Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail, officially the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, is a long-distance hiking trail in the eastern United States.
The Appalachian Trail, officially the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, is a long-distance hiking trail in the eastern United States. It runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine and is widely described as the world’s longest hiking-only footpath. The trail is managed through a partnership involving the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and other public agencies.
Route and geography
The Appalachian Trail runs along the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine. It passes through 14 U.S. states and crosses a wide range of protected lands, including national forests and national park units.
History
The idea for the trail is associated with Benton MacKaye, and the trail was completed in 1937. It was later designated a national scenic trail under the National Trails System Act of 1968.
Management and protection
The Appalachian Trail is managed cooperatively rather than by a single agency. The National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and state and local partners all play roles in its upkeep and protection.
Recreation and use
The trail is used by day hikers, section hikers, and thru-hikers. Recent figures from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy report millions of recreation visits annually and more than 3,000 annual attempts to thru-hike the full route.
Key facts
- The trail follows the Appalachian Mountain Range through 14 states.
- It is described by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as the world’s longest hiking-only footpath.
- The trail was completed in 1937 and later became a unit of the National Park System.
- Its official length in 2026 is 2,197.9 miles.
- The trail is cooperatively managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
The Appalachian Trail is a major hiking destination for Canadian hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly because it is accessible from eastern Canada and is internationally known as one of North America’s iconic long-distance trails.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Appalachian Trail?
Where does the Appalachian Trail start and end?
How long is the Appalachian Trail?
How many states does it cross?
Who manages the trail?
References
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy — https://appalachiantrail.org/experience/hike-the-trail/Supports: Longest hiking-only footpath claim; route endpoints; 2025 recreation visits; thru-hike attempts; completion in 1937; National Park System unit; partnership management.
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy — https://appalachiantrail.org/experience/hike-the-trail/at-basics/Supports: Official 2026 length; endpoints; 14-state route; protected land crossings.
- National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/articles/anst.htmSupports: Trail history; 14-state span; protected lands crossed; cooperative management; status as a National Park System unit.
- National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/articles/getaway-appa.htmSupports: National Trails System Act context; 50th anniversary as a National Park System unit; public protection and volunteer construction history.
- New Georgia Encyclopedia — https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/sports-outdoor-recreation/appalachian-trail/Supports: World’s longest continuous hiking trail claim; route length; Georgia segment context.