← Field Guide

Town Strategy

Town Rhythm

Standard Pattern

  • Town stop: Every 3-5 days
  • Nero (near-zero day): Every 5-7 days
  • Zero day: About every 7-14 days

Nero Days

Partial day in town:

  • Eat
  • Shower
  • Laundry
  • Charge devices
  • Resupply
  • Then hike short distance (under 10 miles)

Zero Days

Full 24 hours off trail:

  • Complete recovery
  • Gear checks
  • Physical and mental reset
  • Mail drops or gear replacement

5-Day Hike + Zero Day Schedule

Never hike more than 5 days without a zero.

Planning Assumptions

  • Start window: February 1-7
  • Hiking days per cycle: 5
  • Zero day per cycle: 1
  • Total cycle length: 6 calendar days

Phase 1: Winter Start (Feb)

Georgia → Southern NC | Target: 8-9 miles/hiking day

Cold weather, short daylight, cautious movement. Body-preservation phase.

Phase 2: Trail Legs Arrive (Mar-May)

NC/TN → Virginia | Target: 10-11 miles/hiking day

Phase 3: Strong & Efficient (May-Jun)

Virginia | Target: 12-13 miles/hiking day

Schedule debt gets paid back—without breaking food limits.

Phase 4: Long Daylight (Jul-Aug)

NY → VT → NH | Target: 13-14 miles/hiking day

Phase 5: Maine Reality (Aug-Sep)

NH → Katahdin | Target: 11-12 miles/hiking day

Maine terrain is slower; final push is realistic and safe.

Expected Finish: September 17-20

🏔️ LATE-TRAIL REALITY CHECK: WHITES → MAINE

The final 400+ miles (White Mountains → Katahdin) require different planning than the rest of the trail.

White Mountains: AMC Hut System

What You Need to Know:

  • 8 AMC huts along ridgeline (Lakes of the Clouds, Mizpah, Zealand Falls, etc.)
  • NOT shelters - these are staffed lodges with bunks and meals
  • Reservations: $150+ per night for bunk + dinner + breakfast
  • Work-for-Stay: Limited spots (2-4 per hut), arrive early afternoon, crew assigns tasks
  • Strategy: Don’t rely on work-for-stay - have tent as backup
  • Peak Season: July-August = busiest, hardest to get work-for-stay

Action: Research AMC huts before entering Whites. Decide: pay, work-for-stay attempt, or tent/stealth.

Katahdin Weather: Bail Plan Required

Reality: Katahdin summit attempts can be delayed by weather (wind, rain, lightning).

The Problem:

  • Baxter State Park rangers WILL turn hikers around in unsafe conditions
  • August-September weather can be unpredictable
  • You might wait 1-3 days for a summit window

Your Bail Plan:

  • Buffer days: Build 2-3 extra days into your schedule before Katahdin
  • Lodging: Identify where you’ll stay if delayed (Millinocket, Katahdin Stream Campground)
  • Mental prep: Expect possible delays, don’t push finish date promises
  • Weather check: Monitor Baxter State Park weather forecasts starting 100 miles out

Action: Arrive at Katahdin with flexible timeline, not a hard deadline.

Baxter Permit Process

What You Need to Know:

  • Day-use permits: Required for Katahdin summit
  • Katahdin Stream Campground: Popular base for summit attempts
  • Reservation system: Baxter uses online reservation system
  • 2026 Note: Online reservations open at 6 AM EST (not midnight); extended multi-night booking available
  • Peak season: August = heavily booked
  • Walk-up permits: Sometimes available, but not guaranteed

Action: Research Baxter permit requirements in August. Book Katahdin Stream Campground or have backup plan.

