Appalachian Trail, National Parks, Camping, Hiking, Blue Ridge, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, Fly Fishing, Cherokee

The

Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2160 mile unforgettable footpath experience.

No matter whether you’re a novice hiker or veteran ridgerunner, the Appalachian Trail offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, experience and connect with nature. Shelters and hunting cabins are along the trail; such as this hunting cabin in Georgia.

There’s a hike available for every level of experience and is much more than just a path through the woods. It is a national scenic trail, part of the same

national park system that includes Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Its official name is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. However, unlike those famous parks, the Appalachian Trail is not a concentrated preserve, with

campgrounds and paths within its boundaries. It's a true beautiful wilderness, wild animals and all!

From the Highlands of Roan in Tennessee to the strenuous trek up Katahdin in Maine, the Appalachian Trail stretches over 14 different states: Maine - 281 Miles , New Hampshire - 161 Miles, Vermont - 146 Miles, Massachusetts - 90 Miles, Connecticut - 52 Miles, New York - 88 Miles, New Jersey - 74 Miles, Pennsylvania - 232 Miles, Maryland - 41 Miles, West Virginia - 2 Miles, Virginia - 544 Miles, Tennessee-North Carolina - 371 Miles and Georgia - 75 Miles

In it's diverse route the Appalachian Trail and passes through more than 60 federal, state, and local parks and forests. Hundreds of roads cross it. In some parts, the Trail “corridor” is only a few hundred feet wide.

Undoubtedly the most important difference between the Appalachian Trail and other national-park units is that volunteers make it possible. Each year, thousands of people maintain, patrol, and monitor the footpath and its surrounding lands.

In the course of its journey, the trail follows the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains, crossing many of its highest peaks, and running, with only a few exceptions.

The 281 miles (452 km) of the trail in Maine are particularly difficult. More moose are seen by hikers in this state than any other on the trail. The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is on Katahdin's Baxter Peak in Baxter State Park. The western section includes a mile-long (1.6 km) stretch of boulders at Mahoosuc Notch, often called the trail's hardest mile. Also, although there are dozens of river and stream fords on the Maine section of the trail, the Kennebec River is the only one on the trail that requires a boat crossing. The most isolated portion in the state (and arguably on the entire trail) is known as the "100-Mile Wilderness." This section heads east-northeast from the town of Monson and ends outside Baxter State Park just south of Abol Bridge.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail in the winter is an unforgettable experience! The Appalachian Trail is currently protected along 99% of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by right-of-way.

Park management strongly discourages thru-hiking within the park before May 15 or after October 15. Whether you hike the

Appalachian Trail for an afternoon, a weekend, or a season, a little planning will go a long way. Have a unforgettable, enjoyable and safe hiking experience!