AT Info

Here's a map with the elevation profile of the AT and a couple of links if you want to find out more about this National Scenic Trailway. I'm thinking this map looks pretty daunting simply because it's so horizontally compressed. I'll let you know how that theory plays out!

Appalachian Trail Conservancy - a volunteer-based organization dedicated to the preservation and management of the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources associated with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in order to provide primitive outdoor-recreation and educational opportunities for Trail visitors. This is where my research began, by requesting free information packets about hiking the trail and hiking with dogs. The graphic comes from that info packet, but I somehow don't remember seeing it before today. One-stop source for maps, guidebooks, trail memoirs, mementos, and where I purchased my AT Thru-Hiker's Companion, which will be my primary guidebook for my hike.

WhiteBlaze.net - a community of Appalachian Trail enthusiasts, named for the 2" x 6" white painted blazes that mark the AT approximately every quarter mile. A fantastic source of information for trip planning, including food, gear, resupply, lodging, and just about any question a hiker might have about getting ready to hike the AT. I used information here to develop my itinerary, research gear, and get an idea of what life on the trail might be like. WhiteBlaze led me to information and gear lists for lightweight and ultralight backpacking.

Trailplace - An AT resource website and publisher of the Thru-Hiker's Handbook, another useful guide. Trailplace also has a forum that's a good resource for info from fellow hikers. I'll be taking the first section of the Handbook on my hike. It's a good table of distances to shelters, campsites, roads, water sources, and towns, and includes elevation profiles at the bottom of each page. If I decide I don't like seeing the elevation profiles, I can always send this section home, since the same information is included in the Companion (with elevations shown numerically, instead of graphically).

TrailJournals.com - Global backpacking journals from long-distance hikers. A fun and motivating diversion.

Many thanks to my friends and family who picked up supply boxes yesterday. It was great to see you all and know that you are supporting me in many ways as I continue on this journey.