I went to a Rei page written by Zach Davis to find some quick info for you.
The trail is approximately 2200 miles long. Each year there are modifications. 2019 had a new number of 2192, up from 2189.2. Reroutes usually add a few more miles. Don’t know the number for 2020 yet. But these do not include the approach trail 8.8 nor the 5.2 back down off Mt. Katahdin.
This equals to around 5,000,000 steps. I’m going to try and keep my Fitbit charged and recording. Are you game to do a workweek challenge with me next spring?
14 is the number of states you go through while on trail. I’ll just need South Carolina after Maine to finish the 50 states.
16 is the number of times you climb enough elevation to have summit Mount Everest. All those P.U.D.S add up- pointless ups and downs. The gain and loss is over 464,464ft or 89 miles. Thank you Zach for figuring this all out.
165 the number of days it takes an average person to complete a thru hike. I’m shooting for 130. To be considered a thru hike the trail has to be completed with in a years time. 46 and a half days was the record when article was written.
6643 highest elevation at Clingmans Dome in the Great Smokies- but there are like 4 over 6000 to go over on the way to Clingmans.
The lowest point is 134 ft above sea level. Crossing the Hudson River bridge I believe. Oh, yay, bridges. “consider it pure joy my brothers and sister when you face trials of many kinds.....”
99% of the trail has been relocated or rebuilt since ifs creation in 1937.
The volunteer hours by now is well over 250,000. Thank you volunteers. They have been rebuilding shelters, putting in large rock steps where the trail is steep and slippery, cutting the blow downs apart to clear the path. This year I heard of at least one fire that the firefighters had to fight the blazes in the mountains and it closed a section of trail for awhile.
31 maintenance clubs serve the trail. It is unfortunate that they have to spend so many man hours cleaning up trash left on the trail, when there is a Leave no trace policy.
165,000 approximate number of white blazed.
5500 - Ha ! Number of calories required to maintain body weight during typical day of backpacking. That’s 12 Big Macs and still be at energy deficiency. Hiker hunger hits after first week or two. The article stated it’s the hikers wallet that prevents the calorie intake with in town binging.
1/2 Gallon - the amount of ice cream hikers eat at the 1/2 way point challenge at Pine Grove Furnace. This is near Carlisle, PA. Want to meet me there? No,I do not plan on taking the challenge- I think I’d go into a sugar coma with that much.
30 the average number of pounds lost by thru hikers during their journey. Some women actually gain - muscle mass over fat loss. I’ll go for that. But I’m going to enjoy the holidays. Hint, hint, nod, nod, say no more.
$((((((. Oh that was suppose to tell you the average amount spent during the course of the thru-hike. Shhhhhh🤫 we won’t go into that right now. But I did sale the car and the “End of the Trail” and the Hexie Dancer to cover most of this. I have some quilts for sale if you need a gift for someone.
4-5 the number of shoes a hiker goes through. Most wear trail runners with Altra Lone peak being a major choice. I’m going with Teva sandals Terra, waterproof socks, darn tough socks on dry days and injinji toe sock liners. My orthotics fit snug between the socks and waterproof outer ones. My long toes don’t have to take a daily beating. You are so glad to know that aren’t you.? That was too much information.
4 the average number of miles between road crossings on the trail.
The number of hikers in 21 century from 20th century is a whopping 78%.
87% attempt the NOBO northbound route from Springer.
262 number of shelters. Average one every 8 miles. These usually have water nearby and a privy. But are know for the easy spread of norovirus, mice , and loud snorers.
25 - percentage of female 2000 milers, and it is on the rise. This article was a couple of years old.
To top it off there have actually been yo-yo hikers. To hike one direction then turn around and go the opposite direction and finish in a years time. That’s 2 thru hikes in one year. You can call me crazy, but I’m not that crazy. Yet.
Last but not least 1-4 thru hikers finish.
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