PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE - Appalachian Trail Leave No Trace

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• published: 26 Jan 2012
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Check Appalachian Trail (A.T.) guidebooks and maps for guidance and note that camping regulations vary considerably along the Trail. Travel in groups of 10 or fewer. If you are traveling in a group of more than 5, avoid using shelters, leaving them for lone hikers and smaller groups. Bring a lightweight trowel or wide tent stake to dig a hole for burying human waste. Bring a piece of screening to filter food scraps from your dishwater and pack them out with you. Bring a waterproof bag and at least 50 feet of rope to hang food and other scented articles. Or, carry a bear-resistant food container ("bear canister") to store these items. Repackage food in re-sealable bags to minimize waste. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies -- especially the cold -- to avoid impacts from searches, rescues, and campfires. Learn when areas are most crowded and try to avoid those times. If you are planning a northbound thru-hike, avoid starting on March 1, March 15, the first day of spring, or April 1. Special thanks to Tom Banks, Tara Roberts, Kip Perry, Javier Folgar, Laurie Potteiger, Kevin Williams, Andi Changuris, Adin Ray, Travis Smith, Richard Potteiger, Kristofer Plona, Brandon Dennison, Bergen Butara, Hans Fogle, Brent Rowle, Frank Salzano, Parking Lot Productions, Leave No Trace, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.