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| Location/Directions |
| The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is a 2,175-mile-long footpath that runs through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. More than 500 public roads cross the AT, with trailhead parking areas at or near many of these crossings. Detailed directions |
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| Description |
| Trail hugs the crests of the Appalachian Mountains from Mount Katahdin, Maine south through New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, to Springer Mountain, Georgia. It is open only to hikers, and facilities along the way include campgrounds, picnic areas, cabin rentals, groceries, visitor centers, and exhibits. Shelters are spaced for convenient overnight stays. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), established in 1925, developed the trail and maintains it today through 32 affiliated volunteer trail clubs. Only a few miles still need protection through public ownership. Contact the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for guidebooks and maps. |
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| Recreational Activities/Facilities |
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 Wildlife viewing |
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| History |
| Trail was conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937. It was established as a National Scenic Trail in 1968. |
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| Special Features |
| It's estimated that 3-4 million visitors hike a portion of the AT every year, mostly enjoying day hikes and short backpacking trips. Since 1936, more than 9,000 hike completions of the entire trail have been recorded by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. |
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