About

• Features

  Appalachian Trail starts at Springer Mountain in Georgia and follows the ridgeline of Appalachian mountains for some 3,500 km, passing through 14 different states before eventually finishing up at Mount Katahdin in Maine. Affectionately known as the Green Tunnel because much of the route is protected by forest canopy, it is America’s the most popular trail, with annual visitor numbers in the order of three million. This is no doubt due to the fact that it is easy to access—you can get onto the trail at any point along the way—and is well maintained with good signage throughout.

• History

  Appalachian Trail was first proposed in 1921 by conservationist Benton MacKaye, and officially opened in 1937. The route has been upgraded and extended a number of times in the years since, to the extent that the current route differs quite substantially from the original proposal. In 1968 it became the first designated National Scenic Trail in the country. Today, the trail is maintained by an army of volunteers, whose operating principles and organization have been used as a template on similar trails around the world, including the Shin-Etsu Trail in Japan.

• Nature

  Appalachian Trail passes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to an estimated 10,000 known species of flora and fauna, with a further 90,000 said to be as yet undiscovered. The National Park also has an estimated population of 1,800 black bears. It is a place of outstandingly natural beauty, particularly in autumn when the forest along the section known as the Hundred-Mile Wilderness is transformed into a riot of color, with red, orange, yellow and green foliage stretching as far as the eye can see. Elsewhere, the desolate ridgeline of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains offers panoramic views.

• Appalachian Trail is a 3,500-km trail that follows Appalachian mountain range through the east of America, starting in Georgia down south and passing through 14 different states before ending in Maine in the north. This very long trail carries enormous numbers of enthusiastic hikers, with numbers estimated at around three million per year. It is easily America’s most popular trail. Stretching over 3,200 km (2,000 miles) in total, Appalachian Trail is the longest dedicated trekking route in the world; those who successfully complete it are known as “2,000-milers.” It is considered one of the three great hiking trails of northern America, along with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Hikers intending to do the entire route generally set out from Springer Mountain in Georgia during the spring, heading for Mount Katahdin at the northern end. You’ll need to keep up a good pace, because Baxter State Park in Maine closes on October 15 every year. It doesn’t matter how dedicated you are or how fit you feel—if you don’t make it into the park by then, you’ll have to abandon your trek. The full Appalachian Trail is a grueling six-month journey, where you’ll be exposed to the full range of weather conditions including searing heat, driving rain, and probably snow as well. That’s just what happens when you place yourself at the mercy of nature, away from the comforts of home. If you add up all the altitude changes along the length of the course it comes to a total of 140 km—the equivalent of climbing Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America at 6,190 m, a total of 22 and a half times. Appalachian Trail is also known as the Green Tunnel because it is enclosed by tree cover most of the way. Another key feature is that it passes through 14 different American states, each with its own distinctive character. The Presidential Range in the White Mountains offers panoramic views as the trail tracks along the rock edge after exiting the forest. Hikers may be interested to know that this region also holds the record for the fastest gale winds recorded anywhere in the world, at 372 km/h. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through which Appalachian Trail passes, is home to around 10,000 known flora and fauna species, with an estimated 90,000 more waiting to be discovered. The Hundred Mile Wilderness, meanwhile, is considered the most rugged and untamed section of the trail. Along with the spectacular natural landscapes to be enjoyed, you’ll need to be mindful of fast-flowing streams, soft mud traps, and extremely challenging inclines. This is, however, the last seriously challenging section of the trail if you are heading north. Note: Check local websites for the latest updates.