100-Mile Wilderness: Food Carry Math

The Reality:

  • 100 miles with NO resupply (Mile ~2,093 to ~2,193)
  • Most hikers: 7-10 days
  • Your pace (11-12 mpd in Maine): ~8-9 days
  • Food weight: 8-9 days × 1.5 lb/day = 12-14 lb of food
  • Plus full fuel canisters

Planning:

  • Resupply at Monson, ME (Mile ~2,093)
  • Carry 8-9 days of food + 2 fuel canisters
  • White’s Crossing optional resupply (Mile ~2,133): Shaw’s Lodging offers food drop-off service (can reduce carry)
  • Water is plentiful (lakes, streams)

Action: Plan 100-Mile food carry in Monson. Consider White’s Crossing resupply if you want to split the carry.

Mental Game: You’re Almost There

By the time you reach the Whites, you’ve hiked 1,700+ miles. Fatigue is real.

Common Late-Trail Mistakes:

  • Rushing to finish (injuries increase)
  • Skipping zeros (body is tired)
  • Poor weather decisions (summit fever)
  • Underestimating final terrain (Whites and Maine are HARD)

Strategy:

  • Maintain your zero-day schedule (every 5-7 days)
  • Respect the terrain (Whites are technical, Maine is slow)
  • Don’t skip meals or sleep
  • Finish strong, not broken

Comprehensive AT Town & Services Guide (NOBO)

Walkable Towns With Full Services

Legend:

  • 🏨 Lodging (hostel/hotel/motel)
  • 🚿 Shower available
  • 🧺 Laundry
  • 🍔 Food (restaurant/grocery)
  • 🔌 Charging (reliable outlets)
  • 📦 Resupply (grocery store)
  • ✉️ Post Office

Walking Distance: ≤2 miles from trail

GEORGIA (Mile 0-78)

Amicalola Falls State Park (Mile 0)

  • Distance from Trail: On trail (if starting at visitor center)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌 (Lodge & visitor center)
  • Notes: Common NOBO start point, not typical resupply

Neels Gap / Mountain Crossings (Mile ~31)

  • Distance from Trail: On trail (US-19/129 crosses AT)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 (limited) ✉️
  • Lodging: Hostel bunks at outfitter
  • Resupply: Small outfitter selection, limited grocery
  • Notes: First resupply stop for most NOBOs, outfitter does shakedowns

Hiawassee, GA (Mile ~69 via Dick’s Creek Gap)

  • Distance from Trail: ~11 miles (hitch required)
  • Services: Full town - NOT WALKABLE
  • Notes: Major resupply, but requires ride

NORTH CAROLINA / TENNESSEE (Mile 78-470)

NOC - Nantahala Outdoor Center (Mile ~137)

  • Distance from Trail: On trail (US-19/74 crosses AT)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 (limited) ✉️
  • Lodging: Hostel bunks, bunkhouse
  • Resupply: Outfitter store (limited, expensive)
  • Notes: Popular stop, rafting company

Fontana Dam / Fontana Village (Mile ~165)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1.5 miles from dam
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Fontana Village Resort (cabins, rooms)
  • Resupply: Small general store
  • Notes: “Fontana Hilton” shelter at dam, village requires short walk

Gatlinburg, TN (Mile ~200 from Newfound Gap)

  • Distance from Trail: ~16 miles (hitch required)
  • Services: Full town - NOT WALKABLE
  • Notes: Major town, but significant hitch

Standing Bear Farm (Mile ~241)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.2 miles (hostel near trail)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 (limited)
  • Lodging: Hostel, cabins
  • Resupply: Small hiker store
  • Notes: Classic hiker hostel, “museum” of trail history

Hot Springs, NC (Mile ~274)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL (town main street is the AT)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Multiple hostels, B&Bs, cabins
  • Resupply: Dollar General (0.3 mi), small grocery
  • Notes: Trail goes through downtown, major zero day stop

Erwin, TN (Mile ~342)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5 miles from trail via Uncle Johnny’s
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Uncle Johnny’s Hostel, motels in town
  • Resupply: Dollar General (0.6 mi), grocery stores
  • Notes: Walkable with short road walk

Roan Mountain, TN (Mile ~365 via US-19E)

