Appalachian National Scenic Trail





Rating

Overview

The Appalachian National scenic trail is a 2,158-mile footpath along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in the central Maine wilderness to Springer Mountain in a designated wilderness area in north Georgia. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. Primary use is by weekend or short-term hikers. "Thru-hikers' generally start from the South in early spring and hike the entire length in 5 to 6 months. Volunteers from 32 clubs manage the trail. The Trail is the first completed unit of the National Trails System established by Congress and the President on Oct. 2, 1968: initiated by volunteers in October in 1921 and completed by volunteers on Aug. 14, 1937. Approximately 98% of the Trail is publicly owned.  

Activities & Amenities

Hiking Trails

Tent Camping

Facilities

Three sided shelters provided every 10 to 12 miles
Camp Sites
Lodges at some area
Hostels and other overnight accommodations are nearby
Stores are in nearby towns
Medical services are available in larger towns near the Trail
8 National Forests
60 State Parks & Forests

Permits, Fees, Limitations, and Information

Permits are not required to walk the Trail, but overnight camping permits are necessary in Shenandoah National Park, Great Smokey Mountains national park and Baxter State Park in Maine. No vehicles and pack animals are allowed.

INFORMATION
Appalachian Trail Conference
P.O. Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807
(304) 535-6331

OR

Appalachian National Scenic Trail NPS Project Office
C/0 Harpers Ferry Center
P.O. Box 50
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0050
(304) 535-6278

Materials provided by NPS