For centuries hikers of the Camino de Santiago in Spain acquired a “passport” to document their journey. At each hostel (albergue) along the trail they would get their passport stamped. It provided hikers with a record of where they slept, but also served as proof that the journey was accomplished according to the official route.
Today you can purchase a passport to record your trip of a lifetime along the Appalachian Trail. Most hostels, hiker friendly lodgings and gear outfitters have a personalized stamper for you to add to your collection. Additionally, there are stamping locations at other key points along the trail. These include the ATC headquarters in Harpers Ferry, the AT Museum in Gardners PA, shuttle providers, trail angels and AT Communityâ„¢ Partners. This document makes for a truly memorable keepsake for both thru hikers and section hikers.
The AT Passport looks similar to the United States Passport used to travel out of the country. It includes space to allow hostels, hiker friendly lodgings, select shuttle providers and many trail angels to stamp your document as you travel on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. It weighs only 1 ounce, so you can still go ultralight !!!
Tip: United States Post Offices along the trail will stamp your AT Passport with the purchase a one cent stamp.