Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a dream trip for many. Month after month living on the trail with few responsibilities, working to finish the accomplishment of a lifetime. But committing to that many months of hiking can be quite the burden when it comes to costs.
For one, the fact that you’re not working means you aren’t making money, so in most cases thru-hikers need to have the money saved up before they hit the trail. There’s also a question of rent or storage. Sure you won’t be using an apartment while you’re hiking, but unless you plan on selling all of your possessions and hitting the trail or have a friend/family member who’s willing to hold onto all of your stuff, you’ll probably need to keep paying for your place of living or rent a storage unit.
But how much does it actually cost to hike the entire trail? How much does the gear, food, transportation, and accommodations wind up costing you, and how much should you have saved before you get out there? Greenbelly set out to find the answer.
Average Cost of Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The average cost to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 for a 5- to 7-month journey. This includes gear, food, accommodations, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses but excludes off-trail costs like rent or storage. Budget hikers may spend as little as $2,500-$4,000, while those enjoying frequent town stays or premium gear could hit $10,000.
Key factors affecting your budget:
- Hiking pace: Faster hikers (4-5 months) spend less on food and lodging.
- Direction: Northbound (NOBO) from Georgia is most common, but southbound (SOBO) may impact seasonal costs.
- Inflation: In 2025, expect higher prices for food and gear—aim for the upper end of estimates.
- Lifestyle: Dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian) or frequent town indulgences increase costs.
For example, one hiker reported $2,533 in 2018 (excluding home bills), while Greenbelly’s founder spent $4,340. Recent Reddit discussions suggest $6,000-$8,000 post-inflation.
Related Post: The Longest Hikes in America: Trails, Facts and Budgeting
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Here’s a category-by-category analysis based on hiker surveys and reports, including data from Greenbelly and individual accounts.
Gear Costs ($1,000-$2,000)
Gear is the biggest upfront expense. Ultralight, durable items reduce replacement costs.
- Average: $1,450.
- Breakdown: Tent/shelter ($250), sleeping bag ($150), backpack ($150), clothing ($400+), shoes ($100+ per pair, replaced 3-5 times).
- Tip: Buy used from REI Used Gear or test gear on shorter hikes to avoid mid-trail purchases ($293 in one case).
Food and Resupply Costs ($2,000-$3,000)
Food is the largest ongoing expense, varying by eating habits.
- Average: $2,190 (trail food $1,690 + town food $500).
- Breakdown: On-trail resupplies ($450-$600 for lightweight meals like Greenbelly Meals), town dining ($1,000+ for meals, beers, etc.).
- Tip: Mail care packages to costly resupply points like Fontana Dam. Choose calorie-dense, no-cook options.
Accommodations and Lodging ($300-$1,000)
The AT offers over 260 free shelters, but hostels or motels provide occasional comfort.
- Average: $595 for 27 paid nights ($22/night).
- Breakdown: Hostels ($20-$40/night), motels ($60+ shared), park camping fees ($15 permit, e.g., Shenandoah).
- Tip: Use free shelters most nights—reserve paid lodging via the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Transportation and Shuttles ($200-$500)
Travel to/from trailheads and occasional shuttles add up.
- Average: $340 ($90 on-trail + $250 for flights/shuttles).
- Breakdown: Hitchhiking (free), paid shuttles ($10-$50), airfare ($200+).
- Tip: Join hiker groups on Facebook for ride shares.
Permits and Miscellaneous ($400-$800)
No entry fee for the AT, but small costs accumulate.
- Average: $400.
- Breakdown: Permits ($20 Smokies), ATM fees ($6), shipping ($19), gear replacements ($150).
- Tip: Budget 10-20% extra for emergencies like injuries or weather delays.
Total Appalachian Trail Hiking Budget Table
| Category | Low Estimate ($) | Average ($) | High Estimate ($) | Source Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gear | 1,000 | 1,450 | 2,000 | Backpacker, Greenbelly |
| Food | 1,500 | 2,190 | 3,000 | Trail and town |
| Accommodations | 300 | 595 | 1,000 | Hostels and motels |
| Transportation | 200 | 340 | 500 | Shuttles and travel |
| Miscellaneous | 200 | 400 | 800 | Permits, replacements |
| Total | 3,200 | 5,000-7,000 | 7,300 | Adjusted for 2025 |
Pie Chart: Cost Distribution for an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
To visualize how expenses are distributed, here’s a pie chart based on Greenbelly’s real hiker data (total $4,340).
This chart highlights that food on the trail (39%) and gear (33%) dominate expenses, emphasizing the importance of efficient resupply and gear choices.
Pie Chart: Comparison of Total Costs Across Sources
To compare total costs from different sources (adjusted for 2025 inflation), here’s another pie chart showing reported totals.
This chart shows the range of reported costs, with Reddit and Backpacker estimates reflecting higher modern averages due to inflation and lifestyle differences.
Tips to Save Money on Your Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
- Use existing gear: Borrow or buy secondhand from GearTrade.
- Limit town stays: Reduce zeros and neroes to cut food and lodging costs.
- Leverage trail magic: Accept free rides and meals from the hiker community.
- Track spending: Use apps like Trail Wallet for real-time budget monitoring.
- Go ultralight: Lighter gear reduces resupply needs—check Backpacker for ultralight tips.
- Check permits: The AT is free, but verify park fees via NPS.
Final Thoughts on Budgeting for the Appalachian Trail
A successful AT thru-hike requires saving $5,000-$8,000 upfront, plus covering home expenses like rent or storage. With smart planning, you can focus on the journey rather than finances. For more details, explore Greenbelly’s guide or join discussions on Reddit’s r/AppalachianTrail.
