As the longest hiking-only trail in the world, the Appalachian Trail – better known as the AT — is an adventure you cannot miss. Stretching over 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine, the AT winds its way through some of the most stunning scenery in the eastern United States. Backpacking The Appalachian Trail has become a dream for most hikers around the world.
While thru-hiking the AT is not for the faint-hearted, the trail offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those willing to put in the effort. The backcountry beauty includes snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, mesmerizing forests, and diverse wildlife. More than just an epic journey, it’s a perfect way to become one with nature while enjoying the solitude and the personal growth that comes from achieving something truly remarkable. If you are up for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this guide will help you plan your trip and prepare for the Appalachian Trail hike.
Before looking at what it’s like to hike the Appalachian Trail, let’s look at the history of the trail’s development. Of course none of that can be done without talking about The Appalachians!
The Appalachian Mountains have played a significant role in the history of the United States, and when it comes to the Appalachian culture, no other group has been more influential to the region that Scotch Irish who settled in the area in the 18th and 19th centuries.
These early Scottish immigrants brought a rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, storytelling, and folk traditions. One of the most significant contributions of Scottish culture to the Appalachian region is music. The Scottish fiddle tradition, in particular, profoundly influenced Appalachian music, shaping the distinctive sound of traditional mountain music. The use of instruments like the fiddle, banjo, mountain dulcimer, and the use of musical scales and rhythms from Scottish and Irish traditions, all contributed to the development of the unique Appalachian sound.
The Scottish influence can also be seen in the names of many Appalachian towns and landmarks. Places like Glasgow, Kentucky, and Edinburgh, Indiana, were named after Scottish cities, while others were named after prominent Scottish figures, such as the poet Robert Burns.
During the American Civil War, the Appalachians served as a natural defense line for the Confederacy, and many important battles were fought throughout the region. The mountains also played a significant role in the development of the coal mining industry, which began in the late 1800s and continues to this day.
The region also has a rich history of outlaws, including many prolific and legendary moonshiners like Popcorn Sutton and JB Rader as well as unique mountain entertainers and mountain dancers like D. Ray White and Jesco White, also known as the “Dancing Outlaw”.
History of the Trail
In the 1920s, Benton MacKaye, an American forester and planner, proposed constructing a footpath spanning the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia. His vision was to use the undeveloped Appalachian region as a strategic battle line against encroaching civilization. MacKaye argued that the Appalachian Trail would be “a new approach to the problem of living,” providing opportunities not only for recreation, but also for health, recuperation, and connections with nature in an increasingly industrialized world.
While excluding parts of MacKaye’s original plans, like the forgotten Columbia Valley Cross-Section, the massive project gained significant interest and support, and in 1931, the first 14 miles of the trail were opened.
Over the years, other conservationists and hiking enthusiasts have joined the AT movement, and today, the Appalachian Trail is maintained by a mix of volunteers, private organizations, and government offices. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), headquartered in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, oversees the preservation and management of The AT.
To sustain The AT’s ecological integrity and ensure the enjoyment of future generations, there are rules and regulations established by park authorities that hikers must adhere to. It’s important to emphasize that the Appalachian Trail is a National Scenic Trail and should be treated with respect and care. After all, it’s one of America’s top hiking trails.
Hiking The Appalachian Trail is a serious task, and planning plays an essential role in a hikers ultimate success. In the following sections, we’ll look at some of the logistics of hiking The AT.
Trail access and transportation options
Accessing the trail can, at times, be a challenge, so planning out your route is important.
If you’re starting your journey from Georgia, you can fly into Atlanta or the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to reach the southernmost point of The AT: Springer Mountain. You can take then take a shuttle service to the trailhead from Atlanta, which is approximately two hours away. Similarly, if you plan to hike Millinocket, Maine’s northernmost section of the trail, you can fly into Bangor International Airport, which is about one hour south of Millinocket.
While not the safest option, most AT hikers wind up hitching a ride. If you don’t have the luxury of commercial transportation to reach the trailhead, you can try looking for access options online; many AT enthusiasts offer their vehicles to drop off and pick up hikers traversing The AT.
Trail maps and planning tools
The AT is an extensive hiking trail spanning over 14 states — New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina — and offers a unique adventure in each one. Before starting your journey, be sure to research the section you plan to hike, check the trail conditions, and try to estimate how long your hike will take.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy offers resupply guides, maps, and trail updates through their website. The Appalachian Trail Guide is an official guidebook distributed by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and offers valuable information on trailheads, campsites, and trail conditions. Additionally, you can find tons of information from the trail’s hiking communities like family hiking blogs, trail websites, or YouTube channels.
Hiking Resources:
AT Resources
- Official Trail Website: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
- How to Hike the Appalachian Trail: A Comprehensive Guide to Plan and Prepare for a Successful Thru-Hike