  • Distance from Trail: ~5 miles (borderline walkable)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦
  • Notes: Some hikers walk, most hitch

Damascus, VA (Mile ~469)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL (AT goes through town center)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Multiple hostels, motels, The Place (donation hostel)
  • Resupply: Dollar General, outfitter, small grocery
  • Notes: “Trail Town USA” - major hiker hub, Trail Days festival

VIRGINIA (Mile 470-1,020)

Marion, VA (Mile ~500 from Atkins)

  • Distance from Trail: ~5-6 miles (hitch typically required)
  • Services: Full town - BORDERLINE WALKABLE
  • Notes: Some hike, most hitch

Bland, VA (Mile ~508)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌 📦
  • Lodging: Big Walker Motel
  • Resupply: Small convenience store
  • Notes: Quiet town, limited services

Bastian, VA (Mile ~517)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🍔
  • Lodging: Four Pines Hostel
  • Notes: Small hostel, very limited town services

Pearisburg, VA (Mile ~635)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.8 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Hostel, motels
  • Resupply: Dollar General (0.9 mi), small grocery
  • Notes: Walkable, decent resupply

Catawba, VA (Mile ~690)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1 mile via VA-311
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: Four Pines Hostel (different from Bastian)
  • Resupply: Very limited
  • Notes: Small community, hostel-focused

Daleville, VA (Mile ~729)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5-1 mile
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Howard Johnson, Quality Inn
  • Resupply: Dollar General (0.7 mi), Kroger nearby
  • Notes: Good resupply, right off I-81

Glasgow, VA (Mile ~783 via VA-60)

  • Distance from Trail: ~3 miles (borderline)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Notes: Some walk, some hitch

Waynesboro, VA (Mile ~880 from Rockfish Gap)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1-2 miles via Rockfish Gap (I-64)
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Multiple motels, YMCA sometimes available
  • Resupply: Dollar General (1.1 mi), Walmart (requires ride), grocery
  • Notes: Major town, Shenandoah NP entrance, popular zero stop

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK (Mile ~880-1,000)

  • Waysides: Loft Mountain, Big Meadows, Skyland, Elkwallow
  • Services: 🍔 🔌 (limited hours, seasonal)
  • Notes: No lodging at waysides, camp stores only

Front Royal, VA (Mile ~999)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1-3 miles depending on route
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Motels, hostels
  • Resupply: Dollar General (3 mi), groceries
  • Notes: Shenandoah north exit, popular stop

WEST VIRGINIA / MARYLAND (Mile 1,020-1,100)

Harpers Ferry, WV (Mile ~1,024)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL / 0.5 miles to town center
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Town’s Inn, hostels nearby
  • Resupply: Small grocery, outfitters
  • Notes: “Psychological halfway point,” ATC headquarters, major stop

PENNSYLVANIA (Mile 1,100-1,350)

Pine Grove Furnace State Park (Mile ~1,103)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL
  • Services: 🍔 🔌 (camp store)
  • Lodging: Camping only
  • Notes: “Half Gallon Challenge” ice cream stop, no lodging

Boiling Springs, PA (Mile ~1,136)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: ATC Mid-Atlantic Office (limited), nearby B&Bs
  • Resupply: Very limited
  • Notes: Beautiful town, limited hiker services

Duncannon, PA (Mile ~1,149)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Doyle Hotel (infamous hiker hotel), other options
  • Resupply: Small grocery, convenience stores
  • Notes: Classic trail town, Doyle is “an experience”

Port Clinton, PA (Mile ~1,217)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.3 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: 2MP Hostel, Pavilion camping
  • Resupply: Small convenience store, limited
  • Notes: Small town, classic stop

Palmerton, PA (Mile ~1,278)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Jail hostel (St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church)
  • Resupply: Dollar General, small grocery
  • Notes: “Stay in jail” - church hostel

Delaware Water Gap, PA (Mile ~1,298)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Church of the Mountain hostel (donation), motels nearby
  • Resupply: Small convenience stores
  • Notes: PA/NJ border, trail goes through town

