Appalachian Trail#Connecticut

File:AppalachianTrailInMaineCompletionMarker.jpg in Maine]]

The trail was conceived by Benton MacKaye, a forester who wrote his original plan—called "An Appalachian Trail, A Project in Regional Planning"{{Cite journal |last=Nelson |first=Garrett Dash |date=2019-04-04 |title=An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning |url=https://placesjournal.org/article/an-appalachian-trail-a-project-in-regional-planning/ |journal=Places Journal |issue=2019 |language=en-US |doi=10.22269/190404 |s2cid=134414991 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110172536/https://placesjournal.org/article/an-appalachian-trail-a-project-in-regional-planning/ |url-status=live |doi-access=free }}{{cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=D. Jason|title=BackPacked Architecture: The Appalachian Trail and Its "Primitive Huts"|journal=Journal of Appalachian Studies|date=Fall 2015|volume=21|issue=2|pages=247–262|doi=10.5406/jappastud.21.2.0247}}—shortly after his wife's death in 1921. MacKaye's idea detailed a grand trail that would connect a series of farms and wilderness work/study camps for city-dwellers along the Appalachian Mountains from the highest point in the North (Mount Washington in New Hampshire) to the highest in the South (Mount Mitchell in North Carolina). Hiking was an incidental focus of his plan.{{Cite web |url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/history |title=Appalachian Trail Conservancy - History |date=April 29, 2011 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429032220/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/history |archive-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=dead}} In 1922, at the suggestion of Major William A. Welch, director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, his idea was publicized by Raymond H. Torrey with a story in the New York Evening Post under a large headline reading "A Great Trail from Maine to Georgia"{{Cite web |title=History of the Appalachian Trail |url=https://visitmadisoncounty.com/history-of-the-appalachian-trail/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=Visit Madison County, NC {{!}} Tourism Development Authority |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Torrey |first=Raymond H. |date=7 April 1922 |title=Outings---A Great Trail from Maine to Georgia |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Harriman/comments/u2zwq6/a_story_in_the_new_york_evening_post_a_fullpage/#lightbox |work=New York Evening Post |pages=9}}

On October 7, 1923, the first section of the trail, from Bear Mountain west through Harriman State Park to Arden, New York, was opened. MacKaye then called for a two-day Appalachian Trail conference to be held in March 1925 in Washington, D.C. This meeting inspired the formation of the Appalachian Trail Conference (now called the Appalachian Trail Conservancy) (ATC).{{cite web|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/history |title=Appalachian Trail Conservancy - History |work=appalachiantrail.org |access-date=July 16, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429032220/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/history |archive-date=April 29, 2011 }} Arthur Perkins, a retired judge, and his younger associate Myron Avery took up the cause. In 1929, Perkins, who was also a member of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and its Blue Blazed Trails committee, found Ned Anderson, a farmer in Sherman, Connecticut, who took on the task of mapping and blazing the Connecticut leg of the trail (1929–1933). It ran from Dog Tail Corners in Webatuck, New York, which borders Kent, Connecticut, at Ashley Falls, {{convert|50|mi}} through the northwest corner of the state, up to Bear Mountain at the Massachusetts state line.{{sfn|Tomaselli|2009|pp=47–61}} A portion of the Connecticut trail has since been rerouted (1979–1983) to be more scenic, adhering less to highways and more to wilderness, and includes the Ned K. Anderson Memorial Bridge.{{sfn|Tomaselli|2009|pp=67-75}}

Anderson's efforts helped spark renewed interest in the trail, and Avery, who led the project after Perkins's death in 1932, was able to bring other states on board. Upon taking over the ATC, Avery adopted the goal to build a simple hiking trail. He and MacKaye clashed over the ATC's response to the construction of a road that overlapped part within Shenandoah National Park;{{Cite book|last=Adkins|first=Leonard M.|title=Along Virginia's Appalachian Trail|date=2009|publisher=Arcadia Pub|others=Appalachian Trail Conservancy.|isbn=978-0-7385-6630-6|location=Charleston, SC|pages=8|oclc=489457380}} MacKaye left the organization, while Avery was willing to reroute the trail. Avery served as Chair of the ATC from 1932 to 1952, the year he died.{{cite web|url=http://www.patc.us/history/archive/avery.html|title=Potomac Appalachian Trail Club - Myron Avery Portrait Of A President|website=www.patc.us|access-date=December 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523005540/http://www.patc.us/history/archive/avery.html|archive-date=May 23, 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://appalachiantrailhistory.org/exhibits/show/builders/mavery|title=Appalachian Trail Histories {{!}} Myron Avery · Builders|website=appalachiantrailhistory.org|access-date=2020-01-29|archive-date=January 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126212926/http://appalachiantrailhistory.org/exhibits/show/builders/mavery|url-status=live}} He was the first to walk the trail end-to-end, though not as a thru-hike, in 1936. In August 1937, the trail was completed to Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, and the ATC shifted its focus toward protecting the trail lands and mapping the trail for hikers.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

In 1977, the Appalachian Trail Conference honored Paul M. Fink as "the guiding influence" in establishing the Trail in Tennessee and North Carolina in the 1920s.{{Cite web|url=http://collections.library.appstate.edu/findingaids/ac174|title=Guide to the Paul M. Fink Papers, 1663 - 1974, undated | Special Collections at Belk Library|website=collections.library.appstate.edu|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702150705/http://collections.library.appstate.edu/findingaids/ac174|url-status=live}} Fink was inducted into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame in 2019.{{cite news |title=2019 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame inductees announced |url=https://cumberlink.com/news/local/appalachian-trail-hall-of-fame-inductees-announced/article_741737b1-4cb8-5cd2-ba02-a08b820eb01b.html |publisher=The Sentinel |date=April 1, 2019 |access-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702151909/https://cumberlink.com/news/local/appalachian-trail-hall-of-fame-inductees-announced/article_741737b1-4cb8-5cd2-ba02-a08b820eb01b.html |url-status=live }} In 1922, only a year after MacKaye's article proposing an Appalachian Trail was written, Fink began corresponding with hiking leaders in New England about building the Trail. When Avery began planning the Trail's route in the south, Fink was the first person he contacted.{{Cite web|url=https://www.atmuseum.org/2019-class.html|title=2019 Class|website=Appalachian Trail Museum|access-date=July 2, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702151910/https://www.atmuseum.org/2019-class.html|url-status=live}}

Many of the trail's present highlights were not part of the trail in 1937: Roan Mountain, North Carolina and Tennessee; the Mount Rogers high country, including Grayson Highlands, Virginia; the Pochuck Creek swamp, New Jersey; Nuclear Lake, New York; Thundering Falls, Vermont; and Saddleback Mountain, Maine. Except for places where the Civilian Conservation Corps was brought in (mostly in Shenandoah National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Maine), the original trail often climbed straight up and down mountains, creating rough hiking conditions and a treadway prone to severe erosion. The ATC's trail crews and volunteer trail-maintaining clubs have relocated or rehabilitated miles of trail since then.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609073440/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/promo/75th-anniversary|url=https://www.appalachiantrail.org/promo/75th-anniversary|archive-date=June 9, 2012|title=75th Anniversary of the Completion of the Appalachian Trail|year=2012|publisher=Appalachian Trail Conservancy|access-date=September 1, 2016}}

In 1936, a 121-day Maine to Georgia veteran's group funded and supported thru-hike was reported to have been completed, with all but three miles of the new trail cleared and blazed, by six Boy Scouts from New York City and their guides.{{cite web|url=http://www.backcountry.net/arch/at/0206/msg00818.html|title=[at-l] ATN article, 1936 Scout Hike|work=backcountry.net|access-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220045618/http://www.backcountry.net/arch/at/0206/msg00818.html|archive-date=February 20, 2012|url-status=live}} The thru-hike was much later recorded and accepted by the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association.{{cite journal |

url=http://www.aldha.org/newsletr/sum00.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716154128/http://www.aldha.org/newsletr/sum00.pdf |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |title=First Thru Hikers Honored by ATC |journal=The Long Distance Hiker |volume=11 |number=3 |date=Summer 2000 }} In 1938, the trail sustained major damage from a hurricane that went through the New England area. This was soon before the start of World War II, and many of the people working on the trail were called to active duty.{{Cite web|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/about-us/history|title=Appalachian Trail Conservancy - History|website=www.appalachiantrail.org|access-date=February 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213135107/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/about-us/history|archive-date=February 13, 2018|url-status=dead}}

In 1948, Earl Shaffer of York, Pennsylvania, brought a great deal of attention to the project by publicizing the first claimed thru-hike. The claim was later criticized for the hike's omission of significant portions due to shortcuts and car rides.{{Cite web|url=https://www.roanoke.com/webmin/news/did-the-man-heralded-as-the-first-to-walk-the/article_08e4e205-f2f3-57ee-8528-d81c148bfb2a.html|title=Did the man heralded as the first to walk the entire Appalachian Trail take a shortcut into history?|first=Laurence|last=Hammack 981-3239|website=Roanoke Times|date=July 2, 2011 |access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513161919/https://www.roanoke.com/webmin/news/did-the-man-heralded-as-the-first-to-walk-the/article_08e4e205-f2f3-57ee-8528-d81c148bfb2a.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://hikinginthesmokys.blogspot.com/2011/07/was-earl-shaffer-first-person-to-thru.html|title=The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: Was Earl Shaffer the first person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail?|first=The Smoky Mountain|last=Hiker|date=July 3, 2011|access-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220090434/http://hikinginthesmokys.blogspot.com/2011/07/was-earl-shaffer-first-person-to-thru.html|archive-date=December 20, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=http://americanhistory.si.edu/documentsgallery/exhibitions/appalachian_trail_1.html | title=Smithsonian exhibit on Shaffer's 1948 hike | access-date=December 4, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630203325/http://www.americanhistory.si.edu/documentsgallery/exhibitions/appalachian_trail_1.html | archive-date=June 30, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Shaffer later claimed the first north-to-south thru-hike, the first to claim to do so in each direction.{{cite book|last1=Shaffer |first1=Earl Victor |title=Walking with spring : the first thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail |date=1983 |publisher=Appalachian Trail Conference |isbn=9780917953842}}{{page needed|date=October 2011}} Chester Dziengielewski was later named the first southbound thru-hiker. In 1998, Shaffer, nearly 80 years old, hiked the trail, making him the oldest person to claim a completed thru-hike.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/12/us/earl-shaffer-first-hike-length-appalachian-trail-both-directions-dies-83.html|title=Earl Shaffer, First to Hike Length of Appalachian Trail in Both Directions, Dies at 83|last=Martin|first=Douglas|date=May 12, 2002|newspaper=NY Times|access-date=November 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612170837/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/12/us/earl-shaffer-first-hike-length-appalachian-trail-both-directions-dies-83.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}(October 26, 1998), "Etceteras". Christian Science Monitor. 90 (232):2 The first woman to walk the trail in a single season was Peace Pilgrim in 1952, while the first solo woman to complete the hike was 67-year-old Emma Gatewood, who did it northbound in 1955, taking 146 days. She repeated the achievement two years later,{{cite news|last1=Montgomery|first1=Ben|title=This 67-Year-Old Grandma Was The First Woman To Hike The Appalachian Trail Solo|url=https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/my-67-year-old-grandma-was-the-first-woman-to-hike-the-appalachian-trail-solo|access-date=September 7, 2017|work=Organic Life|publisher=Rodale Inc.|date=July 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907213738/https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/home/my-67-year-old-grandma-was-the-first-woman-to-hike-the-appalachian-trail-solo|archive-date=September 7, 2017|url-status=live}} and then section-hiked it in 1964.{{Cite news |last=Seelye |first=Katharine Q. |date=2018-06-27 |title=Overlooked No More: Emma Gatewood, First Woman to Conquer the Appalachian Trail Alone |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/27/obituaries/grandma-emma-gatewood-overlooked.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |title=1964 |url=https://appalachiantrail.org/miler-listings-year/1964/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy}}

