Hot take: I think the AT is way overrated for thru-hiking

I did the first 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail last spring and honestly, it felt like a crowded sidewalk most of the time. Near Clingmans Dome, I counted 30 people in one hour on a Tuesday, which just killed the whole wilderness vibe for me. I actually bailed near Gatlinburg and spent a week on the Benton MacKaye Trail instead, and it was way more what I was looking for. Has anyone else felt like the AT is just too popular now for a real backpacking experience?

2 comments

2 Comments

phoenixp3011d agoMost Upvoted

That 30 people in an hour stat is rough. Did you find the BMT shelters quieter at night? I loved the Smokies for the views but got sick of hearing other people's snoring through the tent walls. I'm curious if you think the AT's popularity actually ruins the wildlife too. Like did you see less deer or bears compared to the BMT? I wonder if the crowds push the animals deeper into the woods.

betty_shah11d ago

@phoenixp30, gotta disagree on the wildlife thing. The BMT is quieter for sure, fewer people means you see more critters. But the AT crowds don't push the animals away like you think. I saw plenty of deer and bears on the AT, they just get used to people. The Smokies are like a zoo in that way. Snoring through tent walls is part of the AT experience, you get used to it or carry earplugs like I do. The BMT shelters are nicer at night, but the AT's constant foot traffic keeps the wildlife visible in a weird way.