“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” Proverbs 4:26
Appalachian Trail Overview
The “A.T.,” as it’s called by hikers, is much more than just a path through the woods. It is a national scenic trail, part of the same national park system that includes Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Its official name is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. But, unlike those famous parks, it’s not a concentrated preserve, with campgrounds and paths within its boundaries.
As the longest, skinniest part of America’s national park system, the A.T. stretches over 14 different states and passes through more than 60 federal, state, and local parks and forests. Hundreds of roads cross it. In some parts, the Trail “corridor” is only a few hundred feet wide.
Maybe the most important difference between the A.T. and other national-park units, though, is that volunteers make it possible. Each year, thousands of people maintain, patrol, and monitor the footpath and its surrounding lands—outdoor lovers like you volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours of their time to taking care of this public treasure. Learn how you can get involved.
State by State Itinerary
ADDRESS ALL MAIL “ATTN: W. BATEMAN THRU-HIKER” or else the P.O. will NOT hold your mail for me!
Maine: June 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008 - 281 miles/30 days UPDATE!
Mail Drop at Monson, Maine P.O. 04464 …target date is June 7th, 2008
Mail Drop at Rangely, Maine P.O. 04970 …target date is June 15th, 2008
New Hampshire: July 1, 2008 - July 12, 2008 - 161 miles/12 days UPDATE!
Mail Drop at North Woodstock, New Hampshire 03262 target date is June 28th, 2008
Vermont: July 13, 2008 - July 25, 2008 - 150 miles/12 days UPDATE!
Mail Drop at Killington, Vermont 05751 …target date is July 6th, 2008
Massachusetts: July 26, 2008 - August 2, 2008 90 miles/7 days UPDATE!
Mail Drop at North Adams, Massachusetts 01247 … target date is July 14th, 2008
Connecticut: August 3, 2008 - August 7, 2008 52 miles/4 days UPDATE!
Mail Drop at Salisbury, Connecticut P.O. 06068 …target date is July 22nd, 2008
New York: August 8, 2008 - August 15, 2008 - 88 miles/7 days UPDATE!
Mail Drop at Southfields, New York 10975 …target date is July 28th, 2008
New Jersey: August 16, 2008 - August 22, 2008 - 72 miles/6 days
Pennsylvania: August 23, 2008 - September 08, 2008 - 229/16 days UPDATE!
Mail Drop at Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania 18327 …target date is August 3rd, 2008
SPECIAL NOTE! This is the halfway point of my journey along the Appalachian Trail! We must decide together, upon evaluation of our financial resources, physical condition and God’s wisdom; whether to continue the rest of the way or not! Let’s pray that God provides the rest of the finances, good health and of course, the Will of God being accomplished on the day to day!
Love Pop
Maryland: September 09, 2008 - September 12, 2008 - 41 miles/4 days
West Virginia: September 13, 2008 to September 15, 2008 - 4 miles/2 days
Virginia: September 16, 2008 - October 25, 2008 - 550 miles/40 days
Tennessee: October 26, 2008 - November 15, 2008 - 293 miles/21 days
North Carolina: November 16, 2008 - November 21, 2008 - 88 miles/6 days
Georgia: November 22, 2008 - November 26, 2008 - 75 miles/5 days
Totals: 14 states - 2,175 miles - 172 days (includes 22 “zero days”)
Note: a “zero day” is a time off the trail for rest, showers and possible speaking engagements!
