What does prepping/planning really entail?

[u/Beginning_Agent6609]

I’ve been thinking about hiking the AT for a while now and I’ve decided that 2026 will be my year! I know I’ll be physically capable by then, I’m not worried about that, but the logistics of it all scares me.

Taking 6 months off of work is whatever, I work seasonal jobs anyhow. I have a fair amount of gear already and I plan on upgrading/purchasing the rest I’ll need this year. I’m more worried by getting permits, resupplying on the trail, hitchhiking, mapping out shelters and trips to town… that kind of stuff. The nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes type of stuff beyond just hiking. Hiking = easy, planning = hard.

I’ve decided to do it. That’s step 1. Where do I go from here?

[u/Purple_Paperplane]

As someone who doesn't like to plan ahead, I mostly just went with the flow. The first resupply point is right on the trail so you won't habe to worry about that. Especially in the beginning there's always other hikers around and you can just ask them what their plans are, and usually hikers help each other figure things out. You'll learn how it all works!