2,180-mile traverse of the Appalachians from Georgia to Maine

Appalachian Trail

2,180-mile traverse of the Appalachians from Georgia to Maine

March to

September

0
Miles
0
Days

41d 7h 39m

FKT (Northbound)

Official Guide

about the trek

What to Expect

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!

"2,180-mile traverse of the Appalachians from Georgia to Maine"

-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).

Sections

Related Places and Events

Kalalau Trail

May – Sept | 35 km | 3 Days | FKT: 3h 57m (Out & Back) | Hawaii

Colorado Trail

June – Sept | 800 km | 28 Days | FKT: 8d 13h 28m (East to West) | Colorado