In the 1960s, the ATC made progress toward protecting the trail from development, thanks to efforts of politicians and officials. Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson offered legislation to protect the route.{{Cite news|last=Miles|first=Jonathan|date=July 25, 2021|title=Walk this Way: A Biography of the 2,190-mile Path Known as the Appalachian Trail|language=en-US|volume=170|page=14|work=The New York Times|issue=59130|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/25/books/review/the-appalachian-trail-philip-danieri.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/25/books/review/the-appalachian-trail-philip-danieri.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|access-date=July 25, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}} The National Trails System Act of 1968 designated the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail as the first national scenic trails{{Cite book |last=Elkinton |first=Steven |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XgrpG-WKRR4C&q=Appalachian |title=The National Trails System: a grand experiment |date=2008 |publisher=National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior |pages=10–2 |language=en}} and paved the way for a series of such trails within the national park and national forest systems.Seaborg, Eric (July/August 1984), "The Road Less Traveled". National Parks. 58 (7/8) :34–35 Trail volunteers worked with the National Park Service to map a permanent route for the trail, and by 1971 a permanent route had been marked (though minor changes continue to this day). By the close of the 20th century, the Park Service had completed the purchase of all but a few miles of the trail's span.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

The International Appalachian Trail is a {{convert|1900|mi|km|adj=on}} extension running northeast from Maine into New Brunswick and Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula, where it ends at Forillon National Park. It is a separate trail and not an official extension of the Appalachian Trail.{{cite news |last=Hughes |first=C. J. |date=September 27, 2002 |title=After 2,169 Miles, What's Another 690? |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/27/travel/journeys-after-2169-miles-what-s-another-690.html |access-date=February 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401015734/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/27/travel/journeys-after-2169-miles-what-s-another-690.html |archive-date=April 1, 2017 |url-status=live }} Other branches are designated in parts of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and along the western shore of Newfoundland, to the northern end of the Appalachian Mountain range, where it enters the Atlantic Ocean, near L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. The route has since been extended to Greenland, Europe, and Morocco.[http://iat-sia.org/index.php International Appalachian Trail news] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113082837/http://www.iat-sia.org/index.php |date=November 13, 2015 }}, October 7, 2015

Although the Appalachian Trail ends in Georgia, the Appalachian Mountains continue south to Flagg Mountain in Alabama.{{cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/10/alabamas_flagg_mountain_eyed_a.html|title=Alabama's Flagg Mountain eyed as trailhead for Appalachian Trail extension along Pinhoti Trail|work=AL.com|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016140214/http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/10/alabamas_flagg_mountain_eyed_a.html|archive-date=October 16, 2015|url-status=live|date=October 28, 2011}} In 2008, the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail in Alabama and Georgia, which terminates at Flagg Mountain, was connected to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail via the Benton MacKaye Trail. Promoters of the Southern extension refer to MacKaye's statement at the 1925 conference that the Georgia to New Hampshire trail should, in the future, extend to Katahdin, and "then to Birmingham, Alabama". {{as of|March 2015}}, The Pinhoti Trail terminates at the base of Flagg Mountain, near Weogufka in Coosa County, {{convert|50|mi|km}} east of Birmingham.{{Cite news |title=Birmingham trailhead could create Maine-to-Alabama Appalachian Trail |first=Tom |last=Cosby |url=http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/07/viewpoints_birmingham_trailhea.html |newspaper=The Birmingham News |date=July 3, 2011 |access-date=July 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707123616/http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/07/viewpoints_birmingham_trailhea.html |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.outdooralabama.com/new-trailhead-southern-end-pinhoti-ribbon-cutting-march-22|title=New Trailhead for the Southern End of the Pinhoti - Ribbon Cutting on March 22|work=Outdoor Alabama|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717182632/http://www.outdooralabama.com/new-trailhead-southern-end-pinhoti-ribbon-cutting-march-22|archive-date=July 17, 2015|url-status=dead}} In 2010, the Alabama state legislature formed the Alabama Appalachian Mountain Trail Commission to provide state resources for trail improvements, although officially designating Pinhoti as part of the Appalachian Trail would require an act of the United States Congress.{{cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-stories/2010/02/appalachian_trail_expansion_ge.html|title=Appalachian Trail expansion gets closer to linking with Alabama|work=AL.com|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016140214/http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-stories/2010/02/appalachian_trail_expansion_ge.html|archive-date=October 16, 2015|url-status=live|date=February 13, 2010}}

The {{convert|8.8|mi|km|adj=on}} Appalachian Approach Trail in Georgia begins at Amicalola Falls State Park's visitor center and ends at Springer Mountain.{{cite web|last1=Massar|first1=Todd|title=The Appalachian Trail|url=http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/topics/historical_markers/county/dawson/the-appalachian-trail|website=GeorgiaInfo: an Online Georgia Almanac|publisher=Digital Library of Georgia|access-date=November 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114234243/http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/topics/historical_markers/county/dawson/the-appalachian-trail|archive-date=November 14, 2016|url-status=live}} Because Springer Mountain is in a remote area, the Approach Trail is often the beginning of North bound thru-hike attempts. Much of the Approach Trail was originally built as part of the Appalachian Trail, before the southern terminus was relocated from Mount Oglethorpe to Springer Mountain in 1958.{{cite web |last1=Wells |first1=Don |last2=Wells |first2=Diane |title=The Early Days before Bent Tree – Part 5 |url=https://www.eaglesrestpark.org/-the-appalachian-trail |website=eaglesrestpark.org |publisher=Mt. Oglethorpe Foundation |access-date=7 January 2025}}

The Appalachian Trail is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, including 2,000 rare, threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animal species.{{cite web |last=Alger |first=Nate |url=https://www.liveoutdoorsy.com/best-day-hikes/ |title=The 10 Best Day Hikes in the United States |date=November 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075939/https://www.liveoutdoorsy.com/best-day-hikes/ |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |access-date=February 12, 2017}}

The American black bear (Ursus americanus), among the largest animals along the Appalachian Trail, rarely confronts people. The black bear is the largest omnivore that may be encountered on the trail, and it inhabits all regions of the Appalachians.Wingfoot [http://www.trailplace.com/portal/article_nature.php?id=22&topic%5Bname%5D=Mammals&topic%5Btopicid%5D=3 "Black Bears on the Appalachian Trail"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061126094158/http://www.trailplace.com/portal/article_nature.php?id=22&topic%5Bname%5D=Mammals&topic%5Btopicid%5D=3 |date=November 26, 2006 }} TrailPlace.com (accessed September 14, 2006) Bear sightings on the trail are uncommon, except in certain sections, especially Shenandoah National Park and portions of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts sections, where bear populations have increased steadily since 1980; confrontations are rarer still.{{cite web|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/atj/atj-may-june-2010.pdf|title=Black Bear Neighborhood|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221164257/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/atj/atj-may-june-2010.pdf|archive-date=December 21, 2016|url-status=live}}

Other hazards include venomous snakes, including the Eastern timber rattlesnake and copperhead, which are common along the trail. Both snakes are generally found in drier, rockier sections of the trail; the copperhead's range extends north to around the New Jersey–New York state line, while rattlesnakes are commonly found along the trail in Connecticut and have been reported, although rarely, as far north as New Hampshire.{{Cite web|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/hiking-basics/safety#environment|title=The Appalachian Trail Conservancy - Hiking Basics Safety|website=www.appalachiantrail.org|access-date=July 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713141147/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/hiking-basics/safety#environment|archive-date=July 13, 2016|url-status=live}} Other large mammals commonly sighted include deer; elk, reintroduced in the Smoky Mountains; and moose, which may be found in the vicinity of Massachusetts and northward.{{cite news | url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/columns/2014/03/23/massachusetts-and-moose-meant-for-each-other/lSrS1GlnfJofwpGZufuhJK/story.html | title=Massachusetts and moose: Meant for each other | work=The Boston Globe | date=March 24, 2014 | last=Graham | first=Jennifer | access-date=July 15, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817020615/https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/columns/2014/03/23/massachusetts-and-moose-meant-for-each-other/lSrS1GlnfJofwpGZufuhJK/story.html | archive-date=August 17, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}

Small mammal species that inhabit along the trails are beaver, squirrel, river otter, chipmunk, porcupine, bobcat, two species of fox, boar, woodchuck, raccoon, and coyote. Bird species that reside in the trails are wild turkey, ruffed grouse, mourning dove, raven, two species of eagle, wood duck, three species of owl, and three species of hawk as well as warblers. There are different kinds of squirrels along the Appalachian Trail as well, especially in Maine. They are generally smaller and very territorial, and produce a loud call if approached.{{cite web |title=Red Squirrel |url=http://mainenaturenews.com/2015/03/red-squirrel/ |website=Maine Nature News |access-date=May 16, 2019 |date=March 24, 2015 |archive-date=May 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516200723/http://mainenaturenews.com/2015/03/red-squirrel/ |url-status=live }}

For most hikers, the most persistent pests along the trail are ticks, mosquitos, and black flies along with the mice that inhabit shelters.{{cite web|url=http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=1879|title=GAdewME's 2004 Appalachian Trail Journal, Part of Trail Journals' Backpacking and Hiking Journals|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040609233550/http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=1879|archive-date=June 9, 2004|url-status=live}}

Plant life along the trail is varied. The trail passes through several different biomes from south to north, and the climate changes significantly, particularly dependent upon elevation. In the south, lowland forests consist mainly of second-growth; nearly the entire trail has been logged at one time or another. There are, however, a few old growth locations along the trail, such as Sages Ravine straddling the Massachusetts-Connecticut border and atop higher peaks along the trail on either side of the same border, the Hopper (a glacial cirque westward of the trail as it traverses Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts), and "The Hermitage", near Gulf Hagas in Maine. In the south, the forest is dominated by hardwoods, including oak and tulip trees, also known as yellow poplar.{{Cite web|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.1080155/k.F2A6/Plant_FAQ.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102071159/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.1080155/k.F2A6/Plant_FAQ.htm|url-status=dead|title=Appalachian Trail Conservancy Plant FAQ|archive-date=January 2, 2007}} Farther north, tulip trees are gradually replaced by maples and birches. Oaks begin to disappear in Massachusetts. By Vermont, the lowland forest is made up of maples, birch and beech, with colorful foliage displays in September and October.{{cite journal |last1=Stroh |first1=Bess Zarafonitis |date=September–October 1998 |title=Colorful Climbs |journal=National Parks |volume=72 |issue=9/10 |pages=34–7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YuAtB9EGI6AC&pg=PA34 |access-date=November 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102162741/https://books.google.com/books?id=YuAtB9EGI6AC&pg=PA34 |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |url-status=live }} While the vast majority of lowland forest south of the White Mountains is hardwood, many areas have some coniferous trees as well, and in Maine, these often grow at low elevations.

