The A.T. is not just a route through the Appalachian Mountains, but it can also be the site of an epic adventure. Whether it is your first backpacking trip or you are a seasoned veteran, the Appalachian Trail has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a day hike or dream of thru-hiking the entire trail, every goal is attainable. From the wildness of Smoky Mountain National Park to the tranquility of the Shenandoahs, we highly recommend spending some time on the white-blazed path.

Overview of the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a 2,190-mile hiking and backpacking trail traveling from Georgia to Maine. It is marked by white blazes and has more than 250 shelters along its’ route. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) claims it is the longest hiking-only trail in the world. It traverses 14 states and gains roughly 402,000 feet along its length.

Three million people visit the Appalachian Trail each year according to the ATC, with only a fraction of those, deemed thru-hikers, attempting to backpack the trail’s entire length. Perhaps the biggest draw to backpacking on the AT is the community. Anyone who has hiked on the trail shares a strong bond that transcends religion, age, race, and political beliefs. Sitting so close to many of the largest cities in the country, the AT provides a corridor of nature and a window into a more natural pace of life.

The Appalachian Trail community is more than just the hikers. It consists of the locals in the towns that border the trails as many locals have shown to be willing to help hikers, these are deemed trail angels and are as much a part of a backpacker’s adventure as the actual hiking. 

Beyond community, the geographical diversity is staggering throughout the trail. The AT is full of mountain peaks, breathtaking valleys, meadows, and seemingly unending forests. Views are less common than in the west, but that also makes water sources and dense vegetation more prevalent.

To put the length of the Appalachian Trail into perspective, completing the trail is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 16 times. The trail was first proposed in 1921 and eventually completed in 1937. The Appalachian Trail became a National Scenic Trail in 1968 (along with the Pacific Crest Trail)

The 14 States that the trail traverses are Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and all the way to Maine.

Sections of the Appalachian Trail

Georgia

If you intend to hike the entire trail, your journey begins at the Georgia section which is 78 miles long. The highest elevation here is the Blood Mountain (4,461 feet) while the lowest elevation is over 2500 feet. 

The high elevation of this section means it can be miserably cold. You’ll encounter snow if you visit between November and March/April. The Georgia section of the AT is usually crowded around March/April.

You won’t find a lot of plant life in the Georgia section. It’s a wilderness with rugged, albeit navigable paths. Your thru-hike journey can also end here if you start at the other end of the trail in Maine.

North Carolina

While the North Carolina section of the AT runs for 95.7 miles, there’s an additional 224.7 miles along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. The highest elevation of the AT can be found here at 6,643-foot (Clingmans Dome). 

As you’d expect, the conditions here are very cold and the climbs are more difficult. Thankfully, there are switchbacks to ease the pain. To hike the famous Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll need a permit. If you visit the Great Smoky Mountains in early spring, prepare for potentially harsh weather. 

Tennessee

This section of the AT runs for 94 miles and the elevation here is also over 6000 feet so you’ll be navigating incredibly high mountains. Expect very cold conditions here no thanks to the cold elevation.

This section boasts of sun-dappled forests and high summits carpeted in native grasses. You’ll need a permit for hiking the Great Smoky Mountains, so secure one before your trip. 

Virginia

The largest portion of the AT is in Virginia, 531 miles, and this represents about a quarter of the entire trail. The scenery here is a mixture of farmland and forest. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.

Scenery apart, the easily navigable and flat paths in this section make it suitable for beginners or people looking to hike in the easier sections of the AT.

This section also traverses the history-filled, rolling mountains of Shenandoah National Park. If you intend to camp at the park, you’ll have to secure a backcountry permit.

West Virginia

This section is short, spanning only 28 miles but it’s very popular as it’s home to the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Hikers stop here to take photos and log their travels.

This section is blessed with several historical sites. There is a civil war museum, the location of John Brown’s Fort, and a number of interesting 19th century structures. 

You can’t camp in West Virginia but there are several hostels, private bed-and-breakfasts, and inns in town. If you must camp, you’ll find a couple of campgrounds near the town. 

Maryland

Spanning 41 miles, the Maryland section of the AT offers some of the gentlest terrains. Since the hiking here is moderate in difficulty, Maryland presents an opportunity for hikers to find out if they are ready for the harsher terrain of the AT. 

