Abbreviation for Appalachian Trail or the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Abbreviation for Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the organizatino that oversees the maintenance of, conservation on, and advocacy for the preservation of the AT. The headquarters in Harpers Ferry is also often referred to as “the ATC.”

Short for The A.T. Guide by computer scientist and AT thru-hiker David “Awol” Miller.

Acronym for “all you can eat.”

To follow a man down the trail out of romantic interests.

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To skip a section of the white-blazed AT by walking an alternative route.

The denser cluster of northbound thru-hikers who embark from Springer Mountain the last week of March and the first week of April. Sometimes also refers to the much smaller cluster of southbound thru-hikers who embark from Mount Katahdin the first week of June.

A small tower of rocks used as a trail marker in areas where trees are scarce, or used sentimentally as a monument.

To drink a lot of water at a water source before continuing to hike

A small hole dug in the ground for human waste

Short for the Continental Divide Trail or Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which runs 3,100 miles across the the U.S.’ western continental divide, from Mexico to Canada. See Triple-Crown.

To thru-hike the entire AT but in a non-contiguous manner.  The most common is Harpers Ferry north to Maine then back to Harpers Ferry to GA. I am doing Roanoke to Maine, then back to Roanoake to get to GA. 

Someone who thru-hikes the AT in a non-contiguous manner. I am doing the AT as a flip-flopper

A nickname for the AT, referencing the tree cover that encloses the trail corridor most of the way during the summer and late spring months.

A person who handles the “real world” concerns for the hiker on the trail. This is Martin for me back in Durham.

A cabinet or box at hostels or places of business where hikers donate unwanted food and gear for other hikers to use.

Continuous, deep hunger that allows you to eat amazing amounts of food in town. This usually happens after a few weeks of hiking as a result of low body fat.

Usually right when it gets dark. The time when most hikers go to sleep.

A term for or describing long-distance hikers whose absence from civilization has led them to abandon certain social norms and expectations, becoming disheveled in appearance. It is sometimes said as an insult, but usually taken as a compliment.

A phrase representing the seven principles of outdoor ethics: (1) Plan ahead, (2) Travel and camp on durable surfaces, (3) Dispose of waste properly, (4) Leave what you find, (5) Minimize campfires, (6) Respect wildlife, and (7) be considerate of others.

Leave No Trace is a set of outdoor ethics promoting conservation in the outdoors.

A guest book kept at shelters, campsites, and visitor centers along the AT in which all hikers can write entries. Not to be confused with Trail Journals.

Resupply package, some towns don’t have all the supplies needed for the hiker so a mail drop is needed. This includes food that is higher quality, medications, replacement shoes, and more.

Short for “nearly zero,” or a partial day off (very few miles walked) during a long-distance hike.

Short for “northbound,” “northbound hiker,” or “northbound thru-hiker.” Someone that hikes in one season from Georgia to Maine

Short for the Pacific Crest Trail or Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which runs 2,600 miles across the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges in the western United States.  See Triple-Crown.

To follow a woman down the trail out of romantic interests, usually done by a man.

Short for “pointless ups and downs,” meaning a series of climbs and descents without a view.

A thru-hiker who endeavors to walk every inch of the AT, typically also without assistance.  The term is often used condescendingly.

Refilling food supply once you have run out of food on the trail; can be done from a grocery store, convenience store, or a package mailed to you

A 2,000 miler who hiked or is currently hiking the entire AT in over a year, in any order.

A structure for backcountry lodging, typically three-sided.

To leave the bulk of one’s belongings elsewhere and hike with a day pack during a long-distance backpacking trip.

Short for “southbound,” “southbound hiker,” or “southbound thru-hiker.” Someone that hikes in one season from Maine to Georgia.

Short for Springer Mountain, Georgia, the southern terminus of the AT.

Any long-distance hiker who walks the length of a particular trail in one setting or within one year.

Someone who gives trail magic. Usually non-hikers along the trail and are greatly appreciated by hikers.

local organizations, primarily consisting of volunteers, that are responsible for the maintenance and protection of sections of the AT, in affiliation with the ATC.

Any act of kindness or gift bestowed on hikers, including water, meals, transportation, lodging, or even money.

A special nickname adopted by long-distance backpackers, which has become a tradition on the AT and many other trails.

A phrase meaning that, in emergencies or difficult situations, a hiker’s needs will be met somehow.

Short for “trail family”.  Generally referred to as the group of people in which you spend a significant amount of time hiking a trail with, typically also lodging in town with whether at a hostel, hotel room, or otherwise.

Collectively, three American national scenic trails, over 2,000 miles each, that run, more or less, north to south: the Appalachian Trail (AT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and Continental Divide Trail (CDT).

To skip a section of the AT by motor vehicle, such as a taxi.

To hike the entire AT from one terminus to the other and then immediately turn around and hike back again (i.e. two back-to-back thru-hikes). Yes people do this!

When a hiker attempts to get free food, drinks or assistance from a stranger without asking directly

A day off during a long-distance hike in which zero miles are walked.

Any individual who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, regardless of time spent doing so, and regardless of the AT’s exact length upon completion.