The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. It measures 2,197.4 miles in length in 2023. The Trail travels through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Range. The trail extends from its southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia to the northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine.
Known as the “A.T.”, more than 3 million people visit the Trail every year. Furthermore, more than 3,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the entire footpath in a single year. People from across the globe are drawn to the A.T. for a variety of reasons, such as reconnecting with nature, escaping the stress of city life, meeting new people or deepening old friendships, or experiencing a simpler life.
Completed in 1937, the A.T. is a unit of the National Park System. It is managed under a unique partnership between the public and private sectors led by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Key features
- Location: The trail generally follows the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains, traversing forested wilderness, remote landscapes, farms, and towns.
- States: The 14 states it passes through are Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Virginia contains the most miles of the trail, and West Virginia the fewest.
- Trail markings: The path is marked by 2-inch by 6-inch white rectangular blazes painted on trees and rocks. Blue blazes mark side trails to shelters, viewpoints, and parking areas.
- Highest and lowest points: The highest point is Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet. The lowest point is in Bear Mountain State Park, New York, at 124 feet.
- Difficulty: The terrain varies widely. It ranges from easy stretches in Maryland and parts of Virginia to famously rocky and rugged sections in Pennsylvania and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Hiking the trail
The trail attracts millions of visitors each year, from day-hikers to those attempting a long-distance journey.
- Thru-hikers: Those who attempt to hike the entire trail in a single year. It generally takes five to seven months to complete the trek. Most travel northbound from Georgia, following the warmer weather of the season.
- Section-hikers: These individuals complete the trail in shorter sections over a series of years.
- Flip-floppers: This method involves hiking the trail in discontinuous sections, often to avoid peak crowds or extreme weather.
Trail facilities and community
The Appalachian Trail is known for its strong community and the unofficial “trail magic,” where kindness is offered to hikers.
- Shelters: Over 250 three-sided shelters, often called lean-tos, are located along the trail, generally a day’s hike apart. They are often found near a water source and include a privy.
- Resupply points: The trail crosses many roads, giving hikers access to nearby towns to restock supplies. Damascus, Virginia, and Hot Springs, North Carolina, are particularly popular trail towns.
- “2,000-Miler” status: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recognizes those who complete the entire trail by honoring them with the designation “2,000-Miler”.
Management and conservation
The trail was completed in 1937. It is managed through a unique partnership between the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the non-profit Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). The ATC works with 31 trail clubs and thousands of volunteers to protect and maintain the trail and its surrounding landscape.