There is a drastic change between the lowland and subalpine, evergreen forest, as well as another, higher break, at tree line, above which only hardy alpine plants grow. The sub-alpine region is far more prevalent along the trail than true alpine conditions. While it mainly exists in the north, a few mountains in the south have subalpine environments, which are typically coated in an ecosystem known as the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest. Southern ranges and mountains where sub-alpine environments occur include the Great Smoky Mountains, where sub-alpine environments only begin around {{convert|6000|ft|m}} in elevation, Roan Highlands on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, where sub-alpine growth descends below {{convert|6000|ft|m}}, and Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands in Virginia, where there is some alpine growth above {{convert|5000|ft|m}}. Appalachian balds are also found in the Southern highlands, and are believed to occur due to fires or grazing in recent centuries, or in some cases due to thin, sandy soils.{{cite journal|last1=Wells|first1=B.W.|date=July 1937|title=Southern Appalachian Grass Balds|journal=Journal of the Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society|volume=53|issue=1|pages=1–26|url=http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/jncas/id/1685/rec/4|access-date=July 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820163246/http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/jncas/id/1685/rec/4|archive-date=August 20, 2016|url-status=live}} Several balds are sprouting trees, and on some, the National Forest service actually mows the grasses periodically in order to keep the balds free of trees.{{Cite web|url=https://blueridgecountry.com/api/content/ebdf04b2-700a-11e8-9374-12408cbff2b0/|title=Should We Save the Vanishing Balds? The Forest Service Says "Yes"|last=Johnson|first=Randy|date=2018-06-18|website=Blue Ridge Country|language=en-us|access-date=2020-01-29|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220015741/https://blueridgecountry.com/archive/favorites/should-we-save-the-vanishing-balds-the-forest-service-says-y/|url-status=live}}

File:Appalachian map.svg]]

There are no subalpine regions between Mount Rogers in Virginia and Mount Greylock in Massachusetts, mainly because the trail stays below {{convert|3000|ft|m}} from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Mount Greylock. But Mount Greylock has a large subalpine region, the only such forest in Massachusetts, extending down to {{convert|3000|ft|m}}, which in the south would be far from the subalpine cutoff. This is especially low because Greylock is exposed to prevailing westerly winds, as the summits along its ridgeline rise about {{convert|200|to|650|ft|m}} higher than any other peak in Massachusetts. Farther north, several peaks in Vermont reach into the subalpine zone, the bottom of which steadily descends as one proceeds northward, so that by the White Mountains in New Hampshire, it often occurs well below {{convert|3000|ft|m}}. At Mount Moosilauke, which summits at {{convert|4802|ft|m}}, the first alpine environment on the trail is reached, where only thin, sporadic flora are interspersed with bare rocks. Between the two regions is the krummholz region, where stunted trees grow with their branches oriented away from the winter's prevailing northwest wind, giving the appearance of flags; they are sometimes called "flag trees". This region resembles lowland terrain hundreds of miles north in Canada. It also contains many endangered and threatened species. The trail has been rerouted over New Hampshire's Presidential Range so the Appalachian Mountain Club can protect certain plant life. The alpine cutoff in the Whites is generally between {{convert|4200|and|4800|ft|m}}. Mountains traversed by the A.T. above treeline include Mount Moosilauke, several miles along the Franconia Range and along the Presidential Range. In the Presidentials, the trail climbs as high as {{convert|6288|ft}} on Mount Washington and spends about {{convert|13|mi|km}} continuously above treeline, in the largest alpine environment in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

The segments of the trail through Pennsylvania are so rocky that hikers call the region "Rocksylvania".{{cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2015/07/02/From-the-archives-July-9-1995-Rocksylvania-is-a-real-boot-buster/stories/201507020010|title=Rocksylvania is a real boot-buster|first=Don|last=Hopey|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|publisher=PG Publishing Co., Inc|date=July 9, 1995|access-date=February 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118204902/http://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2015/07/02/From-the-archives-July-9-1995-Rocksylvania-is-a-real-boot-buster/stories/201507020010|archive-date=January 18, 2016|url-status=live}} These small rocks, which are the result of erosion that has worn away the dirt along the trails, can be tough to walk on for extended periods of time without proper hard-soled shoes.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

In Maine, the trail extends into even harsher environments, and subalpine and alpine growth descends to lower elevations. Alpine growth in the state ranges from around {{convert|2500|ft|m}} in the Mahoosuc Range to below {{convert|1000|ft|m}} in parts of the Hundred-Mile Wilderness,Brill, David (June 2001), "Walk This Way!". Men's Health. 16 (5):68 where nearly every area higher than {{convert|1000|ft|m}} is evergreen forest. These forests include more species of evergreen, as well. In addition to the white pine, spruce, and hemlock prevalent farther south, Maine has many cedar trees along the trail. Near the northern terminus, there are even some tamarack (larch), a coniferous, pine-needled deciduous tree, which provides displays of yellow in the late fall after the birches and maples have gone bare. The hemlocks in Maine are also notable, as the woolly adelgid, which has ravaged populations farther south, has not come into the state yet, and may be unable to make it so far north due to the cold climate.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

Maine also has several alpine regions. In addition to several areas of the Mahoosuc Range, the Baldpates, and Old Blue in southern Maine have alpine characteristics despite elevations below {{convert|4000|ft|m}}. Saddleback Mountain and Mount Bigelow, farther north, extend only a bit above {{convert|4000|ft|m}}, but each has long alpine areas, with no tree growth on the summit and unobstructed views on clear days. From Mount Bigelow, the trail extends for {{convert|150|mi|km}} with only a small area of alpine growth around {{convert|3500|ft|m}} on the summit of White Cap Mountain. Mount Katahdin, the second-largest alpine environment in the eastern United States, has several square miles of alpine area on the flat "table land" summit as well as the cliffs and aretes leading up to it. Treeline on Mount Katahdin is only around {{convert|3500|ft|m}}. This elevation in Massachusetts would barely be a subalpine region, and, south of Virginia, consists of lowland forest. This illustrates the drastic change in climate over {{convert|2000|mi|km}}.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

{{wide image|McAfee Knob.jpg|800px|Panoramic image of the Catawba Valley from the McAfee Knob overlook}}

Bicycles are prohibited from most of the trail, except for the sections that follow the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) in Maryland and the Virginia Creeper Trail in Virginia. Horses and pack animals are prohibited except horses on the C&O Canal and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.[Regulations and Permits], Appalachian Trail Conservancy, accessed December 3, 2014 Several short segments of the trail, in towns and scenic natural areas, were built to ADA accessibly standards for wheelchair use.{{cite web |url=http://www.trailspace.com/articles/2010/03/24/wheelchair-accessible-appalachian-trail.html |title=Wheelchair-accessible paths on the Appalachian Trail |last1=Mangan |first1=Tom |date=March 24, 2010 |website=Trailspace |access-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701195133/http://www.trailspace.com/articles/2010/03/24/wheelchair-accessible-appalachian-trail.html |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |url-status=live }}

Throughout its length, the AT is marked by white paint blazes that are {{convert|2|by|6|in|cm|0}}.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-29 |title=Finding Your Way on the Appalachian Trail {{!}} Appalachian Trail Conservancy |url=https://appalachiantrail.org/official-blog/finding-your-way-on-the-appalachian-trail/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy {{!}}}} Side trails to shelters, viewpoints and parking areas use similarly shaped blue blazes. In past years, some sections of the trail also used metal diamond markers with the AT logo.

Image:Original 1930 ATC brass diamond tree marker.jpg|Original 1930 ATC copper marker from a tree in New Jersey

Image:TJWikiOldATDiamond.jpg|An old metal diamond marker beside the trail in Maine

Image:Pennsylvania_-_Delaware_Water_Gap_-_Appalachian_Trail_-_White_Blaze.jpg|A typical white AT blaze along the trail in Pennsylvania

Image:Painted blaze.JPG|A blue side-trail blaze, on Mount Greylock in Massachusetts

File:Hot Springs campsite along the Appalachian Trail.jpg

File:2014-08-25 10 50 03 Sign for the Appalachian Trail along Millbrook Road in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey.JPG of New Jersey]]

Most hikers carry a lightweight tent, tent hammock or tarp.{{cite web|url=http://appalachiantrials.com/whats-pack-gear-survey-2014-appalachian-trail-thru-hikers/|title=What's In Your Pack?: A Gear Survey of the 2014 Thru-Hikers|access-date=July 2, 2016|date=July 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711052948/http://appalachiantrials.com/whats-pack-gear-survey-2014-appalachian-trail-thru-hikers/|archive-date=July 11, 2016|url-status=live}} The trail has more than 250 shelters and campsites available for hikers.Nickens, T. Edward (July 2001), "Bed and Breakfast". Smithsonian. 32 (4):24 The shelters, sometimes called lean-tos (in Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut), huts (in Shenandoah National Park), or Adirondack shelters, are generally open, three-walled structures with a wooden floor, although some shelters are much more complex in structure. Shelters are usually spaced a day's hike or less apart, most often near a water source (which may be dry) and with a privy. They generally have spaces for tent sites in the vicinity as the shelters may be full. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) operates a system of eight huts along {{convert|56|mi|km}} of New Hampshire's White Mountains. These huts are significantly larger than standard trail shelters and offer full-service lodging and meals during the summer months. The Fontana Dam Shelter in North Carolina is more commonly referred to as the Fontana Hilton because of amenities (e.g. flushable toilets) and its proximity to an all-you-can-eat buffet and post office.[http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/dropping-in/The-Kinda-Long-March.html?page=all Appalachian Trail | Dropping In] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402140902/http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/dropping-in/The-Kinda-Long-March.html?page=all |date=April 2, 2013 }}. OutsideOnline.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-02. Several AMC huts have an extended self-service season during the fall, with two extending self-service seasons through the winter and spring.[https://www.outdoors.org/lodging-camping/huts/ White Mountain Huts - NH Appalachian Trail Lodging - Appalachian Mountain Club] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725071434/http://www.outdoors.org/lodging-camping/huts/ |date=July 25, 2016 }}. Outdoors.org (2012-04-03). Retrieved on July 20, 2016. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains trail cabins, shelters, and huts throughout the Shenandoah region of Virginia.

