Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail runs 2200 miles (3500 kilometers) through fourteen states, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The route follows mostly forested ridgelines, crossing river valleys, rocky highlands, and open meadows along the way.

Forester Benton MacKaye proposed the idea in 1921 to link farms with wilderness camps, and the first section opened in New York in 1923. Volunteers and hiking clubs completed the full route by 1937, negotiating trails through private land and public forests.

Hikers often share stories, meals, and shelter with strangers who become friends along the way. Locals known as trail angels volunteer to offer food, water, or rides to support those passing through.

More than 250 free shelters stand at intervals of roughly one day's walk throughout the route. Those planning to spend weeks or months on the trail should start in spring or summer to avoid snow and ice at higher elevations.

Karl Meltzer holds the speed record for finishing the entire route in 45 days, 22 hours, and 38 minutes. Around 3000 people start attempting the full length each year, but only about one in four makes it all the way.

Location: Georgia

Location: North Carolina

Location: Tennessee

Location: Virginia

Location: West Virginia

Location: Maryland

Location: Pennsylvania

Location: New Jersey

Location: New York

Location: Connecticut

Location: Massachusetts

Location: Vermont

Location: New Hampshire

Location: Maine

Reference: AT

Operator: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Part of: Triple Crown of Hiking, National Trails System, International Appalachian Trail

Color: white

Website: https://nps.gov/appa

GPS coordinates: 37.35175,-80.38108

Latest update: December 14, 2025 23:00