You’re Hiking Alone?

was the question I almost always got after stating my plan to thru hike the AT, usually with a look of concern.

Yes, I am hiking alone.

It is generally advisable to hike with a buddy in the backcountry. A hiking companion brings several advantages, like the ability to get help in an emergency, administer first aid, or simply provide companionship and morale.

So why am I hiking alone?

1. I like hiking solo.

I am an introvert. Hiking alone is not a hardship, it’s a treat.

I enjoy the time in my own head, sometimes thinking about everything, sometimes thinking about nothing. It takes a lot for me to feel truly lonely. I’ve also spent enough time in the woods that I don’t [usually] get spooked at night.

2. I’m never really alone.

This is a popular trail. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, about 3,000 people attempt a thru hike each year, not to mention the 3 MILLION day hikers and section hikers who visit the trail annually.

Needless to say, there are people around. As an introvert who doesn’t want to be completely isolated, this is actually perfect; I can control the amount of social interaction I get. If I’m craving company, all I need to do is camp at one of the shelters. The shelters are a hub for hiker socializing. There’s pretty much guaranteed to be at least a handful of thru hikers there every night to swap stories from the day, commiserate about the weather, or just shoot the shit.

If I want alone time, I can simply pitch my tent elsewhere. Or I can compromise by hanging out at the shelter for dinner for an hour or two before retiring to my own tent.

After breaking camp in the morning, people tend to spread out as they begin hiking. So far the trail has never felt overly crowded during the day. Most days I enjoy the peaceful solitude of a quiet walk in the woods.

The number of hikers on the trail can also help to alleviate any fears about being alone in an emergency. In an event where I would need help, chances are there is a hiker not too far behind me.

3. It’s normal.

Many, probably most, thru hikers start the trail alone. A thru hike is not like a weekend backpacking trip with your buddies. Even if you did know someone else as crazy as you who would want to do such a thing, the stars really have to align to make them a compatible hiking partner. Can they get the time off of work? Do you hike at a similar pace? Can you stand each other 24/7 for 6 months? Do you have a similar approach to hiking (‘make the miles’ vs ‘smell the roses’)? Do you have a similar budget?

Starting right off the bat with the right partner is rare, but many thru hikers meet compatible hiking companions once on the trail. It is common for small groups, i.e. trail families or “tramilies” to form.

Currently I’m enjoying setting my own pace and schedule, but when and if the right people come along, I’m open to adopting a tramily. I can definitely see the appeal. The bond of a tight knit group of like-minded individuals sharing a meaningful experience is definitely special.

Time will tell if I end up in a tramily or just stick to myself. Either way, I’m certain it will be a rewarding experience.