generally known simply marked hiking trail eastern united_states extending georgia maine trail miles long precise length changes time parts modified rerouted trail passes states georgia north_carolina tennessee virginia west_virginia maryland pennsylvania new_jersey new_york connecticut massachusetts vermont new_hampshire maine completed decade work improvements changes continue maintained trail clubs multiple partnerships managed national_park_service nonprofit majority trail forest wild lands portions traverse towns roads farms trail claims longest hiking trail world million people said day trail year attempt entirety single season people trail end turn trail way known books memoirs web sites fan organizations dedicated pursuits extension known continues northeast crossing maine cutting canada newfoundland sections continuing greenland europe morocco separate extensions continue southern end range alabama continue south florida creating known trail continental divide trail form known triple crown long distance hiking united_states history trail conceived wrote original plan called trail shortly death wife idea detailed grand trail connect series farms wilderness work study camps city suggestion major director idea publicized story page banner headline reading great trail maine georgia idea quickly adopted new interstate park trail conference main project october section trail west new_york opened called day conference held march washington meeting inspired formation called retired judge named younger associate took cause member committee found farmer connecticut took task mapping connecticut leg trail ran dog new_york borders kent connecticut miles northwest corner state massachusetts border portion connecticut trail rerouted scenic highways wilderness includes anderson efforts helped spark renewed interest trail led charge death able bring states board taking adopted practical goal building simple hiking trail clashed response major commercial development trail path left organization willing simply trail reigned chairman died year walk trail end end august trail completed maine shifted focus protecting trail lands mapping trail york pennsylvania brought great deal attention project completing documented later completed north south making direction nearly years old entirety trail making oldest person complete story appeared describing day maine georgia story accepted members great deal doubt expressed earlier verified journey generally recognized 1960s progress protecting trail development thanks efforts politicians officials designated national scenic trails paved way series systems trail volunteers worked national_park_service map permanent route trail permanent route marked minor changes continue day close 20th century completed purchase miles trail span extensions mile extension running northeast maine new_brunswick quebec ends national park separate trail official extension branches designated parts nova_scotia western shore newfoundland northern end range enters atlantic_ocean near meadows national historic site route extended greenland europe morocco ends georgia continue south alabama alabama georgia terminates mountain connected southern terminus trail trail promoters southern extension refer statement conference georgia new_hampshire trail future extend birmingham alabama march terminates base near miles east birmingham alabama state legislature formed provide state resources trail improvements officially designating require act united_states congress flora fauna home thousands species plants animals including rare threatened endangered sensitive plant animal species animals american black bear largest animals rarely confronts people black bear largest encountered trail inhabits regions bear sightings trail uncommon certain sections especially portions new_jersey new_york connecticut massachusetts sections bear populations increased steadily confrontations hazards include snakes including eastern timber common trail snakes generally found drier sections trail range extends north new_jersey new_york state line commonly found trail connecticut reported rarely far north new_hampshire large mammals commonly sighted include deer reintroduced found vicinity massachusetts northward persistent trail black flies mice inhabit shelters plants plant life trail varied trail passes different south north climate changes significantly particularly dependent elevation south lowland forests consist mainly second growth nearly entire trail logged time old growth locations trail massachusetts connecticut border atop higher peaks trail border glacial westward trail traverses massachusetts near maine south forest dominated including oak trees known yellow farther north trees gradually replaced oaks begin disappear massachusetts vermont lowland forest birch beech provide spectacular foliage displays september october vast majority lowland forest south hardwood areas coniferous trees maine grow low elevations drastic change lowland forest higher break tree line hardy alpine plants grow sub alpine region far prevalent trail true alpine conditions mainly exists north mountains south environments typically coated ecosystem known southern spruce fir forest southern ranges mountains sub alpine environments occur include great mountains sub alpine environments begin feet elevation north_carolina tennessee border sub alpine growth descends feet mount rogers virginia alpine growth feet found southern highlands believed occur fires grazing recent centuries cases thin sandy soils trees service actually grasses periodically order free trees topography sub alpine regions exist mount rogers virginia massachusetts mainly trail stays feet virginia mount large region forest massachusetts extending feet south far sub alpine especially low exposed prevailing westerly winds rise approximately feet higher peak massachusetts farther north peaks vermont reach sub alpine zone steadily descends proceeds northward new_hampshire occurs feet feet alpine environment trail reached thin sporadic flora interspersed bare rocks regions region trees grow branches oriented away winter prevailing northwest wind giving appearance flags called flag trees region resembles lowland terrain hundreds miles north canada contains endangered threatened species trail rerouted new_hampshire presidential range protect certain plant life alpine whites generally feet mountains traversed include miles presidential range trail climbs high feet spends miles continuously largest alpine environment united_states east rocky_mountains segments trail pennsylvania rocky refer region small rocks result erosion worn away dirt trails tough walk extended periods time proper hard shoes maine trail extends environments sub alpine alpine growth descends lower elevations alpine growth state ranges feet feet parts mile wilderness nearly area higher feet forest forests include species addition white pine spruce prevalent south maine cedar trees trail near northern terminus