NEW JERSEY / NEW YORK (Mile 1,300-1,470)

Unionville, NY (Mile ~1,342 via NJ-284)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.8 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: Horler’s General Store (hostel upstairs)
  • Resupply: General store (limited)
  • Notes: Tiny town, classic stop

Greenwood Lake, NY (Mile ~1,359 via NY-17A)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦
  • Lodging: Motels
  • Resupply: Small grocery
  • Notes: Borderline walkable

Fort Montgomery / Bear Mountain, NY (Mile ~1,410)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: Bear Mountain Inn (expensive)
  • Resupply: Very limited
  • Notes: Bear Mountain zoo area, limited hiker services

Kent, CT (Mile ~1,469)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1.5-2 miles via CT-341
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Hostel, B&Bs
  • Resupply: Small grocery
  • Notes: Borderline walkable

MASSACHUSETTS (Mile 1,470-1,630)

Great Barrington, MA (Mile ~1,538)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1.5 miles via MA-23
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Motels, hostels
  • Resupply: Dollar General (1.4 mi), grocery stores
  • Notes: Good town, popular stop

Dalton, MA (Mile ~1,570)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL / 0.5 miles to center
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Shamrock Village Inn, Tom Levardi’s house (legendary)
  • Resupply: Small grocery, convenience stores
  • Notes: Trail goes through town, Tom’s is donation-based

North Adams, MA (Mile ~1,590 via MA-2)

  • Distance from Trail: ~3 miles (borderline)
  • Services: Full town services
  • Notes: Most hikers hitch or skip

Bennington, VT (Mile ~1,606 via VT-9)

  • Distance from Trail: ~5 miles (hitch typically required)
  • Services: Full town - NOT WALKABLE
  • Notes: Major resupply, but requires ride

VERMONT (Mile 1,630-1,790)

Manchester Center, VT (Mile ~1,645 via VT-11/30)

  • Distance from Trail: ~5 miles (hitch required)
  • Services: Full town - NOT WALKABLE
  • Notes: Major town, but not walkable

Killington, VT (Mile ~1,700 via US-4)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1-2 miles to Inn at Long Trail
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: Inn at Long Trail (on trail), town further
  • Resupply: Limited at inn
  • Notes: Inn is walkable, full town requires ride

Hanover, NH (Mile ~1,747)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Motels, Dartmouth College area
  • Resupply: Co-op grocery, CVS, full services
  • Notes: Trail goes through Dartmouth campus, excellent town

NEW HAMPSHIRE (Mile 1,790-1,905)

Glencliff, NH (Mile ~1,804 via NH-25)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: Hikers Welcome Hostel
  • Resupply: Very limited
  • Notes: Small, hostel-focused

Lincoln, NH / Woodstock, NH (Mile ~1,823 via NH-112)

  • Distance from Trail: ~5-6 miles (hitch typically required)
  • Services: Full town - NOT WALKABLE
  • Notes: Last major resupply before Whites

Franconia Notch (Mile ~1,832)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL
  • Services: 🍔 (limited, seasonal)
  • Notes: No lodging, just parking area

Crawford Notch (Mile ~1,869 via US-302)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL
  • Services: 🏨 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: Highland Center Lodge (AMC, expensive)
  • Notes: Limited services, AMC facility

Pinkham Notch (Mile ~1,888 via NH-16)

  • Distance from Trail: ON TRAIL
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: Joe Dodge Lodge (AMC, expensive)
  • Resupply: Very limited
  • Notes: AMC base, not a town

Gorham, NH (Mile ~1,898 via NH-16)

  • Distance from Trail: ~1.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Multiple hostels (Hiker’s Paradise, Barn), motels
  • Resupply: Dollar General (1.2 mi), grocery, Shaw’s
  • Notes: Major resupply after Whites, popular zero stop

MAINE (Mile 1,905-2,197.9)