Shelters are generally maintained by local volunteers. Almost all shelters have one or more pre-hung food hangers (generally consisting of a short nylon cord with an upside-down tuna can suspended halfway down its length) where hikers can hang their food bags to keep them out of the reach of rodents. In hiker lingo, these are sometimes called "mouse trapezes".[http://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-in-an-appalachan-trail-shelter/ What is it Like to Sleep in an Appalachian Trail Shelter?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809130002/http://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-in-an-appalachan-trail-shelter/ |date=August 9, 2016 }} SectionHiker.com (accessed July 20, 2016)

Most shelters also contain "unofficial registries", which are known as shelter logs. These logs usually come in the form spiral-bound notebooks that are kept in containers in shelters all along the trail, and signing in them is not required. These logs give hikers a way to leave day-to-day messages while they are on the trail to document where they have been, where they are going, and who/what they have seen. The logs provide a space for informal writing and can also be used to keep track of people on the trail. Most of all, they provide a system of communication for a network of hikers along the trail.{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Mills |title=Appalachian Trail Histories |url=http://appalachiantrailhistory.org/exhibits/show/shelters/shelterlogs |publisher=Omeka |access-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104003852/http://appalachiantrailhistory.org/exhibits/show/shelters/shelterlogs |url-status=live }}

Shelter logs—entries written in log books at certain shelters—can provide proof of who summits certain mountains and can warn about dangerous animals or unfriendly people in the area. Hikers may cite when a certain water source is dried up, providing crucial information to other hikers.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

In addition to official shelters, many people offer their homes, places of business, or inns to accommodate AT hikers. One example is the Little Lyford Pond camps maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Inns are more common in sections of the trail that coincide with national parks, most notably Virginia's Shenandoah National Park.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.789317/k.6033/Cabins_Huts_and_Hostels.htm "Cabins, Huts, and Hostels"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104071346/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.789317/k.6033/Cabins_Huts_and_Hostels.htm |date=November 4, 2006 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed September 12, 2006)

File:ATC Visitor Center, Boiling Springs, PA.jpg]]

The trail crosses many roads, providing opportunity for hikers to hitchhike into town for food and other supplies. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy lists over 40 communities that have qualified as part of the organization's "A.T. Community" program, having become recognized for providing food, supplies and accommodations for passers-through.{{Cite web|title=A.T. Communities|url=https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/communities/|access-date=2021-04-07|website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy|date=April 29, 2019 |archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417235852/https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/communities/|url-status=live}} In the areas of the trail closer to trail towns, many hikers have experienced what is sometimes called "trail magic",Melville, Greg (August 1999), "The Moocher". Sports Afield. 222 (2):57 or assistance from strangers through kind actions, gifts, and other forms of encouragement.Berger, Karen. [http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/travel-ta-hiking-appalachian-trail-sidwcmdev_057849.html "Appalachian Trail: Trail Magic"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525152322/http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/travel-ta-hiking-appalachian-trail-sidwcmdev_057849.html |date=May 25, 2010 }} Gorp.com (accessed April 30, 2007) Trail magic is sometimes done anonymously.[http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/features/appalachianTrail/history.shtml A.T. History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103173537/http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/features/appalachianTrail/history.shtml |date=November 3, 2007 }} Kodak.com (accessed April 30, 2007) In other instances, persons have provided food and cooked for hikers at a campsite.

Hikers also create their own community while on the trail. Many hikers create long lasting friendships while on the trail. Conversations are easily started because of the common interest of hiking.{{cite book |last1=Bratton |first1=Susan |title=The spirit of the Appalachian Trail community, environment, and belief on a long-distance hiking path |publisher=Knoxville, Tenn. : University of Tennessee Press |isbn=9786613836182 |page=148}}

File:Appalachian Trail winter sign.jpg]]

The Appalachian Trail is relatively safe. Most injuries or incidents are consistent with comparable outdoor activities. Most hazards are related to weather conditions, human error, plants, animals, diseases, and hostile humans encountered along the trail.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.794153/k.9D5E/Health_and_Safety.htm "Health and Safety"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104072239/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.794153/k.9D5E/Health_and_Safety.htm |date=November 4, 2006 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed September 15, 2006)

Many animals live around the trail, with bears, snakes, and wild boars posing the greatest threat to human safety. Several rodent- and bug-borne illnesses are also a potential hazard. In scattered instances, foxes, raccoons, and other small animals may bite hikers, posing risk of rabies and other diseases. There has been one reported case (in 1993) of hantavirus (HPS), a rare but dangerous rodent-borne disease affecting the lungs. The affected hiker recovered and hiked the trail the following year. The section of the trail that runs through the Mid-Atlantic and New England states has a very high population of deer ticks carrying Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, and corresponds to the highest density of reported Lyme disease in the country.

The weather is a major consideration for hikers. Hiking season of the trail generally starts in mid-to-late spring, when conditions are much more favorable in the South. However, this time may also be characterized by extreme heat, sometimes in excess of {{convert|100|°F|°C|abbr=on}}. Farther north and at higher elevations, the weather can be characterized by low temperatures, strong winds, hail or snow storms and reduced visibility. Prolonged rain, though not typically life-threatening, can undermine stamina and ruin supplies.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/hiking-basics/safety#environment "Environmental Considerations"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713141147/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/hiking-basics/safety#environment |date=July 13, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 15, 2016) In March 2015, a hiker was killed on the trail in Maryland when a large tree blew over and fell onto him.{{cite news |title=Pa. man dies after tree falls on him on Appalachian Trail |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/mar/15/man-dies-after-tree-falls-on-him-on-appalachian-tr/ |access-date=May 13, 2019 |work=The Washington Times |agency=Associated Press |date=March 15, 2015 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513182459/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/mar/15/man-dies-after-tree-falls-on-him-on-appalachian-tr/ |url-status=live }}

Violent crime is rare but has occurred in a few instances. The first reported homicide on the trail was in 1974 in Georgia.{{cite web |title=Appalachian Trail Murders |url=http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/outdoors/shooting/crime/appalachian-trail-murders.html |access-date=August 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101221632/http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/outdoors/shooting/crime/appalachian-trail-murders.html |archive-date=November 1, 2010 |url-status=live }} In 1981, the issue of violence on the Appalachian Trail received national attention when Robert Mountford, Jr. and Laura Susan Ramsay, both social workers in Ellsworth, Maine, were murdered by Randall Lee Smith.{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/07/AR2008070702332.html | title=Blood on the Mountain | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=July 8, 2008 | last=Haygood | first=Wil | access-date=October 30, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820152354/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/07/AR2008070702332.html | archive-date=August 20, 2008 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Another homicide occurred in May 1996, when two women were abducted, bound and murdered near the trail in Shenandoah National Park. The primary suspect was later discovered harassing a female cyclist in the vicinity,"[http://www.aldha.org/arrest02.htm Trail Murders] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005204836/http://www.aldha.org/arrest02.htm |date=October 5, 2006 }}" Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association website (accessed September 14, 2006) but charges against him were dropped and the case remained unsolved until 2024.{{cite web|last=Nordin|first=Barbara|year=2004|title=After Rice: New questions in Park murders|url=http://www.readthehook.com/94820/cover-after-rice-new-questions-park-murders|access-date=September 14, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723224535/http://www.readthehook.com/94820/cover-after-rice-new-questions-park-murders|archive-date=July 23, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web| last=Floro|first=Kelly|year=2024|title=1996 Shenandoah National Park Murders Finally Solved, According to FBI|url=https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/1996-shenandoah-national-park-murders-finally-solved-according-to-fbi/#:~:text=The%25201996%2520murders%2520of%2520two%2520female%2520backpackers%2520in,24%252C%2520and%2520her%2520partner%252C%2520Laura%2520%E2%80%9CLollie%E2%80%9D%2520Winans%252C%252026.|access-date=July 4, 2024}}

In May 2019, Oklahoman Ronald S. Sanchez Jr., 43 years old, was murdered at a campsite near Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in western Virginia Jefferson National Forest. A female hiker who has not been identified was also injured by an assailant there. James L. Jordan, 30, of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts was found not guilty of the crimes by reason of insanity.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/26/us/appalachian-trail-attack-james-l-jordan.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/26/us/appalachian-trail-attack-james-l-jordan.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=Appalachian Trail Killer Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity|first=Christine|last=Hauser|newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 26, 2021}}{{cbignore}}

Human error can lead to casualties as well. In July 2013, 66-year-old lone hiker Geraldine Largay disappeared on the trail in Maine. Largay became lost and survived 26 days before dying. Her remains were found two years later in October 2015.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/hiker-who-went-missing-on-appalachian-trail-survived-26-days-before-dying|title=Hiker who went missing on Appalachian trail survived 26 days before dying|newspaper=The Guardian|date=May 25, 2016|access-date=May 27, 2016|first=Alan|last=Yuhas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527161837/http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/hiker-who-went-missing-on-appalachian-trail-survived-26-days-before-dying|archive-date=May 27, 2016|url-status=live}} In October 2015, a hiker visiting from England was killed on the trail by falling while taking photos at the Annapolis Rocks overlook in Maryland.{{cite web | title =Professor Alexei Likhtman of University of Reading dies on US Appalachian Trail | website =BBC News | date =October 12, 2015 | url =https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-34503040 | access-date =May 31, 2016 | archive-date =December 2, 2016 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20161202103916/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-34503040 | url-status =live }}

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic prompted the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to discourage use of the trail and the National Park Service to close all AT-managed hiking shelters from Virginia to Maine.{{Cite web|title=A.T. Closures|url=https://wildeast.appalachiantrail.org/explore/plan-and-prepare/hiking-basics/health/covid19/a-t-closures/|website=Wild East {{!}} Appalachian Trail Conservancy|date=March 24, 2020 |access-date=2020-04-30|archive-date=April 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417123252/https://wildeast.appalachiantrail.org/explore/plan-and-prepare/hiking-basics/health/covid19/a-t-closures/|url-status=live}} The withdrawal of volunteers and trail-maintenance crews left the trail unprepared for the influx of users escaping home isolation.{{Cite web | url=https://wildeast.appalachiantrail.org/official-blog/please-stay-off-the-appalachian-trail/ | title=Please stay off the Appalachian Trail | date=March 23, 2020 | access-date=April 30, 2020 | archive-date=April 17, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417012717/https://wildeast.appalachiantrail.org/official-blog/please-stay-off-the-appalachian-trail/ | url-status=live }} In 2021, the conservancy suspended issuing hang tags for through-hikers for a period during the continuing pandemic.{{Cite web | url=https://appalachiantrail.org/official-blog/answering-questions-about-2021-at-hangtags/ | title=Answering Questions About 2021 A.T. Hangtags and 2,000-Miler Recognition | access-date=March 14, 2021 | archive-date=March 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323115654/https://appalachiantrail.org/official-blog/answering-questions-about-2021-at-hangtags/ | url-status=live }}

Trail hikers who attempt to complete the entire trail in a single season are called "thru-hikers"; those who traverse the trail during a series of separate trips are known as "section-hikers". Rugged terrain, weather extremes, illness, injury, and the time and effort required make thru-hiking difficult to accomplish. As of 2017, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy estimated that 3,839 hikers set out from Springer Mountain, northbound, 497 from Mount Katahdin, southbound, and reported 1,186 completions of hiking the entire trail, which includes those by both section and through hikers.

