Seriously considering attempting a thru-hike of the AT after I finish school. 2,175 miles from Georgia to Maine. Takes about 5-6 months.

Has anyone here done it or attempted it? What should I know that the guidebooks don't tell you? Main concerns: fitness level needed, budget, and loneliness.

Thru-hiked in 1998. Best experience of my life. You don't need to be super fit at the start — the trail gets you in shape. Budget around $3,000-4,000 for the whole thing.

The loneliness concern is overblown. You'll meet so many people on trail that solitude becomes the luxury. The thru-hiker community is incredibly tight.

Start in March or April from Springer Mountain. The bubble of northbound hikers is the best social experience you'll have. Don't start too early or too late.