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THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, called simply "the A.T." by those who hike on it frequently, is the premier recreational hiking trail in the United States, a continental-scale wilderness pathway set aside by the Congress and the National Park Service for foot travel only. The route of the A.T. closely follows the ridge line of eastern America's Appalachian mountain chain for 2,171 unbroken miles, beginning on the summit of Springer Mountain in northern Georgia and ending on the summit of Mount Katahdin in north central Maine. As it winds its way through the mountains, it passes through fourteen states, eight national forests, six national parks, and numerous state and local parks. About 99% of the route is on publicly owned lands, and no fee is charged nor is special permission needed to hike anywhere on the footpath itself, though in some high-use areas registration is required for overnight stay and fees may be charged for use of shelters and other constructed facilities. The entire trail route is clearly marked with white blazes (2-inch wide by 6-inch high rectangles painted on trees, rocks, etc.), and a series of three-sided lean-tos or shelters, each spaced about a day's journey apart, closer in many areas, is available to all trail users on a first-come, first-served basis. Water is available from numerous springs and streams, and the trail route passes through or near many towns and hamlets where long-distance hikers can resupply.
More than four million people use some part of the A.T. annually,
according to surveys. Many thousands hike the entire Trail in sections
over a period of years, and about 2,500 hardy individuals attempt to backpack
the entire Appalachian Trail in one continuous journey each year. Check out the Official Appalachian Trail Conference web site for more information.
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