Group Hiking on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut
Become familiar with the guidelines for all AT hikers found on the Hiking on the AT page.
PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS:
- Be aware that a large group makes noise and takes up space. Try not to dominate view points, lunch spots, and campsites.
- Respect quiet hours – AT guidelines suggest 8 pm – 7 am.
- Make sure the group is aware of all low-impact guidelines and follow them: Leave No Trace.
- Shelters are not for group use. Plan to use tent platforms and existing cleared areas for tenting. Do not clear new tenting areas. Add… Not only is the establishment of new campsites in violation of National Park regulations, it destroys the character and habitat of the trail.
Please emphasize to your group that privies are not trash cans! Privies have only one purpose and that does not include trash. Trash hurts the privy’s performance and a maintenance nightmare!
Group Safety and Enjoyment Suggestions for Leaders
- Use up to date guidebooks and maps. Scout out the trail yourself in advance if possible.
- Make sure everyone in the group knows where they are and where they are going.
- Two leaders should be with the group at all times.
- Make sure you have enough food, water, and equipment for the group.
- Boil, filter or chemically treat all water from backcountry sources.
- Use wash pits for cleaning eating utensils, etc. Do not wash anything in streams or ponds.
- Plan reasonable distances. Better to do too little than to have an exhausted, cranky group. There is more chance of injury with an overly tired group, and the group won’t want to go again if they don’t have fun.
- Keep group sizes small. Ideally: 8 participants and 2 leaders. If you have a bigger group, break it up and add leaders. Do a crisscross, or do separate sections.
- Regroup frequently and allow slower hikers to rest. Spreading your group out is not safe and can lead to wrong turns and lost hikers. Also if there is an emergency, the leader of the group will need to remain in communication with the entire group; and that is only possible if the group is together. Put more weight in the faster hikers’ packs.
- Review emergency procedures and equipment before going on the trail.
- Have some fun activity planned during the trip. A star watch, a swim, some special junk food; good humor goes a long way!
How Busy is That Campsite?
We recommend you register your hike using the ATC’s AT CAMP. For group camping registration, use the third registration button at the bottom of the page next to “A.T. Organized Group Campers”. This new system shows where other registered groups have planned their overnight stays and also the resources at each campsite and trailhead so that you can plan a safe and enjoyable trip. Please note that this is NOT a reservation system. It is an information source to help reduce crowding at overnight sites and enhance the experience of all hikers. We strongly urge that only one group stay at an overnight site per night.
Several weeks before your trip check to see if your intended campsites are already busy. Once you have planned your trip, Contact the Group Outreach Coordinator with the following information:
There is an in-depth instructional video showing how to use the system and it is recommended you watch it before registering. You can cancel your registration at any time. There is no fee to use the system and it does not replace necessary registration systems in other parks the trail traverses.
You can reach the AMC Ridgerunner Coordinator at or call the AMC CT Chapter office at 413-528-8003.
Adam Lippman
AMC-CT Group Camping Registrar
Email:
Cellphone: (917) 215 8266
