What is the Appalachian Trail?
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is a long trail that stretches across the mountain range in the eastern United States known as the Appalachian Mountains. This trail is one of the longest in the world and began with an idea written by Benton MacKaye. MacKaye conceptualized a potential trail but died before anyone took up the cause. Soon after his death, however, people realized the value of such an achievement and began to map and blaze the trail themselves. The first section of the trail opened in 1923, with the first recognized thru-hike being completed in 1936. Although the 1936 hike was the first accepted thru-hike, the trail as it is today is quite a bit different. Different groups have remodeled the trail to reduce erosion and increase scenic viewing, with the modern version of the trail being completed around the turn of the century. The recognized completion date of the original trail is said to be 1937. Since then, the A.T. has become one of the National Scenic Trails. The Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, along with the A.T, make up the Triple Crown Trail. Among them, however, the Appalachian Trail is still the longest “hiking-only” trail, with the others being accessible by car and horseback.
Where Does The Appalachian Trail Start and End?
The Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain, Georgia, and ends at Mount Katahdin, Maine. The trail stretches across most of the eastern U.S., with a total length of 2,200 miles. The exact milage occasionally changes as they rework portions, reroute small segments due to erosions, and other small adjustments. The vast majority of the trail is through extremely wild portions of the United States. Still, it does make intentional crossings through towns, roads, and farms. Across the trail, 14 states are traversed, including Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Although the official route of the A.T. is 2,200 miles and extends from Georgia to Maine, there are extensions that are widely recognized. The International Appalachian Trail is a route that continues north from Maine and heads into Newfoundland, Greenland, through Europe, and ends in Morocco. Other extensions of the Appalachian Trail include the Eastern Continental Trail (from Florida to Quebec) and a potential trail extension heading into the ancient Appalachian regions of Scotland and Ireland.
What is the best direction to go on the Appalachian Trail?
Although there is some debate as to which direction to go on the Appalachian Trail, the vast majority of people head north, starting in Georgia. Someone hiking north on the trail is known as a NoBo (northbounder). As you may guess, someone hiking south on the trail is known as a SoBo (southbounder). The most common way to hike is from south to north, starting in Georgia. Most hikers begin their northbound route as winter is ending, hitting northern regions as it is clearly shifting from spring into summer. The peak time for NoBo hikers begins in March and ends in April, with most beginning the route sometime during those months. Overall, the trip takes between 5-7 months, with most people completing it in 6 months total.
How many people do the Appalachian Trail a year?
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular trails in the United States, although few actually thru-hike the entire thing. Since the trail extends through so many states, millions of people visit segments of it each year and hike small portions of it. Although visiting the trail is great, few attempt to actually hike the entirety of it at once. These thru-hikers, if completed, have done something that many members of the hiking community respect deeply due to its difficulty and distance. In recent years, over 250 total individuals complete the hike annually. Of those 250 people, about 75% begin in the south and hike north, with the remaining beginning in the north and hiking south. When an individual hikes to one end and then returns back the way they came, it’s known as a “yo-yo” and is particularly tough. Across the trail, many small structures exist and are known as huts, lean-tos, or shelters. They are usually spaced about a day apart across the trail and are small, three-walled structures you can throw a sleeping bag in. In larger ones, tents can fit inside.
What makes the Appalachian Trail special?
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is sort of a badge in many outdoor communities. It is long and tough, taking up to 7 months to complete. The entire time you are dirty, tired, and uncomfortable. Despite this, the ability to say you’ve hiked the majority of the east coast along mountain ridges is something noteworthy. Aside from the honor itself, the Appalachian Trail is beautiful. Mountains, forests, snow, valleys, and wildlife are commonly seen during the trip, and they make up some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of the United States. Additionally, there is a strong sense of community around the trail, with online groups and supports established all over the country. Hiking the trail is rarely a lonely event, and friends are often made along the way. Few will understand what it’s like to hike the trail than someone who did it with you!
Safety on the Trail
If you are planning to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trial, it’s fairly safe. While they are not official law enforcement officers, there are trail “ridgerunners” and “caretakers” who report to trail managers on any potential dangers. There can be crimes along the trail, so its important not to be too trusting of strangers, even though most people are hiking the trail for the right reasons. A good statistic–on average, only one murder takes place along the trail every four years since 1974. Other dangers can involve severe weather, high winds, and steep, rugged terrain. The threat of being attacked or killed by bears, coyotes, or snakes is very low. Statistically, there’s only one fatal bear attack every 8-10 years. The more common threats from hiking the trail would be ticks, mosquitos, spiders, and other bugs. Bites from them could possibly result in illness, so it’s important to carry bug spray among your travel items (as well as pepper spray for larger animals or threats from humans).
Up Next…
Read these articles to find out more about the beautiful Appalachian Trail:
12 Birds on the Appalachian Trail If you are a birdwatcher and planning a hike on the Appalachian Trail, these are the ones to look out for.How Old are the Appalachian Mountains? The formation of the Appalachian Mountains is a favorite topic in geology classrooms in the US. In case you skipped the subject, learn the basics here.15 Animals on the Appalachian Trail Besides the visual beauty of the trail, there is an abundance of wildlife to be seen on the Appalachian Trail.
