The Appalachian Trail, called "the A.T."
by those who hike on it frequently, is the premier recreational hiking
trail in the United States. The national scenic trail is a 2,174-unbroken
mile footpath along the ridge line and across the major valleys of the
Appalachian mountain chain. The trail begins on the summit of Springer
Mountain in northern Georgia and ends on the summit of Mount Katahdin
in north central Maine. The trail passes through fourteen states, Georgia,
North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire,
and Maine. Roads cross it for all but its northernmost 100 miles which
makes it accessible for anyone just wanting to hike a portion of the
trail. White rectangular blazes (2-inch wide by 6-inch high rectangles
painted on trees, rocks, etc.) mark the trail over the entire 2100 miles
from Georgia to Maine. Turns are marked with double blazes and side
trails and approaches use blue markers, usually these lead to shelters,
water supplies, or vistas. There are a series of three-sided lean-tos
or shelters, spaced about a day's journey apart. They are available
to all trail users on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is available
along the trail from numerous springs and streams, however be smart,
have a filter cup if you plan on using a stream for drinking water.
By planning ahead long-distance hikers can re-supply as the trail route
passes through or near many towns.
As it winds its way through the mountains, it
passes through eight national forests, six national parks, and numerous
state and local parks. Almost 99% of the Trail is currently protected
by Congress and the National Park Service or by granted rights-of-way
for foot travel only. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute
more than 185,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail. No fee is
charged nor is special permission needed to hike anywhere on the footpath
itself, though in some high-use areas registration is required for overnight
stays and fees may be charged for use of shelters and other constructed
facilities.
More than four million people use some part of
the A.T. annually, most for short hikes lasting an afternoon, a day,
or a weekend. In any given year, many thousands are in the process of
hiking the entire Trail in sections over a period of years. Every year
about 2,500 hardy individuals attempt to backpack the entire Appalachian
Trail in one continuous journey.