coniferous pine deciduous tree provides displays yellow late fall gone bare maine notable ravaged populations south come state unable far north cold climate maine alpine regions addition areas old blue southern maine alpine characteristics despite elevations feet north extend bit feet long alpine areas tree growth views clear days trail extends miles small area alpine growth feet summit second largest alpine environment eastern united_states square miles alpine area flat table land summit cliffs leading mount feet elevation massachusetts barely sub alpine region south virginia consists lowland forest illustrates drastic change climate miles despite alpine environments feet new_hampshire maine higher places farther south alpine examples include north_carolina feet dome feet hiking trail frequently south north georgia maine vice versa typically begin march april finish late summer early late fall particular year prohibited trail sections follow maryland virginia horses pack animals prohibited horses great mountains national park short segments trail towns scenic natural areas built standards wheelchair use navigation length marked inches white paint trails shelters viewpoints parking areas use similarly shaped blue past years sections trail metal diamond markers logo survive lodging camping carry lightweight tent tent trail shelters available shelters called lean maine massachusetts connecticut shelters generally open walled structures wooden floor shelters complex structure shelters usually spaced day apart near water source dry generally spaces tent sites vicinity shelters operates system miles new_hampshire significantly larger standard trail shelters offer service lodging meals summer months north_carolina commonly referred amenities flush toilets proximity eat post office extended self service season fall extending self service seasons winter spring maintains trail shelters region virginia shelters generally maintained local volunteers shelters pre hung food generally consisting short cord upside suspended halfway length hang food bags reach called mouse addition official shelters people offer homes places business accommodate example little camps maintained common sections trail coincide national parks notably virginia national park trail towns trail crosses roads providing ample opportunity town food supplies trail towns accustomed passing hotels oriented accommodations known trail towns north_carolina tennessee damascus virginia west_virginia pennsylvania pennsylvania new_hampshire areas trail closer trail towns experienced called trail magic assistance strangers kind actions gifts forms encouragement trail magic anonymously instances persons provided food cooked hazards relatively safe injuries incidents consistent comparable outdoor activities hazards related weather conditions human error plants animals diseases fellow humans encountered trail animals live trail bears snakes wild posing greatest threat human safety bug borne illnesses potential hazard scattered instances small animals bite posing risk diseases reported case rare dangerous borne disease affecting lungs afflicted recovered trail following year section trail runs mid-atlantic new_england states high population deer carrying borne diseases corresponds highest density reported country poison ivy common length trail plentiful south weather major consideration trail hiking season trail generally starts mid late spring conditions favorable south time characterized extreme heat excess conditions light clothing high elevations areas foliage relatively cool weather farther north higher elevations weather cold characterized low temperatures strong winds hail snow storms reduced visibility prolonged rain typically life threatening undermine stamina ruin supplies march killed trail maryland large tree blew fell violent crime including murder occurred trail instances crimes non crossed paths relatively randomly victims official website points number violent crimes extremely low compared number people million trail year reported homicide trail georgia issue violence received national attention social workers maine murdered homicide occurred women abducted bound murdered near trail national park primary suspect later discovered female vicinity charges dropped case remains human error lead casualties july year old lone disappeared trail maine got lost survived days dying remains found years later october october visiting england killed trail falling taking photos rocks maryland trail completion trail attempt complete entire trail single season called traverse trail series separate trips known section rugged terrain weather extremes illness injury time effort required hiking difficult accomplish estimates attempted trail historically attempt report completed number people starting georgia registering dropped considerably number people reporting completed remained approximately resulted apparent increase completion rate generally requires seven months months trail runners completed trail time trail runners typically tackle automobile support teams camping woods current speed record supported set days hours minutes trip northbound late mid july breaking previous record hours current speed record self supported meaning vehicle crew support implying carrying heavy set heather anderson completed trail southbound september days hours minutes broke previous record days hours classified informal groups stick official trail follow white trips shelters camp sites cut miles route taking trails marked blue generally reference yellow road stripes given trail walk northward georgia maine generally start early spring follow warm weather moves north north called game georgia maine heading opposite direction termed south mega includes making colorful entries trail shelters signed called trail names gives completes entire trail recognition policy gives equal recognition section operates honor system recognizes blue trails officially required official white route emergency flood forest fire impending storm exposed high elevation stretch people reported completing entire trail quarters continental divide trail form known triple crown long distance hiking united_states complete trails year heather anderson trail woman hold record trail simultaneously route trail currently protected course federal state ownership land right way trail maintained variety citizen organizations environmental advocacy groups governmental agencies individuals annually volunteers contribute hours effort trail effort coordinated largely organization total passes national forests national parks course journey trail follows ridge line crossing highest peaks running exceptions continuously wilderness trail traverse hundreds miles private property currently trail public land georgia georgia miles trail including southern terminus elevation feet feet highest point trail georgia approach trail miles blue trails managed maintained north_carolina north_carolina miles trail including miles