The Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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Conquering the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, or even parts of it, is the dream of many avid hikers. Running parallel to the Atlantic Coast, this trek is the world's longest continuous mountain trail and links two peaks in the eastern United States: Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. The Appalachian Trail extends 2167 miles (3487 kilometers) through 14 states, as well as many protected areas including National Parks, State Parks and recreation areas.

Nicknamed the Long Green Tunnel because most of it lies below the treeline through hardwood forests, the Appalachian Trail offers many challenges for all ability levels. The trailheads are easily accessible for day and weekend hikers, who will likely walk alongside ultra-committed thru-hikers on their mammoth journey from one end of the trail to the other in a single season.

HISTORY

It is often thought that the Appalachian Trail was originally created by Native Americans or pioneers. The truth is that these groups had better sense than to carve a path through the steep terrain of the Appalachian Mountains when there were gentler slopes nearby. The trail is actually the product of a dream held by Benton MacKaye to create a path connecting the two tallest mountains in the eastern United States. The exact beginning of the trail can be traced specifically to MacKaye's publication of "An Appalachian Trail, A Project in Regional Planning" in October of 1921. As indicated in the title of his article, it was MacKaye's objective to improve people's lives through better regional planning by joining farms, work camps and other forms of industrialization in secluded regions. The trail was not originally intended for recreation or conservation, although this was a welcomed benefit.

The first section of the footpath intended as part of the Appalachian Trail was opened in October of 1923 in New York at Bear Mountain State Park, almost exactly two years from the date MacKaye's vision was originally published. MacKaye then handed the leadership of the Appalachian Trail project over to Arthur Perkins. Perkins' efforts inspired interest in many people, including Myron Avery who later became the head of the Appalachian Trail Conference (a volunteer organization dedicated to managing and preserving the trail).

Despite many unproductive years over the next decade, 1,937 miles (3,117 kilometers) of the trail had been blazed by 1934, thanks to the efforts of approximately 100 dedicated volunteers. Dream became reality on August 14, 1937, upon the completion of the two-mile (three-kilometer) section near Sugar Loaf Mountain in Georgia.

As with many large-scale projects in American history, the Appalachian Trail underwent several setbacks. In 1938 a hurricane destroyed a large section of the trail in New England, and plans for the Blue Ridge Parkway forced 120 miles of trail to move west to the Great Valley. The Second World War also hindered development by redirecting volunteer efforts from maintaining trails and building shelters to the trenches.

The post-war development boom brought life to the Appalachian Trail once again. Attention was brought to the trail's recreational benefits in 1948 when Earl V. Shaffer reported the first thru-hike. By 1951 the trail was restored from Georgia to Maine, and it continued to grow in popularity. In 1968, the Appalachian Trail was designated North America's First National Scenic Trail by the U.S. Congress.

The Appalachian Trail Conference has undeniably played a major role in the history and development of the trail. The members of the Conference were brought together in 1925 for a meeting in Washington DC that worked to connect all the trails along the route. In the late 1960s the Appalachian Trail Conference Headquarters were moved from Washington to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia. In January of 1984 the ATC celebrated when the National Park Service handed over all rights and responsibilities in maintaining the trail.

TRAIL CHARACTERISTICS

	Hiker Silhouette

Hiking the Appalachian Trail—in whole or in part—requires persistence, patience, strength and ability. As with any recreational activity, a positive attitude is key. Many areas of the Appalachian Trail can be very challenging. The elevation is quite low, between sea level at Bear Mountain Bridge in New York to 6642 feet (2024 meters) at Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains, but the trail has some of the most difficult climbs and descents in the national trails system. In New England the trails are often more suitable to climbing, rather than hiking, with boulders scattered along the paths. Its level of difficulty is often underrated.

Because the majority of the Appalachian Trail lies below the treeline and is sheltered from many poor weather conditions, it boasts a temperate climate. Many hikers, thru-hikers in particular, start at the southern terminus in Georgia maximizing the chance of good weather. Several features of the trail justify this reasoning. Specifically, it decreases time spent in cooler temperatures, avoids the black fly population in New England's early summer months, and puts hikers in the southern Appalachians during the peak wildflower season. Also, by taking a northbound route, hikers will arrive in New England to enjoy the changing colors of the autumn season. Hiking southbound, the reverse route, proves to be more challenging in terms of contending with the weather and the difficulty of the trail (the northern end of the trail is considered harder than the south). Approximately 90% of all thru-hikers begin in Georgia and head north. For this reason, it is considered a very social trail, as groups of hikers rally together for the finish.