Most thru-hikers walk northward from Georgia to Maine, and generally start out in early spring and follow the warm weather as it moves north. These "north-bounders" are also called NOBO (NOrthBOund) or GAME (Georgia(GA)-to-Maine(ME)), while those heading in the opposite direction are termed "south-bounders" (also SOBO or MEGA).{{cite web|url=http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8115|title=Trail Terms and Slang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718070153/http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8115|archive-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=live|access-date=August 29, 2010}}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.n2backpacking.com/long_trails/appalachian_trail/at_terms.htm|title=APPALACHIAN TRAIL – TERMS, DEFINITIONS AND LINGO|access-date=August 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128043205/http://n2backpacking.com/long_trails/appalachian_trail/at_terms.htm|archive-date=November 28, 2010|url-status=live}}

A thru-hike generally requires five to seven months, although some have done it in three months, and several trail runners have completed the trail in less time. Trail runners typically tackle the AT with automobile support teams, without backpacks, and without camping in the woods.

Thru-hikers are classified into many informal groups. "Purists" are hikers who stick to the official AT trail, follow the white blazes, except for side trips to shelters and camp sites. "Blue Blazers" cut miles from the full route by taking side trails marked by blue blazes. The generally pejorative name "Yellow Blazers", a reference to yellow road stripes, is given to those who hitchhike to move either down or up the trail.

Part of hiker subculture includes making colorful entries in logbooks at trail shelters, signed using pseudonyms called "trail names".

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy gives the name "2000 Miler" to anyone who completes the entire trail. The ATC's recognition policy for "2000 Milers" gives equal recognition to thru-hikers and section-hikers, operates on the honor system, and recognizes blue-blazed trails or officially required roadwalks as substitutes for the official, white-blazed route during an emergency such as a flood, forest fire, or impending storm on an exposed, high-elevation stretch.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.848829/k.73F0/What_Happens_When_I_Finish.htm "What Happens When I Finish?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060515231317/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.848829/k.73F0/What_Happens_When_I_Finish.htm |date=May 15, 2006 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed September 11, 2006) As of 2018, more than 19,000 people had reported completing the entire trail. The northbound completion rate of hiking the trail in twelve months or fewer varied from 19% to 27% from 2011 to 2018. The southbound completion rate varied between 27% and 30% during the same period.

The Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail form what is known as the Triple Crown of long-distance hiking in the United States. In 2001, Brian Robinson became the first one to complete all three trails in a year.Ballard, Chris (November 12, 2001), "Historic Feet". Sports Illustrated. 95 (19):A27 In 2018, Heather Anderson (trail name "Anish") became the first woman to complete the three Triple Crown trails in a calendar year.{{cite web |last1=Mitka |first1=Nate |title=Heather 'Anish' Anderson Finishes Triple Crown Hiking in Calendar Year |url=https://gearjunkie.com/heather-anish-anderson-triple-crown-speed-record |website=GearJunkie |access-date=May 13, 2019 |date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205145842/https://gearjunkie.com/heather-anish-anderson-triple-crown-speed-record|archive-date=December 5, 2018|url-status=live}}

Fastest known times for self-supported attempts (meaning no vehicle or crew support, like a traditional through-hiker):

• Joe McConaughy completed the trail northbound on August 31, 2017, in 45 days, 12 hours, and 15 minutes.{{cite web |last1=McCoy |first1=Jenny |title=Meet the Man Who Just Destroyed The Appalachian Trail Speed Record |url=https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a20860912/meet-the-man-who-just-destroyed-the-appalachian-trail-speed-record/ |website=Runner's World |access-date=May 13, 2019 |date=September 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055006/https://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/meet-the-man-who-just-destroyed-the-appalachian-trail-speed-record|archive-date=October 10, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/with-a-25-pound-pack-joe-mcconaughy-breaks-appalachian-trail-speed-record/2017/09/03/8e0e0df0-90c3-11e7-8754-d478688d23b4_story.html|title=With a 25-pound pack, Joe McConaughy breaks Appalachian Trail speed record|first=Katherine|last=Arcement|date=September 3, 2017|via=www.washingtonpost.com|access-date=October 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010060558/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/with-a-25-pound-pack-joe-mcconaughy-breaks-appalachian-trail-speed-record/2017/09/03/8e0e0df0-90c3-11e7-8754-d478688d23b4_story.html|archive-date=October 10, 2017|url-status=live}}
• Heather "Anish" Anderson completed the trail southbound on September 24, 2015, in 54 days, 7 hours, and 48 minutes.{{Cite web|title = Seattle's Heather Anderson breaks Appalachian Trail hiking record|url = http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/recreation/seattle-s-heather-anderson-breaks-appalachian-trail-hiking-record/article_7a1e7441-79e6-55f9-8946-aa998bbddeb9.html|access-date = October 3, 2015|first = Rich|last = Landers|date = October 3, 2015|website = Spokesman-Review, via Missoulian|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171010104344/http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/recreation/seattle-s-heather-anderson-breaks-appalachian-trail-hiking-record/article_7a1e7441-79e6-55f9-8946-aa998bbddeb9.html|archive-date = October 10, 2017|url-status = live|df = mdy-all}}

Fastest known times for supported attempts (the athletes travel light, relying on a support crew with food, shelter, medical treatment, etc.):

• Tara Dower completed the trail southbound on September 21, 2024 in 40 days, 18 hours, and 5 minutes.Currin, Grayson Haver. [https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/tara-dower-appalachian-trail This Hiker Just Smashed the Speed Record on the Appalachian Trail]
• Karel Sabbe completed the trail northbound on August 29, 2018, in 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes.Miles, Kathryn. [https://www.outsideonline.com/2340311/karel-sabbe-appalachian-trail-fastest-known-time "Karel Sabbe Made Smashing the AT Speed Record Look Easy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831174705/https://www.outsideonline.com/2340311/karel-sabbe-appalachian-trail-fastest-known-time|date=August 31, 2018}}, Outsideonline, August 29, 2018.

On November 8, 2021, M.J. "Nimblewill Nomad" Eberheart became the oldest person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail at age 83.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2021/11/07/nimblewill-nomad-83-is-oldest-to-hike-appalachian-trail/|title='Nimblewill Nomad,' 83, is oldest to hike Appalachian Trail|website=www.boston.com|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108144940/https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2021/11/07/nimblewill-nomad-83-is-oldest-to-hike-appalachian-trail/|url-status=live}}

On October 13, 2020, Juniper Netteburg is believed to be the youngest person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail on her own power at age 4.{{Cite web|title=4-year-old breaks hiking record with medical missionary family on Appalachian Trail|url=https://news.llu.edu/community/4-year-old-breaks-hiking-record-with-medical-missionary-family-appalachian-trail|access-date=2020-11-22|website=news.llu.edu|date=October 27, 2020 |language=en|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105022038/https://news.llu.edu/community/4-year-old-breaks-hiking-record-with-medical-missionary-family-appalachian-trail|url-status=live}}{{unreliable source|date=October 2022}}

{{further|Appalachian Trail by state}}

The trail is protected along more than 99% of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by right-of-way. The trail is maintained by a variety of organizations, environmental advocacy groups, governmental agencies and individuals. Annually, more than 4,000 volunteers contribute over 175,000 hours of effort on the Appalachian Trail, an effort coordinated largely by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) organization. In total, the AT passes through eight national forests and two national parks.

In the course of its journey, the trail follows the ridge line of the Appalachian Mountains, crossing many of its highest peaks and running through wilderness with only a few exceptions. The trail once traversed many hundreds of miles of private property, but today 99% of the trail is on public land.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.786749/k.D5F9/History.htm "History"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607115705/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.786749/k.D5F9/History.htm |date=June 7, 2007 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed June 24, 2008).

File:Hiker signing register at Springer Mountain.jpg|A hiker signs the register on Springer Mountain, Ga., southern terminus of the trail.

File:Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap IMG 5137.JPG|Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C.

File:Accessible AT on Cross Mountain TN.jpg|Wheelchair accessible portion of the trail on Cross Mountain, near Shady Valley, Tennessee

File:Pocosin cabin.jpg|The Pocosin cabin along the trail in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Georgia has {{convert|75|mi|km}} of the trail, including the southern terminus at Springer Mountain at an elevation of {{convert|3782|ft|m}}.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Georgia "Explore the Trail: Georgia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710144232/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Georgia |date=July 10, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016). At {{convert|4461|ft|m}}, Blood Mountain is the highest point on the trail in Georgia. The AT and approach trail, along with many miles of blue blazed side trails, are managed and maintained by the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. See also: Georgia Peaks on the Appalachian Trail.

North Carolina has {{convert|95.7|mi|km}} of the trail, not including more than {{convert|200|mi|km}} along the Tennessee state line.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/North-Carolina "Explore the Trail: North Carolina"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712043907/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/north-carolina |date=July 12, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016). Altitude ranges from {{convert|1725|to|5498|ft|m}}. The trail enters from Georgia at Bly Gap, ascending peaks such as Standing Indian Mountain, Mt. Albert, and Wayah Bald. It then goes by Nantahala Outdoor Center at the Nantahala River Gorge and the Nantahala River crossing. Up to this point, the trail is maintained by the Nantahala Hiking Club. Beyond this point, it is maintained by the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. {{convert|30|mi|km}} further north, Fontana Dam marks the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aldha.org/companyn/ga-tn10.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924234534/http://aldha.org/companyn/ga-tn10.pdf|url-status=dead|title=The Appalachian Trail south of Roan Mountain|archive-date=September 24, 2010}}

Tennessee has {{convert|71|mi|km}} of the trail,{{cite web|url=http://www.aldha.org/companyn/tn-va10.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119172717/http://aldha.org/companyn/tn-va10.pdf |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |title=Tennessee |work=Appalachian Thru-Hikers' Companion-2010}}{{cite journal |last1=Marion |first1=Jeffrey L. |last2=Leung |first2=Yu-Fai |date=Fall 2001 |title=Trail Resource Impacts and An Examination of Alternative Assessment Techniques |journal=Journal of Park & Recreation Administration |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=17–37 |bibcode=2001JPRA...19...17M |url=http://js.sagamorepub.com/jpra/article/view/1565 |access-date=October 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425080630/http://js.sagamorepub.com/jpra/article/view/1565 |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |url-status=live }} not including more than {{convert|200|mi|km}} along or near the North Carolina state line.{{Cite web|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Tennessee|title=The Appalachian Trail Conservancy - Explore By State - Tennessee|website=www.appalachiantrail.org|access-date=July 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715200236/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Tennessee|archive-date=July 15, 2016|url-status=live}} The section that runs just below the summit of Kuwohi in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is along the North Carolina and Tennessee state line and is the highest point on the trail at {{convert|6643|ft|m}}. The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club (Knoxville, TN) maintains the trail throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Davenport Gap. North of Davenport Gap, the Carolina Mountain Club (Asheville, NC) maintains the trail to Spivey Gap. Then the remaining Tennessee section is maintained by the Tennessee Eastman Hiking & Canoeing Club (Kingsport, TN).

