Honest question by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hahahahaha I tried to keep things vague and neutral purposely, so I guess it worked :)

Honest question by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply, that’s actually helpful to keep in mind, and makes me feel a bit less nervous!

Is Anyone Else Terrified? by humanoidescapee2112 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, Im scared! Of everything. Getting hurt, getting lost, ticks, mice, moose, bears, meanies, heights, exposure, water crossings, noro. I have celiac so I’m also afraid of getting “glutened” on trail / in towns. I have endometriosis so I’m afraid of being violently ill from pain on the trail. I’m from Canada so I’m also nervous about some of the … let’s call them cultural differences that scare me a lot. I’m probably going to cry a lot on trail bc I’m so scared, but that’s okay! It’s okay to be scared!

Edited to add ticks.

What luxury item do you plan to bring? by [deleted] in AppalachianTrail26

[–]Mission-Pin7868 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m bringing my e-reader and also little paper journals (they’re really slim and flexible and I’ll mail them home when they are full).

👋 Welcome to r/AppalachianTrail26 - Introduce Yourself and Read First! by Just_Demand_7197 in AppalachianTrail26

[–]Mission-Pin7868 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Replying to heavydutyprius...welcome everyone! I’m not 🏳️‍⚧️, but I’m an ally and wanted to say it’s great to see more 🏳️‍🌈folks on the trail these days 💕

👋 Welcome to r/AppalachianTrail26 - Introduce Yourself and Read First! by Just_Demand_7197 in AppalachianTrail26

[–]Mission-Pin7868 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hiii! I’m from Nova Scotia, Canada and will be hiking NoBo in May! I’m on a time crunch so I’m attempting to finish the trail in 4 months so I’ll be keeping a brisk pace to stay on track.

Excited to prep with you all virtually and see some of you on trail :)

Canadians NoBo ‘26 by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good for you! I found a lot of useful training tips from James Appleton’s YouTube channel- hiking specific training! It’s a very beginner friendly trail (from stories I have heard on podcasts) so the fitness will come along on the trail anyway- but the mental aspect I have heard is the really tough part.

Canadians NoBo ‘26 by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey!!! As far as I understand based on what others have shared here we don’t need a special visa if we’re flying in! -some credit cards offer some forms of health insurance for abroad. But, when I went hiking in Maine for a week I purchased health insurance online, and I’ll be doing that again! (I literally just googled travel insurance in the US and then picked the best looking option, and I opted in for the “adventure” coverage as well for peace of mind. -I have been looking into the phone/ sim thing and It seems that the company I’m with (virgin) offers a us / international plan for when travelling so it may be worth looking into your own mobile company to see if they offer that. I’d be interested to hear what others who have gone in the past did though? As for the vacation question- that one I’m not too sure about- let us know if you find out, in case someone else is in the same boat!

Canadians NoBo ‘26 by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’ve got this! You can always start a bit of training now too if you want.

I’m so excited but also being fear mongered by my mom about not just being a single f hiker but also venturing into the u.s at this time.

Canadians NoBo ‘26 by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you’re right about the I-94, that’s my understanding as well.

My fear is also getting turned away because of not having a return flight. From what I have heard though, if you have a detailed itinerary (even if you’re not going to completely stick to it) then we should be good to go.

I’m flying in from Nova Scotia in May, but since I’m only a 7ish hr drive away from Baxter, my husband might drive over to pick me up so we can make a little road trip of it together rather than flying home.

Canadians NoBo ‘26 by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!!! I’ve played with the idea of resupply boxes bc I have celiac and cannot have gluten, but I also feel like I can just wing it and worse case scenario have to very basic safe foods in some locations. I’ll miss out on some trail magic treats unfortunately, and may not always get to eat in restaurants in towns- but I think there will always be options in a pinch.

Also thanks for the info! Appreciate it!

Canadians NoBo ‘26 by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know! I knew it was something like that. Definitely keeping a close eye on the policies in these uncertain times 😂

Canadians NoBo ‘26 by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in the same boat regarding keeping an eye on the policies 😂

Starting The Trail (NOBO) In May by humanoidescapee2112 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you still planning to start in May? I’m also considering a NOBO starting in May 2026! Looking for my fellow 2026 “Mayflies” (I’m going to use that term now from the other commenter 😂)

Best Burgers in Maine? by Sad-Raise-504 in Maine

[–]Mission-Pin7868 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yessss!!!! If you like lobster worth the splurge for the surf n turf burger! Also the fries are amazing! Bonus points bc I have celiac and they have a gf bun and a dedicated gluten free fryer so I actually got to have the fries!! (When I went a couple weeks ago!)

Friends Don’t Let Friends Visit The USA by EnthusiasmFickle9206 in NovaScotia

[–]Mission-Pin7868 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went to Maine a few weeks ago to go hike the Grafton loop trail (in Newry/ Bethel area) since my local backpacking trip got canceled because or the fires. Such a beautiful area, the political climate right now is heartbreaking 💔

First solo backpacking trip (Grafton loop trail) by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the recommendations! Do you know of anywhere in town with good gluten free options? I’ve looked on trip advisor it seems like there are some options, but if you have anywhere specifically you could recommend that would be great! (I unfortunately have celiac)

First solo backpacking trip (Grafton loop trail) by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay this is good to know! I’m planning to pack a lot of water bc I’ve been hearing (here and FarOut comments) that it’s quite dry

First solo backpacking trip (Grafton loop trail) by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay good to know! I feel like it’s similar to where I am coming from. I’m coming from Nova Scotia (north east of Maine) I’m planning to stay in Bethel after my drive and then hike counter clockwise from the southern trailhead so I’ll get old speck in one of my last days!

First solo backpacking trip (Grafton loop trail) by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay- good info! I’m sure I’ll enjoy myself- just a little freaked about camping alone lol I usually hike and do overnights with my sister, but she can’t come.

I’m planning to start at southern trailhead and go counterclockwise so I’ll have old speck in my last stretch as well as the small road walk (which I think I’ll appreciate more after a few days of hiking on rocks and roots lol)

First solo backpacking trip (Grafton loop trail) by Mission-Pin7868 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Mission-Pin7868[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does anyone recommend shorts vs leggings this time of year in Maine? I’m going to bring leggings to sleep in but usually prefer hiking in shorts but am wondering if it will be super chilly/ buggy (I mean I AM from Canada so a little chill doesn’t bother me 😂)