takes a long time and a lot of pain to get your feet into a rock hard pair of frozen boots.

Great information. You are making us rethink the approach trail.

One thing that amazed me is why 99% of thru-hikers climbed the stairs up the falls!!!!...You dont have to. Just stay straight on the trail at the Len Foote Inn sign and you will follow the trail you are on all the way to the top of Springer without ever having to climb a single step!

hello i am new to the channel.i thruhiked the AT 2003.i never did the aproach trail. a friend drove me up close to springer mountain.i stayed with my driver at the first shelter.in the morning a young guy came up to my driver and begged him to take him back to atlanta with his car.we tried to take him to neels gap but he finally quit after less then a mile one the actuell AT.and i thought there was a 2 hour limit for the ice cream challenge.if you think its hard try the pancake challenge in seiad valley on the PCT.

Good info

you are a cool dude

It's pretty cool that this channel exists. It seems like I learn the most by listening to thru hikers

Good lessons

Wanted to through hike the AT but health failing and prescriptions would run out too soon. Thinking of doing section hikes with the hope of one day completing the whole trail. Perhaps start in Georgia and hike north foe the weeks. Then hike back to start to return to vehicle. Our hike north for 6 weeks and find transport back to vehicle. And trail etiquette would be a priority.

i’m 19 and really want to do it in 2021!

That's interesting. I shared a shelter with a fella who was called Big Foot on the trail back in 1983. He was chasing after YoYo Steve..who my friend and I had shared a shelter with the night before. Wonder if he ever caught up with him !

We do the Amicalola stairs with kids several times a year, it’s not bad.

Thank you

In 1981 the Kennebek Ferry was optional. I didn't want to pay and at 6'0'' felt confident. My 5'6" buddy paid for the ferry. We were told by locals to cross before 11am to avoid floodgate surge. The water was nearly up to my crotch. I only had sticks (about 7 feet long each and staged for discovery obviously used by a south bounder) as trekking poles weren't really popularized until later. It was slick round rock and most of them easily dislodged. Although clear water the view to the bottom was obscured by ripples. I kept one stick planted firmly and leaned into it with my waist belt as a pad until I could plant the next one and trade the resistance. I made it without falling. I lost balance and danced to get footing few times although I was in top condition. It was like playing tug of war on a cobblestone street on snow with an evenly matched opponent and a tailwind for fifteen minutes. P.S. The water is so cold that it reduces muscle strength and could induce leg/foot cramps. If I had to do it again I would take the ferry.

If you think about quitting after doing the approach, you're probably not gonna make it anyways.

QUESTION: The Kennebec River Crossing, is one I've read about in many books and I'm wondering if the water temperature is part of that problem. The books out of the '60s an '70s talked about the adventure of crossing about a mile upstream from the trail back then at low current. I like the advice, but the rate at which you spoke gave this video a very choppy pace, and made listening difficult after a few minutes.

I am planning a NOBO thru hike of the AT. My mom camps near the Kennebec every summer and we have family up there. If I dont want to take the canoe ferry, what do you think about having my mom leave my kayak at our family's place and having them bring it to me? I've never been on the AT in that area. (section hiked in GA, NC, and TN) Are there any areas near the river there that are more easily accessed on the sides of the river to have access to my own kayak?

Thank you Bigfoot

Devils Backbone brewpub is worth the trip , try the Vienna Lager !!!

Bigfoot would yu ever do the Pacific crest trail?

The Approach Trail is not a part of the AT. Many people hike it because of tradition. We skipped the Approach Trail on our 2006 AT hike because we figured we had 2,175 miles to hike and didn't want to add more if we didn't have to. As far as mistakes, we made a huge one the 2nd day out. In reaching camp, water was a ways down the hill and someone mentioned that we would hit water early the next morning so we passed on getting it that evening. Big mistake. We went several miles the next day and never did see water. One can go several days without food out there but not water. Fortunately another hiker shared his water and literally saved us. My advice: When you have a chance to get water, take it.

A couple of things...How much should my pack weight? What are the best shoes to wear? which water filterizarion system do u recommend?

WHAT WAS THE WEATHER THE LAST 3 MONTHS OF YOUR HIKE IN PENN. UP TO MAINE? I START MY HIKE IN MAY 4TH.

What type of down jacket do you recommend? Brand? down fill content levels? I would need a XXL. Thanks

Fishing rod and special bait!!!

That's preety obvious about trail magic c'mon dont take everything guys!!!

I took the first 200 miles 100 yards at a time with 5 minute breaks in between...Yazzie 2008.... Hi Gucci

Big Foot is my CB handle dog!

I am just curious any connection with half gallon ice cream challenge to trail hiking.

Hi you mentioned not to send your fishing pole home. Will you have to buy a fishing license on every state?

Bring a fishing pole? Is that a joke? Thanks. Always good advice and I appreciate the videos.

Are you talking about Devils Backbone Brewery on route 664 which looks to be about 6 miles off the trail?

What is the brand of the scent-less pain cream?

Spot on!

have you touched on the difference between nobo and sobo? pros and con's?

Hello just trying to get some suggestions me and my son want to do 8 Day hike through Virginia in the beginning of October right around the corner we are beginners any suggestions on where to start and and what direction to go thank you

I plan on doing the AT but certainly not the half gallon challenge. My stomach doesn't take too well to dairy unfortunately and I don't want to risk diarrhea:(

I'll be there the 7th next month😊

I love using my straps on my trekking poles, I cannot imagine not having them.

Hi, I'm an Army vet, and would like to trail the Appalachian. It would be my first time trekking it but not my first time trekking. I would to trek it with somebody interested as well who would also like company. I taught I'd ask you folks for any suggestions on how to find someone interested in this journey. Any feedback is appreciated, thanks.

Another excellent video but I would only disagree with one point. I never use straps with tracking poles. Are use ultralight gossamer gear mostly just for balance, Several times I would’ve snapped the pole When it got wedged between rocks. I’d rather be able to let go and fall than snap the pole I also use with my tent

hay fishing on at ? i love to fly fish all hikes have sum fly fishing but i did her how is fish the on at is it wraith it ?

Try a day hike in the Grand Canyon. Hike down off the Kaibab Trail to the Ranch, buy a postcard, turn around and hike back up the Kaibab trail. If you can do that with say a 25 lb backpack, and get get up the next morning and stand erect, you are ready for ANYTHING that the AT Trail can present you. Warning...only try this in April/May, or in September/October.

i love your hat

I love Devil's Backbone Beer, but according to Guthook, the pub is almost 5 miles off the trail ... is it really worth it?

The ferry is there a way I can get around it and not take it and still be a thru hike

I want to hike the NJ part

Much good advice, especially about the Kennebec. A number of hikers have drowned over the years attempting to ford it. A terrible thing. One thing I disagree about are the straps on the hiking poles...unless you have weak wrists! I remove the straps immediately as I dont like them wrapped around my wrists for the reason that you cant let them go if you should need to, like in a fall. One year a woman broke her wrist---freak accident, maybe---because she couldnt let her pole go when she fell forward. Somehow the strap twisted her arm when she hit the ground and it twisted her wrist, in some way, and caused it to break. I. personally, prefer to be able to let go of my poles if I should have to. Also, I have no problem with grip strength so can put all of my weight on the poles anyway.