A.T. Section Hike
For hikers doing a 4-10 day section of the Appalachian Trail using shelters, designated campsites and trail-town resupplies.
- SeasonMar-Oct (varies by state)
- Length4-10 nights
- Sections8
- Items50
- Essential29
- Reviewed2026-10-07
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Assumes a spring-to-fall section hike of roughly 50-150 miles for one to four people, sleeping in or near A.T. shelters and resupplying in towns every 3-5 days. Covers the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's bear-canister recommendation and required-storage zones, the three permit areas (Smokies, Shenandoah, Baxter), regional camping and fire rules and wet-weather gear. Adapt insulation for early spring or late fall and add the permits specific to your section.
Check before you go
- Permits are required in Great Smoky Mountains NP ($8 per person per night plus $6, or the $44.50 thru-hiker permit, as of April 30, 2026), Shenandoah NP ($9 per person plus $6 on Recreation.gov up to 90 days ahead) and Baxter State Park (free long-distance hiker permit in person); AMC campsites in the Whites cost about $10 per night (ATC, as of 2026).
- The ATC recommends a hard-sided bear canister for every overnight trip. Canisters are required March 1-June 1 between Jarrard Gap and Neel Gap in Georgia; the Smokies require hanging on provided cables; Shenandoah requires a canister, a provided box or pole, or a 12 ft hang. Bears have defeated hangs and shredded Ursacks in NC and TN.
- Camping is limited to shelters and designated sites in the Smokies, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut; Connecticut and New Jersey ban campfires; Maine allows fires only at designated sites and no camping above treeline. Check the ATC camping-regulations page for your section.
- Never sleep with food; cook and eat 200 ft from your tent and keep canisters out of shelters and about 70 steps from where you sleep.
- Expect rain, mud, slick roots and rock, ticks (Lyme disease) and norovirus in shelters; treat all water and sanitize hands before eating.
- Trail towns are typically 3-5 days apart; hostel, shuttle and post office hours change with the season, so confirm before you go.
What's inside
- Essential
- Optional
- Needs a permit
Permits & Planning 6/7
- Permits for park sections you cross: Smokies, Shenandoah or Baxter Only needed if your section enters these parks; AMC/GMC site fees apply in NH and VT.
- Section plan with shelters, campsites, daily mileage and bailout roads
- Resupply plan: towns, mail drops and hostel or shuttle bookings
- Trailhead transport and overnight parking arrangedSome trailheads require parking permits or have car break-in warnings.
- Guidebook or app with offline maps and water sources
- Check ATC trail updates for closures and bear-activity camping bans
- Emergency contact plan with expected check-ins
Food Storage & Bear Safety 3/5
- Hard-sided bear canister (ATC recommended; required in some zones)Required Mar 1-Jun 1 Jarrard Gap to Neel Gap (GA); Shenandoah accepts canisters or a 12 ft hang.
- Hang kit (50 ft cord, carabiner) for the PCT method where hanging is allowedPlan at least 45 minutes to hang properly; bears have learned to defeat hangs.
- All scented items (toothpaste, sunscreen, cookware) stored with food at night
- Food to the next resupply plus one extra day
- Cook and eat 200 ft from your tent; canister about 70 steps away
Shelter & Sleep 3/5
- Tent, tarp or hammock (shelters fill; some areas require designated sites)
- Sleeping bag or quilt for the season
- Sleeping pad
- Earplugs
- Bug net and underquilt if hammocking
Clothing 4/8
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants or rain kilt
- Insulating layer
- Wool or synthetic socks (3 pairs) plus dry camp socks
- Trail runners or boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Town and sleep clothes
- Gaiters
Water & Kitchen 4/5
- Water filter plus backup tablets
- Capacity for 2-3 liters (dry ridges and late-summer springs)
- Stove and fuel
- Pot and spoon
- Lighter
Navigation & Safety 5/10
- Map or app with a paper backup
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- First aid kit with blister care
- Tick removal tool and permethrin-treated clothing
- Hand sanitizer (norovirus spreads through shelters)
- Satellite messenger
- Trekking poles
- Whistle
- Battery bank
- Pack liner or dry bags
Resupply & Town 1/4
- ID, cash and card
- Mail-drop boxes labeled with name and ETA
- Phone and charger
- Laundry and shower kit
Leave No Trace / Pack-out 3/6
- Trowel for a 6-8 in cathole 200 ft from water
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
- Trash bag for all packaging
- Use privies where provided
- Fires only where allowed and in existing rings (none in CT or NJ)
- Leave shelters clean; never store food inside
Sources 2026-10-07
Rules, fees and conditions change. Verify with the official source before you go.
- Understanding Camping Rules Along the Trail Appalachian Trail Conservancy · 2026-10-07
- Bears and Food Storage Appalachian Trail Conservancy · 2026-10-07
- A.T. Permits and Fees Appalachian Trail Conservancy · 2026-10-07
- Backcountry Camping National Park Service - Great Smoky Mountains · 2026-10-07