Virginia has {{convert|550.3|mi|km}} of the trail (one quarter of the entire trail) including more than {{convert|20|mi|km}} along the West Virginia state line.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430080813/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-region/virginia|archive-date=April 30, 2011|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-region/virginia|title= Terrain By Region: Virginia|work=About The Trail|publisher=Appalachian Trail Conservancy|access-date=September 1, 2016}} With the climate, and the timing of northbound thru-hikers, this section is wet and challenging because of the spring thaw and heavy spring rainfall.{{cite web|title=Virginia's Climate|url=http://climate.virginia.edu/description.htm|publisher=University of Virginia Climatology Office|access-date=August 29, 2010|author1=Bruce P. Hayden|author2=Patrick J. Michaels|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720110343/http://climate.virginia.edu/description.htm|archive-date=July 20, 2011|url-status=live}} Substantial portions of the trail closely parallel Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and, further south, the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy considers as excellent for beginning hikers a well-maintained {{convert|104|mi}} section of the trail that the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed in Shenandoah National Park. Climbs in this section rarely exceed {{convert|1000|ft}}. In the southwestern portion of the state, the trail goes within one half mile of the highest point in Virginia, Mount Rogers, which is a short side-hike from the AT.

File:Winchester and Potomac Railroad Bridge, Harpers Ferry, WV - Appalachian Trail sign.jpg|Crossing the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, "psychological midpoint" of the trail

File:Annapolis rocks overlook.jpg|Annapolis Rock Overlook, along the trail in South Mountain State Park, Maryland

File:Appalachian Trail and Museum, Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA.jpg|Appalachian Trail Museum near the midpoint in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania

File:Bear Mtn Bridge.jpg|Bear Mountain Bridge, New York

West Virginia has {{convert|4|mi|km}} of the trail, not including about {{convert|20|mi|km}} along the Virginia state line.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/West-Virginia "Explore the Trail: West Virginia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706235049/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/West-Virginia |date=July 6, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016). Here the trail passes through the town of Harpers Ferry, headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Harpers Ferry is what many consider to be the "psychological midpoint" of the trail's length, although the actual midpoint is about {{Convert|75|mi|km}} further north in southern Pennsylvania.{{Cite web|last=Belisle|first=Richard|title=Record number pass through Appalachian Trail's 'midpoint'|url=https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2015/12/20/record-number-pass-through-appalachian-trails-midpoi/45185689/|access-date=2021-10-25|website=The Hagerstown Herald-Mail|language=en-US|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160633/https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/local/2015/12/20/record-number-pass-through-appalachian-trails-midpoi/45185689/|url-status=live}}

A CSX train derailment on December 21, 2019, damaged the pedestrian footbridge over the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, severing the trail between West Virginia and Maryland. The foot crossing reopened in July 2020.{{Cite web|last=Jenkins|first=Jeff|date=2020-07-04|title=Footbridge at Harpers Ferry reopens after damage caused in train derailment|url=https://wvmetronews.com/2020/07/03/footbridge-at-harpers-ferry-reopens-after-damage-caused-in-train-derailment/|access-date=2020-09-12|website=WV MetroNews|language=en-US|archive-date=July 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706184033/https://wvmetronews.com/2020/07/03/footbridge-at-harpers-ferry-reopens-after-damage-caused-in-train-derailment/|url-status=live}}

Maryland has {{convert|41|mi|km}} of the trail, with elevations ranging from {{convert|230|to|1880|ft|m}}.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Maryland "Explore the Trail: Maryland"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316220744/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/maryland |date=March 16, 2017 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016). Most of the trail runs along the ridgeline of South Mountain in South Mountain State Park.{{cite web|title=South Mountain State Park|url=http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/southmountain.aspx|website=Maryland Department of Natural Resources|access-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116191242/http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/southmountain.aspx|archive-date=November 16, 2015|url-status=live}} Hikers are required to stay at designated shelters and campsites. The trail runs through the eastern edge of Greenbrier State Park. This can serve as stop point for a hot shower and a visit to the camp store. The trail runs along the C&O Canal Towpath route for {{convert|3|mi|km}}. Hikers will also pass High Rock, which offers extensive views and is also used as a hang-gliding site.{{cite book|last1=Brown|first1=Scott E.|title=Hiking Maryland: A Guide for Hikers & Photographers|date=2014|publisher=Stackpole Books|isbn=978-0811708272|page=118|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TYvEAgAAQBAJ|access-date=May 10, 2020|archive-date=July 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716032610/https://books.google.com/books?id=TYvEAgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}} The section ends at Pen Mar Park, which sits on the state line of Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has {{convert|229.6|mi|km}} of the trail.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/pennsylvania "Terrain By State: Pennsylvania"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510150731/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/pennsylvania |date=May 10, 2015 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed May 23, 2015). The trail extends from the Pennsylvania-Maryland line at the village of Pen Mar, northeast to the Delaware Water Gap at the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line. In the south-central region of the state, the trail passes through Pine Grove Furnace State Park, which is often considered the symbolic mid-point of the Appalachian Trail.{{cite book|last1=Thwaites|first1=Tom|title=50 Hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania|date=1997|publisher=Backcountry Publications|isbn=088150372X|edition=Third|location=Woodstock, Vermont|page=27}} For much of its length in Pennsylvania, the trail is known for its very rocky terrain, which slows many hikers down while causing injuries and placing strain on equipment. Hikers often call the state "Rocksylvania".{{cite news|last1=Hopey|first1=Don|title=From the archives: July 9, 1995 / Rocksylvania is a real boot-buster|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2015/07/02/From-the-archives-July-9-1995-Rocksylvania-is-a-real-boot-buster/stories/201507020010|access-date=July 25, 2017|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818011801/http://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2015/07/02/From-the-archives-July-9-1995-Rocksylvania-is-a-real-boot-buster/stories/201507020010|archive-date=August 18, 2017|url-status=live}} The AT community has also dubbed Pennsylvania as the state "where boots go to die".{{Cite web|last=Kish|first=Carey|date=2015-08-30|title=Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Boots not made for Pennsylvania|url=https://www.pressherald.com/2015/08/30/hiking-the-appalachian-trail-boots-not-made-for-pennsylvania/|access-date=2022-02-20|website=Press Herald}}

New Jersey is home to {{convert|72.2|mi|km}} of the trail.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/new-jersey "Terrain By State: New Jersey"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510184154/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/new-jersey |date=May 10, 2015 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed May 21, 2015). The trail enters New Jersey from the south on a pedestrian walkway along the Interstate 80 bridge over the Delaware River, ascends from the Delaware Water Gap to the top of Kittatinny Mountain in Worthington State Forest, passes Sunfish Pond (right), continues north through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Stokes State Forest and eventually reaches High Point State Park, the highest peak in New Jersey (a side trail is required to reach the actual peak). It then turns in a southeastern direction along the New York state line for about {{convert|30|mi|km}}, passing over long sections of boardwalk bridges over marshy land, then entering Wawayanda State Park and then the Abram S. Hewitt State Forest just before entering New York near Greenwood Lake. In New Jersey the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference maintains and updates the Appalachian Trail. Black bear activity along the trail in New Jersey increased rapidly starting in 2001. Hence, metal bear-proof food storage boxes are in place at all New Jersey shelters.

New York's {{convert|88.4|mi|km}} of trail contain very little elevation change compared to other states.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/new-york "Terrain By State: New York"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527081251/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/new-york |date=May 27, 2013 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed June 24, 2013). From south to north, the trail summits many small mountains under {{convert|1400|ft|m}} in elevation, its highest point in New York being Prospect Rock at {{convert|1433|ft|m}}, and only {{convert|3000|ft|m}} from the state line with New Jersey. The trail continues north, climbing near Fitzgerald Falls, passing through Sterling Forest, and then entering Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain State Park. The lowest point on the entire Appalachian Trail is in the Bear Mountain Zoo at {{convert|124|ft|m}}. It crosses the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge. It then passes through Fahnestock State Park, and continues northeast and crosses the Metro-North Railroad's Harlem Line. This track crossing is the site of the only train station along the trail's length. It enters Connecticut via the Pawling Nature Reserve. The section of the trail that passes through Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks is the oldest section of the trail, completed in 1923. A portion of this section was paved by 700 volunteers with 800 granite-slab steps followed by over a mile of walkway supported by stone crib walls with boulders lining the path.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/31/nyregion/31towns.html |last=Applebome |first=Peter |title=A Jolt of Energy for a Much Trod-Upon Trail |work=The New York Times |date=May 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617103259/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/31/nyregion/31towns.html |archive-date=17 June 2022 |url-status=live}} The project took four years, cost roughly $1 million, and opened in June 2010. The project was done by the New York–New Jersey Trail Conference, which maintains and updates the Appalachian Trail in New York.

File:The Housatonic River's "Great Falls" in Falls Village, Connecticut viewed from the Appalachian Trail.jpg|Housatonic River's Great Falls in Falls Village, Connecticut, seen from the Appalachian Trail.

File:MtGreylockSummit.JPG|View from Mount Greylock in Massachusetts

File:AT - Franconia Ridge.JPG|Franconia Ridge, a section of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire

File:Top of Mount Katahdin.jpg|Northern terminus of the trail atop Mount Katahdin in Maine

Connecticut's {{convert|52|mi|km}} of trail lie almost entirely along the ridges to the west above the Housatonic River valley.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Connecticut "Explore the Trail: Connecticut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710144224/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Connecticut |date=July 10, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).

