2013 Thru-Hike Registry

[evan_rolltide]

No trail name yet.
NOBO
Mid March
Undecided on the Approach trail!

[Ma Rio]

No Trailname yet, Mario until the start.
NOBO
Maybe the end of March beginning of April.
I don't understand the meaning of "Approach Trail". If it means Can someone explain to me?

I come all the way from Germany to walk the trail. And i can't wait anymore
Is anyone traveling from Germany this year?

[Ma Rio]

sorry... - "If it means"

[EJC]

Iv to start but that might change
Nobo
March 20th
Approach Trail - maybe... still deciding

Less than 2 months to go Is it spring yet!?

[Karma13]

No Trailname yet, Mario until the start.
NOBO
Maybe the end of March beginning of April.
I don't understand the meaning of "Approach Trail". If it means Can someone explain to me?

I come all the way from Germany to walk the trail. And i can't wait anymore
Is anyone traveling from Germany this year?

Welcome, Ma Rio!

The Approach Trail is the feeder trail that leads up to the start of the AT. I think it used to be part of the AT itself, but now it's a blue-blazed trail. It goes up the side of a magnificent waterfall, so it's gorgeous. You can start your hike at the Approach Trail, so you can get your picture taken under the famous arch and sign in the book as a thru-hiker, or you can skip the Approach Trail and get dropped off at the top, right at the beginning of the actual AT. I think about half the hikers do the Approach Trail, and half skip it.

Personally, I'm doing it. I know the trail is supposed to be hard (including 600 steps up to the top of the waterfall), but I won't get down there again to see something that beautiful. And I figure if I'm already walking 2100 miles, well, another 7 won't make that much of a difference.

(Also, if you google "Approach Trail" you'll see pictures and such.)

[Wasp]

Hi Ma,

if I remember it right there are a few germans out this year Muppet64, fareast and his girlfriend, klampfenhauer...me...and a few other who´s names I ve forgotten. My flight is booked for the March 28th, I plan to start March 29th.

So maybe see you on the trail

[acme]

No Trailname yet, Mario until the start.
NOBO
Maybe the end of March beginning of April.
I don't understand the meaning of "Approach Trail". If it means Can someone explain to me?

I come all the way from Germany to walk the trail. And i can't wait anymore
Is anyone traveling from Germany this year?

You can reach the start of the AT from two different points. The state park approach trail invlolves over 850 stair steps. You are not officially on the trail until you reach the AT sign at the offical start. Then there is a parking lot you can get on that is .9 mile north of the start. A lot of folks get on there, hike back to the start, then sign in to beging their hike offically. Good luck!
Acme

[acme]

Update
NOBO
March 20, with 3 friends!
no approach trail.

[jacobwalking]

Update:

Trail Name - Blood Orange. It's a nickname I received from some friends on a camping trip a few years ago, and it was recently suggested that I use it for the AT; I couldn't believe I didn't think of it.
NOBO
March 11 departure
Yes, I am now doing the approach!

Hey there Blood Orange! I am going to be leaving Ohio(Cleveland area) on March 11th as well and staying at the hikerhostel that night. Hope to see ya on the approach trail fellow Ohioan!

[WhiteSpear]

White Spear - I used to work at the NOC and had that nickname there.

NOBO

Probably will start late April to avoid the crowds and the cold.

I plan on taking the approach trail.

[wesleygalles]

Tex

SOBO

Early June

Georgia here I come!

[razorshot]

No trail name yet
NOBO
March 20th
Unknown about approach trail
Can't wait to begin an adventure of a life time.

[Magic_Rat]

Hey there Blood Orange! I am going to be leaving Ohio(Cleveland area) on March 11th as well and staying at the hikerhostel that night. Hope to see ya on the approach trail fellow Ohioan!

Hey there. I'm actually leaving Columbus on the 10th and hitting the approach trail on the 11th. I'm starting with small 7-8 mile days to ease my legs into it, so I'm sure I'll see ya early on. Looking forward to it! You can recognize me by the Block-O on my right wrist haha.

[Tumbleweed1]

Update:
Hiking Home
NOBO
April 1
Approach - YES!

[raven]

Raven
NOBO
March 24th
Approach Trail - no

I'd be looking for anyone interested in starting at the same time.

[raven]

Hey Rockvalve,

I'm looking to start on that date too. Would you be looking to start the trail with anyone?

[ole slo]

Name; ole slo
NPBO
start; 3-20
No approach trail
Hiking with my Grandson.

[GonnaMakeIt]

No trail name yet
NOBO
March 17th
Approach Trail: No

Hope to meet some people to hike with.

[BlackJack1]

BlackJack1
Left Amicola Jan 18 2013
Left Springer Mountain Jan 20 213
Current location Mull's Hotel Hiawassee Jan 29th 2013

[Giuseppe]

trail name ?
nobo
feb 15 from Springer Mt.
taking approach trail