If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, without having to actually take six months to do it, there is an easier way. You only need to take a short hike to one of 32 lean-tos that dot the 278 miles of the trail in Maine. There, in the three-sided log structure that provides shelter for hikers, you’ll find a spiral bound notebook where everyone records their thoughts and messages.

In hiking circles it’s known as a lean-to register. If you pick it up and read it, inside you’ll find all sorts of writing, some poignant, some funny, descriptions of the trail, but mostly about people enjoying the hike. Even if you never plan to hike the whole trail, it’s always entertaining reading the registers.

They’re often left by someone who either lives near the trail, is a maintainer, or even another hiker might leave it. Hikers enter comments, messages to fellow travelers, and observations on their trek in a language that, at first, reads like code.

Recently, I’ve visited some lean-tos, also known as shelters, and wrote down some examples of typical entries that illustrate what I mean. These were written for all to see and in no way are from any published source, by way of full disclosure. Usually, the registers are collected when they’re full by whoever put them in the lean-to and there is no central archive for registers. They are an unofficial record of the season’s visitors.

Here’s an example from the Pierce Pond Lean-To, three miles south of the Kennebec River in Caratunk.

“I left Springer Mt., Georgia on Feb. 8 and have been meditating with every step. Now I laugh at small things. If you were here, you could have half of my Snickers Bar. Happiness lies not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you get.” Buddha Jim, Ga->Me

The first thing you’ll realize after reading a few entries is that no one signs them using their real names. Everyone uses a “trail name,” partly to identify with the different experience that hiking is about, and partly to break away from the real world. Like in this entry from the Pleasant Pond Lean-To, in Caratunk seven miles north of the river.

“In for a lunch and a nap before Pleasant Pond Mt. Then on to Bald Mt. Brook LT. Best wishes to all you south bounders – you’ve got a lot of trail & enjoyment ahead. And to all you north bounders, slow down! Enjoy the rest of the hike at a slower pace. Heck, you’ll be back in the rat race soon enough.” Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Ga->Me.

By way of explanation, it sounds like that signer had messages for hikers heading either north or south. Often, hikers know others they have passed or hiked with, until becoming separated for one reason or another, then left a specific message, like in this one.

“Hey Living Water. Heard you were not far behind. Catch up soon. Take it easy. Lovin’ Maine.” Biscuits and Gravy Ga->Me.

This next signer had a lot of friends who were still hiking behind. That’s another thing about trail names, it’s hard to tell the gender of the writer from reading a gender-neutral name.

“Here’s a big hello to those behind! Latecomer, Too Far, Ganoosh, Big Guy, Straight Jacket, Rising Moon, Yellow Jacket, Party Animal, U-Turn, Northern Lights, and 3 groups of folks we’d like to see again soon. More hellos in future registers.” Marmot Ga->Me.

The Ga->Me signature stands for a north bound hiker, while south bounders sign with Me->Ga as an ending. That way you always know who’s who and in what direction they’re hiking.

Not every day on the trail is enjoyment and fun, some days are shear drudgery and it’s reflected in this entry from the Bald Mt. Brook lean-to.

“9 people slept in this shelter last night. A tight squeeze, but it worked. I am continuing my studies for my upcoming book ‘1001 Ways to Delay Putting on Your Wet Socks.’ Here are a few highlights so far. 1) Write a postcard. 2) Make Cream O’ Wheat. 3) Sign the register. You are welcome to submit your own ideas as well and perhaps in this register.” Sliver Me->Ga.

As you read the entries, you may decide to put in one of your own. Feel free, the registers are there for everyone to use, day hikers and long distance trekkers alike. It seems that when people are surrounded by scenic beauty, they feel compelled to write it down, like in this entry.

“I enjoyed a great lunch on Pleasant Pond Mt. Life doesn’t get any better than this.” Lois. She might be a day hiker because she doesn’t have a trail name.

Not all of the hikers who sign have something profound to write about. For some, just recording their name is enough, with maybe a short comment on the hike so far.

“I have not had anything to say since I started at Katahdin and I still don’t. Happy Trails.” Maple Leaf Me->Ga

While this writer is just beginning his hike, the next entry is from someone who is finishing.

“Mississippi Hiker in for a rest. Good to be close to the end.” Mississippi Hiker Ga->Me

Finally, here’s one that says it all about getting close to the end of the long hike.

“What a beautiful spot – great place to celebrate the 2000 mi. mark. Congratulations to all my friends behind who’ve stuck it out. Best to all passing through.” Baltimore Jack Ga->Me

It doesn’t take much reading to realize that, when given a blank page and beautiful surroundings people become writers. The register is, after all a means of communication. One that’s more reliable, although a lot more low tech, than a cell phone. The batteries never run out on a ball point pen and lined paper. Of course your message might never by read by the person for whom you left it. They may pass right by the lean-to on their way to the next place to camp. In the meantime, someone else will read it and learn something about life on the trail.