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Appalachian Trail Hiking Tours for Women Over 50

Duration
6 days
Season
May
Group size
Up to 3 people
Accommodation
Tents
Difficulty
Moderate: High fitness levels, some prior multi-day hiking experience necessary

The Appalachian Trail is the original long-distance challenge for American wanderlust—over 5000 outdoor enthusiasts attempt to cross it each year! This 6-day hike dedicated to all female hiking aficionados lets you unwrap the wonders of the Appalachia and get the feel for long-distance hiking. Starting from Amicalola Falls State Park, this all-female tour lets you explore the remnants of Appalachian mountain culture, shows you the beauty of the backcountry, and provides both a challenge and sense of freedom. With an experienced naturalist guide and a motivating group of women by your side, you will gain more confidence, feel empowered, and feel the thrill of hiking through one of the most famous trails in the world.

Adventure highlights

  • Sweeping views from iconic balds and historical stops along the way
  • Reconnect with nature and yourself as you cross around 50 miles of the A.T.
  • Traverse tunnels of trees, rocky ridgelines, open summits, and rolling balds
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
L
Lisa Kennedy

Michelle was an amazing guide. Patient every step of the way. She was knowledgeable as well as personable and we a really enjoyed her stories! This adventure was challenging to say the least n that was what I was after. I found that with the teachings from Michelle I could feel comfortable in the wilds and most likely survive!

Show all reviews

Itinerary

Join a group of like minded ladies and embark on a 6-day hike along the famous A.T. It might not be an Eat, Pray, Love experience in terms of luxury, but it is a truly empowering adventure that will reconnect you to nature, as well as yourself. Your days will be filled with exploring interesting sites on the trail, and nights will be spent around the campfire and under the starry skies.

With each crossed mile, you’ll feel more confident and get a more refined sense of self than you had before. Learn all about the history of the A.T., explore the wildlife, and make life-long friendships!

  • The first day of your week-long women’s hiking trip is dedicated to arrival and orientation. Once you meet your guide at the agreed meeting point around 1:00PM, you’ll register for the hike and go over the itinerary and what to expect, including discussing gear and food. After a short 2.5-mile hike to stretch the legs, you’ll head to town for pizza and beer. The evening will be spent sleeping in tents. If you drive to the meeting point, your car can remain parked there for the entire duration of your hike.

    Appalachian Trail Hiking
  • In the morning, you will start hiking to the first shelter. It’s a six-mile uphill hike under the forest canopy. Filtering water along the way, you’ll camp and cook food. If the shelter (a basic, three-sided building) is open, you can opt to sleep there rather than in your tent.

    Whether you choose a traditional ground tent or a hammock set up, sleeping outside for months on end is an amazing experience.
  • After a climb to the top of Springer Mountain, you will officially be on the Appalachian Trail from this point on. An easier day of hiking, it’s eight to ten miles depending on the skill level of the hikers in the group. Another night spent in tents.

    Appalachian Trail hiking
  • Hiking between six to eight miles, this is one of the challenging hiking days, with several steep uphill climbs and descents. Enjoy nature and wildlife along the way and spend the night under the stars.

    I encourage everyone to pack in a minimalist style. In particular, you want to make sure your backpack is fitted and comfortable.
  • Depending on the mileage of the previous day, this day is an easier hike in terms of terrain. You’ll get your first real view of the mountains. After hiking out of the woods you’ll shuttle back to the park to have a meal and then make your way back up to the trailhead to camp.

    Women hiking the Appalachian Trail
  • To maximize the fun on your final day on the trail, you will be slackpacking today. This means that you’ll only carry a daypack with just water, snacks and daily provisions. There are two options for hiking. The first option is to hike the 11 miles up and over Blood Mountain, a trip highlight with amazing views. This is a full day of hiking from 9am to 5pm. The other option is a shorter six-mile loop up and over Blood Mountain. It’s a later start with more time spent on top of the mountain enjoying the views! Once you return to the hostel, pack up and head back home.

    From beginning to end you’re going to make countless friends. The camaraderie is one of the best parts about thru-hiking, and also one of the hardest things to leave behind.

