The average cost to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail is between $5,000 and $7,000 for a 5–7 month hike, which includes gear, trail resupply, and town expenses. This is roughly $1,000 per month per person. However, the cost of thru-hiking has likely increased since 2016, when hikers were spending an average of $4,000–$6,000.
Here are some tips for budgeting for a thru-hike:
Consider your lifestyle
A standard hiker might stay in a shared hostel or hotel once a week and eat when they’re hungry. This style of hiking is more comfortable but may involve hiking in the rain or patching gear instead of replacing it.
Budget for town time
Town time can include meals, drinks, and showers, but it’s easy to overindulge. To save money, you can share a room at a hotel or hostel, buy prepared food from a grocery store, or skip alcohol. You can also consider donating at least $20 to trail angels who host you.
Set aside money for emergencies
Many medical facilities are small and may not take all insurance. You should also budget for fun things like side trips, festivals, or souvenirs.
Consider your footwear
You can save money by buying older models of shoes instead of the newest ones. You can also buy them in advance, but consider the cost of shipping them to yourself on the trail.
Planning a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT) is an exciting adventure, but it requires careful budgeting. The total cost can vary widely based on factors such as the duration of your hike, your lifestyle, and the gear you already own. Here’s an outline of the key expenses you may encounter:
1. Gear and Equipment
Your initial setup is one of the largest expenses. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Backpack: $100 – $400
- Tent/Shelter: $100 – $600
- Sleeping Bag: $100 – $500
- Sleeping Pad: $40 – $200
- Clothing (base layers, rain gear, etc.): $200 – $400
- Stove, Cookware, and Fuel: $50 – $150
- Water Treatment (filters or purification tablets): $30 – $100
- Footwear (boots or shoes): $100 – $250
- Trekking Poles: $50 – $150
- Miscellaneous (knife, headlamp, first aid, etc.): $50 – $150
Total Gear Cost: $800 – $2,750
2. Food and Resupply
Hikers typically resupply every 4-7 days, either in nearby towns or by mail. The cost depends on whether you purchase food in towns or send resupply boxes. Here’s an estimate:
- Average daily food cost: $5 – $10 per day
- Resupply in towns (per stop): $30 – $100
- Resupply boxes (shipping costs): $5 – $20 per box
For a 5-6 month hike, expect to spend approximately:
- $2,000 – $3,000 on food for the entire hike.
3. Transportation (Getting to and from the Trail)
- Getting to the Trailhead: Costs vary depending on where you’re coming from. Plane tickets to a nearby city like Atlanta (for the southern terminus) or Bangor (for the northern terminus) can range from $100 to $600.
- Shuttle or bus services: Between $50 and $200 each way to/from the trailhead (depending on location).
4. Lodging and Town Visits
While on the trail, you will primarily camp, but occasional stays in hostels, motels, or Airbnb can add up.
- Hostels: $20 – $40 per night
- Motels: $50 – $100 per night
- Emergency lodging: $100+ per night if needed
Assuming 10-15 nights off the trail for town visits, the lodging cost might range from $200 to $1,500 for the entire hike.
5. Permits and Insurance
- Permits: Some sections of the AT, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, require permits, which can cost around $20 – $50.
- Travel Insurance: If you want coverage for evacuation or cancellations, expect to pay $100 – $500 for coverage.
6. Miscellaneous Costs
- Cell phone plan (for resupply communication, navigation, etc.): $30 – $100 per month
- Laundry and showers: $2 – $5 per stop
- Emergency funds: It’s always good to have an emergency fund of $500 – $1,000 for unforeseen issues.
Total Estimated Budget Breakdown
- Low End: $4,000 – $5,500
- Average: $6,000 – $8,000
- High End: $9,000 – $12,000
This budget assumes you’re hiking the entire trail in about 5-6 months. Costs can be higher or lower depending on the choices you make during the hike, such as eating out more often, staying in luxury accommodations, or buying high-end gear. It’s essential to factor in the lifestyle you want during your adventure to determine the overall budget.
