Last Updated on April 1, 2019 by mountainswithmegan
The winter before I began my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, I told everyone I knew about my plans. The number one question people asked was, “You’re not going alone, are you?”
Having already done a few section hikes before starting my thru-hike, I knew exactly what I was getting into and was not worried about hiking alone as a woman. Furthermore, I didn’t want a hiking partner. I wanted to be able to do my own thing and make new friends along the way.
Instead of getting annoyed by people telling me how dangerous it would be for me, an apparently *sarcasm* helpless woman who has no idea how to navigate this world without a man *sarcasm*, I relished in it. I found it positively delightful to watch people’s faces as I told them I would be embarking on a 2,000 mile hike all by my lonesome.
Have you been fantasizing about a hike on the Appalachian Trail, but no one will go with you? No problem. You can go by yourself!
Why Hike the Appalachian Trail Solo?
- You will grow and learn more when it’s just you. The trail will challenge you, force you to your limits, and put you in circumstances where you must rely on yourself. There will be hard days full of rain and uphill climbs, and just as many lonely evenings in your tent. This is where growth happens. Embrace it.
- You call the shots. If you’re having a physically difficult time, you can stop earlier than planned and take more breaks. You also don’t have to wait for a partner who takes forever to pack up or walks more slowly than you. On a solo hike, there is no compromising what you want in order to appease someone else.
- There’s no competition. Men on the trail love to compete with each other, especially their hiking partners. They love to compare who hiked the most miles, who has the lightest pack, who’s the manliest for having the heaviest pack, and who can grow the best beard. Without a hiking partner, you can ignore the competition. I’m non-competitive, and I hate it when people try to make comparisons between us. It’s just not my thing.
- It’s way easier to hitch-hike as a woman because we seem less threatening to strangers driving by. I’ve had multiple drivers say things to me like, “I would never give a ride to a man.” Or when hitching with a male hiker, “You know I only picked you guys up because of her.”
- You get to be a role model for young girls and other women. My absolute favorite thing is when strangers with daughters come up to me with questions and enthusiasm about my hike. I also love all of the messages I receive because of this blog and my Instagram from ladies who say I’ve inspired them.
Is it Safe to Hike Alone as a Woman?
I would say yes, very safe. Please don’t concern yourself with this point too much. If you know the safety basics of being a woman in your day-to-day life, then you’re set. It’s basically the same precautions we take anyway when we’re living our lives.
Still Worried? OK, Here’s Some Safety Pieces:
- Trail men tend to be rather chivalrous. They know who the women hikers are, and they try to look out for us. And it’s OK to ask the normal guys for help if there’s a creeper bothering you.
- Yes, male hikers sexually harassed occasionally on the trail. Once I shared a motel room in town with three other hikers and woke up to one of the men stroking my back as I slept. Another guy shoved his camera in my face to show me a photo of himself completely naked except for a sock on his penis. However, men did not sexually harass me on the Appalachian Trail anymore often than they sexually harass in my regular life. This is just a hazard for us women everywhere we go, regardless of being at home or on the trail.
- You might end up hitch-hiking solo to resupply in town. See my hitch-hiking how-to article for more information. Basically, take safety precautions prior to sticking your thumb out. Put your cards and ID, cell phone, and knife in your pocket so you can either make a quick escape or protect yourself. But don’t worry, most trail town folk are extremely nice.
- While hiking, I always kept my knife and pepper spray in my hip-belt pocket for quick access. I never needed to use them. It just gives me peace of mind to have them there.
- Your loved ones can get you a SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger if they’re overly worried about your physical safety. You can send your GPS coordinates to your mom when you get into camp, or if you get into a real emergency, you can send an SOS.
- I already addressed this in my post Dangers of the Appalachian Trail and How to Avoid Them, but don’t worry too much about getting injured and being alone. The Appalachian Trail is a busy hike. Someone will come along and help you out.
I hope this post shed some light on what it’s like to hike the Appalachian Trail solo as a woman. What do you ladies (and gents and non-binary folks) think about hiking solo? Would you give it a try?
My husband won’t let me hike solo because of safety and it has little to do with me not knowing my limits or my skills but because he doesn’t trust people, on or off trail. The thing that he worries about is the fact that there are so many men on trail and a woman by herself can be a target. Fortunately there are lots of ways to up your safety without acting like a paranoid weirdo and most of them are listed in your post! Even if I’m hiking in a group of people I trust, I always keep a real knife (3-5in) and pepper spray on me.
