AT thru hike?

[BooTSoNFiRE]

I might be going to do a thru hike on the AT next spring/summer and was wondering if anyone had done it with a hammock? Every thing I have been reading has said that a tent is the way to go for a thru hike. I love my hammock and would like to bring it if it's not going to be a huge issue to do so. Just looking for any advice on the whole idea and what you think about hammocks vs tent for a thru hike? Thanks


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[Double]

Check out the trip report section. Many people have and many more will.

[Dutch]

I think a hammock is a much better choice as you will not be forced to stay at the overcrowded tent sites. It also is better for the AT to spread out the human impact. When I thru'd I would stop at the shelter to socialize and eat dinner but then pack up and walk another couple miles until dark. Plan on having a pad through SMNP but you can get through there and the whites with a little effort.

[rhjanes]

Dutch did it! On Trail Journals, 2008, Certain. Good writer, did the AT with a hammock and "preached" the hammock life along the way.

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[TrailSlug]

Plan on having a pad through SMNP but you can get through there and the whites with a little effort.

Why? Do they not allow hanging or is it the "must stay in shelter if available" rule?

[perrito]

Why? Do they not allow hanging or is it the "must stay in shelter if available" rule?

They're pretty anal about staying in the shelters in the Smokies. As far as the Whites, staying at huts and/or being above treeline can be an issue for a hanger.

[Doctari]

In the Smokies (as mentioned above) you MUST stay in a shelter if there is room, AND: You must ONLY stay at/in shelter areas or designated campsites (On the AT the only designated campsite is at the site of the former Beech Gap shelter near the southern end of GSMNP) so, your choices are: Pray for a full shelter, stay in the shelter [bring a pad of some sort] or illegally stealth camp & risk whatever punishment the park service deals out for doing that.
I have done the southern 800 miles of the AT, most of that with a hammock, & have never had a real issue hanging. Sam I am did the entire AT in 2015 with a hammock, & I think he only "went to ground" twice, one of those times was on a platform over a view, "just because I wanted to stay here & see the view in the morning!" so it can be done!

[Nodust]

I just finished the first 36 miles in Georgia. A tent would be a PITA trying to find a level spot. I had a great t me with a hammock.


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[Rain Man]

I've hiked over 1,800 miles of the AT, mostly with a hammock, including "the Whites" in NH. Rarely had a problem, although twice this last time (just returned last night from CT/MA) I twice slept at hostels where I could not hang and wish I'd had a pad.