tennessee border altitude ranges feet trail enters georgia gap ascending peaks albert goes river gorge crossing point trail maintained point maintained miles north dam marks entrance tennessee tennessee miles trail including miles near section runs summit dome north_carolina tennessee border highest point trail feet maintains trail great mountains national park gap maintains trail gap remaining tennessee section maintained virginia virginia miles trail far longest state including miles west_virginia border climate timing northbound section wet challenging spring heavy spring rainfall substantial portions closely parallel skyline drive parts trail near blue ridge parkway skyline drive considered best southwestern portion state trail goes half mile highest point virginia mount rogers short west_virginia west_virginia miles trail including miles virginia border trail passes town headquarters consider mental entire actual north southern pennsylvania exact moves trail maryland maryland miles trail elevations ranging feet trail runs required stay designated shelters trail runs eastern edge serve luxurious stop point hot shower visit camp store trail runs route miles pass offers spectacular views popular hang site section ends pen park sits border maryland pennsylvania pennsylvania pennsylvania miles trail trail extends pennsylvania maryland line pen tiny town state line pennsylvania new_jersey border generally considered dividing line northern southern sections pennsylvania south trail passes pennsylvania section trail north noted eroded rocky terrain slow hiking new_jersey new_jersey home miles trail trail enters new_jersey south pedestrian walkway interstate bridge passes right continues north eventually reaches high point state park highest peak new_jersey trail required reach actual peak turns southeastern direction new_york border miles passing long sections bridges land entering entering new_york near new_jersey new_york new jersey trail conference maintains updates black bear activity trail new_jersey increased rapidly starting metal bear proof trash boxes place new_jersey shelters new_york new_york miles trail contain little elevation change compared states south north trail small mountains feet elevation highest point new_york feet feet border new_jersey trail continues north climbing near passing entering lowest point entire trail feet crosses hudson_river bear mountain bridge passes continues northeast crosses metro north railroad track crossing site train station trail length enters connecticut section trail passes oldest section trail completed portion section paved volunteers granite slab steps followed mile walkway supported stone walls lining path project took years cost roughly million officially opened june project new_york new_york maintains updates new_york connecticut connecticut miles trail lie entirely ridges west valley state line western boundary acres connecticut reservation inhabited inside roughly parallels northern boundary crossing outside feet trail proceeds northward valley hills west northwesterly salisbury ascending southern mountains lion head view northeasterly points massachusetts reaching feet elevation time pennsylvania yielding views hudson_river valley broad valley east north bear trail crosses massachusetts descends deep gorge eastern home fragile old growth forest trail crosses brook leaves area maintained connecticut section massachusetts massachusetts miles trail entire section trail western massachusetts highest peak southern feet descends valley skirts town trail passes towns highest point state feet quickly descends valley miles ascending vermont state line trail massachusetts maintained vermont vermont miles trail entering vermont trail southernmost sections generally north south oriented follows ridge southern notable peaks parting ways turns eastward direction crossing passing entering new_hampshire crosses maintains massachusetts state border route maintains trail route new_hampshire state line new_hampshire new_hampshire miles trail new_hampshire nearly northbound beginning main challenges enduring distance time new_hampshire maine rough steep ground frequent alpine conditions found near ridges trail reaches thousand new_hampshire including foot highest point north tennessee outing club maintains vermont border past northwest new_hampshire maintains miles trail near col maintaining remaining miles state weather includes strong winds fog maine maine miles trail northern terminus parts trail maine strongest average mile hour parts hold tree limbs roots climb descend especially dangerous hazardous wet weather conditions western section includes mile long stretch pass called trail hardest mile dozens river stream maine section trail trail requires boat crossing isolated portion known mile wilderness occurs maine heads east northeast town ends outside south park management strongly hiking park october maintains new_hampshire border responsible maintaining remaining miles international extension called begins major intersections listed south north southern terminus mountain georgia route northeast georgia route near north_carolina route route near north_carolina route north_carolina tennessee border interstate north_carolina tennessee border route route north_carolina interstate route north_carolina tennessee border route north_carolina tennessee border route near tennessee route tennessee route near tennessee route damascus virginia interstate near route near virginia route virginia interstate near virginia route virginia route near near virginia route near virginia route national park route near virginia route near royal virginia interstate royal virginia route near virginia route west_virginia route maryland interstate route near maryland route near pennsylvania interstate pennsylvania route pennsylvania interstate pennsylvania route pennsylvania route route pennsylvania interstate near fort gap pennsylvania interstate near pennsylvania new_jersey border route near new jersey interstate near new_york route route route near new_york route near garrison near near new_york route near connecticut route near salisbury connecticut route near near lee massachusetts route near lee massachusetts route near vermont interstate near vermont route vermont interstate vermont interstate near new_hampshire route route near new_hampshire route terminus maine use research resource researchers variety disciplines portions trail tennessee study trail maintenance trail uniform environmental conditions design attributes substantial gradient visitor use beginning citizen groups including began study monitor environmental changes resulted higher levels acid rain air quality factors research supported national_park_service studies conducted study found persons trail fun enjoyment life warm relationships environmental awareness physical challenge exercise chief results highest single demographic males ages informal study sought find group male college drop outs
Appalachian Trail