Guide Support for Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail
- Michelle Michaud
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
My name is Michelle Michaud, the founder and CEO of Wandering Boots Appalachian Trail Support Hiking Guides.
This obsession with the Appalachian Trail began for me back in 1998 when I joined my best friend on her Thru-Hike attempt. I wasn't able to hike the entire trail, but I did join her throughout the year and have been hiking every year ever since then. You can say I got the bug. After 28 years, I have managed to complete the Appalachian Trail 3 times as a section hiker, and 2 times as a Thru-Hiker. I've been training backpackers since 2012 and have instructed hikers out on trail about gear and trail life. I know the trail quite well.
As more and more people learn about the Appalachian Trail, I found that many of the 50+ aged hikers prefer to enjoy their adventure without all the unknowns involved.
As an experienced Appalachian Trail hiker, I provide virtual training and preparation during the winter for long distance hikers wanting to spend a significant amount of time hiking the Appalachian Trail. I go over gear, logistics, training, LNT, what to expect, how to resupply, and more. What the difference between what I do and everyone else is that I provide logistical support as well as my experience as a hiker to assist hikers on their Appalachian Trail Adventure, whether it be for 1 month or 6. When it's time to start a Thru-Hike, hikers will feel less stressful as an experienced Thru-Hiker will follow along their journey from GA to ME carrying hiker gear, spare clothes and food thus saving the hiker weight. Another benefit of having your own support team is not worrying about shuttles, who to call, how to get to resupply and where to stay. There is no hitchhiking involved when I provide the shuttles, and with carrying extra camp food in the transport, hikers save time and money by not having to go into town so much.
As a 13-year experienced firefighter and EMT, an added benefit is having your own medical assistant along to help out with anything that might go wrong. The logistics of such a huge endeavor can be overwhelming for many. I help take the stress out of planning and logistics so that hikers can concentrate on hiking. It could mean the difference between finishing at Mt Katahdin in Maine, or having to stop somewhere earlier.
The average thru-hike attempts each year keep increasing, but the reality is that only 1 in 5 will make it to the end. Lack of training, having the wrong gear, not enough funds, not understanding what the Appalachian Trail is really like, hiking in all types weather, injuries, and stress are all contributing factors as to why so many hikers don't make it the whole way. Having your own support team and assistance following along your journey helps alleviate all the stress and pressure of the everyday hiking and resupply issues that many others find overwhelming. Remember, half the battle is the mental push of being out there, not just the physical aspects of the trail.
With so many hikers making a thru-hike attempt each year, why not have a support team follow along to help boost the overall chances of success.
If you are interested in the best and most experience Appalachian Trail support team and experienced hiking guide for a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail then please contact Wandering Boots Appalachian Trail Support Hiking Guides.