The state line is also the western boundary of a {{convert|480|acre|ha}} Connecticut reservation inhabited by Schaghticoke Indians. Inside it, the AT roughly parallels its northern boundary, crossing back outside it after {{convert|2000|ft|m}}. The trail proceeds northward through the Housatonic River valley and hills to its west, veering northwesterly and, at Salisbury, ascending the southern Taconic mountains, at Lion's Head affording a view northeasterly towards Mt. Greylock and other points in Massachusetts, and at Bear Mountain, reaching over {{convert|2000|ft|m}} in elevation for the first time since Pennsylvania and yielding views across the Hudson River valley to the Catskills and across the broad expanse of the Housatonic valley and the Berkshire and Litchfield Hills to the east. Just north of Bear, the trail, as it crosses into Massachusetts, descends into Sages Ravine, a deep gorge in the eastern Taconic ridgeline which is home to a fragile old growth forest. As the trail crosses the brook in the ravine, it leaves the area maintained by the Connecticut section of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Massachusetts has {{convert|90|mi|km}} of trail.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Massachusetts "Explore the Trail: Massachusetts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716135737/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/massachusetts |date=July 16, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016). The entire section of trail is in western Massachusetts's Berkshire County. It summits the highest peak in the southern Taconic Range, Mount Everett ({{convert|2604|ft|m}}), then descends to the Housatonic River valley and skirts the town of Great Barrington. The trail passes through the towns of Dalton and Cheshire, and summits the highest point in the state at {{convert|3491|ft|m}}, Mount Greylock. It then quickly descends to the valley within {{convert|2|mi|km}} of North Adams and Williamstown, before ascending again to the Vermont state line. The trail throughout Massachusetts is maintained by the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Vermont has {{convert|150|mi|km}} of the trail.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Vermont "Explore the Trail: Vermont"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715120057/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/vermont |date=July 15, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016). Upon entering Vermont, the trail coincides with the southernmost sections of the generally north–south-oriented Long Trail. It follows the ridge of the southern Green Mountains, summitting such notable peaks as Stratton Mountain, Glastenbury Mountain, and Killington Peak. At Maine Junction, the AT reaches an intersection with the eastern end of the North Country National Scenic Trail, with that trail and the next segment of the Long Trail departing to the north. The AT then turns in a more eastward direction, crossing the White River, passing through Norwich, and entering Hanover, New Hampshire, as it crosses the Connecticut River. The Green Mountain Club maintains the AT from the Massachusetts state line to Route 12. The Dartmouth Outing Club maintains the trail from VT Route 12 to the New Hampshire state line.

New Hampshire has {{convert|161|mi|km}} of the trail.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/New-Hampshire "Explore the Trail: New Hampshire"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711003557/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/new-hampshire |date=July 11, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016). The New Hampshire AT is nearly all within the White Mountain National Forest. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, New Hampshire has more trail above tree-line than any other Appalachian State.{{Cite web|title=New Hampshire|url=https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/explore-by-state/new-hampshire/|access-date=2020-10-06|website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy|date=December 9, 2019 |archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024025023/https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/explore-by-state/new-hampshire/|url-status=live}}

For northbound thru-hikers, it is the beginning of the main challenges that go beyond enduring distance and time: in New Hampshire and Maine, rough or steep ground are more frequent and alpine conditions are found near summits and along ridges. The trail crosses 15 of the 48 four-thousand footers of New Hampshire, including {{convert|6288|ft|m|adj=on}} Mount Washington, the highest point of the AT north of Tennessee and most topographically prominent peak in eastern North America. The trail passes within half a mile of 9 additional 4000-footer peaks in the Whites (one summit is only 60 yards from the trail). Entering the alpine zone on the summit of Mount Pierce, from the south, the trail continues in alpine or near-alpine scrub continuously along the high Presidential ridge until descending the southeast flank of Mount Madison into the Great Gulf Wilderness over 12 miles northward. This region is subject to extremes of weather with little natural shelter and only occasional human-made shelter from the elements. The threat of severe and cold conditions in the Presidentials and across the New Hampshire Section is present year-round and requires hikers' careful attention to weather forecasts and planning, provisions and gear.

The Dartmouth Outing Club maintains the Appalachian Trail from the Vermont state line past Mount Moosilauke to Kinsman Notch, northwest of Woodstock, New Hampshire, Randolph Mountain Club maintains 2.2 miles from Osgood Trail near Madison Hut to Edmands Col, with the AMC maintaining the remaining miles through the state.

Maine has {{convert|281|mi|km}} of the trail. The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail is on Mount Katahdin's Baxter Peak in Baxter State Park.

In some parts of the trail in Maine, even the strongest hikers may only average {{convert|1|mph}}, with places where hikers must hold on to tree limbs and roots to climb or descend, which is especially hazardous in wet weather.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Maine "Explore the Trail: Maine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712043902/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/maine |date=July 12, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016). The western section includes a mile-long (1.6 km) stretch of boulders, some of which hikers must pass under, at Mahoosuc Notch, sometimes called the trail's hardest mile.

Although there are dozens of river and stream fords on the Maine section of the trail, the Kennebec River is the only one on the trail that requires a boat crossing. The most isolated portion of the Appalachian Trail, known as the "Hundred-Mile Wilderness", occurs in Maine. It heads east-northeast from the town of Monson and ends outside Baxter State Park just south of Abol Bridge.[http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/Maine "Explore the Trail: Maine"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712043902/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/explore-by-state/maine |date=July 12, 2016 }} AppalachianTrail.org (accessed July 14, 2016).

Park management strongly discourages thru-hiking within the park before May 15 or after October 15.[http://baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/at.htm "Thru-Hiking in Baxter State Park"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708080945/http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/at.htm |date=July 8, 2016 }} BaxterStateParkAuthority.com (accessed July 14, 2016)

The AMC maintains the AT from the New Hampshire state line to Grafton Notch, with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club responsible for maintaining the remaining miles to Mt. Katahdin. The international extension, called the International Appalachian Trail begins at Mt. Katahdin.

File:AppTrailMap.svg

Listed from south to north.

Southern terminus: Springer Mountain, Georgia

• {{jct|state=GA|SR|60}} at Woody Gap in Northeast Georgia
• {{jct|state=GA|US|19|US|129|SR|11}} at Neels Gap in Northeast Georgia
• {{jct|state=GA|SR|348}} at Tesnatee Gap in Northeast Georgia
• {{jct|state=GA|SR|17|SR|75}} at Unicoi Gap in Northeast Georgia
• {{jct|state=GA|US|76|SR|2}} at Dicks Creek Gap in Northeast Georgia
• {{jct|state=NC|US|64}} at Winding Stair Gap in North Carolina
• {{jct|state=NC|US|19|US|74}} at Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina
• {{jct|state=NC|NC|143}} at Stecoah Gap in North Carolina
• {{jct|state=NC|NC|28}} in Fontana Dam, North Carolina
• {{jct|state=TN|US|441|SR|71}} at Newfound Gap along the North Carolina/Tennessee state line
• {{jct|state=TN|Sec|32}} at Davenport Gap along the North Carolina/Tennessee state line
• {{jct|country=USA|I|40}} along the North Carolina/Tennessee state line
• {{jct|state=NC|US|25|US|70|NC|209}} in Hot Springs, North Carolina
• {{jct|state=NC|US|25|US|70}} at Tanyard Gap in North Carolina
• {{jct|state=TN|TN|70}}/{{jct|state=NC|NC|208}} at Allen Gap along the North Carolina/Tennessee border
• {{jct|state=NC|NC|212}}/{{jct|state=TN|Sec|352}} at Devil Fork Gap along the North Carolina/Tennessee border
• {{jct|country=USA|I|26|US|23}} at Sams Gap along the North Carolina/Tennessee state line
• {{jct|state=NC|US|19W}} at Spivey Gap in North Carolina
• {{jct|state=TN|Sec|395}}/{{jct|state=NC|NC|197}} at Indian Grave Gap along the North Carolina/Tennessee border
• {{jct|state=TN|Sec|107}}/{{jct|state=NC|NC|226}} at Iron Mountain Gap along the North Carolina/Tennessee border
• {{jct|state=TN|Sec|143}}/{{jct|state=NC|NC|261}} at Carvers Gap along the North Carolina/Tennessee border
• {{jct|state=TN|US|19E}} near Roan Mountain, Tennessee
• {{jct|state=TN|US|321|TN|67}} at Watauga Lake, Tennessee
• {{jct|state=TN|TN|91}} at Cross Mountain Gap in Tennessee
• {{jct|state=TN|US|421|TN|34}} at Low Gap in Tennessee
• {{jct|state=VA|US|58|SR|91}} in Damascus, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|US|58}} near Damascus, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|US|58}} at Summit Cut in Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|600}} in Grayson County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|603}} in Grayson County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|650}} in Smyth County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|672}} in Smyth County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|670}} in Smyth County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|601}} in Smyth County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|SR|16}} at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|622}} in Smyth County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|686}} twice near Atkins, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|615}} near Atkins, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|729}} near Atkins, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|I|81|US|11|Sec|683}} in Atkins, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|617}} near Atkins, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|610}} in Smyth County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|742}} in Bland County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|SR|42}} in Bland County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|Sec|625}} in Bland County, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|I|77|US|52}} near Wytheville, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|US|460}} in Pearisburg, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|I|81}} near Roanoke, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|US|501}} along the James River near Eagle Rock, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|US|60}} near Buena Vista, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|I|64|US|250}} near Waynesboro, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|US|33}} in Shenandoah National Park
• {{jct|state=VA|US|211}} near Luray, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|US|522}} near Front Royal, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|I|66}} in Front Royal, Virginia
• {{jct|state=VA|US|17|US|50}} near Waterloo, Virginia
• {{jct|state=WV|US|340}} in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• {{jct|state=MD|US|340}} in Sandy Hook, Maryland
• {{jct|state=MD|I|70|US|40}} near Hagerstown, Maryland
• {{jct|state=PA|US|30}} near Fayetteville, Pennsylvania
• {{jct|state=PA|I|76|I|81|US|11}} in Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania
• {{jct|state=PA|US|11|US|15|US|22|US|322}} in Duncannon, Pennsylvania
• {{jct|state=PA|I|81}} near Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania
• {{jct|state=PA|I|476}} near Slatington, Pennsylvania
• {{jct|country=USA|I|80}} along the Pennsylvania/New Jersey state line
• {{jct|state=NJ|US|206}} near Frankford Township, New Jersey
• {{jct|state=NY|I|87|name1=New York State Thruway}} near Harriman, New York
• {{jct|state=NY|US|6|US|9W|US|202}} near Fort Montgomery, New York
• {{jct|state=NY|US|9}} near Garrison, New York
• 20px Taconic State Parkway near Shenandoah, New York
• {{jct|state=NY|I|84}} near Whaley Lake, New York
• {{jct|state=CT|US|7}} near Falls Village, Connecticut
• {{jct|state=CT|US|44}} near Salisbury, Connecticut
• {{jct|state=MA|US|7}} near Great Barrington, Massachusetts
• {{jct|state=MA|I|90|name1=Massachusetts Turnpike|US|20}} near Lee, Massachusetts
• {{jct|state=VT|US|4}} near Rutland, Vermont
• {{jct|state=VT|I|89}} near West Hartford, Vermont
• {{jct|state=VT|I|91|US|5}} in Norwich, Vermont
• {{jct|state=NH|I|93|US|3}} near Franconia, New Hampshire
• {{jct|state=NH|US|302}} in the White Mountain National Forest
• {{jct|state=NH|NH|16}} at Pinkham Notch in the White Mountain National Forest
• {{jct|state=NH|US|2}} near Gorham, New Hampshire
• {{jct|state=ME|US|201}} in Caratunk, Maine

Northern terminus: Mount Katahdin, Maine

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (originally, Appalachian Trail Conference) and the National Park Service oversee the entire length of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail via memoranda of understanding with other public agencies through whose land the trail runs, including the U.S. Forest Service, national parks, national forests, the Tennessee Valley Authority, state parks, and others, who help administer portions of the trail corridor. The estimated annual contribution of volunteer services for trail upkeep is $3 million.