Despite my hubby’s slightly unfounded fears, it doesn’t bother me too much because I don’t really like hiking alone anyway. There are a lot of really great things about hiking solo and I can understand why someone would want to, but for my two cents, it’s just too lonely. 🙂
So stoked that I found this blog! My younger sister and I are planning on doing a little over half of a thru-hike this summer (Maryland-Maine, the sister will be going into her last year of high school, so we’ll have to save the full thru-hike for later), and your blog has come in pretty handy already! I’ve been kind of paranoid about us being young girls hiking alone, but reading this has helped relive some of my anxieties about it.
Most people on the trail are super nice! You’ll definitely be safe with two people. I hope you have a great time!
I hike all the time by myself and I can’t believe how many women ask me, “Aren’t you afraid to go out there by yourself?” That question is the very reason I started a local hiking club just for women. I think it is just a lack of familiarity with hiking that makes it seem scary to women, which is such a shame. I like everything you said in this blog and think you are spot on. Good for you! If you are ever in the Los Angeles Area I’d be happy to take you hiking or backpacking. The Pacific Crest Trail is my neighbor. 🙂
That’s awesome that you started a women’s hiking club! Way to positively impact the hiking community. I think I might actually be doing a PCT thru-hike in 2015 (finger’s crossed).
I prefer to hike alone, especially cause like you said, I get to call the shots about daily mileage and stuff. Plus people treat you different if you hike with a guy, they direct all questions to the man as if you’re just tagging along rather than an active participant and that drives me nuts.
When I did my GA-NOC section hike the only thing that I ever was cautious about was if a guy said “Soo wait, you’re all alone?” to which I’d reply “well there are people in front of me and people behind me that I’m kinda with” (which was a stretch) but it lets people know that if you don’t show up somewhere someone will notice, but not to worry! that’s just a precaution, I seriously seriously doubt anyone had anything but pure curiosity in the apparent novelty of a solo girl hiker.
I know what you mean about the first part. After I completed my thru-hike, I went back for a section hike in Georgia the next spring. Some guy at a shelter started trying to explain to me how long the trail is and that he’s going to hike all of it (he was 30 miles in). Finally, I was like, “I know. We thru-hiked last year.” Referring to myself and my boyfriend who I met in Vermont the previous year.
The dude was really surprised and was like, “Wait. He thru-hiked last year?”
I explained, “We both did.”
Guys that are actually experienced hikers are never surprised to find women who hike solo and hike long distances, but the newbie hikers can’t believe it for some reason.
I’ve seen this in action. As a woman, it’s a nice little test of how much they’ve been in the outdoors. Also, younger hiker guys who did boy scouts may be used to the outdoors as a dude zone. This was the case with my boyfriend, and then he was like, ‘Oh, there’s lots of nature ladies.’
Love your blog. I recently finished the Camino de Santiago de Campostella in northern Spain. It was the adventure of a lifetime. Of course, the number one question was – “Why?” And number two “Are you going with a group?” The answer to number one is still being worked on, the answer to number two was, “Nope. Goin’ solo.” I think it’s important for women to be role models for other women and for men, as far as strength, self reiance, and confidence are concerned. We bring attributes to the trail that broaden the experience for everyone.
Ever since I heard about the Camino I’ve been trying to figure out a way to do it. Your post has inspired me to work harder to make it a reality. Thanks!
That’s amazing! I would love to do the Camino one day. You should definitely go for it!
I’m doing the El Camino this September, then hoping to do the Appalachian Trail next year – not sure if I’ll be able to do the whole thing though due to visa restrictions (I’m Australian and I think I can only enter the US for 3 months..) and quite excited!
Thanks for this blog – I’m reading it bit by bit to get me prepared x
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May 12 2013 I started my first section to hike the AT solo. I had started planning and preparing 3 years earlier at age 62. I waited until 65 yo so I would have some kind of health coverage. That will give you a sense of how frugal my planning had to be. I completed 468 mi, finishing Ga, Nc,&Tn, wow! I impressed myself. I plan to go back thissummer soon as I can.. I miss the blaze. I traveled alone but never felt lonely.
Wow! Congratulations on your accomplishment, that’s awesome. I know what you mean about missing the blaze. The weekend isn’t complete if I haven’t been on the trail even for a few miles. I’m lucky enough to live within 10 miles of the AT and feel duty bound to get out there every chance I can.
