The Appalachian Trail is America’s longest footpath. It traverses 3,540km of trail, across 14 states, two national parks and eight national forests.
From Georgia to Maine and over 5-7 months, hikers get to experience all kinds of terrain and climates. The Appalachian Trail takes hikers through mighty mountains and plush pastures. Wildlife encounters are not uncommon either.
The trail was completed in 1937 and spans from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The upkeep and conservation of the trail is done by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Around 3,500 people attempt the entire excursion annually but around 1 in 4 actually completes it, according to Lonely Planet.
Those who are not unable to commit to the months long journey do opt to trek parts of the trail.
Hikers seeking to complete the trail generally begin in March or April, finishing around six months later. The trail begins in Springer Mountain in northern Georgia and finishes at Mount Katahdin in Maine’s Baxter State Park.
Baxter State Park closes on 15 October so one has to be done before then. It is possible to do the trail from Maine to Georgia too.
Image credit: Instagram / @appalachiantrail
