Saving for the ADT
There is a general figure people use when calculating the dollar amount per mile of a long distance hike, which is about $1.50 per mile. In the case of the American Discovery Trail, the amount is slightly higher, due mainly to the amount of time spent in towns and cities that necessitates hotel stays, and the higher re-supply costs. For instance, you're going to use a lot of shoes! For an ADT hiker, the cost is closer to $1.75. Here's how I arrived at that figure:
- $4000 for food on trail
- $2000 for hotel room at least once every two weeks (when available), at an average of $60 per night (which is low)
- $2500 for gear and supplies on trail
or,
$8500 total