APPALACHIAN TRAIL INSTITUTE
In the beautiful Blue Ridge
Mountains of North Carolina
APPALACHIAN TRAIL INSTITUTE |
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At Lees-McRae College
In the beautiful Blue Ridge
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Dr. Warren Doyle | |
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Is there a long distance hike on the Appalachian Trail in your future? Do you want to increase your chances of completing the entire journey? Do you want to save money by not buying equipment and clothing you don’t need? Then the Appalachian Trail Institute (ATI) would be an informative and valuable program for you. Unfortunately, at least 80-85% of the people who start their Appalachian Trail thru-hike fail to accomplish their goal. Why? Most of the time it wasn’t because they ran out of money, got seriously ill or injured, or got mauled by bears or bitten by snakes. Instead, it is because they were not realistically prepared for the many challenges that are inherent in any long distance journey. Many hikers who stop prematurely have not adequately prepared themselves mentally and emotionally for the psychological demands of the trail. It is a fact that most hikers have ended their treks because their actual trail experience turned out harder and less enjoyable than they expected. This has caused the personal disappointment and frustration (not to mention a loss of time and money) that results from disrupted plans, unfulfilled tasks, and/or deferred dreams. Fortunately, there is a program to increase your chances of experiencing the joy and sense of accomplishment at journey’s end. The main purpose of the Appalachian Trail Institute is to increase your chances of completing your hike by providing you with the most realistic, comprehensive, and updated information/guidance available anywhere. Organized and directed by Dr. Warren Doyle, who has walked the AT a record fourteen times, the ATI is an intensive, four-day program that covers trail history and management, trip logistics, food, equipment, physical conditioning, hiker safety/health; and the most neglected but most important topic of all, the psychological/emotional aspects of long distance hiking. Since 1989, several hundred hikers have attended and enjoyed the ATI.
The completion rate of ATI graduates is 75% compared to a 20% completion rate of non-ATI participants. |
Location:The Appalachian Trail Institute is held at Lees-McRaeCollege (LMC) near the beautiful Roan Mt. Highlands and the Appalachian Trail.
What previous ATI participants have to say
“The ATI should be a requirement for anyone planning |
“Having Warren share his experience and wisdom was akin to having Thoreau lead me on a nature walk around Walden Pond; Muir hiking with me through Yosemite; or, Fletcher helping me plan a traverse of the Grand Canyon. I can see why he is a living legend/folk-hero of the AT.” “My time and money were not wasted. Never boring, always stimulating. The comraderie among the other participants was definitely a plus. Despite his occasional outrageousness, Warren is sincerely passionate about his desire to help people such as me to fulfill their dream of walking the AT.” “There are only two people I wanted to meet in my life: Jimi Hendrix and Warren Doyle; and Jimi is dead.” “Not only did I receive an amazing amount of good, relevant information, I met my hiking partner at the ATI. Both of us were definitely at an advantage when we started at Springer. Thank you!” “........the most complete man I ever met.” “........yours are the truest footprints I’ve ever followed.” “......he’s looser than a bucket of juice.” “......the Abbie Hoffman of the AT!” “I am so glad I took the initiative and made the time to attend the ATI. I carried its spirit 2,100 miles with me to the summit of Katahdin! I am a dreamer no longer. I did it! Thank you for this wonderful service to other hikers.” |
COST? |
Tuition for the four-day program is $300 per person (does not include indoor lodging). This includes; about 24 hours of classroom instruction; about ten hours of hiking; instructional materials; and, ten meals. Payment is as follows: a $50 fully-refundable registration deposit and the remainder of the tuition ($250) to be paid on the last day of the program (satisfaction guaranteed). |
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LODGING? |
People can stay in our house or tent in our yard for a small additional donation Local motels/campgrounds are also available. |
MEALS? |
A combination of college cafiteria, home cooking and local eateries. Participants with special dietary needs can cook their own meals (kitchen privileges). |
WHAT TO BRING? |
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OTHER INFO? |
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| Registration Form and Year 2008 Programs |
| Return To Homepage |
