The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, covering roughly 2,180 miles. The Trail travels through 14 states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia to the Trail’s northern terminus at Mount Katahdin, Maine.
It is estimated that 2-3 million people visit the Trail every year and approximately 1,800–2,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the Trail.
The A.T. was completed in 1937 and is a unit of the National Park System. The A.T. is managed under a unique partnership between the public and private sectors that includes: the National Park Service (NPS), the USDA Forest Service (USFS), an array of state agencies, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and 31 local Trail-maintaining clubs.
Fun Facts
The Trail is roughly 2,180 miles long, passing through 14 states.
More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail.
Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550).
Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike.
New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest states to hike.
The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.
The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea.
Learn more about the Appalachian Trail by visitng http://www.appalachiantrail.org/