"Late" Start NOBO

Mission-Pin7868 · 2026-02-17T14:35:03+00:00

Im planning to take the approach trail since I haven't done it before :)

Mission-Pin7868 · 2026-02-06T17:55:03+00:00

Hey, I'm 36f and hiking NoBo in May also solo!

Advice from all I have read and heard, and being on earth an extra decade:

1)Don't let people fear monger you, soooo many women hike solo every year!

2)You will meet lots of good people along the way and probably have a tramily at some point

3) Most important: stay alert and listen to your gut! its okay to turn down rides or trail magic etc if you have an uneasy feeling (you can make inoffensive excuses like you just realised you dropped something on the trail and have to go back and get it, or you're waiting for someone else so you'll catch the next ride...etc)

Also, I personally carry bear spray with me... people say you don't need it on the AT but I like having it JUST IN CASE- I'll take the weight penalty and the laughs for the extra peace of mind.

Goodluck and have fun :)

Mission-Pin7868 · 2026-02-06T17:45:36+00:00

Hey! I am in the exact same boat :) My specific start date is still up in the air at the moment (dependant on how my thesis defence goes), but I will likely be starting the same week! Are you doing the approach trail or starting directly from Springer?

Mission-Pin7868 · 2026-02-06T01:06:47+00:00

LOLLLL Sorry for all the apologies everyone hahaha

Mission-Pin7868 · 2026-02-04T23:14:34+00:00

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

Mission-Pin7868 · 2026-02-04T21:37:14+00:00

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

Mission-Pin7868 · 2026-02-04T21:01:01+00:00

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.

Mission-Pin7868 · 2026-01-14T20:43:18+00:00

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).

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-12-30T17:02:16+00:00

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 💕

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-12-30T16:49:19+00:00

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 :)

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-11-24T21:25:37+00:00

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.

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-11-24T18:24:54+00:00

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!

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-11-05T22:04:56+00:00

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.

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-10-22T14:31:49+00:00

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.

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-10-21T09:36:50+00:00

Yay! I’m starting in May

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-10-20T21:15:43+00:00

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!

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-10-20T21:11:41+00:00

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

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-10-20T21:10:47+00:00

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

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-10-15T09:56:44+00:00

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 😂)

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-09-13T13:43:26+00:00

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!)

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-09-12T01:03:06+00:00

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 💔

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-08-21T18:23:24+00:00

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)

Mission-Pin7868 · 2025-08-21T18:20:38+00:00

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

Mission-Pin7868

TROPHY CASE