The Appalachian Trail boasts more luxuries than most trails. Over 250 shelters can be found along the trail, with one approximately every 10 miles (16 kilometers). The shelters range from basic lean-tos to full fledged outdoor hotels with sleeping bunks, picnic tables, benches and more. Almost every shelter is surrounded by several well-used campsites. Most shelters have been built near amenities such as water sources.

TRAIL HEADS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Springer Mountain, Georgia

The Appalachian Trail's south terminus is approximately 60 miles northwest of Atlanta at Springer Mountain in Georgia. A constant climb from the parking lot at the mountain base takes hikers to the top of the mountain where the well-marked trailhead lies. The hike to this peak is characterized by rocky ground that is virtually treeless. The trip to the mountain summit affords clear views of the Cartecay River watershed, and serves as an excellent beginning for those hikers planning to tackle the entire trail.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee about 165 miles (265 kilometers) further along the Appalachian Trail is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is the most visited park in the United States. It spans approximately 800 square miles (1287 square kilometers) of land with scenery including waterfalls, coves, streams and wildflowers. The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for the abundance of wildlife that live here. Approximately 60 species of mammals call the park home, and the most common of these is the American Black Bear. As is always the case when traveling through National Parks and wildlife areas, it is important to remain aware and alert of all surroundings. Do not approach or feed wildlife.

In addition to the 75 miles (120 kilometers) offered by the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains, several other trails can be accessed from the park that are manageable for day or weekend hikes, many of which lead to scenic views and stunning waterfalls.

	Cades Cove, Tennessee Photo courtesy of Kevin Adams

Cades Cove, located near Townsend, Tennessee, is one of the most visited destinations within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This valley provides an interesting glimpse into the cultural and geological history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Once a Cherokee Nation, this land also features several 19th-century structures including homes, churches and a grist mill. Some buildings contain exhibits with detailed information about the history of the area. Cades Cove can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. A one-way road forms an 11-mile loop (17 kilometers) around the area that is ideal for vehicle or bicycle travel. Hiking and horseback riding are also options for traveling through this area.

Damascus, Virginia

A further 220 miles (355 kilometers) north of the Great Smoky Mountains hikers will reach Damascus, which is also often referred to as the Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail and Trail Town, USA. Damascus is strongly connected to the hiking community, and is known locally as the place where all trails intersect. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Virginia Creeper National Scenic Trail, the Transcontinental Bicycle Trail, the Iron Mountain Trail, and the Daniel Boone Trail intersect here. The fact that downtown Damascus also has a friendship path that extends down Main Street further confirms its friendly appeal. Visitors can add to this unique feature by purchasing and painting a brick that will be added to the path.

Situated in southwestern Virginia's rugged mountain region, this town is surrounded by natural streams and forested areas. Damascus draws in tourists for a variety of reasons. In addition to hiking, cycling and fishing can be enjoyed around town and in the nearby Jefferson, George Washington and Mount Rogers National Forests and recreation areas. Damascus also offers a variety of activities for visitors seeking a small town holiday. Taking a step back in time with a covered wagon trek is an interesting way to experience the area; several different tour types are available. Llama treks also make for an interesting perspective of the area surrounding the town. The many local antique shops, art displays and festivals add to the list of activities in Damascus.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

	Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia Photo courtesy of National Park Service

Another 255 miles (410 kilometers) along, running parallel to the Appalachian Trail for approximately 130 miles (210 kilometers), is the Blue Ridge Parkway. This area of the trail offers a variety of wildlife and natural beauty. Squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, bobcats, foxes, whitetail deer and bears are just some of the wildlife that may be seen throughout the Blue Mountains. Because of the parkway's varied altitude, it seems that some area of the trail is always at its peak. Every spring wildflowers begin blooming at various points along the trail, continuing into early autumn. Many of the major visitors centers in the area offer a bloom calendar. As the flowers reach the end of their season the trees begin to change color, offering more natural beauty.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry can be reached another 160 miles (257 kilometers) from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is well known for its place in American history, as well as for its location along the Appalachian Trail at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Retaining many of its 18th-century features, Harpers Ferry is now maintained by the National Park Service. Its diverse history has influenced many changes in the United States, particularly John Brown's attack on slavery. The publicity that followed was a contributing factor to the outbreak of the Civil War. The Civil War also affected Harpers Ferry greatly—its location made it a frequently used thoroughfare for Union and Confederate Troops. Despite the many hardships it faced, the town prevailed and became a leader in industry, technology and recreation. Accessibility to recreation is now the town's main feature with hiking, cycling, fishing, golfing and horseback riding all in the immediate area.

