AT PATHs

Appalachian Trail Prep Academy for Thru-Hikers

If you're dreaming of thru-hiking of the Appalachian Trail, this course is for you!  The famous A.T. covers nearly 2200 miles of continuous trail through 14 states, all the way from Georgia to Maine.  Many adventurers dream of thru-hiking the entire length of the trail, while only a fraction make it a reality.  Around 3,000 hikers attempt to make the journey each year, while only about 20% make it the whole way.  At Wildwood Hiking Company, we believe that anyone can follow their dreams on the AT, and with the right preparation, you can, too!

Our Appalachian Trail Prep Academy for Thru-Hikers, or AT PATHs, is a comprehensive, six month prep course that includes a series of interactive online courses, individualized coaching, and training hikes designed to prepare you for a successful thru-hike of the A.T.  The online course meets once a month from October through March and covers everything you need to know to complete a thru-hike of the A.T.  Learn about the history of the AT, logistics and planning, gear, meals and resupplies, physical and mental preparation, injury prevention, safety, and so much more!  Combine your online class with personalized coaching sessions and training hikes to maximize your chances of a successful thru-hike.  Then in the spring, you'll have the option to begin your thru-hike with your class cohort and hike alongside your instructor, where you'll get real time tips, guidance, and support.  You don’t have to do it alone!  We believe anyone can thru-hike the AT with proper preparation and planning!

Registration and Pricing:

Course Schedule:

Online Classes (October - March):

• Course will be organized on Google Classroom, where you will have unlimited access to course materials, resources, and session videos
• Monthly class sessions will be held online via Google Meet. Dates and times are TBD

Training Hikes:

• You'll have the option to join a 3-Day Training Hike on the Appalachian Trail with your instructor. Get one-on-one guidance and feedback while testing your gear and 

*Schedule is tentative and subject to change

Registration and Payments:

• Full AT PATHs Program (12 online courses and 10-day guided hike in Georgia):
• Requires a non-refundable $300 registration fee.  
• The remaining balance is due 1 week prior to the start of the 10-day guided hike in March or April (exact date will be determined based on the needs of the class).
• Payment plans are available.  Please contact nicole@wildwoodhiking.com if you would like to make arrangements.

• Online Course ONLY:
• Registration for the online course only requires full payment of the course fee to reserve your seat in the class. 

Cancellation Policy: 

• AT PATHs registration requires a non-refundable $300 booking deposit, or full course registration fee, whichever is lesser.  The remainder of the cost is due 1 week prior to the start of the 10 day guided hike.  Trips may be canceled up to 1 week before the start date for a refund, minus the deposit.  Within 1 week of the trip, a 50% refund will be offered for cancellations.  No refunds will be offered for cancellations within 48 hours of the trip start date.

• We hike rain or shine! Backpacking is a challenging endurance sport, and it can be uncomfortable during inclement weather.  We do our best to make sure hikers are adequately prepared for adverse weather.  However, safety is our biggest priority.  In the case of severe weather that could affect the safety of our hikers, your guide has the discretion to cancel or postpone a trip.  In this case, full refunds will be offered or vouchers given to reschedule.

Note:  A course minimum of 5 participants is required for the AT PATHs program to run.  If the course minimum is not met, you will be offered the option of a credit towards a future class or backpacking trip or a full refund.