    Please note: Typical itinerary includes hiking between 6 to 10 miles per day over the course of a week. Your exact itinerary will be discussed with the guide after booking.

Adventure brochure
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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

Michelle Michaud
5.00
Michelle Michaud
Michelle Michaud is the founder and primary guide at Wandering Boots who has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since 1998. She has completed the trail in sections from '98 to '08 and then did 2 thru-hikes with one in 2014 and again in 2017. She has hiked various parts several times, and has traveled across the country hiking and backpacking in many of the country's state and national parks. Hikers are in very good hands.
Wandering Boots Adventure Tours
5.00
Wandering Boots Adventure Tours
Wandering Boots Adventure Tours
Hiking Guides
Wandering Boots wants to take away all the stress and worries of planning a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Their local, knowledgeable and experienced hiking guides are committed to helping you reach your goals.
5.00(1 review)
L
Lisa Kennedy

Michelle was an amazing guide. Patient every step of the way. She was knowledgeable as well as personable and we a really enjoyed her stories! This adventure was challenging to say the least n that was what I was after. I found that with the teachings from Michelle I could feel comfortable in the wilds and most likely survive!

Show all reviews
5.00(1 review)
L
Lisa Kennedy

Michelle was an amazing guide. Patient every step of the way. She was knowledgeable as well as personable and we a really enjoyed her stories! This adventure was challenging to say the least n that was what I was after. I found that with the teachings from Michelle I could feel comfortable in the wilds and most likely survive!

Things to know

  • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

    We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Atlanta, Georgia, please refer to the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

  • What you get on this adventure:

    • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Six days of hiking in an all-female team
    • One night at the hostel
    • One dinner at the hostel
    • Shuttle from and to the airport

    What’s not included:

    • Camping food
    • Camping gear, sleeping bags, and tents
    • Personal items
    • Additional night at the hostel if you need a shuttle back to the airport
  • You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a full daypack or backpacking pack. Each day you will hike up to 8 miles per day, taking you through accessible terrain and crossing around 50 miles total. There might be some scrambling and balancing along the way, but the hike is beginner-friendly. Take shorter hikes to prepare, and pay attention to what your body can handle. If you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days or weeks of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely. 

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

    • Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35-45L bag)
    • Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
    • Tent
    • Camp food
    • Hiking poles
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
    • Spare clothes for layering
    • Waterproof rain jacket
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • First aid kit
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    You can rent any hiking and camping gear from your guide for $100 per week.

  • Group sizes and prices:

    • For this hiking trip, the usual client to guide ratio is 5:1. 
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows. All prices are per person.
    • Single travelers are always welcome on this hiking trip! You will join a group of other female hikers with a similar experience and skill level.

    Hiking the Appalachian Trail can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

    • If you are over 18, you’re ready to go.
    • Minors may be allowed to join the hike on a case-by-case basis.

    If you have any minors in your group, contact us to make arrangements.

  • To get to Amicalola Falls State Park, most people fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 1.5 hours from Atlanta. After booking, your guide will give you all the info on transportation from the airport to Amicalola.

    You’ll typically meet your guide on Sunday for a day of preparation ahead of the hike. On Monday morning, the guide will bring you to The A.T. trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

  • While you’re on the trail, follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). In the last few years there has been a rise in usage of the trail with several negative corresponding results: more trash which leads to bears becoming used to food lying around, shelters getting closed because they’re overwhelmed with rodents and garbage, and overall degradation. Do your part to leave the trail as you found it.

  • A deposit of $200 per person is needed to secure your spot. Full amount should be paid one month prior to departure. If you cancel the trip over 48 hours after booking, the deposit is not refundable.

    With 57hours, you benefit from both our own cancellation policy as well as that of the individual guiding service that delivers your adventure. All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure, but rest assured that our own cancellation policy will work on top of what is provided by your guide.

    In light of the current situation, we’re working to handle all trip cancellations appropriately. Cancel within 48 hours of booking your trip and get a full refund minus the deposit. If you need to change your plans up to 31 days ahead of your scheduled adventure, we offer a full refund on most trips. Within 31 days we offer free date changes or the option to convert your booking to credit to use on any 57hours adventure at a later date.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
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