Thru-hikers often consider Harpers Ferry the halfway point, although technically it is not. However, it does act as a psychological halfway marker with the Appalachian Trail Headquarters and Information Center located here. Hikers can stop at the Information Center to sign the hikers log, as well as to obtain maps and information about the trail.

The Berkshire Hills, Massachusetts

	Williamstown, Massachusetts

In western Massachusetts, approximately 500 miles (805 kilometers) from the Blue Ridge Parkway, is the Berkshire Hills. The Berkshires are a resort destination for vacationers from nearby cities including Boston, Hartford and New York City. The atmosphere here is a blend between a seafront resort and the picturesque English Lake District, resulting in a variety of eclectic shops and galleries, Victorian mansions and easily accessible recreation areas. The Appalachian Trail passes through approximately 70 miles (112 kilometers) of the Berkshire Hills including several small towns: Great Barrington, Williamstown, Stockbridge, Lenox and others. Long distance hikers and day or weekend hikers can equally enjoy this region.

Great Barrington is proud to be a town of firsts, which includes being the first town in the world to have electric street lighting. The streets are lined with antique stores, unique restaurants and cultural entertainment venues.

Williamstown is known as the Village Beautiful. Surrounded by mountains, farmland and hiking trails, the town's beauty is obvious to visitors and residents. Many natural areas such as the Hopkins Memorial Forest, the Bullock Forest and the Taconic Trail State Park are easily reached from Williamstown.

Stockbridge is the picturesque town where many of Norman Rockwell's paintings came to life. A museum is located here that pays tribute to the artist himself, and the many pieces of artwork that made the town famous including Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. The Berkshire Botanical Garden is also located in the town featuring a variety of local flora.

Lenox is a vibrant town and a hub for cultural activity in the Berkshire Hills region. The main tourist draw and favorite summertime activity among locals is seeing the Boston Symphony Orchestra entertain at the open-air venue, Tanglewood.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

	Autumn in the White Mountains

The White Mountain range in New Hampshire is 200 miles (320 kilometers) from the Berkshire Hills. It encompasses the final 400-mile (644-kilometer) stretch of the trail before entering Maine. The White Mountain National Forest spans west and east of the Appalachian Trail. The forest and mountain range boast a great number of attractions, activities and areas of interest. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the mountain range at 6288 feet (1916 meters) above sea level, or 2000 feet (610 meters) above the timberline. Notorious for the most severe weather in the world, with wind speeds as high as 231 mph (372 kph), this mountain peak requires great caution. Despite the weather, incredible views of Canada and the Atlantic Ocean can be enjoyed on a clear day. For visitors enjoying the park for a day or weekend, the Mount Washington Cog Railway has been offering tours to the summit since 1869.

Mount Katahdin, Maine

Situated in Baxter State Park is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin. For thru-hikers whose journey began at Springer Mountain in Georgia, it is the ultimate accomplishment to reach this point. For others, this mountain is equally awe-inspiring. Mount Katahdin stands 5267 feet tall (1605 meters), with steep mountain walls ideal for climbing, photography and simple admiration.

North of the mountain top outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy lakes, ponds, low mountains, additional hiking trails and campsites throughout Baxter State Park. The park was dedicated to the people of Maine by their Governor Percival P. Baxter in 1939. It was Baxter's belief that they deserved a conservation and recreation area in return for giving him the opportunity to be part of their Senate. Upon dedicating the park he proclaimed that it "shall forever be kept and remain in the Natural Wild State." To this day, his wish has been fulfilled and thousands of people flock to the park each year. Visitors should be prepared to arrive early however, because only a limited number of individuals are permitted to enter the park each day.