Please contact me. I so want to do the same hike you did and I’ll be about your age when I start. I am on Facebook also.
I’m planning my first Long Trail hike beginning July 2016 – going solo and can’t wait! I’m a 62 yo female, love the out-of-doors and actively preparing for this trip… I’m not talking about it much because I’ve already received some “push back” when I only want encouragement. Wonder if you would reply to my email so I could ask a few questions?
Bonnie, how did it go for you. I am 53 right now and thinking about doing a few weekends this summer. I plan to do the trail when I turn 62 also. My biggest fear is getting in a situation where I am the only person at the shelter and a bear shows up.
Looking for buddy for April 2020?
This is really reassuring to read, as someone who’s about to attempt the Long Trail by myself. I’ve got some family members trying to talk me out of it.
Do it! You’ll meet lots of other hikers on the Long Trail.
Awesome blog! Would you happen to have any advice for someone hiking solo across the entire US from Pennsylvania to California?
Thanks for sharing your experience and enthusiasm for hiking. I’m getting ready to take a hike tomorrow that is part of a two day backpacking trip in Colorado. I’ve been camping by myself, but have not yet gone hiking or backpacking alone. I enjoyed reading your tips and tricks, like carrying pepper spray and a knife. I hope I won’t need it. I think you’re right though when you say there are more dangers in the city than in the wilderness.
Cool, Thanks Hashbrown! I would add as the biggest tips: tip 1: When people you meet during the day ask you “How far are you hiking, or where are you staying?” Answer vaguely. Don’t tell ppl your exact camping plans. It’s also a good idea to say you are catching up with some friends later “down the trail” if it is clearly a day-hiker asking you about your mileage for that day. Tip 2: if you come to an empty shelter at night and someone comes in after you and your instincts tell you something is not quite right, the best thing to do is just pack up your stuff and relocate. Or for that matter, you come to a shelter and there is only one other person there and your gut tells you that you should not stay, then it is perfectly right to move on. Thankfully I never found myself in this situation, and I was in shelters alone for about 1/3 of my hike as a 2011 SoBo.
So excited to read this blog! I’ve been really worried about hiking any long-trail alone. (I think my mom has watched “Taken” a thousand times too many and refuses to support my ideas of solo thru-hiking). I’ve done a few pretty low-key backpacking trips but always with a group of people, and the thought of going alone can be scary. BUT this article has given me such a great confidence boost. It’s so nice to hear about other women thru-hiking. Great blog! Thank you!
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Hopefully “Wild” is gonna fix this culture of doubt for many of you ladies. It’s always a pleasure to see a solo female face, often accompanied by a well behaved dog, out in the NH Whites. As a Trail Angel that (usually) picks a static position to hang and wait for Thrus in Crawford Notch a couple weekends in Sept, I can assure any doubters out there that there are many of you.
A shout out to Spider, and Sunshine, a couple individual NOBOs who I met up on The Twinway on Sept 13 ’14 that I know made Katahdin. Congrats Ladies.
[…] into my love affair with long distance hiking (2012 to be exact), I set out to do the 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail. Before departing for the trail, I was a college student and spent all of my time either working or […]
How did you train for the hike?
I try to tell people how safe solo backpacking is, but folk have a difficult time believing me.
I did come across a neat statistic that there have only been 11 murders on the Appalachian trail since 1974. At 2 million hikers a year, I would say that’s safer than driving to the store.
Yeah, I like to tell people that as well. It’s overall very safe and a good community.
So glad I found this! My son and I recently did our first backpacking trip on the Approach Trail and start of the AT. I loved it! It made me feel alive again and was life changing. I want to go back next month alone but my friends and family members think that is crazy.
It’s definitely not crazy! If it makes you feel alive then it’s the right thing to do. Go for it!
I loved this. I’m planning to hike the AT after my degree and I’m making sure to have a sturdy base for when I have to explain – especially to my parents – that I plan to hike it solo.
I admire your courageous hiking travels. I used to be a princess, married, but now divorced, 2 adult children,,,so it is my turn. My son and his family dropped me off in Florida, a week later as they were heading out the door to go home, I said “what do I do now?” They told me to “get out there”,so I did…I am 68 y/o and have been hiking trails across U.S. since 2014. I get a lot of “concerned” comments also, but I am fine and so are you !