How to plan a thru-hike in 2026: Permits, resupplies, and physical prep

Planning a thru-hike in 2026 can be one of the most rewarding adventures of your life. Whether you’re eyeing the iconic Appalachian Trail (AT), the rugged Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), or another long-distance path like the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), a thru-hike involves hiking an entire trail end-to-end in a single season—often spanning 2,000+ miles and taking 4-6 months.

But success hinges on meticulous preparation, especially in key areas like securing permits, organizing resupplies, and building physical endurance.

This guide covers the essentials of how to plan a thru-hike in 2026, drawing on general best practices for major trails to help you get started. With follow-up posts in mind (coming soon), we’ll keep it broad while providing actionable insights to rank highly in searches for thru-hiking tips.

2026 Thru-hike at-a-glance

Key 2026 thru-hiking deadlines

Pro-Tip for 2026: If you missed the primary PCT lottery, don’t panic. Statistics show that roughly 15-20% of permits are cancelled and returned to the pool between February and April. Bookmark the portal and refresh it at 9:00 AM PST on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

📅 Immediate Action (January 2026)

• PCT (Round 2 Lottery): The second major permit release was January 13, 2026. The permit portal at permit.pcta.org opened for general remaining permits on January 14, 2026. Check daily for cancellations.
• JMT (Summer Entry): Applications for July–September start dates on the John Muir Trail are typically submitted 24 weeks in advance. For a July 15th start, you should be applying via Recreation.gov around January 26, 2026.
• Grand Teton (Teton Crest Trail): Advanced reservations for peak season (May–Oct) opened January 7, 2026. Secure these now before they sell out.

📅 Late Winter (February 2026)

• Mount Whitney Lottery: The application window for the Mt. Whitney lottery (relevant for many section hikers and JMT hopefuls) opens February 1 and closes March 1, 2026.
• The Enchantments (WA): The permit lottery for this highly coveted section of the PCT corridor opens February 15 and ends March 1, 2026.
• AT Hangtags: The 2026 2,000-miler hangtags typically become available from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) in early February.

📅 Spring (March – April 2026)

• Yosemite/Half Dome: The preseason lottery for Half Dome cables (a popular side-quest for PCT/JMT hikers) runs from March 1 to March 31, 2026.
• Glacier National Park (CDT): Backcountry permit lottery applications for the entire season are typically accepted on March 15 via Recreation.gov.
• AT Thru-Hiker Registration: While there is no “deadline,” you should register your 2026 thru-hike on the ATC website at least 30 days before your start date to help manage trail capacity.

My journey through thousands of miles

After trekking over 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail (AT) and thousands more across diverse landscapes, I’ve learned that a successful thru-hike isn’t just about the gear in your pack; it’s about the preparation in your head.

Planning a thru-hike in 2026 is one of the most rewarding challenges you will ever face. You are looking at a 4-to-6-month commitment that will change how you see the world.

Why plan a thru-hike in 2026

In my experience, the “why” is what gets you out of your sleeping bag when it’s 35°F and raining. As we look toward 2026, the community is growing, and the desire for outdoor immersion is higher than ever. However, this means trails are more crowded and permits are harder to get.

Planning now—well before the 2026 season—is the difference between standing on a terminus and staying home. You need time to test your gear (don’t let the first time you pitch your tent be in a storm), save between $5,000 and $10,000, and mentally prepare for the fact that only about 25% of hikers actually finish.

Before you buy a single piece of ultralight hiking gear, you have to choose your theater of operations. In my experience, the “Big Three” long-distance trails offer vastly different souls. The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a green tunnel of community and humidity; the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) offers sweeping volcanic vistas and high-alpine challenges; and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is the ultimate test of backcountry navigation.

For 2026, consider your “why”—do you want the social “trail magic” of the east or the rugged solitude of the west?

Choosing your trail for a 2026 thru-hike

I’ve found that every trail has a “personality.” The Appalachian Trail looks and feels nothing like the Arizona Trail. You need to pick the one that speaks to your goals for 2026:

• Appalachian Trail (AT): 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. Ideal for beginners with frequent towns and shelters. No overall permit required, but some sections (e.g., Great Smoky Mountains) need backcountry permits.
• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT): 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. More remote with dramatic landscapes. Requires a long-distance permit for 500+ mile sections.
• Continental Divide Trail (CDT): 3,100 miles along the Rockies. The most challenging, with navigation-heavy routes. Permits vary by section.
• John Muir Trail (JMT): 211 miles in California. A shorter “thru” option, often combined with PCT sections, requiring wilderness permits.

Research via official sites like the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) or Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) for 2026 updates. Consider factors like start dates (e.g., AT NOBO in March-April, PCT in April-May) and weather risks.

Securing permits for your 2026 thru-hike

Permits are non-negotiable for many trails, preventing overcrowding and ensuring safety. For 2026, application windows often open in fall 2025, with lotteries for high-demand spots. Here’s a general guide:

Key permit types and timelines

• PCT Long-Distance Permit: Free, issued by PCTA for 500+ mile hikes. Usually released by the PCTA in late in the year prior. You need a long-distance permit for any trek over 500 miles.
• JMT Wilderness Permit: These remain some of the hardest to snag via Recreation.gov.
• AT Permits: While a single permit isn’t required for the whole trail, you must manage backcountry permits for the Great Smoky Mountains and Baxter State Park. I recommend setting calendar alerts for October 2025 to ensure you don’t miss the initial permit application windows.
• Other Trails: CDT uses local permits; check USFS sites. International hikers may need visas (e.g., B-2 for PCT).

