The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is a long hiking path in the eastern United States. It stretches about 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. The trail passes through 14 states and some of the most beautiful forests in America. Thousands of people hike parts of it every year.

The Trail

The Appalachian Trail starts at Springer Mountain in Georgia and ends at Mount Katahdin in Maine. It passes through the Appalachian Mountains, crossing forests, meadows, and mountain peaks. The trail is marked with white paint blazes on trees and rocks.

Hiking the Trail

Some people hike the entire trail in one trip, which takes about five to seven months. They are called thru-hikers. Most people hike just a section at a time. Shelters along the trail give hikers a place to rest. About 3 million people visit some part of the trail each year.

Fun Facts

• The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states.
• About 3,000 people try to hike the entire trail each year, but only about one in four finishes.
• The trail was completed in 1937 and is maintained by thousands of volunteers.

Did You Know?

The oldest person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail was 86 years old!