I'm asking your help with a program I'm giving at the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Gathering on October 11 (in Shippensburg, PA) on alternative ways to experience the A.T., other than a northbound thru-hike:
1) alternative-itinerary thru-hike (flip-flop, leapfrog, etc.)
2) section-hiking
3) the 14-state challenge (hiking a piece of the A.T. in each of the Trail's 14 states)
For many people, the A.T. is an all-or-nothing proposition: either you thru-hike the A.T. (presumably northbound) or you don't set foot on. The A.T. wasn't even designed for thru-hiking, and yet thru-hiking (from Georgia to Maine) is the activity probably most associated with it. We all know the A.T. is crowded during the northbound bubble, especially at the southern end of the Trail. There are also hot spots at some popular areas at certain times.
But most of the A.T. most of the time is far from crowded.
I'd love to have some photos or quotes illustrating:
how you enjoyed the A.T. in a way other than via a northbound thru-hike
crowded conditions on the Trail that would be helpful. (Please ID where and when the photos were taken)
I plan to have a panel for part of the program--let me know if you'd like to participate.
Please email me at [email protected].
Thanks in advance!
Laurie P.
ATC