AT Thru-Hike Permit: Route and Dates

AT Thru-Hike permits are walk-up only in Appalachian Trail. The route covers 2197.9 miles.

This guide covers the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike permit.

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike permit alerts All Appalachian Trail permits

Free to hike. Individual jurisdictions along the trail charge $0 to $44.50.

Permit Cost

5-7 months (average just under 6 months)

Duration

2197.9 miles

Distance

strenuous

Difficulty

About AT Thru-Hike

The 2,197.9-mile footpath from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine. No single permit covers the whole trail; three jurisdictions along the way require their own permit or registration.

The AT Thru-Hike route

Distance: 2197.9 miles
Route type: point-to-point
High point: 6,643 ft
Low point: 124 ft
Trip length: 5-7 months (average just under 6 months)
Difficulty: strenuous

Entry points: Springer Mountain (southern terminus), Baxter Peak, Katahdin (northern terminus)

Appalachian Mountains. Nearest town: Springer Mountain, GA (south) / Millinocket, ME (north)

Points along the route

Springer Mountain (southern terminus)Mile 0, 3,782 ft
Amicalola Falls State Park (approach)1,940 ft
Blood MountainMile 29.4, 4,461 ft
Fontana DamMile 167.1, 1,490 ft
Fontana Hilton ShelterMile 169, 1,716 ft
Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)Mile 203.3, 6,643 ft
Newfound GapMile 210.9, 5,040 ft
Nantahala River Gorge1,669 ft
Roan Highlands (Hump Mountain)Mile 388.1, 5,587 ft
Damascus, VirginiaMile 479.6, 1,927 ft
McAfee KnobMile 729.5, 3,186 ft
Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive crossingMile 942.2, 2,858 ft
Harpers Ferry, West VirginiaMile 1050, 372 ft
Annapolis Rock, MarylandMile 1075.1, 1,668 ft
Delaware Water GapMile 1325.1, 336 ft
Pochuck Boardwalk, New JerseyMile 1386.1, 393 ft

And 11 more named points along the route.

AT Thru-Hike permit detailsandAll Appalachian Trail permits

Get AT Thru-Hike Alerts

Be first to know when cancellations happen.

Set Up Alerts

Pro Tips

Most northbound hikers leave Springer Mountain from mid-March to mid-April to spread out the crowd and still reach Katahdin before Baxter State Park's mid-October cutoff.

Buy the Great Smoky Mountains Activity Pass ahead of time online; it never sells out, so there is nothing to time.

Book the Shenandoah backcountry permit as soon as your itinerary firms up; it opens 90 days ahead on Recreation.gov.

Written by

PermitSnag Team

100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience

This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.

Learn more about our team →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for AT Thru-Hike?

Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.

How long is the AT Thru-Hike route?

The route is 2197.9 miles, as a point-to-point.

How difficult is the AT Thru-Hike route?

This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.

Where does the AT Thru-Hike route start?

The permit covers 2 entry points: Springer Mountain (southern terminus), Baxter Peak, Katahdin (northern terminus).

What gear do I need for the AT Thru-Hike route?

Essential gear includes: Bear canister or hang kit for food storage, Rain gear for all seasons, Layers for elevation and latitude swings from Georgia to Maine.