Read this first:: Bill Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods", his description of his Hike along the entire length of the Appalatian trail...It summarizes the true story of two old friends who decide to hike the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail. Examines the book's value to hikers.
I'll look into it. I saw some lengthy video following various hikers on PBS and there are some Internet boards devoted to discussion of the trail and organizing with others. Hopefully before I get too much older ...