Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail, often called the A.T., is a very long hiking path in the Eastern United States. It is almost 2,200 miles long and goes through 14 states. It starts at Springer Mountain in Georgia and ends at Mount Katahdin in Maine.

Many people love to hike parts of this trail each year. Some brave hikers, called thru-hikers, walk the whole trail in one go. This big adventure can take five to seven months! Hikers often make fun names for themselves and share stories at special places along the way.

The trail is cared for by many groups, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the National Park Service, and volunteers. These helpers make sure the trail stays nice and safe for everyone. Along the trail, you can find over 250 places to rest, called shelters or campsites. Some are simple, and others are bigger with special features.

The Appalachian Trail is one of three big hiking trails in the United States, along with the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. It passes through beautiful forests, mountains, and towns. Hikers can meet friendly people who sometimes give them food and gifts, called “trail magic.” The trail has special marks, like white paint on trees, to help hikers find their way.