Tips for success

• Apply early and have flexible dates—lotteries are competitive (only 1/3 succeed for JMT peak season).
• Use alternatives like local permits if you miss the lottery (e.g., PCT section permits).
• Print permits; rangers check them.
• Monitor updates: Dates can shift, so bookmark official sites.

Failing to get a permit? Consider flip-flop hikes (non-traditional routes) to avoid crowds.

Mastering a sustainable resupply strategy

One of the biggest mistakes I see beginners make is over-planning their resupply strategy. After a thousand miles, your appetite changes. I’ve found that a hybrid resupply method is the “gold standard.”

Send mail drops to remote locations or towns with limited options, but “buy-as-you-go” in larger trail towns to avoid flavor fatigue. Use the FarOut app to track upcoming grocery stores and outfitters. A solid thru-hiking budget should account for $2.00 to $3.00 per mile for food and occasional town stays.

Resupply strategies

• Buy on trail: Best for flexibility, but expensive. Resupply every 4-10 days in towns via hitchhiking or shuttles. AT has frequent access (e.g., grocery stores in Damascus, VA); PCT has spots like Kennedy Meadows. Pros: Variety, no shipping. Cons: Limited options in remote areas.
• Mail drops/bounce boxes: Send packages to post offices or trail angels. Use for dietary needs (e.g., vegan) or remote sections. Assemble in advance or from towns; USPS General Delivery is reliable. Bounce unused items forward.
• Hybrid approach: Most hikers mix both—mail to 5-10 key spots, buy elsewhere. Research via apps like FarOut.

Planning steps

1. Map resupply points using trail guides.
2. Calculate needs: 4-7 days’ food per stretch.
3. Budget: $10-20/day for food.
4. Test meals at home to avoid waste.
5. Check town amenities—some have outfitters for gear fixes.

For 2026, factor in potential supply chain issues; stock non-perishables early.

Physical preparation: Training for thru-hiking success

You cannot simply “gym” your way into trail legs; those are earned through miles of dirt and elevation. However, after thousands of miles on the AT and beyond, I’ve seen that a 12-week thru-hike training plan is the best way to avoid overuse injuries like shin splints or IT band syndrome.

I focus heavily on functional strength training—specifically squats, lunges, and core stability—to manage a base weight of 15–20 lbs. While I incorporate trail running and sprinting to build my cardiovascular engine, the most important part of your 2026 preparation is time under tension.

You must start hiking with your actual thru-hiking pack at least three months before your start date. Your body needs to callus where the straps rub and your feet need to toughen up against the friction of your hiking socks.

12-week training plan

This plan is designed to transition you from a “civilian” to a hiker ready for 20-mile days. It balances aerobic capacity with hike-specific strength.

Weeks 1-4: The base building phase

In the early stages, focus on injury prevention. We want to build a foundation of aerobic fitness without overtaxing your joints. I recommend 30-60 minutes of walking or running at a conversational pace. Use this time to strengthen your core—a strong core prevents your backpack from swaying, which saves your lower back on long climbs.

Weeks 5-8: The functional strength phase

This is where we add weight. Start carrying a weighted pack (about 50% of your target weight) during your weekend hikes. I incorporate step-ups and deadlifts into my routine here; these movements mimic the “stairmaster” effect of hiking through the White Mountains or the Sierra Nevada.

Weeks 9-12: The endurance ramp phase

In the final month before your 2026 start date, you need to simulate trail life. This means doing back-to-back long hikes on Saturdays and Sundays. These “recovery” hikes are crucial—they teach your body how to perform when it’s already tired. By week 12, you should be comfortable doing 15+ miles with your full thru-hiking gear list.

Essential ultralight hiking gear for 2026

After many miles of being battered and bruised, I’ve learned that “ounces lead to pounds, and pounds lead to pain.” Your big three pieces of gear (tent, sleeping system, and backpack) should be your primary focus for weight reduction.

For 2026, look into accessories made from Dyneema fabrics and high-fill power down. But remember: gear is useless if you don’t know how to use it. Test your water filtration system and stove in your backyard before you’re 50 miles from the nearest road.

With this foundation, you’re set to plan a thru-hike in 2026. Stay tuned for follow-ups on specific trails, gear lists, and more.

Mental resilience on the AT and beyond

If my thousands of miles on the AT and other long-distance trails taught me anything, it’s that your legs don’t get you to the finish line—your mind does. About 80% of thru-hiking is mental. You will face “the Virginia blues,” freezing rain, and days where every part of your body wants to quit.

For your 2026 thru-hike, I recommend developing a “why” that is deeper than just looking at a view. Whether it’s personal growth, a transition in life, or a love for the trail community, you need a reason to keep walking when the honeymoon phase ends. I’ve found that the hikers who finish are the ones who can find joy in the “embrace the suck” moments. I’ll be posting more on this later so keep an eye out!

Leave No Trace and trail stewardship in 2026

As more people head into the backcountry, our impact grows. To ensure these trails remain pristine for the next generation of hikers, mastering Leave No Trace (LNT) principles is non-negotiable.

• Pack it in, pack it out: This includes orange peels and “biodegradable” items that don’t actually break down in alpine environments.
• Respect wildlife: Give bears and marmots their space.
• Trail etiquette: Yield to the uphill hiker and keep the “party” atmosphere at the trailhead, not the wilderness campsite.

Starting your 2026 adventure

Planning a thru-hike in 2026 is a massive undertaking, but it is undoubtedly the most rewarding experience I have ever had. From the first time you see a trail angel to the final mile at the northern terminus, this journey will redefine what you think you’re capable of.

Don’t let the logistics overwhelm you. Take it one section at a time: secure your 2026 permits, test your ultralight gear, and start those training hikes. The trail is waiting, and I can’t wait to see you out there.

Happy trails!