If you would like a list of books and movies we'd recommend, try:
  

• http://www.appalachiantrail.org: The official website for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• http://www.whiteblaze.net: An excellent online forum/resource for aspiring thru-hikers. Many former thru-hikers and current section hikers contribute advice
• http://www.trailjournals.com: Many people create online journals of their experiences--they are often hosted here
• http://www.atmuseum.org: The Appalachian Trail Museum Society is an organization dedicated to preserving the history of the Trail and the famous people who've hiked it

• http://www.geocities.com/meshomasic: Meshomasic Hiking Club of Connecticut
• http://www.ct-amc.org: Connecticut Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club
• http://outdoors.org: Appalachian Mountain Club
• http://www.aldha.org: Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association
• http://www.traildaysinfo.com: Trail Days is an annual festival held in Damascus, VA (May 8th-16th; most of the hiker-fun will happen between May 13th and 16th) for former and current thru-hikers
• http://www.slackpacker.com: A web-portal of sorts for hiking related websites. Conveniently organized by state
• http://www.trailcast.org: An excellent collection of audio-podcast-interviews of some of the more well-known and experienced hikers, hostel owners, gear manufacturers, etc. Highly recommended

• http://www.ems.com: Eastern Mountain Sports
• http://www.campmor.com: Excellent source for discounted gear
• http://www.ula-equipment.com: Ultralight Adventure Equipment - Great backpacks!
• http://www.tarptent.com: Excellent Lightweight Tents
• http://www.westernmountaineering.com: Considered the Rolls Royce of Sleeping Bags (except made in America)
• http://www.montbell.com: Makers of very fine synthetic insulated jackets--and a host of other things
• http://www.backcountrygear.com: Very reliable
• http://www.crocs.com: Great product, customer service could use some help