Why Hike (Part of) the Appalachian Trail

March to

September

Kilometers

Days

41d 7h 39m

FKT (Northbound)

About the Route

WHY TREK IT?

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is an epic 2,200-mile journey that will take you through 14 states and any number of ‘trail towns’ that range from quaint to historic. Unlike famous hikes in the Rockies and Alps, the AT runs almost entirely under the treeline, meaning it’s shaded and green most of the way. Some hikers love this and say time in the ‘green tunnel’ of forest cover makes the sections above the treeline – in the Franconia Range and Presidential Range – even more special. Others find the AT monotonous and boring, which is fair considering how long it is. If you’re going to spend 5 months doing something, you’d better love it!

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.”

- Napoleon Hill

Thanks to a variety of factors – most often money, expectations, planning, and injury – around 70 percent of those who start the AT do not finish it. Luckily, there are tons of easy access points, where you can get on and off the trail at your leisure. So if you want a taste of what it’ll be like before committing to the full journey, or if you only want to hike a small part of it for the experience, you can head to a ‘trail town’ of your choice and get on your way with relative ease. Some favorites include Harper’s Ferry (WV), Damascus (VA), Hot Springs (NC), and Hanover (NH).