About the Trail Project

Appalachian Trail Research Project 2007

This research project will investigate the physiological and nutritional challenges that thru-hikers face in their hike from Georgia to Maine. The study will be multifaceted. The plan is to include a variety of pretests before hikers start on the trail. Testing will include aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and body composition, Testing will be done at Alma College, key locations throughout the country, and the start of the trail in Georgia. On the trail testing will be performed periodically through the hike and conclude at the end of the trail in Maine. All testing will be non-invasive and include heart rate responses during the hike via telemetry, skinfold measurements for body composition, blood pressure and other physiological measures. To date, no studies have comprehensively studied the physiological and nutritional challenges that thru-hikers face. This information will be helpful to future long distance hikers and the scientific community.

Please contact if you are interested in participating.