Appalachian Trail

One of the most magnificent outdoor treasures in the entire United States is also unfortunately one of the least known and understood by Americans: the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail was the country’s first national scenic trail, designated as such by the federal government in 1968. Commonly referred to as “The AT” (or Appalachian Trail) to trail hiking veterans in the know, it is one of the three greatest long-distance hiking trails known as the “Triple Crown of hiking” in the Continental US – the other two are the world famous Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Many grizzled hikers claim that you don’t really know the United States until you’ve hiked these three trails.

Speaking of continental divides, the Appalachian mountain region is usually noted as the geographical line between the boundary of the eastern seaboard of the United States and the beginning of the Midwest section of the country. The Appalachian Trail runs from Mount Katahdin in Maine and roughly follows an outline of the Eastern Seaboard (though well inland at all points), and terminates at Springer Mountain in Northern Georgia. It is an amazing 2,178 miles (or just over 3,500 kilometers) and along its length it passes through a number of states including: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and finally, Georgia. No wonder so many AT veterans claim that it’s the best way to see the Eastern US.

If somehow nearly 2,200 miles of trail isn’t enough for you, there is also an extension called the “International Appalachian Trail” that connects with the northern terminus of the AT. The International extension continues north along the ridge of the Appalachian Mountain range for another 690 miles into Canada, all the way to where the mountain range literally enters in to the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Note that the International version is a completely separate trail from the main Appalachian Trail, not an official extension; so be aware that signs and markings will definitely change if you continue north into Canada. If you want to extend your journey to the south, the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama were recently connected in 2008, offering even more options to the unstoppable perma-hiker.

Over 10,000 people have documented proof of hiking the entire length of the AT. The AT is officially the United States’ longest marked footpath of any kind. It is estimated to take over 5 million steps to cover the 2,178 miles, and will take even the very best hikers at least a few months, usually much longer. If you manage this feat, you’ll have crossed through 6 national parks, 8 national forests, and 14 different states. Your highest elevation on the journey is a mere 6,625 feet at the top of Clingman’s Dome in Tennesee – your lowest elevation will be 124 feet above sea level at the base of Bear Mountain in New York.