Andover, ME (Mile ~1,975 via ME-5)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.8 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦
  • Lodging: Pine Ellis Hostel, Andover Arms
  • Resupply: Very small grocery
  • Notes: Small town, limited but walkable

Rangeley, ME (Mile ~2,001 via ME-4)

  • Distance from Trail: ~9 miles (hitch required)
  • Services: Full town - NOT WALKABLE
  • Notes: Major resupply, but requires ride

Stratton, ME (Mile ~2,031 via ME-27)

  • Distance from Trail: ~5 miles (hitch required)
  • Services: Full town - NOT WALKABLE
  • Notes: Last major resupply before 100-Mile Wilderness

Caratunk, ME (Mile ~2,013 via US-201)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5 miles
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🍔 🔌
  • Lodging: Hostel, limited options
  • Resupply: Very limited
  • Notes: Small, near Kennebec Ferry

Monson, ME (Mile ~2,078)

  • Distance from Trail: ~0.5-1 mile
  • Services: 🏨 🚿 🧺 🍔 🔌 📦 ✉️
  • Lodging: Shaw’s Hostel, Lakeshore House, others
  • Resupply: Small grocery, Shaw’s offers food drops
  • Notes: Gateway to 100-Mile Wilderness, last resupply

Millinocket, ME (Mile ~2,190 from Abol Bridge)

  • Distance from Trail: ~15 miles (shuttle required)
  • Services: Full town - NOT WALKABLE
  • Notes: Closest town to Katahdin, post-finish celebration

Summary: Truly Walkable Full-Service Towns

These towns have ALL services (lodging, shower, laundry, food, charging, resupply) within reasonable walking distance (≤2 mi):

  1. Hot Springs, NC (Mile ~274) - ON TRAIL
  2. Damascus, VA (Mile ~469) - ON TRAIL
  3. Pearisburg, VA (Mile ~635) - 0.8 mi
  4. Daleville, VA (Mile ~729) - 0.5-1 mi
  5. Waynesboro, VA (Mile ~880) - 1-2 mi
  6. Harpers Ferry, WV (Mile ~1,024) - ON TRAIL
  7. Duncannon, PA (Mile ~1,149) - 0.5 mi
  8. Delaware Water Gap, PA (Mile ~1,298) - ON TRAIL
  9. Dalton, MA (Mile ~1,570) - ON TRAIL
  10. Hanover, NH (Mile ~1,747) - ON TRAIL
  11. Gorham, NH (Mile ~1,898) - 1.5 mi
  12. Monson, ME (Mile ~2,078) - 0.5-1 mi

These are your guaranteed walkable full-service stops.

Laundry System

Core Reality

You do NOT carry extra clothes. Laundry is done while you are still dressed and functional.

Standard Laundry Outfit

  • Smartwool long johns (bottom)
  • Xero Z-Trail sandals (camp shoes)
  • Rain jacket (puffy if cold)

Correct Laundry Order

  1. Enter town wearing hiking clothes
  2. Change into laundry outfit first
  3. Put all hiking clothes directly into washer
  4. Add detergent and start washer
  5. Shower while washer is running
  6. Put laundry outfit back on after shower
  7. Transfer clothes to dryer
  8. Dry fully (run twice if needed)
  9. Change into clean hiking clothes

Never shower first and then wear dirty clothes again.

Walk-Only Resupply: Dollar General

There are ZERO Walmart stores within 2 walking miles of the AT. All Walmart resupplies require a ride.

Walkable Dollar General Locations

LocationMileDistance to DG
Hot Springs, NC~2740.3 miles
Erwin, TN~3420.6 miles
Hampton, TN~4201.0 mile
Pearisburg, VA~6340.9 miles
Daleville, VA~7280.7 miles
Waynesboro, VA~8801.1 miles
Front Royal, VA~9993.0 miles
Palmerton, PA~1,2751.5 miles
Great Barrington, MA~1,5381.4 miles
Gorham, NH~1,8981.2 miles