Are There Toilets on the Appalachian Trail?

Honestly, I actually hiked on the Appalachian trail two weeks ago in Maine and my wife was there, too! From our base at Lake Nahmakanta, we hiked enough on the trail to get a good view of Mount Katahdin (see picture below). We even met a couple young hikers straight out of college heading south.

These hikers are going to cross or see some 1,800 streams, rivers and lakes found along the trail. They are literally walking at the head of 64 major watersheds.

As you can imagine outdoor toilets will not be plentiful. There are 265 constructed toilets along the AT as of 2005. Nearly 75% are basic pit toilets.

So what are some of the ways of dealing with waste on the trail. The following is adapted from the Backcountry Sanitation Manual by the Appalachian Trail Conference.

1. Pit toilets — They breakdown wastes slowly with pathogen potentially remaining viable for years. They work well when properly sited and matched to local soil characteristics and not overused.
2. Modified pit toilets — These attempt to create aerobic decomposition by having users throw in additional organic matter after use. Some provide access to mix and aerate the wastes if needed.
3. Catholes — Dig a hole, squat, and cover with soil. Studies have shown human pathogens remain viable for up to two years in catholes. To increase effectiveness users must break up wastes with a stick, mixing them thoroughly with leaves within the cathole. This creates a mini-composting pile.
4. Composting toilets — This is the preferred method where applicable. High water tables and/or heavy use have led to different varieties. But, in general, wastes are are sufficiently decomposed so they can be spread over the forest floor.
5. Dehydration and incineration toilets — Burn it up baby! Results have been mixed. Fuel can be expensive.
6. Removal of wastes — Typically by helicopter, truck or mule. I suppose this is the option of last resort you can't handle it onsite.

I wonder where those hikers are now. Their goal was to be done in November. Ten years ago I would be envious, not now. I am too soft.