Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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Appalachian National Scenic Trail

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,174-mile footpath along the ridgecrests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is used by day, weekend and other short-term hikers, section-hikers and thru-hikers. Thru-hikers hike the entire length of the Trail in one season. The A.T. began as a vision of forester Benton MacKaye and was developed by volunteers and opened as a continuous trail in 1937. It was designated as the first National Scenic Trail by the National Trails System Act of 1968. The Trail is currently protected along more than 99 percent of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by rights-of-way. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute more than 185,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail.

IN DEPTH

History Our Partners The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is the only organization that has sole responsibility for protecting and promoting the A.T. experience. Established in 1925, the ATC celebrates 80...read more

Preservation Public Involvement Use and Users of the Appalachian Trail: A Source Book Use and Users of the Appalachian Trail: A Source Book (Appendices)Volunteer Volunteer through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy...read more

Just For Kids FOR TEACHERS Appalachian Trail Conservancy Join the Journey A TRAIL TO EVERY CLASSROOM A Place-Based Professional Development Workshop Series Connecting Communities Along the Appalachian Trail Promoting Resource Stewardship, Recreation...read more

Experience More! NEWS Article from Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) about the Appalachian Trail Park Office dated April 2006...read more

At A Glance News Releases Sorry, there are no news items currently...read more

Park Regulations & Safety Your Safety PERSONAL SAFETY AND AWARENESS TIPS FOR A.T. HIKERS The freedom to enjoy the Appalachian Trail comes with the responsibility to be informed, prepared, and alert...read more

Visitor Services Goods & Services Outside of the handful of towns it passes through between ridges, there are a variety of private stores, restaurants, and lodging options available relatively close to...read more

Sights to See Nearby Attractions Appalachian Trail Conservancy Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Shenandoah National Park Blue Ridge Parkway...read more

Planning Your Visit PLAN YOUR VISIT AccessibilityIn general, the A.T. is not accessible to persons with disabilities. Some short sections are fully accessible. The Trail has been enjoyed by hikers with a...read more

In A Nutshell Getting Around GENERAL REGULATIONS: The A.T. is open to walkers, hikers, and backpackers. It is closed to motor vehicles and bicycles. It is closed to horses, except in certain...read more

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