Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a legendary footpath extending approximately 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Known for its rich history, diverse forests, and strong hiker community, it’s often considered the “grandfather” of long-distance trails in the United States. Our Popular Trails page has more info on how it compares to other iconic U.S. hikes.

Table of Contents

1. Historical Background
2. Trail Overview & Regions
3. Shelters & Infrastructure
4. Permits & Regulations
5. Hiker Culture & Community
6. Section Hiking vs. Thru-Hiking
7. Gear & Seasonal Weather
8. Safety & Leave No Trace

1. Historical Background

Conceived by Benton MacKaye in the early 1920s, the AT was completed as a continuous trail in 1937. Today, it’s maintained by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and volunteer clubs across 14 states.

2. Trail Overview & Regions

The AT is commonly described in three major sections:

• Southern Section: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee—lush hardwood forests, Great Smoky Mountains.
• Mid-Atlantic Section: Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania—rolling farmland, Shenandoah NP, rocky trails in PA.
• Northern Section: New Jersey to Maine—varied terrain, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, culminating in Maine’s Katahdin.

3. Shelters & Infrastructure

One hallmark of the AT is its extensive system of shelters (or “lean-tos”), typically spaced 8–12 miles apart. Many have a water source nearby, though reliability can vary by season. Towns along the way often cater to hikers with hostels, gear shops, and shuttles. Hiker Resources has additional info on navigating these logistics.

4. Permits & Regulations

There isn’t a single AT thru-hike permit. Instead, we prefer to verify the permit requirements for each major park along the route. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park each have separate permit rules, while Baxter State Park (in Maine) enforces quotas for Katahdin summit attempts. Check official park websites or Hiker Resources for current details.

5. Hiker Culture & Community

The AT is known for a strong sense of community: “trail names,” “hiker midnights,” and generous “trail magic” (food & support from strangers) are all part of the journey. Many of us find lifelong friends and “tramilies” (trail families) along the way.

6. Section Hiking vs. Thru-Hiking

A full thru-hike can take 5–7 months. Many of us may not have that time, so we prefer section hikes— completing the trail over multiple shorter trips. Virginia alone is about 550 miles, which can become a multi-week adventure by itself.

7. Gear & Seasonal Weather

The trail can be explored in sections year-round, but most thru-hikers begin in spring. Hot, muggy summers in the Mid-Atlantic, potential sub-freezing nights in higher elevations, and black flies in New England are all factors we consider. Lightweight, breathable clothing, quality rain gear, and sturdy footwear that handles mud and rocky terrain often work well. Gear Lists has more info on curated product recommendations.

8. Safety & Leave No Trace

Despite being well-traveled, the AT still offers wilderness in many sections. We like to carry a map or keep a navigation app handy. We also strive to practice Leave No Trace: packing out all trash, camping on durable surfaces, and respecting wildlife corridors. Hiker Resources covers more about responsible trekking and essential wilderness skills.

Disclaimer: We’re not affiliated with the ATC or any formal organization. Information here is general. We recommend verifying recent conditions and regulations from official sources before hiking.