{{cite web

| url = https://www.nps.gov/appa/learn/management/upload/AT-report-web.pdf

| title = Appalachian National Scenic Trail

| last = National Parks Conservation Association

| date = March 2010

| website = nps.gov

| publisher = National Park Service

| access-date = April 21, 2018

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170506020211/https://www.nps.gov/appa/learn/management/upload/AT-report-web.pdf

| archive-date = May 6, 2017

| url-status = dead

| df = mdy-all

}}

The Appalachian Trail has been a resource for researchers in a variety of disciplines. Portions of the trail in Tennessee were used on a study on trail maintenance for the trail's "uniform environmental conditions and design attributes and substantial gradient in visitor use." Beginning in 2007, various organizations, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the American Hiking Society, began a study to monitor environmental changes that have resulted from higher ozone levels, acid rain, smog, and other air quality factors.{{cite journal |date=Winter 2007 |title=Trail with a tale to tell |journal=American Forests |volume=112 |issue=4 |pages=17 |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Trail+with+a+tale+to+tell.-a0159285771 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818155707/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Trail+with+a+tale+to+tell.-a0159285771 |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |url-status=live }} Such research has been supported by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Cornell University, the National Geographic Society, and Aveda Corporation.

Behavioral studies have also been conducted on hikers themselves. A 2007 study on hikers found that most persons hike the trail "for fun and enjoyment of life and for warm relationships with others" and that "environmental awareness, physical challenge, camaraderie, exercise, and solitude" were chief results among hikers.{{cite journal |last1=Goldenberg |first1=Marni |last2=Hill |first2=Eddie |last3=Freidt |first3=Barbara |year=2008 |title=Why Individuals Hike the Appalachian Trail: A Qualitative Approach to Benefits |journal=Journal of Experiential Education |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=277–81 |url=http://works.bepress.com/mgoldenb/15/ |doi=10.1177/105382590703000311 |s2cid=2446524 |access-date=October 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513102648/http://works.bepress.com/mgoldenb/15/ |archive-date=May 13, 2013 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }} Since the highest single demographic of thru-hikers are males between the ages of 18 and 29, one informal study sought to find the correlation between this group and male college drop-outs.{{cite journal |last1=Arnold |first1=Karen D. |year=2007 |title=Education on the Appalachian Trail: What 2,000 Miles Can Teach Us About Learning |journal=About Campus |volume=12 |issue=5 |pages=2–9 |doi=10.1002/abc.224 |s2cid=143856703 }} A study in 2018 found that around 95 percent of thru-hikers identified their race or ethnicity as white.{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Clay Bonneyman|date=May 14, 2020|title=Backpacking in America as a Person of Color: Hikers Share Their Experiences|url=https://thetrek.co/backpacking-in-america-as-a-person-of-color-hikers-share-their-experiences/|url-status=live|access-date=July 26, 2021|website=The Trek|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530200818/https://thetrek.co/backpacking-in-america-as-a-person-of-color-hikers-share-their-experiences/ |archive-date=May 30, 2020 }}

• The trail was the setting for the 1998 Bill Bryson book, A Walk in the Woods, and for its 2015 film adaptation of the same name.
• The phrase, "hiking the Appalachian Trail", became a euphemism for having an affair after it was used as a cover for Mark Sanford's whereabouts during his 2009 extramarital affair.{{Cite book |last=Keyes |first=Ralph |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mpbt9Gv9tagC&pg=PT17 |title=Euphemania: Our Love Affair with Euphemisms |date=2010-12-14 |publisher=Little, Brown |isbn=978-0-316-12195-8 |language=en}}{{Cite book |last=Hale |first=Constance |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j7DLaRz6GroC&pg=PA28 |title=Sin and Syntax: How to Craft Wicked Good Prose |date=2013-08-13 |publisher=Crown |isbn=978-0-385-34693-1 |language=en}}
• North to Maine is a 2009 play about the Appalachian Trail and the thru-hikers who walk it.

;Connected U.S. long-distance trails

{{div col}}

• Allegheny Trail
• American Discovery Trail
• Benton MacKaye Trail
• Horse Shoe Trail
• International Appalachian Trail
• Long Path
• Long Trail
• Potomac Heritage Trail
• Mason-Dixon Trail
• Mountains-to-Sea Trail
• North Country Trail
• Pinhoti National Recreation Trail
• Tuscarora Trail
• Virginia Creeper Trail

{{end div col}}

;Connected National Historic Trails

• Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

;Other U.S. long-distance trails

• Pacific Crest Trail
• Continental Divide Trail

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Cite book |last1=Tomaselli |first1=Doris |date=2009 |title=Ned Anderson: Connecticut's Appalachian Trailblazer, Small Town Renaissance Man |edition=Limited 1st |publisher=Sherman Historical Society |isbn=978-0-615-28611-2}}

;Online

• ATC's official annual Appalachian Trail guide is the [https://aldha.org/companion Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker's Companion], compiled and updated by volunteers of the [https://aldha.org Appalachian L ong Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA)] (available at [http://www.appalachiantrail.org AppalachianTrail.org]). Individual state guides and maps are also available via the ATC.
• The Official AT Databook, an annually updated compilation of trail mileages, water sources, road crossings, shelter locations, and other information. The 2018 DataBook is the 40th annual edition, is considered indispensable by many AT hikers, and the data published within is used by many other hiking guides.
• A [http://www.hikerbot.com/ smartphone guidebook app] with crowdsourced information (Wikipedia style) is available.

;Non-fiction print

• {{cite book | last = Garvey | first = Edward | title = Appalachian Hiker | publisher = Appalachian Books | location = Oakton | year = 1971 | isbn = 978-0-912660-01-1 }}
• {{cite book | last = Fisher | first = Ronald | title = The Appalachian Trail | publisher = National Geographic Society | location = Washington | year = 1972 | isbn = 978-0-87044-106-6 | url = https://archive.org/details/appalachiantrail00fish }}
• {{cite book | last = Hare | first = James R. | title = From Katahdin to Springer Mountain | publisher = Rodale Press | location = Emmaus Pa | year = 1977 | isbn = 978-0-87857-160-4 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/fromkatahdintosp0000unse }}
• {{cite book | last = Garvey | first = Edward | title = Appalachian Hiker, II | publisher = Appalachian Books | location = Oakton | year = 1978 | isbn = 978-0-912660-15-8 }}
• {{cite book | last = Irwin | first = Bill | title = Blind Courage | publisher = WRS Pub | location = Waco | year = 1992 | isbn = 978-0-941539-86-9 }}
• {{cite book | last = Luxenberg | first = Larry | title = Walking the Appalachian Trail | publisher = Stackpole Books | location = Mechanicsburg | year = 1994 | isbn = 978-0-8117-3095-2 | url = https://archive.org/details/walkingappalachi00luxe }}
• Mittlefehldt, Sarah (2013). Tangled Roots: The Appalachian Trail and American Environmental Politics. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press.
• {{cite book | last = Emblidge | first = David | title = The Appalachian Trail Reader | publisher = Oxford University Press | location = Oxford Oxfordshire | year = 1996 | isbn = 978-0-19-510091-4 }}
• {{cite book | last = Bryson | first = Bill | author-link=Bill Bryson | title = A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail | publisher = Anchor Books | location = New York | year = 1998 | isbn = 978-0-307-27946-0 | title-link = A Walk in the Woods (book) }}
• {{cite book | last = Hall | first = Adrienne | title = A Journey North | publisher = Appalachian Mountain Club Books | location = Boston | year = 2000 | isbn = 978-1-878239-91-4 }}
• {{cite book | last = Setzer | first = Lynn | title = A Season on the Appalachian Trail | publisher = Appalachian Trail Conference | location = Harpers Ferry | year = 2001 | isbn = 978-0-89732-382-6 }}
• {{cite book | last = Mckinney | first = Rick | title = Dead Men Hike No Trails | publisher = Booklocker.com, Inc | location = City | year = 2005 | isbn = 978-1-59113-870-9 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/deadmenhikenotra0000mcki }}
• {{cite book | last = Miller | first = David | title = Awol on the Appalachian Trail | publisher = Wingspan Press | location = Livermore | year = 2006 | isbn = 978-0547745527 }}
• {{cite book | last = Tapon | first = Francis | title = Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America | publisher = SonicTrek | location = San Francisco | year = 2006 | isbn = 978-0-9765812-0-8 }}
• {{cite book | last = Buras | first = Thom | title = The Wayfarers Journal Episode One: Journey to Katahdin | publisher = www.TheWayfarersJournal.com | year = 2006 | isbn = 978-0-9786169-9-1 }}
• {{cite book | last = Alt | first = Jeff | title = A Walk for Sunshine | publisher = Dreams Shared Publications | location = Cincinnati | year = 2007 | isbn = 978-0-9679482-2-5 }}
• {{cite book|last=Chenowith|first=Lon|title=Five Million Steps: Adventure Along the Appalachian Trail|year=2009|publisher=Tate Publishing|isbn=978-1-60799-416-9}}
• {{cite book | last = Letcher | first = Susan & Lucy | title = Barefoot Sisters: Southbound & Barefoot Sisters Walking | publisher = Stackpole Books | location = Harrisburg | year = 2010 | isbn = 978-0-8117-3529-2 }}
• {{cite book | last = Miller | first = David | title = AWOL on the Appalachian Trail | publisher = AmazonEncore | location = Seattle | year = 2010 | isbn = 978-1-935597-19-3 }}
• {{cite book | last = Davis | first = Zach | title = Appalachian Trials | publisher = Good Badger Publishing | location = Denver | year = 2012 | isbn = 978-0985090104 }}
• {{cite book | last = D'Anieri | first = Phillip | title = The Appalachian Trail: A Biography | publisher = Houghton Mifflin Harcourt | location = New York | year = 2021 | isbn = 9780358171997 }}
• {{Cite book |last=Sherman |first=Steve |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/2951974 |title=Appalachian odyssey : walking the trail from Georgia to Maine |date=1977 |publisher=S. Greene Press |others=Julia Older |isbn=0-8289-0294-1 |location=Brattleboro, Vt. |oclc=2951974}}

{{Wikivoyage|Appalachian Trail}}

{{Commons category|Appalachian Trail|
Appalachian Trail}}

Official sites

• [http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ Official site of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy]
• [https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm National Park Service Trail information], with [https://www.nps.gov/hfc/cfm/carto-detail.cfm?Alpha=APPA maps]
• [https://www.google.com/webhp?ddllb=1&doodle=258248615&hl=en Celebrating the Appalachian Trail (Google Doodle; 10/2/2023)], ([https://doodles.google/doodle/celebrating-the-appalachian-trail/?doodle=258248615&platform=2&domain_name=google.com&hl=en Doodle background])

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