Side Note : Takes about $5,000 to do the entire Appalachian Trail in one push, known as a thru-hike. That'll take about 6 months of your life's time and bury the fuck out of it in backpacking. It's a truly amazing and worthwhile experience to have. And you can section it if you can't save 5 stacks, but the culture and experience thru-hiking should not be missed! Source: I just finished it.