Henry Perangelo spent much of his life as a scuba diver. In fact, it wasn’t until he took a job on the Caribbean island of Saba, shortly before retiring, that he, a scuba diver, discovered hiking. He continued hiking after moving to the Northeast three years later and began taking weekend backpack trips. It wasn’t until five years ago or so, when he and his wife retired to Cary, that he became more interested in backpacking, but still taking trips typically in the 2 to 3-night range. Then, in 2019 he got the idea to section hike the Appalachian Trail. Or at least take one section hike, to see if he liked it.

Today, we talk with Henry about his transition to becoming a section hiker — he recently completed his third section, the 67 miles from Newfound Gap in the Smokes to Hot Springs — and will embark in June on his 4th, the 120.4-mile run from Hot Springs to US 19E. He hopes to end the year in Damascus, Virginia. Henry talks with us about making the transition from weekend backpacker to spending 10 days on the trail, including the planning that goes into each trip and how that planning has evolved since he started at Springer Mountain nearly two yeas ago.

Henry mentions several resources for planning a section hike on the AT. Links follow:

• A.T. Guide, a.k.a. “The Awol Guide.” This classic (since 2010) has become a must for folks planning a section hike or thru-hike on the AT.
• Appalachian Trail ConservancyAppalachian Trail Data Book 2021. Up-to-date information from the agency responsible for managing the AT.
• Long-Distance Hiking: Lessons from the Appalachian Trail. Includes a wealth of information gained from more than 100 AT hikers on various aspects of their experience.
• Guthook Guide to the AT. The app of choice for AT hikers, from Atlas Guides. Updated frequently, including comments from current hiker.
• Alltrails. Henry likes this app because it allows you to record your hike.