Quick Guide To The Appalachian Trail

Overseeing Organization: Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC)

Orientation: North-south; along the Appalachian Mountains

Length: 2,175 miles; the actual mileage changes each year due to trail relocations

Extent of Completion: Continuously marked; minimal road walking

Duration of Hike: The average time to hike the trail is six months

Season:

• Most northbounders start March - May
• Southbounders start in June or July

Termini:

• (south) Springer Mountain, Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
• (north) Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Maine

Access to Termini:

• (south) From Atlanta, take the bus or train to Gainesville, Georgia, then a taxi or prearranged shuttle to Amicalola Falls State Park or Springer Mountain
• (north) From Bangor, take the bus to Medway, Maine, then a taxi or prearranged shuttle to Millinocket or Baxter State Park

Shuttles: Shuttle lists are available at the ATC website

Trail Marking: 2" x 6" white paint blaze; blue blazes on side trails

Nature of Trail:

• Mostly forested and mountainous, some farm land, through some towns
• Foot travel only, except on roadwalks and certain areas: bicycles permitted on C & O Canal Towpath in Maryland, Virginia Creeper Trail in Virginia, and some Pennsylvania state game lands; horses permitted on C & O Canal Towpath and 50% of the AT in Smoky Mountains National Park

Shelters/Camping: With more than 250 shelters, it is possible to stay in a shelter nearly every night; backcountry camping allowed, with restrictions on private property, and in the Smokies; the Shenandoahs, the White Mountains, and Baxter State Park

Fees/Permits/Regulations:

• Free backcountry permit required in the Smokies and the Shenandoahs, self-register at on-trail kiosk
• User fee collected at some shelters and camping areas by Green Mountain Club in Vermont and by Appalachian Mountain Club in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
• Fee for camping in Baxter State Park, reservations recommended
• AMC charges for their hut system; reservations required, but walk-in possible; work-for-stay often available

Resupply Options: There are towns on or near the trail frequently with stores and post offices

Special Equipment: None required beyond normal backpacking and camping equipment

Recognition for Completion: "2,000-Miler" certificate and rocker patch from ATC

Maps/Guides: Complete set of maps and trail guides available at the ATC store

Dogs: Allowed, except in the Smokies, Bear Mountain Museum and Wildlife Center in New York, and Baxter State Park; must be leashed on National Park Lands

Hunting: Allowed on or near most of the trail; be aware of the seasons and take precautions

Online Trail Forums:

• Trailplace Forums
• Whiteblaze Forums
• at-l mailing list

Appalachian Trail Conservancy
PO Box 897
799 Washington St
Harpers Ferry WV 25425-0807
304-535-6331
www.appalachiantrail.org

ALDHA
10 Benning St, PMB 224
West Lebanon NH 03784
www.aldha.org

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