Maryland is home to historic sites and the best time to visit is from mid-April to mid-June or from September to October. The humidity and summer heat can sometimes be oppressive. It’s worth mentioning you can only camp in designated overnight sites in this section of the AT. 

Pennsylvania

The hiking community likes to refer to Pennsylvania as Rocksylvania and while there is no shortage of rocks in this section, there’s a lot more to it than rocks. There are also sweeping landscapes and several historic landmarks. 

The southern part of this section is easy to navigate thanks to the landscape. The northern section? Not so much as it presents some challenging descents. Thru-hikers like to attempt the “Half Gallon Challenge” at the A.T. Museum in Pine Grove State Park. The half gallon challenge involves thru-hikers trying to eat an entire half gallon of ice cream.

Since this section of the AT is also managed for hunting, fall is not the best time to visit. Camping rules can also vary considerably throughout the state so be sure to carry out your research. 

New Jersey

This section of the AT is 72 miles long and has diverse terrain from wetlands to flatlands, bogs, steep slopes, and so on. You’ll be surprised at how wild this section is considering it’s close to New Jersey’s major cities. 

There’s a chance you might encounter black bears in this section. Know how to keep your cool when you encounter black bears and keep your food in bear resistant canisters. Campfires are prohibited and camping can only be done at designated sites. 

New York

The New York section of the AT (90 miles) is home to the lowest point of the Trail (124 feet). You get to enjoy the natural beauty of woodlands when you are near Harriman State Park. Some hikers venture into the city for some urban experience before returning to the trail.

Be careful when navigating in this section as some of the rocky areas can be hazardous when wet. You can only camp on designated sites and shelters are far apart. Same with water sources. And you can only make campfires in designated fire rings.

Connecticut

Spanning 51 miles, the Connecticut section of the AT passes through pristine hardwood forests. Most of the northern trail lacks switchbacks which makes climbs more difficult. The highest elevation in this area is Bear Mountain. 

Perhaps the most beautiful scenery in this section is a 50-foot waterfall in Falls village. The waterfall looks more spectacular after snowmelt or heavy rain. You can only camp at designated sites and fires are prohibited. 

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts section of the AT is 91 miles long passing through highlands, layered ridgelines, shaded glens, and lush river walks. The highest elevation in this section is Mt. Grey lock (3,491 feet), which was said to inspire Herman Melville to write “Moby Dick.” You can find bus service along Route 7 in Massachusetts. 

Vermont

This section of the AT offers challenges for both beginners and experienced backpackers. The lowest elevation in the state is 400 feet with the highest exceeding 4,000 feet and the Vermont trail distance is 150 miles. 

The mountains here are covered in dense and verdant forests and are thus referred to as Green Mountains. You are better off not visiting this section during the mud season which is between April and May.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire section of the AT (161 miles) is unique for being the only trail that offers the longest miles above treelines. As a result, there are several scenic views in this area with the famous White Mountains offering incredible views. The weather here can be very bad, especially after a storm. 

You’ll have to be in good shape with good knees to navigate this section due to the very steep mountains. Hikers intending to go on difficult adventures abroad come here to test their readiness. 

Maine

Maine can be the beginning or end of a thru-hike depending on where the hiker decides to start. This section is generally agreed to be the toughest in the entire AT as the landscape is very rugged and challenging. But there is a sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming the challenges this section throws at hikers. You’ll find wildlife like moose, loons, and pristine lakes here.

Permit Needed?

The Appalachian Trail is free and requires no entrance fee or permission. However, the trail passes through states, national parks, forests, and public lands. Some of these may charge a fee or require permits. You’ll need permits for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina), Shenandoah National Park (Virginia), White Mountain National Forest/Appalachian Mountain Club (New Hampshire), and Baxter State Park (Maine).

Some shelters and overnight campsites may also require permits or reservations. 

How Long Does the AT take?

Thru-hiking the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) will take between 5 to 7 months. It’s a huge undertaking that requires a lot of physical and mental preparation. You decide where and when you want to start your hike, register your thru-hike, and plan your resupply points. You also have to be familiar with camping regulations in all the sections of the AT.