So that we can devote more resources to protecting the Appalachian Trail, we have partnered with Mountaineers Books for the warehousing and distribution of Appalachian Trail Conservancy Publications.
Click HERE to order the 2020 Thru Hikers' Companion directly from Mountaineers Books.
Phone: 206-223-6303, Monday through Friday, 8:30a – 5:00p, Pacific Time.
The longtime champion of thru-hiking guides for more than a quarter-century!
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) join their volunteer forces to produce the official guide especially designed for potential thru-hikers who want the basic information for a five- to six-month trek in the woods, at a reasonable price, but also want the adventure of finding out the extras for themselves. With professionally crafted elevation profiles, new maps, and redesigned tables for quick, at-a-glance planning. Updated each year by hiker volunteers with the latest Trail-town services, mileage, relocation, and shelter information.
Edited by Robert "Sly" Sylvester, with research by more than three dozen thru-hiker volunteers in 14 states, backed by the first-hand information of the Trail's volunteer and staff maintainers and managers.
Phil (Submitted on Aug 8th 2020)
Using for planning day hikes for the 14 state challenge, this is a must have. The profile diagrams show at a quick glance available parking, elevation changes, and distances. Then the charts and descriptions are loaded with details on what's available all along the trail. It is unbelievable the detail. Great job by all who contribute and maintain current the info.
Shirley Stone (Submitted on Jul 25th 2020)
Excellent book but the elevation topo indicating shelters name parking etc are not dark. Some are very light and hard to read.
Shirley Stone (Submitted on Jul 25th 2020)
Excellent book but the elevation topo indicating shelters name parking etc are not dark. Some are very light and hard to read.
Shirley Stone (Submitted on Jul 25th 2020)
Excellent book but the elevation topo indicating shelters name parking etc are not dark. Some are very light and hard to read.
Unknown (Submitted on Jul 11th 2020)
Provides enough info to let you trailblaze and gives good basic rundowns of trail profiles!
Andrew (Submitted on Jun 20th 2020)
Planning a day hike from Rockfish Gap to Blackrock Hut, and this guide had all the info I needed. Well worth the $14.95! Look forward to doing a thru-hike someday!
Unknown (Submitted on Mar 28th 2020)
Great info, very small print is difficult too read.
Unknown (Submitted on Feb 20th 2020)
Although I'm just a section hiker, I have found this guide very helpful. The elevation profiles, shelter descriptions, water source info, and Trail town profiles are indispensable. To the authors I say THANK YOU!
Unknown (Submitted on Feb 17th 2020)
Has detail needed to plan your thru hike. Really good place to start - but be sure to check each lodging place before committing - This book gave me where to look but I have already found 2 places that are closed or closing before this year's group comes through.
Mike (Submitted on Jan 17th 2020)
This has great information and provides templates to use for preparing for your AT Thru-Hike.