Appalachian Trail

Route overview

Point-to-point ridge walk along the Appalachian Mountains, passing through forests, national parks, and remote mountain terrain across 14 US states.

The Appalachian Trail stretches roughly 3,500 kilometres from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through 14 states and a wide variety of terrain. Completed as a continuous trail in 1937, it remains one of the world's great long-distance walks and draws thousands of thru-hikers each year alongside many more section hikers. The southern states offer dense forest, rhododendron tunnels, and gradual mountain ridges. The mid-Atlantic section crosses the Great Smoky Mountains, Virginia's Blue Ridge, and the rocky ridgelines of Pennsylvania. New England brings increasingly rugged terrain, with the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the remote Hundred-Mile Wilderness of Maine presenting the trail's most demanding miles. Thru-hiking the full trail typically takes four to six months. Most northbound thru-hikers begin at Springer Mountain between late February and late April to arrive at Katahdin before the park closes in October. Southbound hikers start from Katahdin in June or July. Completing even a section of the trail is…

Trail facts

Country

United States

Region

Eastern USA

Distance

3,500 km

Typical duration

4–6 months

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation gain

c. 150,000 m cumulative

Best season

March–October (thru-hikers typically start March–April)

Trail type

Multi-month point-to-point

Access and logistics

Permits and access

Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit for overnight stays. Baxter State Park (Katahdin) has a limited daily quota — book well in advance for a northbound finish.

Bookings

Shelters are available along the trail and are first-come first-served in most areas. Town stops for resupply are a key part of planning.

Safety context

Water treatment is essential throughout. Bear canisters or hangs are required in several protected areas. Weather in the White Mountains and Maine can be severe even in summer. Navigation skills and early starts on exposed ridges are important.

Late starters (after May) risk arriving at Katahdin after park closure. Pennsylvania's rock-strewn sections cause more foot injuries than any other state. Black bears are common; follow Leave No Trace and local regulations.

Highlights

Springer Mountain southern terminus Great Smoky Mountains National Park Shenandoah National Park White Mountains, New Hampshire Mount Katahdin northern terminus Hundred-Mile Wilderness

Why find a buddy

Thru-hiking the AT is a four- to six-month commitment through remote terrain — a trail partner provides safety, motivation through difficult stretches, and shared memories of one of America's greatest adventures.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

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