How to Address Packages to an Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker

How to address packages to an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker.

If you are looking to have resupply boxes mailed to you or if your family and friends want to send you a care package of goodies while on the trail, you may wonder how exactly to do it. I know I did when I made my 2020 attempt!

Two things you will need to know:

1. The address of where you want the package to be mailed.
2. The ETA of your arrival.

How to address packages if sending to a hostel/hotel/business:

This is typically the easiest, as most of them will also accept UPS and FedEx packages on your behalf as well (make sure to check, though). They also don’t typically have weird hours like most small-town post offices. For most, you will address it as such:

Hostel / Business Name
Your Name (use legal name, NOT trail name)
Street Address
City, State Zip Code

HOLD FOR AT HIKER (INSERT YOUR NAME)
ETA (INSERT DATE YOU EXPECT TO ARRIVE)
AT HIKER PHONE NUMBER (not required but useful in case it is delivered to the wrong address)

You will also need to put the HOLD FOR AT HIKER wording on the side of the package and under the address.

So it should look something like the pictures below:

How to address packages if sending to a post office:

You cannot send UPS or FedEx items to a post office, so keep that in mind. Also, remember that many small-town post offices have weird hours, and some are not even open on weekends. So plan ahead!

Your Name
GENERAL DELIVERY
Town, State Zip Code

HOLD FOR AT HIKER (YOUR NAME)
ETA (INSERT DATE YOUR EXPECT TO ARRIVE)
AT HIKER PHONE NUMBER (not required, but useful if they have questions about the package)

Some things to remember:

FedEx & UPS cannot be sent to Post Offices
Hostels and Businesses go out of business. Always call beforehand to make sure that they are still in business and that they are still allowing mail for thru-hikers.
Most hostels and businesses charge a small fee to retrieve your package if you are not staying with them. Make sure to have small bills in hand to pay that fee.
Always include a return address in case the package is not deliverable. It is also best to include a phone number or email under the return address so there is a way to contact the sender in case it is delivered to the wrong place.
If sending to a post office, keep in mind that larger towns may have more than one post office. If you know where you plan to stay in that town, make sure you are sending it to the closest post office.
Only use your real name on packages. Many companies, along with the post office, require a photo ID in order for you to retrieve your package!

If you have any questions on how to address packages for an AT hiker, feel free to leave them below or ask in the Appalachian Trail Hangout Facebook Group!